Sophomore Brenton Hieu Pham honored with ‘Realizing the Dream’ award
Brenton Hieu Pham, a sophomore writing major from Goshen, is one of several first-generation Indiana college students named “Realizing the Dream” recipients by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the scholarship program annually recognizes first-generation college students from ICI colleges and universities. Students are selected for the $4,000 award for outstanding achievement during their freshman year as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.
“My biggest dream in life is to create something that touches people. The way that other pieces of media have touched me. I want to tell a story whether that is in a book, video game or movie that moves someone on an emotional level.”
“I’m using my college education to build a foundation of knowledge and experience that will help me get to that end product.”
In between classes and homework Pham also plays on the men’s tennis team at Goshen College. He also is a part of the Broadsides, an on-campus publishing committee, along with interning at Greencroft as part of the Maple Fellows program.
Pham named Miriam Miller Avelar, a Spanish teacher at Goshen High School as his influential educator. Avelar will receive a $1,000 professional development grant from ICI.
“Señora Avelar showed me what a student-mentor relationship could look like, the way she interacted with us was personal and friendly while still remaining professional and showed genuine interest in me and her students,” said Pham. “More than anything though Señora Avelar taught me to have fun with my learning. She encouraged us to show off our knowledge in any way we wanted.
These 29 scholarship recipients, one from each of Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities, were celebrated at a banquet on February 25 at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis.
“Thanks to the continued support of Lilly Endowment, we get the opportunity to hear the inspiring stories of these first-generation students and the impact local educators have had on their drive to succeed academically,” said Jodie Ferise, JD, ICI’s vice president & general counsel. “These scholarship awards will provide critical support for these young people who are dreaming of future success.
About Independent Colleges of Indiana
ndependent Colleges of Indiana serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, non-profit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana, it also funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion.