Award honors students who overcome difficulties

The IU Graduate and Professional Student Organization and the University Graduate School are now accepting nominations for the Pari Prerana (Essence of Inspiration) Award.\nThis award recognizes graduate students who have overcome a severe physical or other health-related difficulty.\n“This award was created by a graduate student who wanted to recognize those overcoming challenges,” said James Wimbush, dean of the University Graduate School. “It is an anonymous gift from him and his family.”\nA selection committee is being set up to look through applications.\n“Once a student is selected for the award, they can talk about (what they have overcome) and use it as an inspiration story,” an anonymous donor said.\nStudents can be nominated by professors, advisers, work supervisors or fellow graduate students, Wimbush said. Students can also nominate themselves.\n“We really want students to nominate other students,” the donor said. “We want to honor and recognize these people’s struggles as well as to do something for the community.”\nApplications are available on the Graduate and Professional Student Organization Web site at www.indiana.edu/~gpso/resources/funding/pariprerana/pariprerana.php.\n“The recipient of the award will receive a cash award and a certificate or a plaque to show their accomplishment,” Wimbush said.\nThe recipient of the award will be recognized during the graduate recognition ceremony, which will be held April 22.\n“This award (is possible) because a current student wanted to support and recognize those who have to struggle,” Wimbush said. “He wanted to give back. It is fantastic, and I encourage others to do things like this, as well.”