Kramer Family Bridge the Gap Endowed Scholarship established at Indiana State University

The Kramer Family Bridge the Gap Endowed Scholarship has been established at Indiana State University by Indiana State University Foundation Board member and alumnus Kent Kramer and his wife, Jamei. Their $100,000 gift will assist full-time students in their ninth semester or later at the university finish their degrees.

According to an article on Indiana State University’s website, university president Mike Godard was quoted as saying of the gift from the Kramers, “Investing in students in their final stretch of college ensures that financial barriers do not stand in the way of degree completion and provides momentum at a pivotal moment in their academic journey. We are deeply appreciative of alumni and friends like the Kramers, whose generosity speaks to their belief in our students and their determination.”

The Kramer Family Bridge the Gap Endowed Scholarship will give students who are in their ninth semester or later of full-time study toward an undergraduate degree the ability to step over any financial barriers that are in their way of finishing that degree. The scholarship will help the university’s retention rates and student success.

Kramer graduated from Indiana State University in 1990. He earned his degree in management, with his subsequent career including positions with Sam’s Club and Kmart before ending up at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, where he worked his way up to becoming its Chief Executive Officer in 2015. He has remained involved with the university, serving on the Indiana State University Foundation Board and on the university’s strategic plan steering committee. 

The Kramer Family Bridge the Gap Endowed Scholarship was established because of Kramer’s own university experience. He said, “When I entered my ninth semester at Indiana State, I faced a great deal of uncertainty and financial pressure. That chapter of my life left a lasting impression on me and is the reason our family is so passionate about supporting students who find themselves in a similar situation. Indiana State was a transformative experience for me and truly shaped my leadership, career path, and so many of the opportunities that followed. We hope this support will help students cross the finish line and begin their next chapter with confidence.”

Andrea Angel, who serves as the Vice President of University Advancement and as the CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation, said, “Alumni who believe in the power of opportunity strengthen Indiana State’s commitment to degree attainment. Kent and his family care deeply about this university and the students we serve, and their thoughtful contribution reflects a genuine desire to see Sycamores advance and achieve their goals.”

For more information about Indiana State University, visit the school’s website.