The University of New Mexico (UNM) has launched the JB White Memorial Scholarship, a new initiative by The UNM Anderson School of Management. This scholarship aims to support students from Santa Fe High School who aspire to study business at UNM, in memory of JB White, a 2020 graduate of Santa Fe High School and aspiring business student.
Although primarily open to Santa Fe High School students, the scholarship may extend its eligibility to students from other Northern New Mexico high schools if a suitable candidate is not found. According to a press release by UNM, applicants should have an interest in diversity issues. The scholarship focuses on business academics and does not consider basketball skills as a criterion for eligibility.
Jude Voss, JB's grandmother, expressed her feelings about the loss and the launch of the scholarship in a press release by UNM. "Losing JB has been heartbreaking and devastating to me and my family," said Voss. "JB's plan was to make it professionally and come back to New Mexico and 'give back.' It was one of three goals I found written in his notebook shortly after he passed —'Be Kind & Give Back.' This scholarship provides one way for him to do so. JB's legacy will live on forever now, and he will continue to touch lives. I am forever grateful."
According to the JB White Memorial Scholarship webpage provided by UNM, former UNM head men's basketball coach Paul Weir also shared his thoughts on the initiative. "JB was bigger than life, having made such a distinctive impact on so many people - including myself," said Weir. "After reflecting on my conversations with his grandmother Jude and school principal Carl Marano, this just felt like the right thing to do in so many ways. In my short time working for the Anderson School, they have demonstrated to be a first-class organization with high standards and values you can’t help but want to be a part of. To be able to bring this together to offer future opportunities for students geared toward diversity is the greatest tribute I can hope to ever provide."