Contact Program Contact Office of External Relations (765) 455-9410 Media Contact Anne-Marie Damler OCM (765) 455-9468 adamler@iuk.edu Mary Ellen Stephenson OCM (765) 455-9414 mestephe@iuk.edu

Hillis honored at September 24 Scholarship Gala

KOKOMO, Ind.—Former Congressman Bud Hillis is the Guest of Honor for the Tenth Annual Scholarship Gala, to be held September 24 on the Indiana University Kokomo campus. Gala proceeds benefit students of IU Kokomo and Purdue University College of Technology Kokomo.

“This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of an Indiana University campus in Kokomo,” said Gala co-chairman Pat Williams. “It is truly fitting that the Gala honors Bud Hillis—a Kokomo-born gentleman, a proud IU alumnus, and a long-time friend of both this campus and north central Indiana.”

During Hillis' eight consecutive terms as Indiana's Fifth District Representative in the U.S. Congress (1971–1986), Williams directed his district office in Indiana. Hillis was “a caring public servant,” who distinguished himself through work on the Congressional Auto Task Force, Steel Caucus, and committees on Armed Services and Veterans Affairs, she said.

When Hillis retired from politics, he returned to Kokomo to practice law and became active on IU Kokomo's Chancellor's Advisory Board. As outreach chairman for the campus' mid-1990s Library campaign, he spearheaded the raising of $2 million in community gifts. More recently, he served as honorary co-chair for the campus' Kresge Science Initiative, a successful drive to establish a science equipment endowment.

Hillis has “always given encouragement to any student who wished to pursue higher education,” Williams said.

Williams worked in fundraising capacities for IU Kokomo in the 1990s and chaired the campus scholarship committee. “I saw the importance of donors coming to campus for events such as the Gala,” Williams said. “They can see the campus and meet students who receive scholarships, so that they know where their money is going.”

The Gala will start with a 6 p.m. silent auction and reception, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. In keeping with this year's theme, “Magic Carpet Ride,” the entertainers will include magician Don Miller, tarot card and palm readers Madame Rebecca and Madame Hynds, and the band Saalam, playing mood music of the Middle East.

For reservations, contact the IU Kokomo Office of External Relations, (765) 455-9410.

The 2005 Scholarship Gala Committee includes Williams' co-chair Linda Bielewicz and members Marla Achor, Joyce Bower, Russell and Lei Carson, Anna Chaplin,

Kathy Coppola, Deanna Crispen, Cheryl Currens, Chérie Dodd, Leann Gates,

George Hopkins, Debbie King, Nancy Land, Rita Martin, Jennifer McMullen, Betty Ortman, Mae Padfield, Maryann Redmon, Kathy Reel, and Laura Sheets. Mary Jane Merchant is event coordinator.