Pulliam Trust Awards Largest Single Grant

Kent Agness is a trustee with the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. (photo courtesy IUPUI)

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has awarded the largest single grant in its history to IUPUI. The university says the $3 million endowment will guarantee sustained financial support of the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program, which benefits underresourced students.

The program provides nontraditional students, such as adults with dependents, physical disabilities or involvement in the public foster care system, with resources and financial support to complete their college education. Students taking part in the program receive mentoring and take part in courses and workshops to help address their specific challenges in life and school. 

"Thanks to initiatives like the Nina Scholars program, IUPUI is able to provide the support to students that allows them to succeed today and in the future," IUPUI Chancellor Nassar Paydar said. "We are proud to help all of our students develop the knowledge and skills that help them to remain in school, to graduate and to contribute their talent and knowledge to the Indianapolis community and beyond."

Kent Agness, a trustee with the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, says the endowment allows the trust to ensure the benefit of an education will be available to generations of people who might not otherwise be able to attend college.

IUPUI says since 2001, nearly 80 percent of Nina Scholars at IUPUI have graduated or are still enrolled. More than a third have earned advanced degrees or are currently enrolled in a graduate program.