INDIANAPOLIS — Twenty-nine first-generation Indiana college students got a boost to their education funds this academic year and reconnected with influential educators who helped along the way after being named “Realizing the Dream” recipients by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI). These 29 scholarship recipients, one from each of Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities, were celebrated at a banquet at the Eiteljorg Museum. Award recipients, videos, and photos are listed below.
Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the scholarship program annually recognizes first-generation college students from ICI colleges and universities. Students are selected for the $4,000 award for outstanding achievement as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.
To honor recipients, ICI created individual videos of each student describing what it means to them to be a first-generation college student and thanking the influential educator they have chosen to honor. Videos can be found at icindiana.org/rtd.
“Thanks to the continued support of Lilly Endowment, we get the opportunity to hear the inspiring stories of these first-generation students and the impact local educators have had on their drive to succeed academically,” said Dottie L. King, ICI’s president & CEO. “These scholarship awards will support these young people dreaming of future success.”In addition to the students’ scholarship awards, the influential educators receive $1,000 in professional development grants.
Listed below are the Realizing the Dream recipients, the colleges they are attending, the teacher they’ve named their most influential educator, and the school where they taught the recipient.
Maddi Martin, Anderson University
Kimberly Kaiser, Hamilton Heights High School
Smyrna P. Masih, Bethel University
Umeki Williams, Mishawaka High School
Sarah Ripperger, Butler University
Betsy Baugh, Batesville High School
Blaze Cano, Calumet College of St. Joseph
Larry Govert, Hanover Central High School
Alexis Meyer, DePauw University
Chad Gayso, Jasper High School
Carly Mays, Earlham College
Thom Crist, Northside Middle School
Skyler Journey Cosby, Franklin College
Beth Klinker, Sacred Heart Elementary School
Ashley Penzenik, Goshen College
David Kieft, Northridge High School
Bianca Jimenez-Ortiz, Grace College
Jeff Stutzman, Concord Community Schools
Sierra Adkins, Hanover College
Gerard Striby, Roncalli High School
Jelani Cotton, Holy Cross College
Leslie Burns, John Adams High School
Victoria Hilderbrand, Huntington University
Ken Bracey, Grace Christian Academy
Julia Rose VanDuyn, Indiana Institute of Technology
Mindy Weaver-Flask, Shortridge High School
Maddy Welker, Indiana Wesleyan University
Steve Lubbehusen, Carroll High School
Kyle Newcomb, Manchester University
John Arndt, New Prairie High School
Stephany Gutierrez, Marian University
Patricia Lawton, Central Nine Career Center
Quanisha Dowdell, Martin University
Demond Woods, Paramount School of Excellence
Michael Nash, Oakland City University
Tosha Embry, Clarksville High School
Tim Ausec, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Carole Duran, Knox Community High School
Taylor Howard, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Holly Kanizer, Terre Town Elementary School
Sheccid Gutierrez, Saint Mary’s College
Tyler Gellinger, Fairview Elementary School
Ben Tobey, Taylor University
Christiann MacLean, Irvington Preparatory Academy
Garrett Adams, Trine University
Andrew Shores, Morristown Jr./Sr. High School
Alyssa Burnett, University of Evansville
Deb Gee, Cascade High School
Sha’Quan Logan, University of Indianapolis
Pat Higgins, Brown Intermediate School
Justin Le, University of Notre Dame
Doris Derheimer, Bishop Dwenger High School
Sanae Jennings, University of Saint Francis
Jami Redman, John Adams High School
Payton Wolfenbarger, Valparaiso University
Brenda Cooper, LaPorte High School
Austin Pickett, Wabash College
Renee Howell, Fountain Central Jr./Sr. High School
About Independent Colleges of Indiana
Independent Colleges of Indiana is the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, non-profit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in religion, it maintains a particular commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
