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SJU student receives peace, justice scholarship
Submitted by Cynthia Hill Hawkinson Foundation for Peace and Justice

October 25, 2006

COL LEGEVILLE — Brother John Mary Lugemwa, 27, has received a 2006 Hawkinson Foundation scholarship in recognition of his peace and justice activities in his home country of Uganda and at St. John's University.

At St. John's, the Benedictine is a senior studying computer science and philosophy.

The scholarship will be used to help set up a library and computer/information center in a school for orphans being built in Lugemwa's home village in Uganda.

The school is one of several projects initiated by a nonprofit organization — Uganda Rural Fund  USA, Inc. — established by Lugemwa and his brother to assist poor people in that country. While studying at St. John's, Lugemwa has started an AIDS service-learning program and has led student groups to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda to work with AIDS organizations.

He said that he wants to live his life in a way that benefits other people, sharing his gifts and talents with the less fortunate and working toward promoting a just society.

Awarded annually, the Hawkinson scholarships are aimed at furthering the commitment to peace and justice of the Rev. Vincent L. Hawkinson, who served as pastor of Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis from 1955-85. He died in 2001 at age 86.

The scholarship program has awarded more than $54,000 to 54 students since 1988. Brother Lugemwa is one of six students receiving the 2006 scholarship awards, designated for students from or attending schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North and South Dakota

In addition to scholarships, the foundation presents lifetime achievement awards to people who have made significant contributions to peace and justice. Peace activists Marie and John Braun of Minneapolis and Ralph and Kay Hilgendorf of St. Paul will receive the 2006 honorary awards at the foundation's annual program Nov. 12 in Minneapolis.

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