ISU alumni gift $100K to boost hands-on learning
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A pair of alumni who also are former faculty have pledged $100,000 to Indiana State University to help students seeking hands-on learning experiences.
The Jerry and Jan Cockrell Experiential Learning Endowment will give financial aid to students in the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology or the College of Health and Human Services, according to a university news release.
The annual award is geared toward first-generation and non-traditional students who want to obtain internships, summer research programs, laboratory work or similar endeavors.
First preference for the annual award will be given to first-generation students and U.S. military veterans transferring to ISU from a two-year educational institution, the news release said.
“Jerry and Jan have shown an awe-inspiring amount of commitment to Indiana State University in every facet of their lives and careers,” said Andrea Angel, vice president for university advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. “Dedicated Sycamores like the Cockrells play an instrumental role in making the classroom experience at Indiana State the positive experience that it is, and we are so grateful for their bold impact.”
Jerry Cockrell graduated from Indiana State with a bachelor’s degree in electronics technology in 1974 and a master’s degree in industrial professional technology in 1975 and a doctorate in electronics technology in 1984. He later served as a professor of electronics and computer engineering technology before retiring in 2012, ISU said.
Jan Cockrell earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation from Indiana State in 1975. She served the Westminster Village senior living community for 40 years until her retirement in 2021. After retirement, she served as an adjunct faculty member at ISU.
“ISU gave us the opportunity to be successful in our endeavors. We can leave a legacy with this scholarship, but it is helping other students be successful that matters the most,” Jerry Cockrell said in the news release. “We hope this scholarship will enhance the Sycamore experience and let recipients do or discover what they enjoy doing on their path to success.”
The pair have supported the university for more than 30 years and were recipients of the March On! Award in 2021 to recognize their contributions.