IU Southeast provides many opportunities in order to help students pay for college. Recently, a new scholarship was created for students majoring in science, technology, engineering or math.

The scholarship is rewarded to members in the community who are interested in going to IU Southeast and want to study topics within the School of Natural Science.

The Kevin Nelson Hammersmith Scholarship, honors the late Director of Government and Community Relations at Duke Energy, Kevin Hammersmith, and is directed toward students involved in the New Albany community.

The scholarship was created by IU Southeast in partnership with Duke Enege through the Duke Energy Foundation.

Hammersmith was a Purdue graduate and spent his last ten years on the Clarksville Community Development Board as well as, serving as chairman to other organizations in the community, such as Parks and Recreation.

Hammersmith served six years on the IU Southeast Board of Advisers and showed unwavering support for education.

The idea of the scholarship was proposed only one year after his death.

Melissa Weissinger, development officer for IU Southeast, said Hammersmith was very involved within the community.

“Kevin was a hard-working man who was good at his job,” Weissinger said. “But where he really thrived was being an active member in the community.”

Weissinger said the school has raised an additional $5,000 to the already $25,000 grant given by the Duke Energy Foundation.

“Kevin was a volunteer and on the board of advisers for a non-profit organization,” Weissinger said. “Without people like Kevin Hammersmith to take on those responsibilities they wouldn’t be successful.”

Pat Moore, south district manager at Duke Energy, said he was close to Hammersmith and is constantly reminded of him.

“He was an excellent representative for our company,” Moore said. “He mixed well with what we want our company to represent and since taking over Kevin’s position after he passed, I am reminded by associates every day.”

Moore also said the scholarship is a great way to honor Hammersmith.

Moore hopes the meaning of the scholarship will encourage the recipients to be more involved in the community.

Information about the scholarship can be found at the Financial Aid Office located in University Center.

The first Kevin Nelson Hammersmith Scholarship will be awarded for the fall of 2014 and will continue to be awarded annually to students in the School of Natural Sciences

By MYCHAL HARRIS

Staff

myharris@ius.edu