A former TCU student and fallen Marine has been nominated by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) for Dallas Morning News’ “Texan of the Year.”

Benjamin W. Schmidt attended TCU for three semesters before joining the Marines. Schmidt was killed by “friendly fire” in Afghanistan on Oct. 6, according The San Antonio Express-News.

Schmidt made a TCU scholarship out of his life insurance beneficiary if he did not return from combat.

Hutchison wrote in her nomination letter to the Dallas Morning News:

“Ben Schmidt, in life and death, exhibited those qualities we treasure as Texans – bravery, resilience and vision. His legacy of selflessness and valor will live on in those who are enhanced through his scholarship and inspired by his story to give back to our country.”

The Benjamin W. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship is open to graduate history students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a history of community involvement, Samantha Suttle from the Donor Relations office said.

“This scholarship represents all that is good about our country,” Lt. Col. Christopher Talcott, chair of the military science program, said. “We can go to college, we have the freedom to be and do what we want to do.”

According to the Dallas Morning News website, the editorial board will select “a Texan (or Texans) who has had uncommon impact – either positive or negative – over the past year.” Recommendations ended Nov. 27.

To donate to the Benjamin W. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship Fund, checks can be sent to the university with the scholarship name in the memo line or contact the Donor Relations office.