September 30, 2004

Science Bound to announce major gifts at annual dinner

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University President Martin C. Jischke will join Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Duncan N.P. Pritchett Jr. in celebrating a banner year for Purdue's Science Bound program at its annual dinner in Indianapolis.

summer archaeological dig
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The event, which will be attended by approximately 400 students, parents, mentors and corporate partners, will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 30) at the Indianapolis Colts' Union Federal Football Center, 7001 W. 56th St. Jischke will announce more than $250,000 in gifts to support the program.

Science Bound, a partnership among Purdue, the Indianapolis Public Schools and Indianapolis business community, was initiated by Jischke in 2000. It provides eligible students an opportunity to earn a four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue to study for a science-related career. The five-year program, which started with 60 middle- and high-school students, has grown to more than 160 students. The students participate in science-related, after-school activities, field trips and summer camps to enrich their academic experience.

Duke Realty gave nearly $190,000, the largest lump sum donation in Science Bound history.

"Duke Realty is proud to be able to support Science Bound," said Dennis Oklak, Duke Realty president and CEO. "In particular, we want to recognize students who are academically bright and who, at the same time, may have disadvantages that might prevent them from attending college. We are pleased to be able to provide the funding to secure their futures and, hopefully, keep some of our best and brightest minds in Indiana."

Nelnet Inc. an educational finance company, is providing $56,000 to fund the first full Science Bound scholarship, in addition to summer camps, workshops and field trips.

"We chose Science Bound because of their goals of encouraging IPS students to pursue higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math/science education," said Cheryl Watson, Nelnet chief communications officer. "We want to assist educators in providing support to students, and supporting Science Bound is in complete alignment with Nelnet's vision of making educational dreams possible."

Clean Stream, a city of Indianapolis program to restore streams and keep raw sewage out of waterways, also will provide funding for the first endowed Science Bound scholarship.

Additional Science Bound corporate sponsors to be recognized include:

The evening will conclude with an awards presentation for students who have excelled in the program.

Science Bound director Wesley Campbell said he is thrilled with the program's many accomplishments and looks forward to another year of enriching activities with the support of Purdue and the Indianapolis community.

"Science Bound has enjoyed a tremendous year, thanks to the generosity of the Indianapolis business community," Campbell said. "Career Day, the parent retreat, the archaeological dig, company tours, field trips to the symphony and a slew of other activities would never happen without their support."

Campbell said he is looking forward to the 2007-08 academic year, when the first graduates of the Science Bound program begin their studies at Purdue.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Wesley Campbell, (765) 494-0018, wesley1@purdue.edu

Cheryl Watson, (317) 469-2064, cheryl.watson@nelnet.net

Donna Hovey, Duke Realty marketing director, (317) 808-6137, donna.hovey@dukerealty.com

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: A video of event highlights featuring Science Bound students and their parents is available. To request a copy, contact Jesica Webb, (765) 494-2079, jwebb@purdue.edu

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