RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Mary Jean (Jeanny) Neilson, a sophomore physical education major at Pan American University who placed No. 3 in the state collegiate diving championships for women, has received Pan American University's first women's athletic scholarship. 
 
The scholarship was given by the Zonta Club, West Hidalgo County, a service organization of executive and professional women. 
 
Miss Neilson is the daughter of Col. and Mrs. Henry Neilson of McAllen. She began competing in 1966 with the McAllen Cascade Swim Club, coached by Russell Young. Her coach at PAU is Jeanette Hawkins. 
 
Also active as a swimmer, gymnast, dancer and all-district volleyball player (at McAllen High), Miss Neilson will compete in her home pool when the state meet, sponsored by the Texas Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, will be held on Feb. 28-March 1.
 
Fourteen colleges and universities throughout Texas sent swimming and diving teams to Pan American University when the state TAIAW meet was held at PAU last year. At least 18 teams are expected to compete this year.
 
Ms. Joan McCarter of Mission, president of the West Hidalgo Chapter of Zonta International, presented Miss Neilson her scholarship before a large crowd at halftime of a PAU basketball game.
 
Zonta International has 660 clubs in 47 countries. Total Zonta membership is more than 23,500. The Zonta Women established PAU's first scholarship for women athletes to commemorate International Women's Year as their local project. President Gerald Ford has proclaimed 1975 as Women's Year by presidential decree.