Ellington

Returning Baker University students planning to apply for the Alumni Association Scholarship have an added incentive: the chance to win a larger scholarship.

Douglas Adams, president of the alumni association board of directors, said past winners of this scholarship have received $1,000. However, five students will get a larger scholarship this year.

This has been made possible by the 150th Gala held last April. With the help of Baker, the alumni association raised more than $100,000 through table sales and silent and scholarship auctions.

"It was a great event, and (we) are very thankful to all of the donors and with the support (from) the university," Adams said.

Adams also said it is still unknown exactly how much each winner will receive this year, because the group is waiting for the Baker University Board of Trustees to say how much the group is allowed to distribute.

Adams anticipates it will be more than $5,000 total and will announce the actual amount in the near future.

Adams said in order to be considered for this scholarship, current students, either at Baldwin City's campus, the School of Professional and Graduate Studies, or the School of Nursing program, must complete and submit an application by March 24.

Winners from previous years are also allowed to apply again.
In addition, an interview aspect has been added to the process.

"We felt it would add an important dimension to the process," Adams said. "It would help us in selecting the winners because we would get to sit down with the applicants face-to-face and get a better understanding of who they are."

Not only are interviews beneficial to the alumni board, but Adams thinks it will be useful to students, giving them a challenging, real world experience.

Adams said around 50 students applied last year.

"We hope to double the amount of applications this year," Adams said.

Senior Darcey Nance was one the recipients last year.

"I was honored to receive it," Nance said.

Nance said it's important the alumni association awards these scholarships because students will see the example and when they graduate, they will want to give back to Baker.

"In today's economy, the scholarship can make a real difference in the affordability of a Baker education to current students," Thom Sutherland, alumni board member and chair of the scholarship committee, said.

Sutherland said the students they choose are ones who work hard and are involved in their community.

"These are precisely the types of students who make Baker a strong institution and make its alumni proud," Sutherland said.