IU alumni create scholarship for continuing studies

John Besson and wife Linda are both strong members of the IU family.

The Bessons both attended graduate school at IU and have devoted years of service to the University throughout their careers. John is still the executive director of external relations for the IU School of Continuing Studies, and Linda worked at the IU School of Medicine for 25 years.

The Bessons have found a new way to contribute to the University through a scholarship they have created to aid Ivy Tech Community College graduates in continuing their education to receive a bachelor’s degree from IU.

“We really became interested in leaving a legacy. This scholarship will now exist forever,” John said of his and his wife’s decision to make this donation.

The Bessons made an initial donation of $10,000 to the John P. and Linda A. Besson Ivy Tech Community College/IU School of Continuing Studies Scholarship and have already continued to add to the fund along with fellow family members.

“We believe in the idea of education for all people, and we really do want IU to work aggressively with the community college system,” John said. “Plus, we decided that our six kids didn’t need the money. They’re actually contributing to the fund as well.”

John added that they are working to find organizations and other individuals who can contribute to this scholarship to help it grow and develop.

The Besson scholarship will be given to applicants who are in the final semester of an associate’s degree program from any Ivy Tech campus in the state, have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and demonstrate financial need.

“It all depends on how many people apply and what their need is,” John said. “We’re asking Ivy Tech campuses to nominate students for the scholarship.”

John said exact amounts and the number of scholarships that will be administered have not yet been decided, but the first scholarships will be awarded for fall 2011 for about $1,000.

“We’re trying to help eliminate the sticker shock barrier,” John said. “The purpose is to make it financially viable for Ivy Tech graduates to continue their studies through IU.”

— Lindsey Mohlman