IU Southeast Alumni Association awards 25 $1,000 scholarships

12th September 2014

The IU Southeast Alumni Association recently held a luncheon to honor 25 students who were each awarded a $1,000 merit-based scholarship.

Interim Director of Alumni Relations, Lynn Prinz, offered remarks at the luncheon.

Interim Director of Alumni Relations, Lynn Prinz, offered remarks at the luncheon.

Lynn Prinz, interim director of Alumni Relations, said all of IU Southeast’s schools were represented in the scholarship recipients, who were selected based on a number of criteria, including being an active member of the Student Alumni Association (SAA).

“The scholarships were awarded to undergraduate students, who were members of the SAA, had at least a 3.0 GPA and were on track to graduate—so it was actually a retention effort as well,” Prinz said.

Another factor that was considered heavily in the selection process was student involvement, both on campus and in the community.

“We’re hoping it encourages more connections in the campus community, and encourages students to make connections after graduation, ultimately becoming an alumni member,” Prinz said.

In her welcome to the students, Prinz revealed why student involvement was such an important factor in the selection process, by sharing a bit of Alumni Association President, Jim Bradshaw’s story.

“During his undergrad, Jim was a double athlete, playing both tennis and golf, was married, had a child, worked full-time and was president of the student body,” Prinz said. “That’s what employers are looking for: a balance. Yes, they want you to be a good student, but they also want you to be involved on campus and in the community.”

Kira Jamros, junior clinical lab science major, hopes to pursue a degree from IUPUI after graduation from IU Southeast.

Kira Jamros, junior clinical lab science major, hopes to pursue a degree from IUPUI after graduation from IU Southeast.

Phyllis Andres, Alumni Association vice president, echoed Prinz by sharing insight from her career in HR.

“I was involved in the hiring of many people, and often chose the candidate who was more involved, if all other factors were equal,” Andres said. “It showed commitment, goal-orientation, that the person could put a project together and work with people. Those qualities would ultimately transfer to success on the job.”

Kira Jamros is a junior clinical lab science major, and recipient of one of the 25 scholarships awarded. She is a member of the pre-med society on campus, and the SAA, and hopes to pursue a degree from IUPUI after graduation. Jamros works at the YMCA in Louisville, at Louisville Slugger Field and at the IU Southeast gym, and says the scholarship will help her in balancing work, school and other commitments.

“This scholarship is really nice to have,” Jamros said. “It’s money you don’t have to pay out of pocket, which allows me to focus on school, not paying the bills.”

Alex Tinsley, a junior psychology and criminal justice double major, hopes to attend medical school after graduation from IU Southeast.

Alex Tinsley, a junior psychology and criminal justice double major, hopes to attend medical school after graduation from IU Southeast.

Alex Tinsley, a junior psychology and criminal justice double major, is also grateful for the cushion this scholarship provides financially. She is a member of the women’s basketball team, the SAA and the pre-med society on campus, and hopes to attend medical school after graduation.

“Having the scholarship really helps me save,” Tinsley said. “I don’t have to worry so much about paying for my undergrad, which allows me to prepare for med school payments.”

Scholarship recipients chatted over pizza with members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, who also represent all of IU Southeast’s schools.

“Just as the recipients represent every academic school on campus, so does our Board,” Prinz said. “What’s going to make you successful are your networking connections, and having each school represented on our Board means you always have someone to reach out to.”

The 25 scholarships were funded primarily from money raised at the Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner silent auction.

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