Trine's Neely honored with first-generation college students

INDIANAPOLIS (11/06/2017) — Mathew Neely, a Trine University student from Huntington, was among 30 students honored by the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the 28th annual "Realizing the Dream" banquet.

Neely is a sophomore majoring in exercise science.

The event, held at the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing, recognized first-generation students attending ICI campuses who were selected by their colleges for outstanding achievement in their freshman year.

Each honored student received a $2,500 check to help with college costs, and the "most influential" teacher/mentor chosen by each students received a $1,000 professional development grant. Ruth Reed, a teacher at Huntington North High School, was selected by Neely and attended the banquet along with Neely's family.

Heather Kim, assistant vice president and dean of admission, represented Trine University at the event.

Keynote speaker was Valparaiso University alumna Emily Trimble, who manages Tech Point's Indy Women in Tech program, inspiring women and female students of all ages to pursue opportunities in the technology field.

The event is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to the ICI. One out of every three students on ICI campuses is first-generation. Generous financial aid provided by the campuses themselves, combined with state and federal grants, makes a private college education a possibility for all students in Indiana.

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Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology, Ketner School of Business, College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Franks School of Education, Jannen School of Arts & Sciences and Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 23 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Indiana, and education resource centers throughout Indiana and Michigan.

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From left, Emily Trimble, manager, Indy Women in Tech Program, Tech Point, Indianapolis; Mathew Neely; Ruth Reed, Huntington North High School; and Dr. David Wantz, President and CEO, Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc., at the 28th annual “Realizing the Dream” banquet.

Trine University student Mathew Neely stands with Ruth Reed, teacher at Huntington North High School. Neely was honored by the Independent Colleges of Indiana at its 28th annual “Realizing the Dream” banquet and selected Reed as his most influential teacher.