News

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Ice Miller LLP announced today that it has established an endowed scholarship at Purdue University. Funds from the $25,000 scholarship will be used to provide financial support to Purdue University students based on academic merit. Fifty percent of the income will be used for scholarships for undergraduates in the College of Agriculture and fifty percent will be used for scholarships for undergraduates enrolled in the Burton D. Morgan Center Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programs.

"Purdue University is synonymous with excellence, tradition and innovation," stated Byron Myers, chief managing partner, Ice Miller LLP. "We are proud to support the university in their continuing mission to foster intellectual, professional and personal development for lifelong learning."

Ice Miller's relationship with Purdue University dates back to the 1920s and Ice Miller attorney Robert McCord. McCord helped draft the building facilities acts of 1927 and 1929, which enabled universities in the state to finance structures payable out of revenues and student fees. According to the book History of a Hoosier Law Firm, Herman B Wells, the long-time President of Indiana University, R.B. Stewart, the Treasurer of Purdue University, and J. Dwight Peterson, together with Mr. McCord, were responsible for establishing the market for the bonds used to finance scores of buildings on the state university campuses. Today, the Firm continues to work with Purdue University on sophisticated financing matters.

In addition to the Firm's support, Ice Miller partner Joe DeGroff and his family have pledged an additional $25,000 to Purdue's Access & Success scholarship campaign. Thanks to a donor match program, the combined gifts from Ice Miller and DeGroff doubled in value to $100,000 in endowed funds for scholarships.

"Purdue University has been an important part of my life and a source of pride for many of my colleagues," stated DeGroff. "It's important to provide opportunities to those students who have shown a willingness to learn in an effort to create opportunities for Indiana and contribute to the global economy."

DeGroff's father, Harold, was a longtime faculty member and dean of the aeronautical engineering school who also taught in the Krannert School. DeGroff is currently a member of Ice Miller's business group and serves on the boards of both the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship and its home, Discovery Park.

The Firm's scholarship announcement was made during the College of Agriculture's Scholarship Banquet on September 27, 2009. Beth Bechdol, director of agribusiness strategies at Ice Miller, represented the Firm at the event attended by scholarship recipients, their families, award sponsors, department heads, academic advisors and other guests. Bechdol has served on the Purdue University's Dean of Agriculture's Advisory Council and is a member of the Purdue Research Foundation's Board of Directors.

“The support of Ice Miller is greatly appreciated by Purdue University and the College of Agriculture,” said Jay Akridge, Dean of the Purdue College of Agriculture. “With the Ice Miller Scholarships, Purdue Agriculture will continue to attract the best and brightest students from Indiana, the nation and the world.”

Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, industries, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; DuPage County, Ill.; and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.icemiller.com.

Nathalie Duval-Couetil
natduval@purdue.edu
765-494-7068