Indiana State University Newsroom

Four students have been selected by the Gongaware Center in the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University to participate in the 2017-18 class of Gongaware Scholars.

The Gongaware Center was created in 1998 to support the College of Business' nationally recognized insurance and risk management program. In 2007, the center expanded its mission beyond its original focus on insurance and risk management to also encompass financial services.

The center was established with a $5 million gift from Donald and Patricia Gongaware for the purpose of developing future leaders in the insurance and financial services industry. Since its inception, part of the Gongaware Center's mission has included recruiting top high school students to the program and helping them build the technical, operational and leadership skills necessary to succeed in the industry and in the communities in which they live.

The Gongaware Scholarship provides recipients with a full in-state tuition scholarship, a $3,000 professional development account and creates networking opportunities through involvement in various events and activities. Students are given multiple professional and developmental opportunities including paid internships, professional mentors and leadership roles. Gongaware Scholars also participate in the Networks Professional Development Program and receive a laptop computer through the Indiana State University Laptop Award.

The 2017-18 Gongaware Scholars are:

• Ellei Kay of Kewanna, Ind., is the daughter of Marcus and Jennifer Kay and a graduate of Caston High School. She was active in sports during high school, playing track and field and being on the cheerleading team for four years. She was on the prom committee, homecoming committee, can food drive committee, National Honor Society and Student Council. She is pursuing a degree in insurance and risk management.

• Hunter Stallings of St. Francisville, Ill., is the son of Heath and Shannon Stallings and a graduate of Lawrenceville High School. He was a part of the Beta Club, student council, National Honor Society and class vice president. He is pursuing a degree in insurance and risk management.

• Katelyn Ertel of Sunman, Ind., is the daughter of Ted and Donna Ertel and a graduate of East Central High School. She was a student ambassador, member of the National Honor Society, Business Professional of America and Girl Scouts. She also played volleyball and basketball. She is pursuing a degree in insurance and risk management.

• Zachary Holt of Bicknell, Ind., is the son of David and Rebecca Holt and a graduate of North Knox High School. He played football, basketball and baseball all four years. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Club. He is pursuing a degree in insurance and risk management.

For more information about the Gongaware Center, go to indstate.edu/gongaware.

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Photo: https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Miscellaneous-Portrat-Proofs/Gongaware-Scholar-Interviews-2017/i-P2CQp3V/0/c1d7eee4/X3/February%2019%2C%202017%20Ellei%20Kay%203668-X3.jpg -- Ellei Kay

Photo: https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Miscellaneous-Portrat-Proofs/Gongaware-Scholar-Interviews-2017/i-pJjT2dg/0/a79164ad/X3/February%2019%2C%202017%20Hunter%20Stallings%203635-X3.jpg -- Hunter Stallings

Photo: https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Miscellaneous-Portrat-Proofs/Networks-Interviews-2017/i-mw8cxZ6/0/eb90bfc3/X3/February%2017%2C%202017%20Katelyn%20Ertel%203489-X3.jpg -- Katelyn Ertel

Photo: https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Miscellaneous-Portrat-Proofs/Gongaware-Scholar-Interviews-2017/i-GcM5ZH2/0/34e03a38/X3/February%2019%2C%202017%20Zachary%20Holt%203598-X3.jpg -- Zachary Holt

Writer and media contact: Connor Myers, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, cmyers34@sycamores.indstate.edu or 812-237-3773