Nine Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars received their degrees in May; one Scholar at Arizona State University; one Scholar at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis; four Scholars at Ivy Tech State College - Central Indiana; and three Scholars at Maricopa Community Colleges in metropolitan Phoenix. There are currently more than 100 students participating in the Nina Scholars program.

"We are celebrating our largest group of graduates since the Trust began the Nina Scholars program for nontraditional college students in 2001," said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO. "Our students face many challenges, from severe economic hardships to physical disabilities, and the Trust is very pleased to be a part of building a better life for our Scholars and their families."

"The Nina Scholars program is an exciting dimension for the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. A primary giving focus for the Trust is helping people in need; the Nina Scholars program takes our mission to another level," said Frank E. Russell, Trustee Chairman. "Education was very important to Nina Mason Pulliam. Nina saw education as a crucial tool to self-sufficiency and personal fulfillment. The Trustees and the Trust staff celebrate this year's graduates and are very proud of our Nina Scholars. We look forward to their continued successes."

Meet our Nina Scholar Graduates:

From ASU

Tarina Wood is the first Nina Scholar at ASU to graduate with a four-year degree, receiving a Bachelor of Social Work. Tarina was recognized at the College of Public Programs convocation as the COPP Outstanding Graduate of 2004 and graduated summa cum laude. She will begin the ASU Advanced Standing Program for her master's degree in the 2004 summer session. Tarina also is the proud single parent of three young children.

From IUPUI

Michelle Poindexter is the first Nina Scholar at IUPUI to graduate with a four-year degree. She earned her bachelor's degree in general studies and hopes to attend law school at IUPUI this fall. Michelle currently works part-time as a paralegal.

From Maricopa Community Colleges

Shellee Brown earned a Registered Nursing degree. Shellee currently works at a local hospital in maternity and pediatrics, and she aspires to work in cardiac care.

November Peasley graduated with an Associate in General Studies degree. She intends to transfer to ASU for completion of a degree in social work. November also is currently applying for entry-level positions at area social service agencies.

Ben Bloomgren received an associate's degree in Spanish. Ben has been accepted to ASU and plans to earn a bachelor's degree in Spanish. His ultimate goal is to become an interpreter and/or translator. He speaks four languages.

From Ivy Tech State College

Malinda English received her Associate in Applied Science degree in paralegal. Melinda graduated magna cum laude as a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She plans to work full-time as a paralegal and aspires to work in family law.

Angela Owens graduated with an Associate in Science degree in nursing and has begun studying for her boards. Angela hopes to work in pediatrics and/or in obstetrics/gynecology.

Jacqueline Wagner graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in paralegal. She also graduated magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Jacqueline currently works for the state of Indiana in the Minority and Business Affairs Department and plans to become a lawyer.

Laurie Tabor earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in design technology with a specialty in mechanical drafting. She graduated cum laude. Laurie will continue her education at IUPUI with a major in mechanical engineering.

The Nina Scholars program is unique in the United States as it seeks to assist nontraditional students in three categories: adult students (minimum age of 25), with dependents, who have never attended college or who have had their education interrupted years earlier; physically disabled traditional college-age or older students; and young adults who were raised in the child welfare system and must be responsible for their own financial support as of age 18.

Support for the Nina Scholars includes full resident tuition, book expenses and student fees. In addition, an annual living allowance of $2,500 may be applied to expenses such as housing, transportation, childcare and health insurance.

"Nina would have been so pleased about the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program because it provides people with the means for self-sufficiency through education. This was one of Nina's fundamental beliefs," Russell concluded.