Quentin P. Smith, Sr. Endowed Aviation Scholarship

This scholarship is established to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of ISU alum Quentin P. Smith, Sr., and his commitment to educational opportunities in his life as an aviator, educator, advocate, and mentor. Smith’s historic contributions to our state and nation spanned his service during World War II as an officer with the Tuskegee Airmen. He had a five-decade career in administration in the Gary Community School Corporation, served on the Gary City Council, and as President of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Board.

The creation of the Quentin P. Smith, Sr. Endowed Aviation Scholarship is a visionary gift by the donors that will continue Smith’s legacy by helping Indiana State recruit, retain, and graduate students from diverse backgrounds and support them in launching their aviation careers. The gift will celebrate Smith as a pioneer in aviation and lift up his story to inspire generations of students to follow in his footsteps as an educator, civic leader, and mentor.

Qualified students shall meet the following criteria:

• Must be in good academic standing with the University and the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology;
• If there is no applicant that qualifies from the PAFT program, preference will be given to a student with a declared major in Aviation Management or Unmanned Systems;
• If there is no applicant that qualifies from the PAFT, Aviation Management, or Unmanned Systems programs, preference will be given to a student with a declared major in the College of Technology;
• This scholarship is awarded annually, but students may reapply to receive it in subsequent years if they continue to meet all criteria.