April 01, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Mia Diaz, a Trine University sophomore from Goshen, Indiana, majoring
in exercise science on the 3+3 direct entry pathway for physical therapy, was one
of 29 first-generation Indiana college students named as a “Realizing the Dream” recipient
by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
The scholarship recipients, one from each of Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities, were celebrated at a banquet on March 1 at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis.
Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the scholarship program annually recognizes first-generation college students from ICI colleges and universities. Students are selected for the $4,000 award for outstanding achievement as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.
To honor recipients, ICI created individual videos of each student describing what it means to them to be a first-generation college student and thanking the influential educator they have chosen to honor. Videos can be found at icindiana.org/rtd.
“One word that came to mind when thinking what the scholarship would do for my education was success, because that’s what I always strive for,” Diaz says in the video.
Diaz has received President’s List honors each semester she has been at Trine and is part of the University Choir.
In addition, the influential educators receive $1,000 in professional development grants.
Diaz honored Kristen Tropf, her English teacher at Goshen High School.
“She helped me achieve my college goals by always encouraging me to do well in school,” said Diaz. “She was very caring and a great listener to my possible future careers. Even though I wasn’t 100 percent certain what I wanted to do, she was very supportive.”
“Thanks to the continued support of Lilly Endowment, we get the opportunity to hear the inspiring stories of these first-generation students and the impact local educators have had on their drive to succeed academically,” said Dottie L. King, ICI’s president & CEO. “These scholarship awards will provide critical support for these young people who are dreaming of future success.”
About Independent Colleges of Indiana
Independent Colleges of Indiana serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, non-profit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
The Trine University Chamber Orchestra, directed by Music Department Director Brad Jopek, DMA, will hold its spring concert on Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. in the Ryan Concert Hall of the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.
Trine University has announced the schedule for Storm Into Summer, the university’s first conference for K-12 educators.
Trine University and Freedom Academy are partnering to offer adult learners a path to advanced nursing degrees.