Grantham University Announces Recipients of $5,000 Make it Count Scholarships in Honor of Local Soldier Killed in Line of Duty

By Brandon Swenson

Lenexa, Kan., August 3, 2020 — Grantham University, an online university, announced today the Make it Count Scholarship recipients, named in honor of Spencer C. Duncan, an Olathe soldier killed in the line of duty. The scholarship is a partnership with Make it Count Foundation and awards $5,000 scholarships to two Grantham students twice a year. On the ninth anniversary of Duncan’s passing on August 6, Grantham announces two scholarship recipients: Julia Scholar of Killeen, Texas, and Jason Mourtisen of Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Spencer Duncan’s service and sacrifice exemplify why Grantham’s mission is to serve those who serve,” said Dr. Anthony R. Petroy, president, provost and chief academic officer of Grantham University. “Partnering with the Make it Count Foundation to provide an advanced education to deserving service members is an honor for us.”

Kileen, Texas, resident Julia Scholar is an Air Force veteran working toward a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She looks forward to using her degree to help others. Jason Mourtisen of Las Vegas, Nevada, is an Army veteran also working toward a master’s degree in healthcare administration. He works at Las Vegas Veterans Affairs Hospital assisting veterans who suffer with mental health illnesses and plans to use his degree to develop policy and provide leadership to improve veteran healthcare.

The Spencer C. Duncan Make it Count Scholarship is offered twice a year to a total of four deserving applicants. To carry on Spencer’s legacy and to honor his spirit of sacrifice, applicants must currently serve, or have previously served, in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, or be a direct family member of a person who has served and lost their life. In addition, applicants were asked to write an essay on what “Making it Count” means to them. The scholarship, valued at $5,000, covers tuition costs, required textbooks, software and fees.

“We are selective in how Spencer's name is used, but this scholarship at Grantham was an easy "yes" for us,” said Megan Duncan, vice president, Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count Foundation. “The opportunity to help student veterans further their education and change their lives is exactly what we do at the Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count Foundation. We are honored to be part of Grantham University and the quality it represents.”

About Grantham University: Founded in 1951 by WWII veteran Donald Grantham, Grantham University provides online higher education for all adult learners, including our nation’s military for whom the university was established. Designated in 2019 as a Purple Heart University, Grantham boasts a diverse student body, approximately half being military-affiliated. For anyone balancing education with a demanding lifestyle, Grantham is the solution with its flexible online learning environment, monthly course starts, 50+ degree and certificate programs, and one of the lowest tuitions in the country¹.

Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Grantham continues to receive programmatic accreditations as it evolves its education offerings to meet marketplace demands.

About Make it Count Foundation: The Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count Project was born out of a life well-lived. Army Specialist Spencer C. Duncan was living his dream of making a difference in this world when he was killed in action on August 6, 2011. Since that time, we have heard numerous stories of people who have taken the Make It Count message and asked themselves what they can do to make each day count in their lives.