Saia, Inc.(R) Awards Twelve Student Scholarships
DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 2006--Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) has announced the recipients of twelve higher education scholarships totaling $18,000 in the fourth annual Saia Scholarship Award program. Scholarships were awarded to employees of Saia or their dependents.
"This scholarship program is a Saia initiative that was designed to reinforce the importance of education, and to benefit our employees and their dependents," said Saia President Rick O'Dell.
O'Dell continued: "The response we received for this program for the fourth straight year highlights the desire of students to build a solid future based on a strong educational foundation. Each year, we have seen an increase in the response from applicants and the interest level from employees and their families."
Applicants were evaluated based on academic achievement, quality of essays, community service, leadership ability, communication skills and recommendation letters. Scholarships were awarded based on achievement in one or more of three areas: Academic Merit, Community Service and/or Innovation.
Six $2,000 Scholarships
Eric Copes, Wichita City Driver, will study business management and continue his career in the transportation industry.
Jeffery Hutchins, son of Johnny Hutchins, Dallas Linehaul Driver, is a student at the University of North Texas.
Leah Layman, daughter of Charles David Layman, Tampa Line Driver, is a student at Florida State University and was a 2003, 2004 and 2005 scholarship recipient.
Anita Lovato, daughter of David Lovato, Fresno Linehaul Driver, is a student at Merced College and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Shane Prejean, son of Mona Prejean, employee at Saia's Houma, Louisiana General Office, is a student at Nicholls State University and was a 2005 scholarship recipient.
Madison Schindler, daughter of William Schindler, Memphis Linehaul Driver, is a student at Baptist College of Health Sciences.
Six $1,000 Scholarships
Mandi Dillingham, daughter of Donald Dillingham, Oklahoma City Line Driver, is a student at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Mallory Flemon, daughter of Mike Flemon, Jonesboro, Arkansas City Driver, is a student at Arkansas State University.
Jennifer Floyd, daughter of Don Floyd, an employee at the Saia Atlanta Corporate Office, is a student at Emory University.
Joshua Shanks, Springfield, Missouri dock employee, will study business management.
Lacy Strom, son of Michael F. Strom, Florence City Driver, is a student at the University of South Carolina and a 2005 scholarship recipient.
Christopher Stump, son of Thomas Stump, Roanoke City Driver, is a student at the University of Kentucky and a 2005 scholarship recipient.
"The applicants the committee evaluated were excellent," said O'Dell, "showing that these very deserving students are high academic achievers, very well respected in their communities, and are highly recommended by their associates, teachers and community leaders. We are proud to be directly involved in laying the groundwork for our next generation of leaders."
About Saia, Inc.
Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) is a less-than-truckload provider of regional, interregional and guaranteed services covering 30 states. Saia is home to the industry-leading Xtreme Guarantee product, which guarantees total customer satisfaction from pick-up through invoicing. Saia offers complete North American coverage through partner agreements. With headquarters in Duluth, GA, general offices in Houma, LA and Boise, ID and a network of 128 terminals, the carrier employs 7,300 people. For more information on Saia, visit the Saia website at www.saia.com.
CONTACT: Saia Corporate Communications
Brian Suber, 770-232-4069
bsuber@saia.com
SOURCE: Saia, Inc.