Columbus Couple Recognized for Establishing IUPUC Scholarship

by Adam Frazier
May 23, 2011
Kenneth and Phyllis DeLap were recognized at the 2011 Spirit of Philanthropy luncheon hosted by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, the Indiana University Foundation, and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis on April 26, 2011.

The Columbus residents established a $40,000 scholarship endowment that will provide support for one or more students each year. The annual scholarship is named in honor of their granddaughter, Kristen Schildmier, who graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) in 2006.

The DeLaps were inspired to establish the scholarship after learning about the financial needs of a single working mother who became close friends with their granddaughter when both were IUPUC students. They were moved to establish a gift in perpetuity that will help full-time working students realize their educational dreams.

According to Kenneth DeLap, "We established this scholarship because we believe in education, wanted to pay forward the educational benefits I received through the G.I. Bill, and because we are proud of our granddaughter Kristen."

Stacy Zearing, director of development and external affairs at IUPUC, said "Kenneth and Phyllis have a long history of giving to the community. Their gift will be a great help to IUPUC students who are balancing part-time or full-time jobs while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. We thank them for their generosity, which will benefit many deserving IUPUC students in the years to come."

To be eligible for the Kristen Schildmier Scholarship, applicants must be full-time IUPUC students taking at least 12 credits per semester and they must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree while working part- or full-time. Financial need will be considered and preference will be given to students who have earned an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech.

For more information about scholarships and financial aid, visit www.iupuc.edu.