Erik Pérez Establishes Bama Houston’s 7th Chapter Scholarship
Posted on Mar. 31, 2022 / Scholarship / Subscribe 0
Bama Houston alumnus Erik Pérez has established a new scholarship through the National Alumni Association (NAA), in association with the Bama Houston alumni chapter, to promote the education of a deserving Houston-area student attending The University of Alabama.
When fully endowed, The Erik W. Pérez Excellence in Chemistry Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to an entering UA freshman who is enrolled in The College of Arts & Sciences, with preference given to a student who plans to major in chemistry or biochemistry. The scholarship is renewable for eight semesters.
"I have been interested in finding ways to give back to The University of Alabama, and encouraging and supporting students who are interested in majoring in chemistry,” Erik said. “In establishing this scholarship, I hope to empower students to use their creative minds to pursue their passion for chemistry and research at The Capstone while also experiencing the great education, resources, and culture the University has to offer."
Erik graduated from UA in 2002 with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. He started his career as a chemist, working in fluorine chemistry supporting global refrigerants and electronic gases business. Erik then transitioned towards a legal professional, initially in intellectual property as a patent agent and eventually shifting to a leadership position in legal operations where his responsibilities include law firm relationship management, pricing, information technology, finance, strategy, metrics and data, paralegal and administration support across the global legal team. Erik also had the fortune to spend two years living in The Hague, Netherlands on an international assignment in his current role as central legal operations officer for Shell.
In addition to his Ph.D. from The University of Alabama, Erik earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Montclair State University in New Jersey, and his executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. Erik and his family reside in Katy, Texas.
“Bama Houston is incredibly grateful to Erik for his generosity in establishing this scholarship for Houston-area students,” said Nancy Mills, Bama Houston scholarship chair. “We have many accomplished students who wish to attend Alabama, however, with out-of-state tuition and fees at more than $50,000/year, these students need scholarship support. The Erik W. Pérez Excellence in Chemistry Endowed Scholarship will provide much-needed assistance for many students for years to come.”
Establishing a scholarship endowment with a gift of $25,000 is more attainable than many alumni realize when it is created in association with an alumni chapter. Not only does the NAA give donors five years to reach this gift level, but it provides an annual match to contributions within each fiscal year. Over the past five years, those matches have averaged an amazing 80 percent. Given these match levels, personal contributions of approximately $3,000 annually can mean attaining full endowment within five years. Learn more here.
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