A Legacy of Generosity: Transforming Lives Through Scholarships

At IU Indianapolis, students and student success will always be our north star. As we close out another year on the Indianapolis campus, we are reminded of the extraordinary impact our alumni have on our students and their success. Two recent gifts exemplify this commitment: the Lacy and Patricia Johnson Scholars Scholarship and the Simon J. Rhodes Legacy Scholarship, made possible by Kent Hawryluk. These gifts highlight the transformative power of generosity and the enduring bond between our alumni and IU Indianapolis.

Lacy and Patricia Johnson: Empowering IPS Students

Thanks to a $2.8 million gift from Lacy M. Johnson and his wife Patricia, the Lacy and Patricia Johnson Scholars Scholarship will provide up to $5,000 annually to five Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) graduates. This partnership between IU Indianapolis and IPS—rooted in the Seamless Admissions program—simplifies the pathway to college and provides a direct path for IPS students to join our university community.

The Johnsons’ support goes beyond this scholarship. Their longstanding advocacy for minority students in STEM and business programs further demonstrates their dedication to equity in education and community transformation.

Kent Hawryluk: Pioneering STEM Opportunities

Kent Hawryluk, a proud alumnus of the School of Science at IU Indianapolis and President, CEO, and co-founder of MBX Biosciences, recently announced a $1 million endowment to establish the Simon J. Rhodes Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship will support freshmen and sophomores in the School of Science who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence, with a preference for students from IPS or Marion County schools.

Kent’s generosity reflects his own journey and the mentorship he received from former Dean Simon J. Rhodes. As Kent describes it, “Simon is a close friend and mentor. He has had a major influence on my life and career path. I know firsthand what a caring, gracious, visionary, and inspiring educator he is”—capture the essence of the bond between alumni and our university.

By honoring Rhodes, this scholarship continues a legacy of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for underrepresented students. Kent’s generosity underscores the importance of STEM in driving Indiana’s economic growth and supporting hardworking students as they pursue their educational dreams.

A Bright Future Ahead

The gifts from Lacy and Patricia Johnson and Kent Hawryluk represent more than financial support—they are investments in the aspirations of future generations. These scholarships open doors for students who might otherwise find higher education out of reach, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to succeed.

To Lacy, Patricia, Kent, and all our alumni and donors: thank you for believing in the promise of our students and the mission of IU Indianapolis.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor