As the search resumes, officials at the University of Utah continue to receive funds for the Lori Kay Soares Hacking scholarship, which was established by Thelma Soares, with funds donated to Lori's family to assist in the search for her.

The scholarship fund was established Aug. 20 with an initial $12,500 contribution from Soares, to which university employees and staff from the U.'s David Eccles School of Business, including dean Jack Brittain, added another $1,225 in contributions that same day. Lori Hacking graduated cum laude from the business school in 1999.

In the weeks since, another $4,500 in cash contributions and pledges has been received, university development officer Carolyn Buma said. Another significant gift to the fund is expected from Lori's employer, Wells Fargo Bank, next week. A total amount of about $60,000 is needed in order to endow the scholarship in perpetuity, Buma said.

"I believe that by next spring we will have the funds needed to have at least one scholarship funded annually," Buma said.

The scholarship will be awarded to students beginning their junior year of study in business and will cover full tuition for the remainder of their undergraduate education. Preference will be given to female students who are attempting to complete college while facing or after surviving significant life challenges, including abuse or financial hardship.

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