2017 IMPACT REPORT LEADERS’ NOTES WHO WE ARE OUR IMPACT
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT TILLMAN HONORS PAT’S RUN TEAM TILLMAN
PARTNERS WAYS TO GIVE LEADERSHIP FINANCIALS ROSTER DONATE A NOTE FROM OUR LEADERS
Dear Friends, Fourteen years ago, the Pat Tillman Foundation was born overnight in the wake of tremendous tragedy, and with determination to honor a man whose passion for life was contagious. On and off the field, Pat made his mark as an athlete, scholar, soldier and leader. Together, the Tillman Scholars are now making their mark as leaders in the fields of medicine, business, law, social work, public policy, technology, education, and the arts. As you’ll see in this report, we are making a profound impact by investing in their potential. In 2017, we welcomed another remarkable class of Tillman Scholars, and expanded the network to more than 520 leaders nationwide. As the next generation of private and public sector leaders, the
Tillman Scholars are tackling challenges across national security, healthcare, technology, civil rights Marie Tillman with Tillman Scholars 2016 and education. They believe their best years of service to our country are still ahead of them, and they are committed to strengthening communities at home and around the world. We’re proud to support each of them in their drive to serve and empower others. To date, we have invested more than $15 million, and last year, we kept overhead spending at 5 percent while achieving an over 80 percent program expense ratio. Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, recognized our work — awarding us a 4-star rating for exceeding standards. This many years on, we are humbled and grateful for our donors, university partners, the board leadership, and our experienced and dedicated staff. In the following pages, you will find a report detailing our activities throughout the year. Yet, there is so much more to do, and we hope you will find even more ways to get involved and invest our impact in 2018. On behalf of the Tillman Scholars who have been empowered by your commitment and generosity, thank you.
MARIE TILLMAN KILLJAN ANDERSON Board Chair & Co-Founder Executive Director Killjian Anderson, Alex Garwood, & Marie Tillman at Leadership Summit 2017
LEADERS’ NOTES TABLE OF CONTENTS “SOMEWHERE INSIDE, WE HEAR A VOICE. IT LEADS US IN THE DIRECTION OF WHO WE WISH TO BECOME. BUT IT IS UP TO US WHETHER OR NOT TO FOLLOW.” PATRICK TILLMAN ATHLETE. SCHOLAR. SOLDIER. LEADER. Pat was born in 1976 in San Jose, California. He led his high school team to a championship after he was told he was too small to ever play football. Arizona State University recognized Pat’s potential with a scholarship to play as a linebacker for the Sun Devils. What Pat lacked in size, he more than made up for in intensity—he led ASU to the 1997 Rose Bowl after an undefeated season. Between games, Pat earned a B.S. in Marketing, graduating Summa Cum Laude. The Arizona Cardinals selected Pat in the 7th round of the 1998 NFL Draft. Despite skepticism about his ability, he became the team’s starting safety and broke the franchise record for tackles in 2000 with 224. However, Pat’s NFL success did not go to his head. He drove to games in the same beat-up truck he had in college. In the off-season, he challenged himself with marathons and triathlons while pursuing a master’s degree in history from ASU. He volunteered with Boys and Girls Clubs, the March of Dimes, and local schools.
In the spring of 2002, Pat married his high school love, Marie. He then decided to place his NFL career on hold, turning down a $3.6 million contract to enlist in the U.S. Army. Pat and his brother Kevin joined the U.S. Army that July, committing to a three-year term. They were assigned to the second battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and served tours in Iraq in 2003 and in Afghanistan in 2004. On April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed. His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers led to his tragic death via fratricide.
Pat & Kevin Tillman served with the 75th Ranger Regiment While the story of Pat’s death may have been more publicized, it is Pat’s life, principles and service that are his true legacy—and this foundation’s inspiration.
WHO WE ARE TABLE OF CONTENTS WHO WE ARE VISION
Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) following Pat’s death in April Our vision at the Pat Tillman Foundation is to help develop the next generation of 2004 while he was serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Through the Tillman American public and private sector leaders committed to an idea or cause. Scholars program, PTF is building the leading fellowship program for military veterans and spouses. Founded in 2008, the program supports active-duty service members, veterans and MISSION their spouses with academic scholarships, a national network and professional development opportunities, so they are empowered to make an impact at home and around the world. Our mission is to unite and empower remarkable military veterans and spouses as the These Tillman Scholars are already making a difference in the fields of medicine, law, business, next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. technology, education, the arts and more. That’s why your support for PTF is more than a gift— it’s an investment. CORE VALUES
SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP HUMBLE LEADERSHIP IMPACT Dedication to service beyond Actively pursuing education; Bringing people together to Advancing an idea or cause to self in and out of uniform. listening and learning by doing. achieve uncommon results. make the world a better place.
WHO WE ARE TABLE OF CONTENTS THE TILLMAN $ +MILLION 2014 15 525 U.S. ARMY SCHOLARS INVESTED IN ACADEMIC TILLMAN SCHOLARS SUPPORT TO DATE IN OUR NETWORK THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY PH.D., BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING Tillman Scholars are military veterans or spouses with a high potential for impact as demonstrated through a proven track record, the pursuit of education and commitment of their resources to service beyond self. GREG The tenents of the Tillman Scholar Program are:
SCHOLARSHIPS NATIONAL NETWORK PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FREISINGER Annual funding for academic Access to a community of high- Opportunities to advance After 9/11, Greg Freisinger answered the call to serve as an expenses, including tuition, performing peers, mentors and knowledge, skills, and experience. Army officer, deploying with the 84th Engineer Battalion to books, and living expenses. industry leaders. Iraq and Southeast Asia. Following active-duty, he earned his Ph.D. as a Tillman Scholar in Biomechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Now, Greg is teaching the next generation of Army officers at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. As an assistant professor, he is advancing TOP FIELDS OF STUDY research on human performance and technology to improve the lives of soldiers in combat and injured veterans at home. 1. HEALTHCARE 5. PUBLIC POLICY & 8. SOCIAL WORK 2. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 9. INTERNATIONAL 3. LAW 6. EDUCATION AFFAIRS 7. PSYCHOLOGY 10. POLITICAL 4. STEM SCIENCE
13% MARINES
MILITARY OFFICER 18% 48% 48% VS 52% 43% GENDER 57% AIR FORCE BRANCH ARMY OFFICER ENLISTED ENLISTED FEMALE MALE
21% NAVY
OUR IMPACT TABLE OF CONTENTS Tillman Scholars are serving in news ways to strengthen our communities. WATCH THE VIDEO
SERVING AFTER SERVICE
Explore our series illustrating the new ways our Tillman Scholars are serving to strengthen our communities.
OUR IMPACT TABLE OF CONTENTS 2012 U.S. ARMY CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK B.A., POLITICAL SCIENCE SAMUEL INNOCENT
Sam Innocent joined the military in 2004 as a path to pursue higher education. Now, as a veteran specialist for a workforce development company, Sam collaborates with government agencies to develop workforce programs. He is a passionate advocate for quality education, jobs and affordable healthcare in low-income neighborhoods like SCHOLARSHIP his own in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Appointed as the Vice Chair of the Veterans’ Advisory Board for the Commissioner Since its inception, the Tillman Scholar Program has evolved into a world-class community of military veterans and spouses, of Veterans’ Affairs, he has also played a role in several accepting less than 5% of applicants based exclusively on merit and potential for impact. PTF made a $1.1 million lifetime legislative successes for veterans in New York City. commitment to the 2017 Class of Tillman Scholars, from a pool of approximately 2,100 applications.
UP TO + 60 100 3.6 AVERAGE GPA SCHOLARS CHOSEN EACH YEAR UNIVERSITIES AND GROWING
% % 98 GRADUATION RATE 96 EMPLOYMENT RATE LEARN MORE
OUR IMPACT TABLE OF CONTENTS NETWORK
The Regional Foundation Captain (RFC) program, a network of dedicated and resourced Tillman Scholars, accelerates the growth, effectiveness, and connectedness of Tillman Scholars both with one another and with their communities. Tillman Scholars have proven to be vital resources to one another: as professional references, as mentors to one another, and as organization and project leaders and collaborators. RFC’s are Tillman Scholars who volunteer to serve as ambassadors of the Tillman Scholars program.
SEATTLE
BOSTON TWIN CITIES NEW YORK CITY PHILADELPHIA CHICAGO WASHINGTON, DC BAY AREA
DENVER
RALEIGH DURHAM, NC
LOS ANGELES ARIZONA
TAMPA
OUR IMPACT TABLE OF CONTENTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2015 Tillman Scholars may apply for a mini-grant up to $1,000 to support a professional development opportunity. These mini-grants are U.S. ARMY provided for professional development opportunities including conferences, workshops, training, and certifications. To date, over 50 HARVARD UNIVERSITY Tillman Scholars have participated in rewarding opportunities across the country. JURIS DOCTOR ADRIAN PERKINS
Through a professional development opportunity, Adrian traveled to and advised his hometown of Shreveport, LA to advocate for the social and economic benefits of pursuing tech initiatives, such as a city owned broadband network. Adrian met with Mayor Ollie Tyler and the City Council where he presented the benefits of this technology shift. Mayor Tyler asked Adrian to return and advise the city on tech initiatives and to sit in on official infrastructure meetings. Since his visit, he has assisted the city in acquiring grant funding and has been published in Wired Magazine.
LEARN MORE
OUR IMPACT TABLE OF CONTENTS POWERED BY
WATCH THE VIDEO
The Pat Tillman Leadership Summit celebrates Pat’s values and convenes the Tillman Scholars to network, collaborate, and present solutons to the challenges facing our country and communities. In 2017, more than 130 Tillman Scholars attended to receive the tools and inspiration needed to make their mark. Several Tillman Scholars presented talks on the impact UNBROKEN: LIVING YOUR TRUTH they are making in their communities. HALLI LANNAN 2015 Tillman Scholar LEARN MORE
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT TABLE OF CONTENTS 2012 U.S. NAVY HARVARD UNIVERSITY DOCTOR OF MEDICINE JONNY KIM
Jonny’s desire to protect those who cannot protect themselves galvanized him to enlist in the Navy at age 18. He found his passion in medicine during his service as a Naval Special Warfare Medic in the Iraq War, where he was inspired by the skill and devotion of the physicians who saved his teammates’ lives.
Inspired by the sacrifices of his teammates, Jonny is driven to lead his life in a way that may leave a contributing mark in this world. In 2017, NASA selected him from 18,000 applicants to continue his passion for service, education and scientific advancement as an Astronaut Candidate. He reported for duty in August 2017. LEARN MORE
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAMPION AWARD Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords & Captain Mark Kelly (not pictured) 2012 U.S. ARMY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MFA, CINEMA & TV PRODUCTION CHRIS ROESSNER
POWERED BY After serving as a Civil Affairs soldier and later an Army reservist while attending the University of Southern California, Chris Roessner wrote a screenplay about his experience on deployment in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Sand Castle”, as the work came to be known, made the 2012 Black List of promising screenplays, debuted MAKE YOUR MARK AWARD at Cannes to critical acclaim, and was released exclusively by Netflix in 2017 to depict the human experience at war. Tillman Scholar Chris Roessner, Screenwriter & Filmmaker
At Tillman Honors, we were proud to recognize leaders within our community for their remarkable civic contributions, extraordinary fortitude and spirit of service. This year, we were honored to present the Champion Award to former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly for their lifelong commitment to public service, and the Make Your Mark Award to 2010 Tillman Scholar Chris Roessner, screenwriter and executive producer of Sand Castle. Tillman Honors also showcased impact talks by three Tillman Scholars who, in their own unique ways, are making their mark to write the story of a better future for our country and communities. LEARN MORE
TILLMAN HONORS TABLE OF CONTENTS 4.2 MILE RACE KID’S RUN VOLUNTEERS SPECTATORS HONOR RUNNERS PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPANTS
SOLD 28,000 2,410 1,500 2,000 3,413 OUT
PAT’S RUN TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL 21, 2018
REGISTER JANUARY 2018 TEAM TEKSYSTEMS, 2017
PAT’S RUN From the first event held in 2005 with 5,000 participants, Pat’s Run has grown into the largest run in the nation to honor a fallen soldier and support the Tillman Scholars. In 2017, 28,000 runners signed up to participate in the 4.2 mile Run/Walk in Tempe, AZ. Over 75 Tillman Scholars led the race corrals and rallied support for our mission. Through our partnership with the Arizona State University Alumni Association, 4.2 mile Honor Runs were held on the same day in over 30 cities across the country.
Proudly presented by
PAT’S RUN TABLE OF CONTENTS 500+ “THE MARATHON BOLSTERED THE FEELING RUNNERS THAT I CAN TAKE ON ANYTHING.” -PATRICK MILLER, TEAM TILLMAN NYC TEAM TILLMAN Team Tillman keeps Pat’s passion and intensity alive while inspiring others to live up to their potential. A community of everyday athletes, members of Team Tillman participate as a team or individually in marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, cycling and other athletic events to honor Pat. To date, Team Tillman has raised over $1.3 million to fund the Tillman Scholar program. In 2017, military veterans, military families, and civilian supporters conquered the NYC and Chicago Marathons. Click your race below to join our 2018 team.
NOVEMBER 4, 2018 OCTOBER 7, 2018 PICK YOUR RACE
TEAM TILLMAN TABLE OF CONTENTS “BEING A PART OF THIS FOUNDATION 2015 MILITARY SPOUSE FUELS MY FIRE TO MAKE ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PH.D., EDUCATION A POSITIVE IMPACT HEATHER IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.” BARNETT As a Tillman scholar, the surviving spouse of a military veteran, and mother of two children, one of whom is autistic, Heather Barnett wears many hats. She seeks to honor her husband’s service to his country and their children by developing and improving upon programs that support and encourage the educational success of Autistic students in higher education. Heather is interested in designing programs equipped with proper supports, accommodations and trained personnel that will enable those who require more assistance to complete degree programs and find suitable employment that fits their skillset. Her passion for service drives her fight for better educational opportunities for her son and other students like him. Shortly following her son’s diagnoses, Heather signed up for a marathon and has been running in races ever since. Most recently, Heather served as the captain for Team Tillman in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October, 2017.
LEARN MORE
TEAM TILLMAN TABLE OF CONTENTS 2014 U.S. ARMY CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE ERASMO ESPINO A 15-year Army veteran, Moe Espino proudly served with 7th and 20th Special Forces Groups as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant on tours to Iraq, Afghanistan, and multiple countries in Central and South America. While on active- duty, Moe deployed three times as a full-time student, and pushed himself to earn his bachelor’s degree and apply to medical school. In May 2017, Moe graduated with honors from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. After his residency, he plans to return home to rural Texas and serve as a local physician, promoting a positive message of health and wellness.
“THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING A DOCTOR IS ABOUT MORE THAN A TITLE, IT'S A CONTINUATION OF MY MILITARY SERVICE.” LEARN MORE
PARTNERS & SPONSORS TABLE OF CONTENTS The NFL partners with PTF to honor leaders who exemplify Pat’s enduring legacy of service. With the NFL’s support, PARTNERS & more than 500 Tillman Scholars are now pursuing careers in medicine, business, law, science, education and the arts. The SPONSORS NFL’s contributions also support the annual Tillman Honors and Pat Tillman Leadership Summit.
In 2017, PTF proudly teamed up with both corporate and foundation partners to advance Svoboda Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity our mission. Fundraisers play an firm that invests in leading middle market growth companies. important role in philanthropy Each year, the firm is proud to support the annual Pat Tillman at PTF, and we are grateful for Leadership Summit and the regional selection process to the opportunity to work with identify new Tillman Scholars. organizations and individuals that are committed to empowering the In 2017, Barclays was proud to support the Tillman Scholars Tillman Scholars. through its annual NFL Extra Points charity kick at Super Bowl Interested in supporting our LI as well as through the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign. mission in 2018? We’ll work with you to customize a partnership, giving campaign or fundraising Since 2014, Wounded Warrior Project and PTF have event that aligns with your teamed up to support Tillman Scholars and their families. philanthropic goals and values. Wounded Warrior Project’s recent investment will fully fund For more information, contact scholarships for the 2017-2018 academic school year. Director of Development Ellen McElligott at emcelligott@ pattillmanfoundation.org.
Founded by a World War II-era Navy veteran, U-Haul has a generous partnership with PTF to support transitioning SUPPORT OUR MISSION Tillman Scholars with truck and equipment rentals.
PARTNERS & SPONSORS TABLE OF CONTENTS MAJOR CORPORATE SPONSORS UNIVERSITY PARTNERS PTF strategically partners with institutions of higher education. Currently, 15 colleges and universities are University Partners for the Tillman Scholars program. These institutions help us market the annual Tillman Scholars application, recruit applicants, and participate in the selection process at their institution. University Partners are considered on an invitation-only basis.