University of Evansville to receive $500K for endowed scholarships
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The former chairman of the University of Evansville board of trustees plans to donate $500,000 toward endowed scholarships at the school.
M. Stephen Harkness, a 1970 graduate of the university, has designated the gift to benefit five endowed scholarships with a special emphasis on students from Wood Memorial High School in Oakland City area, the university said. Harkness is a 1966 graduate of the school, what was then called Oakland City High School.
Harkness, the former president of Duke Energy Generation Services, has now donated nearly $1.2 million to the university for scholarships, capital projects and operational funding.
“Steve Harkness’ generosity has already made an immeasurable impact on the University of Evansville. His friendship to us has been invaluable as he has provided graciously through his philanthropy, volunteerism, and as an active alumnus,” Abigail L. Werling, vice president for university advancement, said in the news release. “This gift ensures that his dedication to student success will continue in perpetuity, creating significant opportunities for generations of Aces.”
After graduating from UE with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Harkness later earned a master’s in business administration from Indiana University.
He joined the university’s board of trustees in 2006 after serving on its board of visitors. He served as the board of trustees president from 2014 to 2017.
“I am proud to support the University of Evansville and its students,” said Harkness, a 2011 winner of the UE Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. “UE played a pivotal role in shaping my career and values, and I want to ensure that future students have the same opportunities for success.”
Established in 1854, UE is a private, liberal arts and sciences-based university that serves more than 2,000 undergraduate, graduate and adult students.