Feb. 24, 2014 - King’s College and the family of Eric J. Williams have joined together to establish a scholarship in his name on the first anniversary of his death. A 2003 graduate of King’s with a degree in criminal justice, Williams was serving as a federal corrections officer when he was ambushed and killed by an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary at Canaan, Wayne County, on February 25, 2013.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to two junior or senior criminal justice majors who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship will first be awarded prior to the start of the 2014-2015 academic year.
“King’s College wanted to honor Eric and his life in a significant and lasting way,” said Father John J. Ryan, C.S.C., King’s president. “When we approached Eric’s family to let them know that the College planned to establish a scholarship in his name that would benefit a King’s student each year, they were not only appreciative, but they volunteered to support the fund in a way that will benefit a second student each year.”
The Williams family stated, “To be able to help fund a strong educational foundation to students who have set their sights on a career in Criminal Justice brings great comfort to our family, and honors the memory of our beloved son, Eric.”
King’s College is a Catholic College Sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.