INDIANAPOLIS (February 28, 2023)— Twenty-nine first-generation Indiana college students got a boost to their education funds this academic year and re-connected 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 on February 25 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 during their freshman year 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 Jodie Ferise, JD, ICI’s vice president & general counsel. “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.
Listed below are the Realizing the Dream recipients and the colleges they are attending, as well as the teacher they’ve named as their most influential educator and school where they taught the recipient.
Katelyn Quiroz, Anderson University
William DeLisle, Hamilton Southeastern High School
Austin Falk, Bethel University
Michael Nolt, Northwood High School
Idalia Moreno, Butler University
Matt Payne, Avon High School
April Mendoza, Calumet College of St. Joseph
Lauren Nelson, Portage High School
Stephanie Haynes, DePauw University
Leta Sena-Lopez, Kahler Middle School
Makaylah Castelow, Earlham College
Kari Catanzaro, Maconaquah High School
Amy Garrido Portillo, Franklin College
Katie R. DeArmitt, Center Grove High School
Brenton Hieu Pham, Goshen College
Miriam Miller Avelar, Goshen High School
Itsel Flores-Uribe, Grace College
Mayra Aguilar, Concord Community Schools
Clara McCulley, Hanover College
Hannah Oliver, Silver Creek High School
Dion Payne-Miller, Holy Cross College
Rick Ankney, Elkhart Community Schools
Aaron Dolph, Huntington University
Beth Davis, Elkhart Area Career Center
Cameron Scott, Indiana Institute of Technology
Pat Shifley, Bishop Luers High School
Gabriella Hoover, Indiana Wesleyan University
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo, Indiana Wesleyan University
Erica Ortiz, Manchester University
Gwen Mize, Manchester Jr. Sr. High School
Chloe Delgado, Marian University
Julie Hult, Columbus East High School
Kiara N. Bailey, Martin University
Stanley Law, George Washington High School
Monesjia Harvey, Oakland City University
Shirley Posey, Imhotep Institute Charter High School
Elley Adkins, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Cindy Aubuchon, McCutcheon High School
Rylee Williamson, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Christopher M. Todd, South Spencer High School
Ruby Meza, Saint Mary’s College
Ana T. Acosta, Bishop Noll Institute
Christina Veatch, Taylor University
Megan Orcutt, Noblesville High School
Bethany Morgan Schmitt, Trine University
Emily Watkins, Trine University
Ashtyn Baxter, University of Evansville
Chasten Bear, Herron-Riverside High School
Imelda Pozos, University of Indianapolis
Lizzette Menendez, Frankfort High School
Hayley JIE Brownd, University of Notre Dame
Jason McGee, Crown Point High School
Aye Aye Ma, University of Saint Francis
Pamela Cobb, East Allen Career Center
Hannah Schoner, Valparaiso University
Michael Tuholski, Laporte High School
Jake Oostman, Wabash College
Vincent Lewis, Crown Point Community School Corporation
About Independent Colleges of Indiana
Independent Colleges of Indiana serves as 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. While 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 maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana, it also funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion.