The Ball State Women's Club presented three $1,000 scholarships to a group of non-traditional students Wednesday evening.
Well, almost.
Only one of the scholarship recipients, Shamus Driver, was able to accept his scholarship in person at the Women's Club annual Salad Carry-in. The other two recipients, Pamela Filby and Jamie Magargel, were both ill the night of the event and unable to attend.
The three scholarships are all named after famous members of the organization, including Sandra Worthen, the wife of former university president and Worthen Arena namesake, John Worthen.
Driver, the recipient of the Margaret Bum Scholarship, said he is grateful for the scholarship.
"It's very generous of the Women's Club," he said. "It's really nice for organizations to offer scholarships like this."
Driver is a chemistry major, and is looking into a Ph.D in environmental science. He said he is also a teaching assistant in the chemistry department and the event coordinator for the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society.
Sue Taylor, assistant director of Alumni Affairs, said the part of the criteria of being a non-traditional student means the recipient usually has a five year gap between high school and college.
Between graduating high school and attending Ball State, Driver spent 13 years working several different jobs, attending various colleges part-time and caring for three children — his son, daughter and niece. Driver also served in the military.
Before he began attending Ball State, Driver studied at Indiana University-Kokomo, but made the switch due to the quality of the staff in the chemistry department.
"The professors are just really focused on helping the students," he said.
Driver said he would like to earn his Ph.D in chemistry or another related field and spend his life in academics.
"I figure if I've already gotten this far," he said with a laugh. "Why not go all the way?"
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
