June Focus: Celebrating Scholarship Honorees
Sharing Their Legacies
AS WE CLOSE THE THRILL OF SCHOLARSHIP SEASON here at the Foundation, it’s important to reflect not just on the newly announced grantees, but also the honorees who have created a living legacy through a named scholarship fund. Their philanthropic gifts provide students with exceptional opportunities to pursue higher education, whatever their interests, background, or field of study.
Scholarships can change the lives of students, and they mark a dedication to improving our community at large. When young people are given the chance to follow their passion, whether it be academic or otherwise, they gain not only confidence but also the chance at a more robust, fulfilling life. Donors are essential to making this happen. Every named scholarship is a story told, and here we share just a few of those stories.
Gary W. Addison
When he was a student, Gary Addison had received scholarship awards that gave him the means to attend college. Now, he’s paying it forward to future generations. “I thought, ‘Somebody helped me in college; maybe I can start a scholarship.’ Every little bit helps,” says Gary.
After 36 years of teaching in the Muncie School systems, Gary was concerned by teacher shortages, and he wanted to make a lasting change. In his mission to encourage future teachers, he established the Gary W. Addison Scholarship in 2010 to financially assist a Delaware County high school graduate planning to major in K-12 education. He is hopeful that this fund will grow to one day support full-tuition scholarships.
Gary also contributes to his community through volunteering, and he has served as a president of the Optimist International Foundation and as a board member of the Cornerstone Center for the Arts. By supporting future teachers, this fund will shape the future of education for generations to come.
Dr. Albert O. Miller
“Cowan is a very small school with a very high-quality education. The school gave me a good education and a good foundation from the beginning, without which I wouldn’t have proceeded to the doctoral level,” says Dr. Albert Miller on his motivations for charitable giving. A Cowan High School graduate, Albert is passionate about education and understands that it’s “very critical to get children on the right track at an early age.”
Now, Albert is doing what he can to make sure that other students have the same opportunities he did. In 2012, he established the Dr. Albert O. Miller Scholarship to support a graduating Cowan senior with at least a 3.2 GPA. It was important to Albert that he establish the fund during his lifetime so that he could see the impacts of his philanthropy firsthand.
Albert’s endowed scholarship has already been granted to Cowan students, among whom planned to study human life science, secondary education, and cyber security at Indiana schools. This endowment will continue to support Cowan seniors for years to come, something Albert is proud to have a hand in.
Ross Family
Carol Ross had recognized many of the obstacles that came with raising two autistic children, but one she wasn’t prepared for was the lack of scholarships available to her sons. “When my older son was looking to go to college, there weren’t any scholarships specifically for kids on the spectrum,” said Carol. “He was lucky enough to get academic scholarships, but... there was just nothing there for him.”
Carol believes this indicates a larger pattern in which students with disabilities are often discouraged from pursuing higher education. Carol, who worked in education, says this system is far outdated. “These kids are more than able and capable of going to either junior colleges or community schools. There’s more out there for them to do – you just have to let them know it’s available.”
The Ross family decided to change the story for other families, establishing the Ross Family Autism Scholarship for Delaware County high school students looking to pursue college. Recipients must be diagnosed with Autism, hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and participate in extracurricular activities and service, which Carol believes “shows that they have made steps forward” on a path toward higher education.
Note: We have used a mix of Person-First and Identity-First language in alignment with current equity movements in the autism community. We write out of a place of respect and aim to validate and affirm all identities.
Charles and Jane Thomas
Charles and Jane Thomas spent 25 years physically soaring above their community as licensed pilots. Yet their charitable works on solid ground were also a soaring example of community care and philanthropy.
The couple were long-time churchgoers, and both were Elders at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, where Jane was also the financial secretary for 15 years. Both Charles and Jane were involved with organizations throughout the community, with Charles helping to found the local Junto Club and Jane giving tours at Minnetrista for years. Both delivered Meals on Wheels in Delaware County and were proud Ball State alumni.
In 2010, the couple established the Charles W. and Jane (Klipsch) Thomas Scholarship to financially assist a Delaware County high school graduate. The student must hold at least a 3.0 GPA and plan on attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university. To be eligible, applicants must not be the recipient of another major scholarship – an intentional decision made by the Thomas family to honor students with a desire to learn who may not be the top of their class.
While Charles passed away in 2021, his legacy is carried on by his loving wife Jane and by their family’s impact on the community.
Make a Difference
Caring, giving donors are key to developing an enduring source of charitable assets to benefit our community today, tomorrow, and always.