Purdue News

February 8, 2002 New scholarships target older undergrads WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Applications are now being accepted for the new Helen B. Schleman Scholarship for beginning or continuing non-traditional undergraduate students at Purdue. The scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of financial need, educational and career focus, and letters of recommendation, will provide a minimum of $1,000 per academic year but could be considerably more depending on the applicant. The application deadline is March 1. Helen B. Schleman began her Purdue career in 1934 as director of the university's first women's residence hall. After a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves during World War II, she returned to the West Lafayette campus as dean of women from 1947 to 1968. Schleman Hall is named for her. In the 1960s, Schleman noticed that many of the wives of students were not involved in the educational environment at Purdue. Her concern resulted in the development of the Span Plan Program, which provides services to students age 24 and older to support and encourage their education at Purdue. The new Helen B. Schleman Scholarship is a reflection of her commitment to the educational needs of older, non-traditional students. In keeping with her special concern that women receive an education, preference will be given to female applicants. Application forms are available in the Office of the Dean of Students, Schleman Hall, Room 207. The completed form, along with high school and any post-secondary institution transcripts, an essay and three letters of recommendation, must be returned to the Dean of Student's Office by March 1 for consideration. CONTACT: Betsy Smithka, associate dean of students, (765) 494-8698, cjsmithka@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page