IUP and PennWest Clarion Graduates Establish Scholarships to Support Future Students

Alumni from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and PennWest Clarion have demonstrated their commitment to higher education by establishing scholarships to assist future generations of students. These scholarships aim to provide financial support and opportunities for students pursuing their academic goals at these institutions.

Scholarships Established by IUP Graduates

1. Thomas and Virginia Schott Scholarship:
   • Established by: Thomas and Virginia Schott, first-generation college graduates from DuBois, Pennsylvania.
   • Purpose: To support students studying Social Studies Education at IUP.
   • Eligibility: Students majoring in Social Studies Education at IUP.
2. IUP Receives Funding to Host International Fulbright Recipients:
   • IUP welcomed 21 educators from 14 countries as part of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers.
   • The educators will complete professional development coursework at IUP and serve as guest teachers in the Indiana Area School District and the Pittsburgh Public School system.

Scholarships Established by PennWest Clarion Graduates

PennWest Clarion, formerly known as Clarion University, has also seen its alumni establish scholarships to support future students. These scholarships are designed to assist students from specific regions, majors, and backgrounds.

1. Clarion Area Scholarship:
   • Established by: A generous donor to assist Clarion students from the Clarion area.
   • Preference: Given to freshmen from Clarion-Limestone High School.
   • Eligibility: Students from the Clarion area, with priority given to Clarion-Limestone High School graduates.
2. Angelo & Barbara Armenti Scholarship:
   • Eligibility: Students enrolled at PennWest Clarion campus with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
   • Preference: Given to students who have demonstrated financial need.
3. Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Scholarship:
   • Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students enrolled or planning to enroll at PennWest Clarion, with a home address in Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Mercer, or Venango County, Pennsylvania.
   • Criteria: Students must manifest promise of academic success and have good moral character.
   • Renewable: The scholarship may be renewed for subsequent years if the recipient continues to meet the conditions of eligibility and funds are available.
4. Dr. Allen & Mary C. Sesler Welsh Scholarship Fund:
   • Eligibility: Senior students in good academic standing (a B average) majoring in Education who need financial assistance.
5. Dr. Burrell A. ’69 & Mrs. Anita Shockley Brown Scholarship:
   • Eligibility: Minority students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, majoring in the Department of Business and Economics at PennWest Clarion.
   • Preference: Given to students who have demonstrated financial need.
6. Dr. Caryl J. Sheffield Scholarship Fund:
   • Eligibility: Full-time African American students enrolled at PennWest Clarion with a dual major of Pre-K-4 and Special Education, who are student teaching in the semester when the scholarship is awarded.
   • In the event that no student meets the criteria, the scholarship will not be awarded until a semester when a suitable candidate can be identified.
7. Dr. Charles & Josephine Groff Scholarship Fund:
   • Eligibility: Students majoring in Elementary Education at PennWest Clarion.
   • Preference: Given to students who have demonstrated financial need.
8. Joseph “Moe” & Rita Susick Belle Vernon Area Scholarship:
   • Eligibility: Incoming freshmen enrolled at PennWest Clarion who are graduates of Belle Vernon High School.
   • Preference: Given to students who have demonstrated financial need.
9. Joseph A. Main AFGE/UMWA Scholarship:
   • Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students at PennWest Clarion who are current members or employees, or the children or grandchildren of current members or employees of either AFGE or UMWA.
   • If no AFGE/UMWA affiliated candidate emerges, the scholarship will not be awarded.
10. Joseph Dochinez Family Scholarship:
    • Eligibility: Students who have demonstrated financial need to continue their education at PennWest Clarion.
    • Preference: Given to a student who is a graduate of Meyersdale High School.
    • Renewable: The scholarship may be renewed for a total of seven semesters.
11. Joseph Dochinez Scholarship:
    • Eligibility: Students majoring in Education at PennWest Clarion with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
    • Preference: Given to students who have demonstrated financial need.

Impact of Alumni Scholarships

These scholarships established by IUP and PennWest Clarion alumni demonstrate the lasting impact that graduates can have on their alma maters and future generations of students. By providing financial support and opportunities, these scholarships help to:

1. Reduce financial barriers for students pursuing higher education.
2. Support academic excellence by rewarding students with strong academic performance.
3. Foster diversity and inclusion by providing opportunities for underrepresented groups.
4. Encourage community engagement by prioritizing students from specific regions or backgrounds.
5. Promote the value of education by supporting students in their chosen fields of study.

Conclusion

The scholarships established by IUP and PennWest Clarion graduates are a testament to the lasting impact that alumni can have on their institutions and the lives of future students. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also serve as a reminder of the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators. By establishing these scholarships, alumni demonstrate their commitment to higher education and their desire to create a better future for all. More on scholarships