Two estate gifts nearly double IU Office of Disability Services' scholarship funding
The Indiana University Bloomington Office of Disability Services for Students has received two estate gifts that will nearly double the amount of available scholarship support the office distributes annually.
The estate of Peggy McIntire Graves has provided additional funding for the Clarence R. McIntire and Peggy Thomas McIntire Scholarship Fund for Physically Handicapped Students, which was established in 1987. The estate of Anne Gurecki will provide scholarship support for disadvantaged students with a special emphasis on students with substantial speech, language or hearing impairments. Combined, the two funds will provide more than $25,000 in annual scholarship support.
"Approximately 1,000 students are served every academic year by the Office of Disability Services for Students. By providing another avenue of support, these new scholarships reinforce Indiana University’s ongoing efforts to enhance opportunities for our diverse student population, including those with disabilities," Dean of Students Harold "Pete" Goldsmith said. "These gifts are a testament to the good work that continues to go on at IU."
IU alumna Peggy Thomas McIntire's commitment to supporting IU students with disabilities goes back more than 25 years. In 1987, she gave $112,000 to establish IU's first scholarship endowment for students with physical disabilities. The gift was made in honor and memory of her husband, Dr. Clarence R. McIntire, who received a Bachelor of Science in 1944 and a medical degree in 1946 from IU. At the time, she said, "My husband was physically handicapped. If not for Indiana University and the help my husband received, he would not have been able to finish at IU and become a physician."
The Gurecki scholarship estate gift found inspiration in Anne Gurecki's daughter, Rebecca, who received two degrees from IU. Rebecca graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in education, majoring in speech, and in 1972, she received her Master of Art for teachers, majoring in speech and hearing sciences.
"We are indeed grateful to both the McIntire and Gurecki families for their generous support," said Shirley Stumpner, interim director for Disability Services for Students. "Far more than just financial assistance, these new scholarships allow us to recognize students' accomplishments and inspire them to pursue other goals. Additionally, students who are able to list scholarships on their resumes stand out as exceptional when it comes time to pursue a career after graduation."
About the Office of Disability Services for Students
The Office of Disability Services for Students serves students with conditions that significantly affect their ability to participate fully in university life. Coordinators work individually with students on study skills, time management and other success strategies in addition to providing education and outreach to the university community. They also specialize in identifying classroom and testing accommodations to help students with physical, medical, psychiatric and learning disabilities achieve their academic goals. DSS links students to resources essential to their success, including academic support, housing and transportation services, internship and career resources, counseling and support services, and relevant community resources. DSS also offers support to individuals with temporary impairments.
Additional program information is available by visiting the office in the Herman B Wells Library W302, or by contacting iubdss@indiana.edu or 812-855-7578.
