IU East and its community supporters have helped to increase scholarship funds awarded for the 2005-2006 academic year by 11.9 percent, with funds totaling nearly $288,000.

"We are thrilled to announce a second consecutive year of double-digit percentage increase for scholarship funds available," said Brent Pieper, executive director of university advancement at IU East.

This year, three new or first-time awarded scholarships were handed out to students. Awarded for the first time to IU East students was the Bette G. Davenport Alumni Scholarship. New scholarships include the Evelyn L. Davis Memorial Scholarship for a Wayne County student and the Richard E. Hart Memorial Scholarship for Union County students attending IU East. In addition, Dunn Center has added two $1,000 scholarships to the Bill Delk Scholarship, bringing the total to seven $1,000 scholarships, three in nursing and four in social work.

The Davenport Alumni Scholarship was awarded to Sherri Hickey of Richmond. The $1,000 scholarship was established in honor of Davenport, who served as the IU East director of alumni relations for 27 years.

The Davis Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Coy McNew of Richmond. Tambrey Williamson, director of IU East annual fund/donor relations, and other family members and friends, established the scholarship in remembrance of her mother. The $500 scholarship is awarded to one incoming freshman student. Davis was a Williamsburg resident who died in 2000.

Two Union County students received $500 awards from the newly established Richard E. Hart Memorial Scholarship. Recipients are Jessica Morgan and Shawnna Collett, both of Liberty. Hart was a resident of Liberty who had returned after living away from the community for a number of years. Upon his death last July, Hart wanted to challenge all residents of Union County to help insure higher education for more of its residents by establishing the scholarship fund. Two students will be chosen for the award each year.

For more information on financial aid at IU East, students should contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at 765-973-8206. Individuals interested in setting up a scholarship fund should contact Tambrey Williamson at 765-973-8277.