Geoffrey Sawyer Scholarship Fund Information
for African-American Undergraduate and Graduate Students
BRIEF HISTORY
1863 - A small committee appointed by Indiana Yearly Meeting is sent to Helena, Arkansas, to care for black refugee children and women coming within Union lines for protection. Thirty acres of land is purchased by the 56th regiment of US Colored Infantry and given to Indiana Yearly Meeting for a school. For the next 62 years, Friends from Indiana Yearly Meeting go to Southland College (later Institute) to teach the children.
1881- George Sturge, an English Friend, leaves a bequest of $25,000 designated to be used to prepare "freedmen and their descendants as teachers to return to work and teach preferably in black schools in the south."
1919 - Subsequent bequests by various donors raise endowment funds to over $41,000.
1925 - Southland is closed. Money in Southland endowment continues to be available for African-American students.
1981 - Fund re-named after Geoffrey, deceased son of George and Jackie Sawyer. George Sawyer, an African-American lawyer who died in 2002, was an active member of Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends.
1985 - Funds come under the care of a committee of six appointed by Indiana Yearly Meeting.
Today - You can take part in this historic mission
of Indiana Yearly Meeting by:
Encouraging African-American students to apply for the scholarships
Making a gift to this endowment fund (now about $200,000).
Gifts are tax-deductible and always welcome.
HOW ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED?
African-Americans only may apply for the scholarship.
Recipients are chosen and awards are made on a yearly basis. Amounts average between $22 and $1,500. The amount of the award is based on funds available, number of applicants and determined financial need. Students may apply for additional scholarship aid in subsequent years. Requests for applications may be made to the clerk of the Geoffrey Sawyer Scholarship Fund in care of Indiana Yearly Meeting.
Applications and other pertinent materials should be postmarked no later than April 15. The Scholarship Committee will meet in April, and awards will be announced the first week of May. Awards are made directly to the designated college or university.
Send requests for applications to:
Geoffrey Sawyer Scholarship Committee
C/O Indiana Yearly Meeting
4715 N Wheeling Ave
Muncie, IN 47304
1-800-292-5238
Fax - 1-765-284-8925
iyminfo@iym.org
Web Site Created by Design Garden Studio.