From the Desk of the Chancellor, Feb. 21, 2011

Chancellor Charles R. Bantz View print-quality image

Congratulations to Christian Lozano, an IUPUI sophomore featured on the cover of the 2010 USA Funds annual report! USA Funds is a nonprofit that has provided more than $100 million in grants and scholarships over the last 10 years. Chris received support from its Indiana Latino Scholarship Fund, including participation in Project Stepping Stone, a college preparatory program he entered while at East Chicago High School in Indiana.

As Chris pursues his bachelor’s degree in business marketing and supply chain management, he is doing just the right things to be successful in college. He’s greatly involved in campus and community life. He is a peer mentor to freshmen and fellow Latinos. He volunteers at the local Ronald McDonald House and chairs the philanthropy committee of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi IN-Theta. IUPUI’s chapter focuses on aid to children suffering from birth defects. He also tutors at George Washington Community School.

Born in Guanajuato, Chris, like 51% of IUPUI’s students, is a first-generation college student. His involvement in student organizations is a great move. It will give him a sense of community and belonging as well as an opportunity to develop leadership skills. Chris has been Ball Hall Council Rep and a member of the Latino Student Association. He is the chairperson for the annual Chavez Dinner. He has earned the Norman Brown Diversity and Leadership Scholarship as well as the Sam H. Jones Freshman Service Scholarship. Chris is off to a great start—thanks to his hard work and determination.

Chris’s story also points to the importance of making sure financing for college is in place. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline is approaching. Tell your, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends to get those applications in! The priority application deadline is March 10.

Comments? Write chancllr@iupui.edu.