Friends and family celebrate the life of Wilma Wohler by endowing a scholarship for students in the Tourism, Conventions and Event Management Department.

Tourism, Conventions and Event Management students in good academic standing are now eligible to apply for a new scholarship, created to celebrate the life of the late Wilma Louise Wohler.  Junior or senior level students who demonstrate financial need and have a passion for learning through travel may apply for consideration in spring 2007. 

How did the scholarship come about?  “A small group of Wilma’s friends decided that in memory of Wilma, we would create an endowed scholarship,” said Dr. Linda Brothers, associate professor in the department and friend of Wilma Wohler.  “As we spoke to other professionals in Indiana and to Wilma’s family, we have emphasized the benefits of an endowed scholarship account.  We will miss Wilma, but this gives us a way to help leave a permanent legacy in her memory.  Through our gifts, she will continue to live and help students.”

An endowed scholarship account makes available annually its investment earnings to students.  The gift’s principal is continually invested so that it lives in perpetuity, providing for students indefinitely. 

To establish an endowment, donors must contribute $10,000 within a five-year timeframe.  Average scholarships earnings available each year are five percent, and surplus earnings are reinvested to help the endowment grow.  One of Ms. Wohler’s close friends pledged the initial $10,000 gift herself, and others are contributing in ways that are meaningful and affordable to them. 

Ms. Wohler died on Wednesday, June 28, 2006.  She was 87 years old.  She served as the head of the home economics department at Butler University until 1986, developing majors in fashion merchandising and interior design.  She was an award-winning educator, community leader, volunteer, and activist.  Friends thought this scholarship would be appropriate because of Ms. Wohler’s enthusiasm for learning, her dedication to higher education, and her life-long service to young people. 

» Learn more about scholarships available through the Tourism, Conventions and Event Management Department

» Contribute to the Wilma Wohler Memorial Scholarship. Be sure to indicate “Wilma Wohler Scholarship” in your check’s memo line.

» Why are scholarships important to students?