Last modified: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
IU Bloomington Continuing Studies awarded $50,000 for student scholarships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 2, 2009
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Bernard Osher Foundation has awarded a second $50,000 grant to Indiana University to provide scholarships for adult reentry students pursuing bachelor's degrees. This grant was given to IU Bloomington Continuing Studies to fund a second year of the Osher Reentry Scholars Program, which will support adults who have had a break in their formal education and are returning to IU to begin or complete a degree.
The following 2009-2010 Osher Scholars, all from Indiana, are pictured: Bottom row, from the left: Adam L. Fisher, Bloomington; Janice R.Nickeo, Bedford; Jennifer K. Groff, Bloomington; Jillian L. Stoops, Bloomington; Aaron J. Hagar, Bloomington; Marjorie A. Walls, Bloomington. Center row, from the left: Jeffrey A. Scherschel, Ellettsville; Wendy L. Dion, Bloomington; Jessica S. Merritt, Bloomington; Scott H. Drichel, Bloomington; David M. Foley, Poland. Back row, from the left: Lisa D. Morrow, Bloomington; Bethany E.Thurman, Greencastle; Mary C. Norman, Bloomington; Joshua L. Spurlock, Morgantown; Jonathan B. Colburn, Bedford.
"This is wonderful news for adult learners wanting to study at Indiana University Bloomington, and we are delighted to be able to support their endeavors through the generosity of the Osher Foundation," said Sonya Stephens, vice provost for undergraduate education at IU Bloomington. "In this economic climate, where money is tight and competition for jobs fierce, the decision to return to education is both a positive and difficult one. This continued support from the Osher Foundation makes that choice a little easier, benefitting the adult learner directly, as well as contributing to the longer-term needs of the community and the state by enhancing the credentials of those in the workforce."
IU Bloomington Continuing Studies Executive Director Ron White said that "as a result of the Foundation's generosity," 22 scholarships were awarded this year to help adult students achieve their educational goals.
"And now we'll be able to help additional students for the 2010-2011 academic year," he said.
The students who receive funding from the program often are balancing work, family and community service obligations while pursuing their degrees. The Osher program assists students with tuition costs to help offset other financial obligations in their lives.
"The Osher Scholars Program helped fund my desire and long-term goals for higher education," said 2009 Osher scholarship recipient Janice Nickeo, of Bedford. "It has also helped me manage my personal finances as the sole supporter for my daughter and myself. I am forever grateful for the Osher Scholarship and pray that it continues to be a blessing to others."
Scholarship information and application materials can be found on the IU Bloomington Continuing Studies Web site at https://continue.indiana.edu or requested by phone at 812-855-4991.
The Osher Foundation is located in San Francisco and supports adult education nationally through the Reentry Scholars Program and Lifelong Learning programs for older adults.
IU Bloomington Continuing Studies provides opportunities for adults to engage in lifelong learning. Programs include General Studies degrees, Adult Student Resources, Lifelong Learning and Professional Development courses, Mini University and Leadership Bloomington-Monroe County. A unit of the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the programs draw upon the rich resources of IU Bloomington and are offered on campus and at convenient community locations. For more information, visit https://continue.indiana.edu or call 812-855-4991.
