Dr. Raymond Kurzweil

Special Announcement

The National Federation of the Blind is delighted to announce an enhancement of its already-extensive scholarship program. Although the occasion is joyful, we must acknowledge sadness as well because the enhancement honors our long-time leader, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, who recently died. Those who knew Dr. Jernigan know he would have been the first to rejoice in this gift from generous donor Dr. Ray Kurzweil, who says:

"Dr. Jernigan was many things to many people, but perhaps most of all he was a teacher. One thing we can do to follow his inspiring lead is to help provide for the education of our talented young people. I know that Dr. Jernigan was personally very proud of the NFB's scholarship program. I am very happy that we are able to participate in the NFB's own scholarship program by providing these additional scholarships."

The Kurzweil Foundation, headed by Dr. Kurzweil, will add a cash scholarship of $1,000 to each of the twenty-six NFB scholarships in both 1999 and 2000. Kurzweil Education Group of Lernout & Hauspie (formerly Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.) will also give a Kurzweil 1000 Reading System with scanner (valued at $1,500) to each of the twenty-six winners in both 1999 and 2000.

The National Federation of the Blind thanks the Kurzweil Foundation, Kurzweil Educational Group, and Dr. Ray Kurzweil personally for their generosity and for their quick action in fashioning this living monument to Dr. Jernigan's well-known commitment to excellence and education. NFB scholarship winners are always unusual and special—among the best we have. Winners for 1999 and 2000 will have the added distinction of being recipients of scholarships in Dr. Jernigan's memory.