As part of its Homecoming week festivities, Indiana Wesleyan University hosted a special Scholarship Luncheon at 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The luncheon honored donors who have made student scholarships possible, and connected them with the specific student whom their donation impacted.
Over 200 donors and student recipients gathered in the banquet halls in the Barnes Student Center to enjoy a meal and fellowship. Speakers included Dr. Chris Young, vice president for University Advancement; Dr. David Wright, president of IWU; and Lauren Zaeske, a junior scholarship recipient majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy and Spanish. The main address was given by Toni Murray, a retired teacher and the beneficiary of the John and Toni Murray Endowed Scholarship at IWU. The scholarship fund provides one annual scholarship for a student majoring in Business or Education.
“It's such a joy to attend the Scholarship Luncheon because [my donor and I] have developed a relationship from last year,” said Katelyn Bush, a scholarship recipient studying Social Studies Education. “She's been able to visit me at school, and we love being able to connect whenever she can make it to campus!”
Eileen Nelson, in partnership with her husband, Stephen, is the donor who makes Bush’s scholarship possible.
“This event is a pure delight,” said Eileen Nelson. “We look forward to it, and keep in contact throughout the year. It's been so encouraging to watch [Katelyn] turn into a strong leader over the years."
IWU has over 300 named scholarships and will award more than $3 million to students this year because of generous donors, like those at this luncheon. To learn more about funding a scholarship at Indiana Wesleyan University, please call the Office of Development at 765-677-2466.