The University Balloon Race Scholarship Committee has been in existence since 1986 and has awarded scholarship funds since the early 1990s. The committee exists solely to raise the money to award two scholarships a year; one to an undergraduate student and one to a graduate student.

The committee is pleased to announce Gregrette Perry as the graduate student recipient and Justin Rashidi as the undergraduate student recipient for the 2013-2014 academic year, each receiving $1,500.

Perry has volunteered for the All Students College Educated in Nevada Today, or ASCENT, program to mentor high school seniors and Sisters On The Move. She is also involved in University programs such as the TRiO Scholars Program and the Dean's Future Scholars. Perry has a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies with a minor in addiction treatment services. Continuing on with her education, Perry is seeking a master's degree in educational leadership where she would like to pursue a career to create opportunities and support systems for first-generation, underrepresented students upon graduation.

Rashidi has volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a tutor at the University. He is seeking a bachelor's degree in Spanish. Rashidi is the founder and president of Reno Saints that promotes student involvement in the community and holds fundraisers for various organizations in northern Nevada.

The University Balloon Race Scholarship Committee would like to congratulate Perry and Rashidi for their hard work and encourages everyone to attend the Great Reno Balloon Race at Rancho San Rafael Park Sept. 6-8. Attendees can locate the University's booth with the new Great Reno Balloon Race App (Reno Balloon).

The university balloon will also launch with special guests as passengers during media-day activities the morning of Sept. 5 from the Quad.

Each year, the committee also designs a new balloon pin and secures scholarship benefit drawing prizes from the community.  The drawing will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Joe Crowley Student Union.  The drawing includes six balloon rides during race weekend in the University's sponsored balloon.  Other prizes include tickets for Wolf Pack athletic events, golf packages, several restaurant gift certificates, boat cruise on Lake Tahoe and much more.

New this year, the committee has collaborated with The Nevada Wolf Shop to sell T-shirts and thermal cups with a portion of the benefits going to the scholarships.

Go to www.unr.edu/balloonrace for prizes, pin sellers or to see this year's pin.