Public research universities association to honor Purdue's Jischke

Martin C. Jischke

The group's Commission on Human Resources and Social Change established the award to honor an individual who has made significant contributions within five major focus areas that include broadening access in higher education and creating partnerships to effect social change. Jischke will be presented the award at the association's 119th annual meeting in Houston.

"Dr. Jischke has been a champion of diversity and has expanded access to higher education throughout his career," said Alysa Christmas Rollock, vice president for human relations at Purdue and a member of the commission's executive committee. "Through programs such as the Purdue Opportunity Awards, which pays tuition, room and board for Hoosier high-need freshmen and the Purdue Science Bound Program, which mentors Indianapolis public school students, Dr. Jischke has left a lasting impression on Indiana."

The Purdue Opportunity Awards program gives students who may not have been able to attend college due to finances, personal hardships or other extenuating circumstances a way to further their education.

The Purdue Science Bound program is a 5-year commitment that helps 8th through 12th grade students gain acceptance to Purdue through activities on- and off-campus that involve their families and mentor teachers. Those who complete the program and gain acceptance to Purdue in an approved field receive a full-tuition scholarship to Purdue for eight semesters.

"As leader of three land-grant institutions and numerous national organizations and commissions, Dr. Jischke has used his position to provide opportunities for those who are underrepresented in higher education," Rollock said. "He leads by example."

Jischke is the university's 10th president. He just completed his tenure as chairman of the Association of American Universities, which represents the top 62 research universities in North America, and is the current chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors. He also serves on President George W. Bush's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Founded in 1887, the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges is the nation's oldest higher education association. A voluntary association of more than 200 public universities, land-grant institutions and many of the nation's public university systems, campuses are located in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Its members support excellence in teaching, research and public service.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Source: Alysa Christmas Rollock, (765) 494-5830, acrollock@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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