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UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship(TM) Announces 2011 Recipients

ATLANTA, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, Inc. today announced 40 recipients of the 2011 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship, recognizing outstanding individuals from across the country who are pursuing higher education as part of their efforts to live beyond the limitations posed by epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition affecting approximately three million people in the U.S. and 40 million people worldwide.

"We appreciate the paramount value and importance of education and we are excited to have the unique opportunity to help these motivated and outstanding individuals get one step closer to making their academic dreams come true," said Sue Curro, Vice President and Senior Global Project Leader-Patient Solutions, UCB, Inc.

Over the past seven years, UCB has awarded nearly 300 scholarships, totaling over $1 million, to people whose lives have been directly affected by epilepsy, including those living with epilepsy and their family members.

UCB selected this year's 40 recipients from 800 applications based on their personal excellence, community achievements and determination to overcome seizures that interrupt daily life. Each recipient will receive a scholarship worth up to $5,000 for tuition at colleges, graduate schools and technical schools across the country.

40 Recipients, 40 Unique Stories

The recipients of the 2011 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship have overcome personal challenges in order to achieve impressive accomplishments. Among them are:

    --  Connor Doran is a role model for those living with epilepsy.  After
        making it to the semifinals of Season 5 of "America's Got Talent" for
        indoor kite-flying, Connor appeared in Epilepsy USA magazine and was the
        keynote speaker at San Diego Epilepsy Day.

    --  Meghan Frey, who lives with epilepsy and Type I Diabetes, is a
        volleyball player and advocate for Kids Speak Up, which enables
        adolescents with epilepsy to petition Congress for aid in epilepsy care,
        education and research.  She currently attends Muskingum University,
        where she is studying to become a special education teacher.

    --  Claire Kennedy earned letters in soccer and lacrosse, while still
        managing the challenges of living with epilepsy.  At the University of
        Idaho, she is part of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.  She is also the
        Idaho's Speak Up, Speak Out representative.

    --  Stephanie Ledwig manages to live with epilepsy and fulfill her dream of
        teaching dance to children.  Additionally, she volunteers at the
        Epilepsy Foundation and is the president of the National Christian Honor
        Society.

    --  Aleisha Downing overcomes the boundaries of epilepsy every day.  She was
        the Valedictorian of her high school's graduating class, and in addition
        she was assistant color guard captain, an orchestra soloist and ceramics
        contest winner.

Additional Recipients and Their Selected Learning Institution:

    Marcie Abreu        University of Portland
    Victoria Andre      Towson University
    Christine Black     University of North Alabama
    Alison Blackman     James Madison University
    Nickolas Butto      Geneva College
    Neil Creveling      Pratt Institute
    Chastin Dobbs       Piedmont College
    Connor Doran        Central Oregon Community College
    Aleisha Downing     Colorado Christian University
    Meghan Frey         Muskingum University
    Krista Helton       Florida Tech University Online
    Katilin Hereford    College of Mount St. Joseph
    John Hermann        Heartland Community College
    Mallory Herring     Arkansas Tech University
    Danielle Hickman    Florida State University
    Claire Kennedy      University Of Idaho
    Stephanie Ledwig    University of Houston-Victoria
    Katelyn Ludwig      Lynchburg College
    Lauren McCaffrey    Nazareth College
    Kristine O'Connor-
     Delgado            Gate Community College
    Samuel Porter       Illinois College
    Janell Porter       University of Montana - Bozeman
    Julie Powers        Central Michigan University
    Adam Quitmeyer      Southwestern Illinois College
    Daniel Sieradzki    Kauai Community College
                         Salem Community College or Wilmington
    Tyler Spino          University
    Briana Tate         University of Tennessee at Knoxville
    Albert Thompson     Finger Lakes Community College
    Dylan Wegner        University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
    Chloe Weibel        Mississippi State University
    Allison Wentling    Bowling Green State University
    Kayleigh Ziehler-
     Martin             San Francisco Art Institute
    Patrick Zimmer      North Dakota State University

2012 Scholarship Applications Will Soon Be Available

The 2012 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program applications will soon be available. For more information about the program, and to check for updates on next year's Epilepsy Scholarship Program please go to www.EpilepsyAdvocate.com.

UCB offers support to people living with chronic diseases, along with their families and friends, through a broad range of programs that foster independence and empowerment. The UCB Family Scholarship Program(TM) is just one such program; for information on others, visit www.UCB-usa.com/patients/.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting approximately 40 million people worldwide and three million people in the U.S.--making it as common as breast cancer. Anyone can develop epilepsy; it occurs across all ages, races and genders. Uncontrolled seizures and medication side effects pose challenges to independent living, learning and employment, so the goal of epilepsy treatment is seizure freedom with minimal side effects. More than 1 million patients in the U.S. continue to have seizures despite initial therapy, and more than 800,000 patients in the U.S. continue to have seizures despite treatment with two or more therapies. New medications and treatments give hope to those living with uncontrolled seizures.(1,2)

For Further Information:

Andrea Levin, Senior PR Manager, US Communications and Public Relations

T +1 770 970 8352, andrea.levin@ucb.com

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb-usa.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8,500 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2010. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

For further information on UCB products, please visit www.UCB.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation, exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.

(1) http://epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/

(2) http://epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/treatment/index.cfm

SOURCE UCB, Inc.