The Angus Robinson Jr. Memorial Foundation of Southport, Conn., has given a total of $13,000 to four Eastern Kentucky University insurance studies majors.

James Pergram, Mt. Sterling, and Michael Soph, Crestwood, each received a $4,000 scholarship. Jeremy Blake, Hopkinsville, and Steven Turner, Lexington, each received $2,500.

"The scholarships help ensure the success of our students," said Dr. Peter Kensicki, chairholder of EKU's Insurance Studies Program, "and if our students are successful, our program will be successful."

Since 1993, the Robinson Foundation has given $59,500 in scholarship funds to the program.

"This respected firm in the re-insurance business has always been very generous to students in our program," Kensicki said. "Having an organization with no ties to us continue to recognize our students confirms and validates the reputation our program enjoys in the insurance industry."

The Angus Robinson Jr. Memorial Foundation was founded in 1990 by friends and associates in the insurance industry of the late Angus Robinson. Scholarship awards of up to $5,000 per applicant are made annually to qualified students enrolled in a four-year degree program in insurance, risk management or actuarial science.

EKU's Insurance Studies Program has been underwritten in part by a series of grants from Kentucky's insurance industry, which saw a need for more graduates prepared to enter the increasingly complex field. The University offers a baccalaureate degree in insurance and risk management through the Department of Loss Prevention and Safety in the College of Justice & Safety. The program provides students with a basic knowledge in all areas of insurance so that they can pursue a career in any of the broadly diversified opportunities the profession offers.