Local family donates, establishes scholarship at Indiana University Kokomo
October 30, 2009
Kokomo, Ind. – Norris “Brownie” Brown always regretted not completing his college degree. Working and supporting his family took first priority. But a scholarship established in his memory at Indiana University Kokomo will help future students achieve their educational goals.
Mr. Brown’s wife of 62 years, Glenna, recently fulfilled her husband’s wishes of giving back to the community through the university – creating the Mr. and Mrs. Norris G. Brown and Family Scholarship. Mr. Brown passed away in January 2008.
“Establishing this scholarship is something my husband always wanted to do,” said Mrs. Brown. “He would comment on the children who lived in our neighborhood and how smart they were. He didn’t want anyone to be deprived of getting a college education.”
Mr. Brown, a lifelong resident of Kokomo, retired after 30 years as an inspector from Delco Electronics. He had completed two years of college, but quit to provide for his family. The Browns have two children, Richard Brown, Kokomo, and Marilynn Crum, of Alpharetta, Georgia.
“With the current economy, it is more important now than ever to get a college education,” Mrs. Brown said.
The first $3,000 scholarship will be awarded for the 2010-2011 academic year, and is designated for an incoming freshman who has graduated from a high school in Howard County, and has a record of academic excellence as demonstrated by a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. The recipient must enroll as a full-time student at IU Kokomo and show financial need.
Each academic year, the recipient will receive a minimum of $3,000 given annually, not to exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books. The scholarship can be renewed to the same individual for four years, provided a minimum 3.0 GPA is maintained. At least one new recipient will be chosen every four years.
Indiana University Kokomo serves a seven county, primary service area in north central Indiana. The campus offers more than 40 academic programs including four graduate degrees.
