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SCI Somerset, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Announce First Sergeant Baserman Memorial Scholarship Recipient

02/04/2021

Johnstown, PA –Department of Corrections and SCI Somerset officials along with the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) are pleased to announce that the first scholarship given in the name of fallen Corrections Officer Sgt. Mark Baserman has been awarded.

The 2020 recipient of the $2,000 scholarship is Nick Sero.

Sero is a senior at UPJ and his major is Justice Administration and Criminology. He was chosen for the inaugural scholarship by the Social Sciences faculty. He has a 3.4 GPA and is from Verona, PA, in Allegheny County. He began his studies in fall 2017. Sero is hoping to pursue a career with the secret service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"I am incredibly honored to receive the first Sgt. Baserman Scholarship given by SCI Somerset and UPJ," said Sero. "Receiving this award has inspired me to reach out beyond myself and to help others—and now that graduation is upon me, I look to make a positive impact in my field like Sgt. Baserman has done in his." 

This scholarship was created to honor Sgt. Baserman, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2018. The scholarship would not be possible without the fundraising events held throughout the year at SCI Somerset, as well as proceeds from the UPJ Annual Day of Giving.  This year's Annual Day of Giving will be held on February 23.

"The loss of Sgt. Baserman was a tragic end to a life and career of service to the citizens of the commonwealth," said Superintendent Eric W. Tice.  "In the darkness of our loss, the corrections community and UPJ collaborated to create a lasting memorial in the form of this scholarship."

"For years to come, countless students will receive this scholarship and we commit ourselves to ensuring that each recipient understands just what it represents…Honor, Sacrifice and Service," said Tice.

If you wish to donate to this scholarship fund, please go to  www.pittdayofgiving.com  Also, a Facebook live event will be planned for the future which will provide more information about the scholarship.

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