Indiana State University Newsroom

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Thirteen of the best and brightest students interested in careers in the financial services have earned Indiana State University's prestigious Networks Scholarship through the university's College of Business. The 2006 class of scholars represent the fourth year for this elite program.

Recipients of the Networks Scholarship receive a four-year, $20,000 scholarship to support the cost of tuition and fees, a $3,000 professional development account, and a new wireless laptop computer. Scholars also participate in a variety of professional development activities, including at least one paid internship, an international experience, interactions with an ISU faculty mentor during the freshman and sophomore years, and an executive mentor experience during the junior and senior years.

Each scholar is selected during a highly competitive process during which grade point average, S.A.T. scores, class rank, written essays and personal interviews are heavily considered.

"The Networks Scholarship program provides these students with real advantages over others entering the field," said Ron Green, dean of ISU's College of Business.

This fall, the following students will become members of the Networks Scholarship program and of the class of 2010 at Indiana State:

* Tony Askins, of Shelbyville, Ill., attended Shelbyville High School and plans to major in finance while at ISU, with a minor in business administration. During high school, he was involved in Boy Scouts, National Honor Society, band, broadcasting and church activities. His honors and awards include, honor roll every semester of high school, four-year letter winner in band, and four-year academic letter winner, among others;

* Curt Bromm, of Saint Anthony, attended Forest Park High School in Ferdinand. During high school, he was involved in Boy Scouts, 4-H, marching and concert band, soccer, student council, Beta Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Peers Educating Peers, and other organizations. His honors and awards include, honor roll all four years, basketball and soccer letter winner, soccer all-conference honorable mention, baseball letter winner, Eagle Scout recipient and 12-year perfect attendance, among others;

* Mark Elliott, of Terre Haute, attended Terre Haute North Vigo High School, and plans to major in accounting while at ISU. While in high school, he participated in Knowledge Masters, Key Club, National Honor Society, Academic Super Bowl, Youth Leadership Terre Haute, National French Exam, Link Crew Team, homecoming court, baseball team, tennis team and intramural basketball. His honors and awards include, exceptional, high or honor roll, Knowledge Masters (top five in state team), third place in region for Rose-Hulman Math Contest, Outstanding Youth Leadership Award (St. Benedict Youth Group) and Who's Who Among American High School Students, among others;

* Kristin Elston, of Paris, Ill., attended Paris High School and plans to major in business administration, with a minor in management information systems. During high school, she has been involved with National Honor Society, Coalition Against Methamphetamine Abuse (CAMA), Key Club, Spanish Club, drama, Lake Ridge Christian Church Youth Group, tennis, track, cheerleading, Spirit Club and Adopt-A-Highway. Her honors and awards include, four-year cheerleading letter winner, best all around award for cheerleading, NCA All-American for cheerleading, Hula Bowl cheerleader (2006), three-year letter winner for track and tennis and Paris High School SOS Award winner, among others;

* Silas Gennicks, of Linton, attended Linton-Stockton High School and plans to major in accounting and minor in insurance and risk management while at ISU. During high school, he participated in National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Student Council, football and track. His honors and awards include, four-year letter winner for football, letter winner for track, All-Conference for football (senior year), and All-Conference for track (junior year);

* Joshua Henson, of Spencer, attended Owen Valley High School and plans to major in insurance and risk management, with a minor in management. During high school, he participated in student council, Owen Valley Youth Board, Fitness Trail Board, Leo Club, National Honor Society, Homeland Security Grant Project, track and field, weightlifting, football, Peer Tutoring and his church youth group. His honors and awards include, Who's Who Among American High School Students, 2005 Service Learning Award, 2005 Business Academy Award, Leaders of Tomorrow Award, Patriot Award for athletics and Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship;

* Michael Hogan, of Cory, attended Clay City Jr.-Sr. High School and plans to major in accounting, with a minor in finance while at ISU. During high school, he participated in varsity golf, SADD Club (Students Against Drunk Driving), Varsity Club, National Honor Society and served as a Sunday School teacher for his church;

* Mackenzie Kern, of Kansas, Ill., attended Kansas High School and plans to major in finance, with a minor in insurance and risk management while at ISU. During high school, he participated in basketball, golf, National Honor Society, student council, served as senior class president, worked with his church youth group, and was a member of CATS (Creative And Talented Students) and WYSE (Worldwide Youth Science and Engineering). His honors and awards include, High Honor Award all four years, basketball letter winner, golf letter winner and Science Award, among others;

* Tessa Murdock, of Winnemucca, Nev., attended Albert M. Lowry High School and plans to major in accounting, with a minor in insurance and risk management, while at ISU. During high school, she participated in National Honor Society, Winnemucca Christian Fellowship Youth Group, served as a counselor at the local pregnancy center and as Bible Study leader for third and fourth grade girls;

* Michael Peterlich, of Charleston, Ill., attended Charleston High School and plans to major in management, with a minor in marketing, while at ISU. During high school, he participated in Illinois Boys State, varsity football, served as captain of men's varsity basketball team and a member of C-Club for high school athletes. His honors and awards include, three-year letter winner for varsity baseball and being selected as a member of National Honor Society;

* Traci Rosenbalm, of Danville, attended Cascade High School and plans to major in accounting, with a minor in finance, while at ISU. During high school, she participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Junior Optimist Club, Spell Bowl team, Knowledge Masters team, varsity girls golf team and swim team, and served as a Cadet Kickoff Mentor;

* Emily Stites, of Huntington, attended Huntington North High School and plans to major in finance, with a minor in marketing, while at ISU. During high school, she participated in DECA, National Honor Society, class council, swimming, and served as a freshman mentor and swim team captain. Her honors and awards include, Who's Who Among American High School Students, business department student of the month, National Science Merit Award, Viking Integrity Award, Athlete of the Week and varsity letter winner;

* Jeremy Thompson, of Martinsville, Ill., attended Casey-Westfield High School and plans to major in management information systems, with a minor in business administration, while at ISU. During high school, he participated in varsity football, French Club, WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering), track and field, basketball and intramural basketball, and served as senior yearbook editor. His honors and awards include, honor roll, varsity football and track and field letter winner.

Deadline for admission for the next class of Networks Scholars is December 2, 2006. Students graduating from high school in 2007 will be eligible to apply and be considered for the next class. For an application or more information, call 1-800-603-7113 or go to http://www.isunetworks.org/network-scholars.asp.

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CONTACT: Livia Scott, assistant director of education, Networks Financial Institute at Indiana State University, (317) 536-0281, Ext. 704 or livia.scott@isunetworks.org

WRITER: Maria Greninger, associate director, Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, (812) 237-4357 or m-greninger@indstate.edu