LAKE FOREST, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) today announced that it has provided $500,000 in scholarships to Lake Forest College and created a $500,000 Horizon Therapeutics Endowed Scholarship Fund at Howard University. The scholarships at both institutions will be awarded to economically disadvantaged students and students of color.

“Equity in education is a significant global issue and we feel it is important for companies and individuals who have the resources to help remove obstacles that exist for marginalized populations,” said Tim Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon. “Financial support is an important step, but in order to make an ongoing impact, it is also our responsibility to provide mentoring, internship and post-graduate employment opportunities. We look forward to developing long-term partnerships with Lake Forest College, Rosalind Franklin University and Howard University and building a global network of Horizon Scholars.”

At Lake Forest College, two Horizon Scholars will receive four-year, full-ride scholarships to join the Health Professions Program (HPP), which Lake Forest has developed in partnership with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. The HPP prepares students for cutting-edge careers in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy and the entire range of health professions. Lake Forest faculty members and admission counselors will select the first two Horizon Scholars, who will matriculate in the fall of 2021 as members of the Class of 2025. Selection will be limited to economically disadvantaged first-year students, with preference given to students of color from Lake County or greater Chicago.

“Thanks to Horizon’s generosity, two fortunate students will be able to further their education in the College’s Health Professions Program, as well as take advantage of opportunities provided by our partnership with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science,” said Stephen Schutt, president, Lake Forest College. “We have a longstanding commitment to educating students of color and first-generation students, and we are now ranked second in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for our success in this regard. The new Horizon Scholars initiative is a wonderful development for our students and the College.”

The Horizon Therapeutics Endowed Scholarship Fund at Howard University will enable talented young women and men of color in the Chicagoland region to obtain a degree of their choice. Preference will be given to high school students graduating from Horizon’s partner school, Perspectives Math and Science Academy located in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago.

“We are pleased to partner with Horizon Therapeutics on a new endowment that will support Horizon Scholars at Howard,” said David P. Bennett, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. “We believe that student success requires multifaceted support, including access to mentors and internships, which will equip them for future employment. Horizon understands and is committed to providing that support.”

Horizon Scholars at Lake Forest College and Howard University will join the network of 15 existing Horizon Scholars majoring in public health or bioinformatics at the Asian University for Women.

About Lake Forest College

Founded in 1857, Lake Forest College is a selective residential, national liberal arts institution located 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. The College has 1,550 students representing nearly every state and 85 countries. Lake Forest has a long tradition of academic excellence and is known for its innovative curriculum and focus on career preparation. For more information, visit lakeforest.edu.

About Rosalind Franklin University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. Founded in Chicago in 1912, RFU embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, the university encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at www.rosalindfranklin.edu.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

About Horizon

Horizon is focused on researching, developing and commercializing medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare and rheumatic diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: we apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives. For more information on how we go to incredible lengths to impact lives, please visit www.horizontherapeutics.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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