Peoples Bank, Munster, Ind., is funding the Peoples Bank Scholarship at Valparaiso University for students with financial need. Starting next fall, the scholarship will offer $5,000 annually to one deserving freshman for four consecutive years.
The “Peoples Bank Scholar” must be a resident of Lake or Porter counties in Indiana, and will use the financial support to help with tuition, fees, on-campus room and board, and books.
“Higher education plays an essential role in helping Northwest Indiana grow and thrive,” said Benjamin Bochnowski, the bank’s president and CEO. “Rising costs have put higher education out of reach for many deserving students who, with the right resources, would otherwise make greater contributions to the local community.”
Valpo said in a news release that through the scholarship, the Peoples Bank acknowledges the importance of education in developing and enabling a skilled workforce in Northwest Indiana. “Their investment creates opportunity for our students, and I look forward to our continued partnership,” said Valparaiso director of financial aid, Karen Klimcyzk.
Peoples Bank and Valparaiso University have long shared a commitment to preparing young people in the region to lead and serve in their communities. Valpo offers more than $100 million each year to their undergraduate students and was ranked the number-one best value school in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
The bank’s scholarship will support the $250 million campaign, Forever Valpo: The Campaign for Our Future. The university initiative was started in summer 2016 and focuses on raising permanent support for student scholarships, faculty development and leadership programs.
Bochnowski said the bank is proud to partner with Valpo in its mission bring higher education within reach for deserving students. “With a rich history of educating many of the individuals that have made Northwest Indiana the great place it is today, Valparaiso University is a welcome partner for this new scholarship.”