Konica Minolta Colorful Tomorrow Foundation Continues Support of KIPP McDonogh 15 Students with High School Scholarships

Scholarships Awarded to Three Students for Special Achievement in Academics, Music and Creative Arts

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced the recipients of the third annual Konica Minolta Colorful Tomorrow Foundation scholarship program that will allow three graduating eighth grade students from the KIPP McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts (McDonogh 15) to attend top-rated, private New Orleans high schools. The winning students were officially recognized at a Friday April 24th assembly held at the school located in the French Quarter.

The scholarship initiative is conducted through the Konica Minolta Colorful Tomorrow Foundation (CTF), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by Konica Minolta that focuses its efforts on the creation of more colorful and better tomorrows for children. For the students of KIPP McDonogh 15, the scholarships will provide them with the opportunity to attend private, college-preparatory high schools that will prepare them for higher education as part of the CTF’s ongoing commitment to the school.

“The students at McDonogh 15 are truly an inspiration to everyone at Konica Minolta, as they take pride in their academia and strive to be the best in school,” said Jun Haraguchi, President and CEO, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. “This is the third year Konica Minolta has worked with the students, and we continue to be amazed by their dedication. We congratulate the winners and their families, and look forward to their future success.”

Each year, the Colorful Tomorrow Foundation will award three $15,000 scholarships to three students that excel in the areas of academics, creative arts and musical arts. This year, nine scholarship finalists were chosen from a group of 25 applicants who were required to complete a scholarship application as well as submit a 100-word essay outlining their educational and career goals. On March 27th, the nine finalists were interviewed by a panel of Konica Minolta and New Orleans representatives, including:

Sharon Umhoefer, Executive Director of Konica Minolta Colorful Tomorrow Foundation
Michael Lowe, National Account Representative at Konica Minolta's New Orleans sales office
Pamela Cooke, Staff Accountant from Konica Minolta’s National Headquarters in N.J.
Mary Beth Mullin, Convention Sales Manager for New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
Melinda Schwegmann, Community Affairs Liaison for McDonogh 15

James Norberto, Manager of Corporate Communications for Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. moderated the interview process and recognition awards event.

After much anticipation, the winners were announced at an assembly held at McDonogh 15 on April 24:

Robert Atkins, recognized for “Outstanding Proficiency in Creative Arts”, will attend Jesuit High School, and dreams of becoming an actor and artist.
Chloe Blair, recognized for “Outstanding Academic Achievement”, will attend Metairie Park Country Day School this fall, and strives to become a high-powered and influential lawyer.
Aryanna Taylor, recognized for “Outstanding Proficiency in Music Arts”, plans on attending Isidore Newman School this fall, and plans on becoming the next big jazz musician to come out of New Orleans.

“It has been my dream to attend Newman in the hopes of perfecting my musical talents, but my family and I never thought it would be possible due to our financial restraints,” said Aryanna Taylor. “Thanks to Konica Minolta, I will use the scholarship as motivation to study a little bit more and do great instead of just good.”

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop. For the second consecutive year, Konica Minolta was recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys. For more information, please visit www.CountOnKonicaMinolta.com.

Konica Minolta is a trademark of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts:

Konica Minolta Corporate Contact
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.
James Norberto, [phone]
[e-mail]
or
Konica Minolta Media Contact
Lois Paul & Partners
Nicole Czarnecki, [phone]
[e-mail]