INDIANAPOLIS -- Kent Hawryluk earned a master's degree in biology from the school in 2013. The Hawryluk Family Scholarship will provide funding for junior or senior science students to take essential coursework required for graduation. This scholarship will be awarded to students with a strong academic record and who work while attending the School of Science. Juniors and seniors will apply directly for these essential funds to help them complete their degree.
"By giving a boost to our students who are balancing schoolwork and life responsibilities, Kent is empowering some of our hardest-working scholars to complete their degrees and continue their contributions to the Indiana STEM workforce," said Dean Simon Rhodes. "The School of Science is so very grateful for Kent's generosity and commitment to our students."
Hawryluk established the scholarship to help students who work to fund their studies and, in some cases, support their families. His hope is that these scholarships will give students the support they need to go the last mile in their academic career and achieve timely graduation.
"The importance of education was a value instilled in me my whole life," Hawryluk said. "I credit my parents with setting a strong example by generously supporting academic institutions with their time and resources."
Hawryluk is an entrepreneur who worked in the biotechnology industry while earning his degree from the School of Science. He serves as chief business officer at Avidity Biosciences, a privately held biotech company pioneering new precision medicines for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. He is also a member of the board of directors of Gemphire Therapeutics, a public biopharmaceutical company.
In addition to the degree he earned at IUPUI, Hawryluk has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree from Princeton University.
"I am so thankful for the education I received from the School of Science at IUPUI, and I am honored to support students who are dedicated to their education and future," he said.
In celebration of its bicentennial, IU is providing matching support for new endowed scholarships. Along with the IU Bicentennial Campaign match, the Hawryluk endowment will fund as many as nine scholarships that would be renewable for one year.