IU Northwest recognizes scholarship recipients and philanthropic donors during 2026 gratitude luncheon celebration

On Friday, September 25, IU Northwest scholarship recipients and their philanthropic donors attended a gratitude luncheon celebration in the Moraine Student Center on campus.

Kendra Bartlett, director of development at IU Northwest, circled this date on her calendar several weeks ago, as this is the first gratitude luncheon she has been a part of.

“I’ve really been looking forward to this event, because it brings together the two sides of philanthropy. There’s the generosity of those who choose to invest in our students and the hard work and achievements of the students who receive an award,” Bartlett said.

This also marked the first gratitude luncheon that Chancellor Arrick Jackson was able to attend. While some people might see a scholarship as simply a number, he recognizes the extra benefits that this support provides for the students.

“On paper, a scholarship can look just like a number and a financial aid statement, but behind every scholarship is a person who looked at a student they may have never met and said, ‘I believe in you,’” Jackson said. “About 83% of the students who attend IU Northwest are working as well as moving towards their degree, so the scholarships really help with that financial cost of supporting the education here. It’s more than just helping someone earn a degree, but also helping them breathe better.”

Dr. Andrae Marak, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, added to this statistic on working students. He noted that over 40% of IU Northwest students work full-time, with 60% of students on campus in financial need.

“It’s worth noting that the number one reason why students drop out is because they can’t afford to continue. Finance is a real barrier for students,” Marak said. “In some ways, it’s worse to start pursuing a degree and not finish it. Student debt is the one thing that you can’t get forgiven if you go through bankruptcy; it actually puts you behind the eight ball. That’s why this investment in our students is a meaningful way to change that.”

During the program, IU Northwest recognized a student for being the recipient of the Helen J. Danko Nursing Scholarship. This goes to an undergraduate student enrolled in the School of Nursing at IU Northwest, which is determined by a scholarship committee at the university. The recipient of the scholarship was Britni Stevens.

Stevens was honored to receive this recognition, as it represents a triumphant turn-around in her life. Several years ago, her life changed when she was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms, spending more than a year of her life in appointments and procedures. After long clinical days, countless exams, and undesirable road blocks along the way, Stevens has an opportunity to achieve her dream.

“Years ago, I was the patient lying in the hospital bed, hoping someone would make me feel safe. Soon, I will have the privilege of being the nurse standing beside the bed,” Stevens said. “When that day comes, a small part of the care I give to every patient will exist because someone believed that my future was worth investing in.”

Helen J. Danko, philanthropic donor at IU Northwest, shared her appreciation for the long-term commitment that Stevens and other scholarship recipients have invested to earn their degree.

“Long after I’m no longer here, part of my estate will go toward the scholarships. It is an honor to be a part of IU Northwest and support the students for all the good things that they will achieve,” Danko said.

With these scholarships, the students have an opportunity to build confidence and set themselves up for the best chance at achieving their dreams.

“One scholarship can change far more than one life; it can change generations. I encourage us all to connect, share stories, ask questions, laugh a little, and enjoy the human connection behind these scholarships,” Jackson said.

For more information on IU Northwest, you can visit northwest.iu.edu.