Foundation Donors Tell Their Stories

The Blackwell Scholars: Leaving a Legacy

 
Mike and Mary Blackwell, both graduates of Indiana State University, received financial support during their college years, and they were excited about the opportunity to pay the school back for all that ISU had done for them. The Blackwells left a legacy by establishing an endowed fund that provides four scholarships each year in the areas of geology, elementary education, baseball and the ATO fraternity. The Blackwells are proud of the choice they made to support the students of Indiana State and provide countless generations with an education that will give them an advantage in the workplace.
 

ISU Federal Credit Union: Local Business Leading the Way

The Indiana State Federal Credit Union has played an integral role in the lives of Indiana State University’s students, staff, and faculty for many years.  The Credit Union was organized in 1960 by a small group of ISU faculty; and was housed on campus in Reeves Hall.  Since then it has grown to a thriving not-for-profit financial institution where every member is an owner. 

In 1994, the Credit Union followed the philosophy of “people helping people” and was one of the first to establish a Presidential Scholarship (formerly called President’s Merit Scholar Program).  This program provides full tuition, housing, books, and a laptop computer to incoming freshman with a minimum GPA of 3.7 and who are ranked in the top 10% of their high school class. 

The ISU Federal Credit Union is a wonderful example to other businesses in the Wabash Valley who support our local students. They encourage other businesses to join them in providing assistance to our youth and help them achieve their dreams.

Jan McCarthy: Inspiring Education for Generations

Indiana State University is proud to have Dr. Jan McCarthy as an Emerita Professor of Education. During her 30-year tenure at ISU, Dr. McCarthy developed the original associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Early Childhood Education. Her dedication to the development of the field served as an inspiration to generations of ISU students now working all over the country. Her devotion to ISU has led her to commit a bequest on behalf of the College of Education’s Early Childhood Program. Dr. McCarthy serves as a shining example of how commitment to the field and Indiana State can provide a foundation for the future growth of students, the University, and the Education community.

Beverly Spear: A Family Tribute

Beverly Spear is proud to be one of the first donors to support the new Student Recreation Center. Mrs. Spear took advantage of the numerous opportunities for support in the new Rec Center by honoring her late son and husband. The Rick H. Spear Snack Bar will be named after her late son, who earned two degrees from Indiana State. “He loved ISU and his time here. He was very social and outgoing, so I thought this would be very appropriate for him.” Beverly has also invested in the naming of the planning and conference room for her late husband, Richard, who served as Chair of the Department of Health and Safety for much of his 27-year tenure at ISU. Beverly’s commitment is a fitting tribute to the lives of her family, whose dedication to ISU is now revered by those who knew and loved them.