University of California Davis Student Awarded Inaugural Bushnell Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Scholarship
OutdoorHub 07.26.12
Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry-leader in high performance sports optics and outdoor accessories for more than 60 years, and the University of California Davis (UC Davis) have recognized Justin Knight as the inaugural Bushnell Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Scholarship recipient. Established in 2011, the scholarship will be awarded annually to an outstanding student in the UC Davis optical science and engineering program.
Justin Knight, a senior in the UC Davis optical science & engineering program, carries a GPA of 3.58. He is using the $7,500 scholarship to pay this year’s tuition, which will allow him to focus on academics and minimize his student loan debt.
“We are pleased to acknowledge Justin Knight and award him the inaugural Bushnell Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Scholarship for his exemplary work in the classroom,” said Blake Lipham, Bushnell president and CEO. We believe this is a great opportunity to support the future of our industry by partnering with one of the premier optics programs in the nation,” added Lipham.
As a legendary figure in the optics industry, Bill McRae is not only known for his immense contributions to the outdoor industry, but for his dedication to mentoring journalists and industry professionals. Given all that McRae has contributed throughout his life, Bushnell established the UC Davis scholarship to share his legacy and support the next generation of optical engineers.
“Engineering is a very challenging curriculum, and it is important students are able to focus on academics full-time to perform at the highest level,” said Jean VanderGheynst, UC Davis College of Engineering associate dean. “The award established by Bushnell to honor Bill McRae exemplifies the impact a corporate partner can make in the life of a student,” added VanderGheynst.
The Bushnell Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Scholarship is a $7,500 annual award available to students in the UC Davis optical science & engineering program. The award, administered by the dean of the college of engineering, is available to undergraduate and graduate students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 while pursuing a degree in optical science & engineering.
