AMHERST, N.Y. – Three Daemen College students have been named the first recipients of the newly established Castle Scholarship, which provides tuition support to students participating in internships through the college’s Office of Career Services.

Castle Scholars are Ajanaee Brown of Brooklyn, accounting/professional accountancy major, who served as a summer intern at Gross Polowy, LLC in Williamsville; Stephanie Pintabona of Blasdell, business administration major, a fall semester intern at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C.; and Kristen Schmidt of North Tonawanda, business administration major, a fall semester intern at Benefit Brokers of WNY in Amherst. Two additional Castle Scholars will be announced in the spring.

The $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a student taking part in an internship offered by Daemen Career Services, with selection based on academic achievement and financial need. Funding for the scholarship is being provided as part of a comprehensive gift from John K. Castle, chairman and chief executive officer of Castle Harlan, Inc.

“National research shows that students who participate in internships significantly improve their chances of securing full-time employment after graduation,” said Dr. Maureen Millane, associate vice president for community engagement and career development. “This scholarship offers much needed support to students pursuing internship opportunities where they gain valuable professional experience and build their skills as future employees.”