It’s always a heartwarming affair when community members go out of their way to set the future generation up for success, and that’s exactly what happened on Wednesday, May 10 when the Urban League of Northwest Indiana held its annual Scholastic Achievement Luncheon. Pride, excitement, and gratitude hung in the air as 24 donors awarded nearly $70,000 in scholarships to 45 students from all over the Region.
“This event is truly one of the highlights of our organization,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen McCloud, Urban League of Northwest Indiana president and chief executive officer. “There’s nothing better than acknowledging, recognizing, and rewarding students with scholarships to help them pursue their educational goals. I’m so glad everyone was able to be here today.”
As students enjoyed a delicious celebratory meal with their families and posed for pictures with the community members who graciously sponsored their futures, it became clear that the day was more than just a scholarship banquet. It was a day about giving thanks and making a difference.
Dr. Karen Bishop Morris, an English professor at Purdue University Northwest, sponsored three scholarships this year with her husband in honor of her mother-in-law.
“My mother-in-law was just a fixture in the community. She was the longest-serving elected politician in East Chicago--she was the city clerk for 26 years. She had so much positivity and integrity. She loved everyone and she was a champion in providing opportunities, especially for young people. We thought this would be a wonderful way to recognize her and keep her legacy alive,” said Morris.
Morris couldn’t emphasize enough how important the day was for both the students and the donors.
“It means everything to be here. This is about the future. In a world that is often distracting and full of craziness, this is about creating hope and a path forward and investing in the future generation. There’s nothing more important than today and what it symbolizes,” said Morris.
Joe Guthrie, district manager for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, awarded nine $2,000 scholarships this year. He and his brothers started the Guthrie Family Scholarship Fund because they wanted to give back to students the same way people have given back to them. Guthrie knows how difficult funding education can be and was excited to be able to relieve students from some of the burden.
“It’s important to give back to the kids in our community--school is expensive, and there are so many costs associated with school besides tuition and books. Many of these kids need help with the costs of everyday living. These are trying times and these young people need help,” said Guthrie.
As much as Guthrie loves how the Scholarship Achievement Luncheon helps students receive the aid they need, he mostly loves that the event shows students how much their community cares for them and is rooting for their success.
“I love helping these kids realize that they’re not alone. I love showing them that there are others who have their interests at heart and are willing to put a foot forward to help them achieve their goals. It’s important for kids to realize that there are many people who support them and want them to do well,” said Guthrie.
The generosity of the donors was deeply touching. What was also touching were the event’s sponsors. NIPSCO was the presenting sponsor of the event and Alexius Barber, NIPSCO’s manager of Public Affairs and Economic Development came forward to say a few encouraging words to the recipients.
“I just want to acknowledge all the students that are gathered here today. This is a day of celebration, but the journey ahead is just as important. It will take hard work but if you are committed there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. We at NIPSCO are very proud of you and are excited to have the opportunity to be the presenting sponsor for such a wonderful event,” said Barber.
There truly wasn’t a single person in the room who wasn’t proud and encouraging of our community’s next generation of college students. Overall, Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s 2023 Scholastic Achievement Luncheon couldn’t have been more moving. All of the donors who gave out scholarships can’t wait to see how the students continue to thrive in the future and wish them nothing but the best.
“I hope these students walk out of here knowing how important and significant they are and how much they mean to Northwest Indiana. It’s their journey for sure and they have all kinds of goals and dreams, but whatever they undertake has a huge impact on the others around them. The folks whose shoulders they’re standing on can’t wait to see them move forward and cheer them on,” said Morris.
The Urban League of Northwest Indiana is grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a huge success and is even more grateful to the people who help students reach their full potential every single day.
“I just want to acknowledge and thank all of the parents, guardians, extended families, friends, and especially the school administration, teachers, and staff. Thank you for believing in the children and providing them with the skills to go forward. Let’s continue to work together for the sake of all children and encourage them to go after their dreams,” said Allen McCloud.
To learn more about the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and all the good things it does for our community’s children, visit urbanleagueofnwi.org.
