The University of Central Oklahoma's department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Studies recently received the prestigious J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Scholarship for 2006.

UCO is one of eight universities chosen nationwide to receive the $2,500 scholarship.

The University of Central Oklahoma was recently awarded the J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Scholarship from the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. Pictured, from left to right, are UCO alumnus Richard LaFaver, UCO President W. Roger Webb and John Epke, South Central Region Vice President of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI.

John Epke, South Central Regional Vice President of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, presented the scholarship to UCO President W. Roger Webb.

"We are truly honored to receive this scholarship and we appreciate the FBI's service over the years," Webb said.

Each year, one member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI from each of its seven national regions is randomly selected to choose a college or university to receive the J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Scholarship.

UCO was selected to receive the scholarship by Society member Richard LaFaver, who is a '49 graduate and former football player of Central State.

The J. Edgar Hoover Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ideals fidelity, bravery and integrity promoted by J. Edgar Hoover, the creator of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and father of modern law enforcement in the United States.

Hoover pioneered professionalism in law enforcement throughout the United States and in many foreign nations, promoting the need for well-educated and qualified personnel in all levels of law enforcement.

The J. Edgar Hoover scholarship will be divided and distributed to the selected recipients over the course of two semesters.

To apply for the scholarship or for more information, call (405) 974-5533.