Ivy Tech named to First Scholars Network
Also, Kiwanis awards scholarships; Linda Stroup memorial June 24
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The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, recently announced Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo as one of 76 new members of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24. To be selected as a First Scholars Network member, Ivy Tech Kokomo displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
“We are extremely honored to be selected as a First Scholars Network Member by the Center for First-generation Student Success,” said Dr. Theresa Murphy, vice chancellor for Student Success for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area. “From the first point of engagement with our admissions team through to graduation, we want our students who will be the first in their families to graduate from college to know that our campus community is here to support and celebrate them.”
The Kokomo Campus is the first Ivy Tech Community College service area to gain this recognition.
Powered by the Center for First-generation Student Success, the First Scholars Network is a four-phase approach that allows institutions of higher education to advance student success through establishing communities of practice, gaining knowledge of resources, and establishing peer networks. More than 350 institutions of higher education have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.
"Becoming a first-generation college student is a unique and memorable experience. I know because I am a proud first-generation college graduate,” said Tashona Jones, Ivy Tech Kokomo’s director of student success and retention who works with many of the College’s first-generation students. “It is exciting to be a part of a network that will guide us in promoting increased awareness about our first-gen population as well as how to support them to meet their educational goals.”
Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with the Center for First-generation Student Success, said the center is pleased to welcome Ivy Tech Kokomo into the First Scholars Network.
“Through the application process, it was evident that Ivy Tech Kokomo is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population,” Whitley said.
In this first phase of the First Scholars Network, selected institutions participated in the First Scholars Network Virtual Kick-off on June 2. As a network member, interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.
After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions progress to the second phase, First-gen Forward, after which they are eligible to become a First Scholars Institution. First Scholars is the third phase of the First Scholars Network and serves as the center’s customized approach to intentional institutional transformation in an effort to advance student outcomes. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as a First Scholars Champion Campus.
“Being named as a network member of the First Scholars Network is an exciting opportunity for Ivy Tech Kokomo to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2023 Network Members and know Ivy Tech Kokomo will be a significant contributor.”
To learn more about first-generation efforts at Ivy Tech Kokomo, contact Tashona Jones at tjones758@ivytech.edu. To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.
Kiwanis Club awards $6,000 in scholarships
The Kiwanis Club of Kokomo Foundation awarded $6,000 in scholarships at its June meeting. Each of the six scholars chosen will receive $1,000 each. Included in the picture are:
Front Row: Madilyn Brown, Lewis Cass HS
Caroline Long, Western HS (Girls’ Basketball Scholarship)
Clayton Griswold, Northwestern HS
Edwin Leong, Western HS
Ava Cothern, Kokomo HS
Alli DeYoung, Eastern HS
Second Row: Dan Dunn, Scott Deyoe, Mike Imbler, Linda Clark, Darrell Blasius, Randy Rusch, Melody Sumpter, Paula Adair (members of the Kokomo Kiwanis Foundation).
Memorial for Linda Stroup on June 24
Linda Stroup was a Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer in Howard County for 38 years. On Jan. 21, she passed away, a victim of dementia. On Sat., June 24, her family and friends will have a celebration of her birthday, her life, and the legacy she left behind.
“She changed hundreds if not thousands of people's lives for the better,” said Ralphie Stroup, her brother.
The celebration will include the lighting and release of memorial lanterns at 10:15 p.m. Lanterns can be purchased at Best Price Fireworks.
“We can't have everybody in my sister's back yard, but it would be awesome if maybe some others whose lives she changed could light a lantern as well,” said Stroup.