Trine sophomore honored
for 'Realizing the Dream'

Britney A. Browning receives
$2,000 for her college efforts

ANGOLA, Ind. – A Trine University sophomore from Versailles was among 31 first-generation college students from Indiana’s independent colleges and universities who was celebrated Saturday, Nov. 10.

Britney A. Browning, a Trine mechanical engineering major, was nominated for the award for being the first in her family to go to college and for “outstanding achievement” her freshmen year. She is the daughter of Janet Browning and William Browning, both of Madison.

Made possible by a Lilly Endowment grant to Independent Colleges of Indiana, the 23rd annual Realizing the Dream banquet recognized first-generation students, nominated by their respective ICI schools, along with their families and the teachers who most inspired the students. Each honored students will receive $2,000 for college costs, and each student’s selected “most influential” teacher will receive $1,000.

Browning said her most influential teacher is Wanda Ploeger of South Ripley High School in Versailles.

The banquet was Saturday evening at Hilton Indianapolis North, Indianapolis. The keynote speaker was Alan Hill, vice president for enrollment and marketing at Franklin College. A first-generation college student, Hill is a DePauw University alumnus and has held various positions there, as well as at Alma College in Michigan.

John Shannon, Ph.D., Trine’s vice president for Academic Affairs,attended the banquet along with Browning and her family.