UCB announces winners of 2010 UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship Program

UCB, Inc., a global leader in the research and development of medications to treat immunology disorders, today announced the winners of its 2010 UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship Program for outstanding individuals affected by this condition. UCB has selected 31 winners to receive a scholarship worth up to $10,000 to help them seek personal growth through higher education.

The scholarship winners include Crohn's disease patients, as well as family members and caregivers. They were selected not only for their academic ambitions but also for their demonstrated determination to live beyond the boundaries of Crohn's disease, as shown in their applications and essays.

"Through their present accomplishments and future dreams, this year's scholarship winners are bringing to life UCB's vision, a world where those affected by Crohn's disease are no longer limited by this condition," said Greg Duncan, UCB President for North America. "We are working hard to develop treatment options and patient programs that assist patients to make this a reality. Our scholarship winners are proving every day that this is possible."

For five years, UCB has awarded more than 400 scholarships — totaling more than $3 million — to individuals living with Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy, as well as their caregivers and family members.

31 Winners, 31 Unique Stories

The winners of the 2010 UCB Crohn's and Me Scholarship Program have all overcome significant challenges and achieved impressive accomplishments in ways as individual as they are. Among them are:

• Matt Arnoldy, an avid scuba diver and environmental advocate who has traveled the world to help save the rain forest and provide humanitarian assistance
• Vikram Chander, who rebuilt the homes of his family and several family friends following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and is now dedicated to providing affordable housing to aid the recovery of New Orleans
• Blair and Brook Euteneuer, twin sisters who volunteer their time to support organizations such as the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and the Special Olympics USA National Games
• Keri Gurule, a busy mother committed to becoming a registered pediatric nurse, dedicated to using her personal experiences living with a chronic disease to help young patients