‘Realizing the Dream’ recognizes Trine student

INDIANAPOLIS — Garrett Adams, a Trine University sophomore from Greenfield, Indiana, majoring in mechanical and electrical engineering, was one of 29 first-generation Indiana college students named as a “Realizing the Dream” recipient by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).

The scholarship recipients, one from each of Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities, were celebrated at a banquet on Feb. 24 at the Eiteljorg Museum.

Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the scholarship program annually recognizes first-generation college students from ICI colleges and universities. Students are selected for the $4,000 award for outstanding achievement as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.

Adams was part of the university’s Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV) team, usually made up of only seniors, during his freshman year. He completed a co-op related to his BUV experience last spring.

To honor recipients, ICI created individual videos of each student describing what it means to them to be a first-generation college student and thanking the influential educator they have chosen to honor. Videos can be found at icindiana.org/rtd. 

In addition, the influential educators receive $1,000 in professional development grants. 

Adams honored Andrew Shores, who was his Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry and Calculus teacher at Morristown Jr./Sr. High School.

“He showed me how neat all of these mathematical principles are, where they are in life and gave me a new opportunity to see the world through a different lens,” Adams said.

“Thanks to the continued support of Lilly Endowment, we get the opportunity to hear the inspiring stories of these first-generation students and the impact local educators have had on their drive to succeed academically,” said Dottie L. King, ICI’s president and CEO. “These scholarship awards will provide critical support for these young people who are dreaming of future success.” 

About Independent Colleges of Indiana

Independent Colleges of Indiana serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, non-profit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.