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University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School announces Harold Cramer Memorial Scholarship Program in partnership with Penn National Gaming

May 26, 2021

The scholarship program will support the Law School’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program that provides financial assistance to veterans pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.

With support of a multi-year gift from Penn National Gaming, Inc., the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School announced today the launch of the Harold Cramer Memorial Scholarship Program. The gift, which is a multi-year $100,000 commitment, and scholarship program will support the Law School’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program that provides financial assistance to veterans pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 under which the Department of Veterans Affairs matches school aid contributions made to eligible veterans. In recognition of the importance of service, the Law School has created a learning environment that’s ideal for students who seek a career in public service and supports the unique perspective of law students who have served in the military. It provides support to students making the transition from military to civilian life and encourages those with service backgrounds to apply.

“The Harold Cramer Memorial Scholarship Program underlines the Law School’s continued dedication to service,” said Law School Dean Ted Ruger. “Harold Cramer L’51 was a giant in his field, and I can think of no better way to honor his legacy by supporting servicemembers that desire to pursue a degree in the law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.”

Upon graduation from the Law School, Cramer was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Korea as a commissioned officer. He later attended the Judge Advocate General’s School and became the chief prosecutor for the Eighth Army in Korea. He was ultimately awarded Bronze Star for his service, as well as the Korean Service Medal with three battle stars, the United Nations Korean Medal, National Defense Medal, and he twice received the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his return from military service, Cramer worked as a lawyer specializing in corporate and commercial law. He was a highly influential and iconic member of the Philadelphia legal and business community until his passing in 2017.

“We are proud to establish the Harold Cramer Memorial Scholarship Program in honor of one of Penn National Gaming’s original and most beloved Board members,” said Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn National Gaming. “As a distinguished veteran, past president of the Law School’s Alumni Society and a longtime generous benefactor to the Law School, I know helping other young veterans pursue a law degree at his Alma Mater is something Harold would have loved.”

“Supporting our nation’s heroes is a personal passion of mine and it’s one of Penn National’s top priorities, which extends to our recruitment efforts, team member recognition and ongoing charitable and community support,” concluded Mr. Snowden.

With the nation’s largest and most diversified regional gaming footprint, including 41 properties across 19 states, Penn National Gaming continues to evolve into a highly innovative omni-channel provider of retail and online gaming, live racing and sports betting entertainment. The Company’s properties feature approximately 50,000 gaming machines, 1,300 table games and 8,800 hotel rooms, and operate under various well-known brands, including Hollywood, Ameristar, and L’Auberge. Our wholly-owned interactive division, Penn Interactive, operates retail sports betting across the Company’s portfolio, as well online social casino, bingo, and iCasino products. In February 2020, Penn National entered into a strategic partnership with Barstool Sports, whereby Barstool is exclusively promoting the Company’s land-based and online casinos and sports betting products, including the Barstool Sportsbook mobile app, to its national audience. The Company’s omni-channel approach is bolstered by the mychoice loyalty program, which rewards and recognizes its over 20 million members for their loyalty to both retail and online gaming and sports betting products with the most dynamic set of offers, experiences, and service levels in the industry.

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School was established in 1850. Since that time, the Law School at Penn has been at the forefront of legal education. Today the hallmarks of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School experience are a cross-disciplinary, globally-focused legal education, and vibrant, collegial community. The Law School prepares graduates to navigate an increasingly complex world as leaders and influential decision-makers in the law and related fields.