2 students receive scholarship in honor of Buckman

This summer, a life was remembered through the gift of education.

In August, the James E. Buckman Memorial Scholarship/Fellowship was awarded to Kelley Master of Science in Information Systems students Erika Barrios and Jarrett Crusor.

The scholarship was given by IU graduates Justin Greis and Katharine Greis in memory of Katherine’s father, James E. Buckman.

On Sept. 10, 2007, Buckman was killed in an auto accident. He was the co-owner of BBJ Linen, according to an Ernst & Young press release.

The scholarship established in his name was matched by Ernst & Young, where Justin Greis is a manager within IT Advisory Services. Aside from his scholarship donations, Justin is also an adjunct faculty member in the MSIS program.

The scholarship/fellowship presented to incoming graduate students is based on outstanding achievements in the field of information technology and business.

Crusor graduated from Purdue University in 2005 with a B.S. in electrical and computer technology. Following graduation, Crusor took a consulting job at Hewlett-Packard.

This fall, Crusor decided to continue his education through the MSIS program. He views this time as an opportunity to further his understanding of business and how IT can solve business problems.

Aside from opening his mind to the business value in integrating information solutions, Crusor also wants to pursue an MBA. In the near future, he would like to become a successful management consultant and be able to help businesses succeed.

Moreover, Crusor wants to one day be in a position where he too can give a fellowship such as the one he received.

“The classes are not necessarily going to be any easier, but it is good to know that there is someone here supporting you,” Crusor said.

Barrios, a recent IU graduate, also began the MSIS program this fall.

She said she felt honored to receive the scholarship in memory of a philanthropic man who had a passion for education. She feels privileged to be able to represent the Buckman family.

The finance and international business majors Barrios graduated with led to an interest in how IT and business work together. She views the one-and-a-half-year program as a great opportunity to get a master’s and connect the two subjects.

Barrios wants to be able to bring a business background into IT. She understands that this knowledge is important in the business world, and it is something that many people lack.

“As of now I want to be an IT analyst,” Barrios said. “In the future I may want to come back to get an MBA, but I want to wait and see.”

Barrios and Crusor offered advice for students aiming for this type of scholarship.
“Work hard, be optimistic and let your achievements speak for themselves,” Crusor said.