Indiana State University alumnus endows six scholarships via $150,000 donation

Indiana State University alumnus Tim Wiseman has donated $150,000 to his alma mater to endow four scholarships and establish two additional endowed scholarships. Throughout his time at the university, Wiseman was a member and two-time president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and as such, several of the scholarships his gift has benefitted are set up in support of Pi Kappa Alpha students.

According to an article on Indiana State University’s website, Wiseman explained his motivation for donating to the school in support of student scholarships, saying, “It’s important to invest your time into what helped you succeed. I credit my success to Indiana State and Pi Kappa Alpha, and I wanted to give back to students facing financial barriers. By increasing the number of awards I give towards, my donation can support more students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to continue their education. I thought that was a great way to multiply the effect of my donation.”

Wiseman’s donations are endowing four current scholarships and creating and endowing two additional scholarships. The first scholarship he is endowing is The Alumni Scholarship in Teaching, a scholarship for Pi Kappa Alpha students in the Bayh College of Education who intend to become teachers. Second, The James A. Woodard Community Service Award is a scholarship in memory of James A. Woodward that is awarded to students who serve their communities, much like local businessman Woodward did. The Joseph L. Quinn Memorial Scholarship was created by Quinn’s wife Mary Quinn to honor her husband’s memory by awarding Pi Kappa Alpha members who portray excellent leadership abilities. The Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Scholarship is for members of the Theta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity that embody the fraternity’s principles and exemplify its values. The two new scholarships established by Wiseman include the Wiseman Technology Scholarship for Pi Kappa Alpha construction management majors, and the Pi Kappa Alpha Faith-Centered Life Award for members who live faith-centered lives.

Nick Bement, who serves as the president of the Theta Omicron Chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, was quoted as saying of Wiseman’s contributions to the financial support of Pi Kappa Alpha students, “Generous donations from outstanding alumni like Tim Wiseman help members of Pi Kappa Alpha at Indiana State be able to make academics a priority and take some of the financial burden off our shoulders. It truly shows the lifelong brotherhood of our Fraternity, and we could not be more grateful."

Wiseman, who earned a business management degree from Indiana State University, retired from his 32-year career with Advanced Drainage Systems in July 2024.

Mike Godard, the university’s president, said, “Thanks to Tim’s generosity, more Indiana State University students will now have access to vital funds to pursue their education within several in-demand industries. As an institution, we are humbled to have alums committed to investing in the success of their alma mater and current Sycamores.”

For more information about Indiana State University, visit the school’s website.