A Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) student was awarded a scholarship serving first-generation Indiana college students. Ethan Stattner, along with the other recipients, are getting a boost to their education funds this semester and re-connecting with influential educators who helped along the way after being named “Realizing the Dream” recipients by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the scholarship program annually recognizes 30 first-generation college students from ICI’s private, non-profit colleges and universities. Students are selected for the $3,000 award for outstanding achievement during their freshman year as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.
“This scholarship will help me achieve my colligate goals by lessening the stresses of student finances allowing me to focus more on my academic goals and worry less about my financial programs during college,” Stattner said.
The program historically honored recipients, their families and influential educators at an annual event. However, due to the pandemic, organizers 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,” ICI President and CEO David W. Wantz said. “Especially during these challenging times, these scholarship awards will provide critical support for these young people who are dreaming of future success.”
In addition to the students’ scholarship awards, the influential educators also receive $1,000 in professional development grants.
This year’s recipients and their influential educators are listed below. Information includes:
- The student’s name and hometown
- The college/university the student is attending
- The name of the student’s most influential teacher/mentor, the name of the school
- Vanessa Weaver, Winamac
Ancilla College
Shanna Ricker, Ancilla College - Alice Dang, Anderson
Anderson University
Christy Kaufmann, Anderson Christian School - Samarah Williams, La Porte
Bethel University
Camellia Dabagia, Knapp Elementary School - Hannah Weiler, Sunman
Butler University
Marcie Trossman, East Central High School - Hailey Jenifer Brown, Whiting
Calumet College of St. Joseph
Jenifer Toth, Frank O’Bannon Elementary - Hannah Shrock, Waterloo
DePauw University
Shanna Lank, Dekalb High School - Bailey Elisse Owens, Centerville
Earlham College
Kim Carter, Centerville High School - Madison Van Gorden, Flat Rock
Franklin College
Lindsay Chase, Southwestern Jr./Sr. High School - Daniela T. Castro, Goshen
Goshen College
Theresa Collins, Goshen High School - Trinity Christmas, Indianapolis
Grace College
Aaron Burkhart, Pike High School - Allison Speas, Quincy
Hanover College
Daniel Varnes, Cloverdale High School - Hannsel Lopez Alvarez, Elkhart
Holy Cross College
Juan Carlos Alvarez, Adams High School - Preston Moistner, Milton
Huntington University
Joy Miller, Lincoln High School - Daniel Heredia, Hammond
Indiana Institute of Technology
Enrique Catalan, Hammond High School - Marqueshia M. Allen
Indiana Wesleyan University
Michelle Hawk, Indiana Wesleyan University - Heather Binion, Lebanon
Manchester University
Most Influential Educator: Alan Conrad, Lebanon Middle School - Micah Elise Thompson, Anderson
Marian University
Most Influential Educator: Melissa Thompson, Anderson High School - Jasmine Hamer, Indianapolis
Martin University
Viveca Carter, Martin University - Maizy Gilliland, Bloomfield
Oakland City University
Kristie Bladen, Bloomfield Jr./Sr. High School - Blake Deckard, Ellettsville
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Brian Rosenburgh, Edgewood High School - Ethan Stattner, Cloverdale
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Suzie Jorden, Cloverdale Elementary School (retired) - Elizabeth Mendez, Plymouth
Saint Mary’s College
Jena Dreibelbis, Lincoln Junior High - Jessica Ditton, Huntington
Taylor University
Chelsey Wiley, Roanoke Elementary School - Emily Wampler, Bloomington
Trine University
Michelle Klawans, Bloomington High School North - Paige Johnson, Fort Branch
University of Evansville
Kyle Brasher, Gibson Southern High School - Siang Tha Len, Indianapolis
University of Indianapolis
Sara Berghoff, Southport High School - Camryn Barnett, Noblesville
University of Notre Dame
Most Influential Educator: Jason Giordano, Noblesville High School - Yamilex Diaz, Columbus
University of Saint Francis
Kyle Allison, University of Saint Francis - Larissa Chavarria, Valparaiso
Valparaiso University
Benjamin Kerezman, Valparaiso High School - Bryce McCullough, Greensburg
Wabash College
Jeff Maupin, Greensburg Community High School