Awards give students opportunity to change their lives

August 18, 2005

Awards give students opportunity to change their lives

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A group of students representing Indiana's 92 counties will have a new set of doors opening for them this fall when they begin classes, thanks to the Purdue Opportunity Awards Program.

In its second year, the Purdue Opportunity Awards Program gives students who may not have been able to attend college due to finances, personal hardships or other extenuating circumstances a way to further their education.

"By removing some of the obstacles these students face, Purdue is making a commitment to bright, hard-working students across the state," said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. "An education at Purdue should be accessible to deserving students no matter what barriers or challenges they have faced."

Students are selected for the program based on nominations from local educators and community leaders, who work with Purdue to identify students with the greatest need.

The scholarship, coupled with other aid, makes up a financial package that pays for tuition, room and board during the students' first year at Purdue. Due to increased gifts, the program also was expanded to provide up to $2,500 in aid to second-year students who financially qualify and were award recipients as freshmen.

Money is not the only benefit the scholarships provide. A number of other programs and support systems are set up to help participants succeed at Purdue.

"We provide a supportive environment to assist students with the transition from high school into our university community throughout their first year at Purdue," said Maura Scully Murry, Purdue Opportunity Awards program director. "We encourage academic excellence, campus involvement and individual success by providing peer mentors and personal attention to the unique challenges our students may encounter."

In subsequent years, previous Opportunity Award recipients will serve as mentors, offering support and friendship. The mentors also help plan and attend monthly seminars and social activities.

The Purdue Opportunity Awards Program was launched during the Campaign for Purdue, a Jischke initiative to raise $1.5 billion to increase student scholarships; recruit and retain faculty; fund programs, centers and facilities; and purchase equipment.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources: Maura Scully Murry, (765) 496-2462, poa@purdue.edu

Martin C. Jischke, (765) 494-9708

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

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