Gibson refocuses ISU scholarships toward diversity

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — A South Bend-based insurance firm is refocusing two endowed scholarships at Indiana State University. Gibson says the scholarships, financial details for which were not disclosed, will help in its effort to diversify the insurance industry workforce. 

The firm says the Gibson ISU Alumni Scholarship and the Leman Family Scholarship, were created to support ISU students who are pursuing degrees in the university’s Insurance and Risk Management Program.

Beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year, Gibson says, the scholarships will prioritize support for minority and female students in the program.

“We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about who we are and how we can be more intentional in bringing more diversity into Gibson and our industry,” Tim Leman, chief executive officer of Gibson, said in a news release. “So why wouldn’t we look to build upon our relationship with Indiana State, arguably the most diverse state school in Indiana, and help them grow the minority enrollment in one of their most highly regarded programs, Insurance and Risk Management?”

Gibson says its relationship with ISU and the Scott College of Business goes back more than 30 years. The company employs 15 ISU graduates, including Leman himself.

“Gibson has been a loyal supporter of ISU. Their ongoing engagement has helped our students earn their degrees and pursue their careers in the insurance industry,” said Terry Daugherty, dean of the Scott College of Business. “It is exciting how they are reinvigorating their support of their scholarships at Indiana State to match the needs of our university and their industry.”