November 07, 2016
Taylor Eash, a Trine University student from Shipshewana, was among 31 students honored by the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the 27th annual “Realizing the Dream” banquet.
Eash is a sophomore majoring in civil engineering.
The event, held at the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing, recognized first-generation students attending ICI campuses who were selected by their colleges for outstanding achievement in their freshman year.
Each honored student received a $2,500 check to help with college costs, and the “most influential” teacher/mentor chosen by each students received a $1,000 professional development grant. Matthew Tibbs, a teacher at Westview Jr./Sr. High School in Topeka, was selected by Eash and also attended the banquet along with Eash’s family.
Tibbs also serves as an adjunct professor at Trine and as a dual-enrollment instructor in English at Westview for Trine's Department of Humanities and Communication.
Kimberly Bennett, assistant vice president for enrollment management, represented Trine University at the event.
Keynote speaker was Bart Caylor, president and owner of Caylor Solutions. Caylor graduated magna cum laude from Anderson University and is a first-generation student who was honored at the first Realizing the Dream banquet in 1989.
The event is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to the ICI. One out of every three students on ICI campuses is first-generation. Generous financial aid provided by the campuses themselves, combined with state and federal grants, makes a private college education a possibility for all students in Indiana.
Rocky Bleier, who overcame war injuries to help lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships, will highlight Trine University's 21st annual Scholarship Gala, which raises money for student scholarships.
Over 150 Trine University students gathered together in Whitney Commons for the 11th annual PB+J-A-Thon on Jan. 16.
Low-income residents or those with disabilities or limited English proficiency can get their taxes prepared and filed electronically at no cost this spring through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program hosted by Trine University.