Books and Beyond Scholarships

Trine encouraging people
to help meet scholarship match

Article word count: 330
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

ANGOLA – The MTI Foundation, Inc. is challenging people to donate Books and Beyond Scholarships for Trine University students. With appreciation to Metal Technologies, Inc., chairman and chief executive officer, university trustee and alumnus Rick James and his wife, Vicki, the MTI Foundation, Inc. generously offered a $30,000 matching challenge this year.

The university hopes the challenge will be met before its eighth annual Black and White Scholarship Gala, which will be Saturday, Feb. 11. Contributions to the Books and Beyond Scholarship Program will assist deserving students who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships will go to students so they can purchase needed books, computers, school and lab supplies and meals. Funds will also help students pay modest account balances that will allow them to register for the next semester.

The program was expanded after donors gave nearly $60,000 in textbook scholarships at last year’s gala.

“With your assistance, we can help our students meet with success,” said Trine University president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. “Currently, 98 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance, and that would not be possible without the tremendous support from our community, friends and alumni. Your gift – no matter how big or small – makes a huge impact on our students’ lives.”

The Jameses have been involved as donors and volunteers at the university for many years. At the scholarship gala in 2009, textbook scholarships were up for bid. They thought they could increase the types of donations if they got the foundation involved.

Kent Stucky, vice president of alumni and development, said donors will find out who receive their scholarships.

“We are very appreciative of the generosity of Metal Technologies and also of Rick and Vicki James,” Stucky said. “We hope to exceed the match and see students benefit from the full amount of this challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni, friends and community members to directly support students in need, who will one day graduate and work to make our communities stronger.”

Watch Trine's "You Are" donor recognition video by clicking here.

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.