The scholarship will support students pursuing education and is funded by an initially anonymous $1 million gift from the Simpsons, whose identities were revealed posthumously.
Indiana University East has established the Jean and George Simpson Education Scholarship from an initially anonymous $1 million gift, posthumously revealed to be from Jean and George Simpson. The gift, made to the Indiana University East School of Education, will support individuals who are pursuing teaching as their career.
According to an article on Indiana University East’s website, when George and Jean initially bequeathed the funding to the university, he was quoted as saying, “We both believe heavily in education, and we believe the scholarship is a good way to help others. We’ve always liked to help people in various ways. I just like to help other people further themselves.”
The gift is an endowment, meaning the funding is invested, and a portion of the fund will be given to students as scholarships each year. The annual scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students who are enrolled in any program within the IU East School of Education, as selected by a scholarship committee.
Jean Simpson was from Centerville, Ohio, where she attended Jackson High School. She later attended Miami University and taught for more than two decades, retiring as a fifth grade teacher. George Simpson was from Indianapolis, Indiana and graduated from Broad Ripple High School. Following serving in the US Air Force, he studied electronic engineering at Harrison College. He retired as an electrical engineer.
In addition to their successful careers, both Jean and George enjoyed serving their communities and helping people whenever possible. Their generosity is continuing in their memory, providing the means for aspiring teachers to follow their passions. George noted that teaching is a unique profession, as it is “the only profession that touches the paths of those entering every other profession.”
For more information about Indiana University East, visit the school’s website.