November 11, 2005

Indianapolis mayor honors Purdue's Science Bound, IPS

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's Science Bound program and the Indianapolis Public Schools today (Friday, Nov. 11) shared the spotlight when Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson honored them with the Excellence in Education Award.

Martin C. Jischke, from left,
Eugene White and Bart Peterson
Download photo
caption below

The monthly award honors students, teachers, groups or schools that have made a significant contribution to public education in Indianapolis and whose excellence inspires others. The presentation took place during the Purdue Executive Roundtable Luncheon at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis.

"Science Bound is an example of a partnership between a premier university and our state's largest school corporation that has truly made a lasting difference in Indianapolis," Peterson said. "Students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go college are excited about learning and can envision themselves crossing the stage to receive their degree. For the young lives that Science Bound and IPS have influenced, they are well deserving of this recognition."

Science Bound, a partnership among Purdue, Indianapolis Public Schools and the Indianapolis business community, was initiated in 2000. After students successfully complete the program, they receive a four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue to study for a science, engineering or technology career.

The five-year-old program, which started with 60 middle-and high-school students, has grown to more than 160 students. The students participate in science-related after-school activities, field trips and summer camps to enrich their academic experience.

Purdue President Martin C. Jischke said the program has had a positive impact on many Indianapolis students.

"From internships and career days to science experiments, archaeological digs and trips to the Indianapolis Symphony, Science Bound students have benefited from so many enriching activities to nurture their interest in education," Jischke said. "We eagerly anticipate the day in 2007 when the first graduates of the Science Bound program begin their studies at Purdue."

Eugene White, superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, said IPS students reap great benefits as soon as they begin the Science Bound program.

"Science Bound has sown a seed which will grow into a lifetime of learning," White said. "I value our partnership with Purdue and look forward to expanding the program and reaching even more young minds."

Robert L. Bowen, CEO of Bowen Engineering Corp. in Fishers, Ind., represents one of Science Bound's many corporate sponsors and supporters. He said he supports Science Bound because it reaches out to students who might not otherwise consider college.

"We win and America wins if we can get more IPS graduates going to Purdue and help them succeed," Bowen said. "The thing that impresses me the most about Science Bound is the commitment of the Purdue staff and the IPS teachers. They are talented, committed, hardworking and skilled."

Other corporate sponsors include:

Bowen and his wife, Terry, also will receive the Outstanding Philanthropist Award presented by the Indiana chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals during the 23rd annual Philanthropy Awards Dinner on Nov. 15. The award will be presented to the Bowens for their support of a variety of projects that have benefited Purdue and students in Indiana.

In addition to serving as lead donors for Science Bound, the Bowens established the Bowen Foundation 11 years ago to provide college scholarships to disadvantaged students in Marion County. Approximately 300 students have received more than $500,000 in scholarships through the foundation. They also funded the Bowen Laboratory for Large-Scale Civil Engineering Research, an $11 million Purdue facility that allows engineers to test structures such as bridges and buildings to determine how they will perform in real-life situations.

Jischke also was honored Thursday (Nov. 10) with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. According to the award criteria, it is given to someone who has demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond and who has given significantly of his or her time and expertise to the Chamber for the betterment of the business community.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Martin Jischke, (765) 494-9708

Wesley Campbell, Science Bound director, (765) 404-0018, wesleyl@purdue.edu

Bart Peterson, (317) 327-3601

Eugene White, (317) 226-4000

Robert Bowen, (317) 842-2616

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

PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue University President Martin C. Jischke, from left, Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Eugene White and Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson talk today (Friday, Nov. 11) after Purdue's Science Bound program received an Excellence in Education Award. The monthly award, presented by the mayor's office, honors students, teachers, groups or schools that have made a significant contribution to public education in Indianapolis and whose work inspires others. Science Bound, a partnership among Purdue, IPS and the Indianapolis business community, was initiated in 2000. IPS students participate in science-related after-school activities, field trips and summer camps. After successfully completing the program, students receive a four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue to study for a science, engineering or technology career. (Purdue New Service photo/David Umberger.)

A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2005/jischke-sciboundaward.jpg