The Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) announced Timothy Berry ’13 as a 2021 Tillman Scholar in recognition of his service, and leadership potential. Receiving a scholarship funding to pursue higher education. Founded in 2008, the Tillman Scholars program supports our nation’s active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses by investing in education and professional development. PTF provides academic scholarships, a national network and professional development opportunities, so Tillman Scholars are empowered to make an impact at home and around the world. In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. The Pat Tillman Foundation unites and empowers remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self.
The oldest of five children to a widowed mother, Timothy was always a leader and decided to attend West Point in his junior high school year. Timothy entered West Point and soon was elected class president. While at West Point, Timothy developed a sense of community and intellectual curiosity about social and economic justice in America. After serving in the 101st Airborne Division, Timothy returned to his alma mater as a diversity admissions officer and was part of the team that ushered in the most racially diverse class in the Academy’s history—witnessing the educational disparities and lack of representation of Black and Hispanic officers in the military. Timothy created Collaborate and Graduate (CAG), a non-profit focused on helping Black and Hispanic students applying to service academies or selective ROTC programs pay for SAT/ACT preparation classes. Read more.