Four Indiana University Bloomington students have been named winners of the inaugural Carrie Parker Taylor Scholarship. The scholarship was created last year in honor of IU’s first female African-American student. They will share a $10,000 gift from Indiana Black Expo.
The IU Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs and Indiana Black Expo have announced that Estefani Alcaraz Quevedo, George Hutchins, Seth Shoopman and Diamond Turner will each receive $2,500 as winners of the scholarships.
“Congratulations to each student,” said Martin McCrory, associate vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs and vice provost for educational inclusion and diversity at IU Bloomington. “Their strong work ethic and dedication to success are exemplary. They are very worthy of Carrie Parker Taylor’s legacy.”
Facilitated by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, the scholarship was established in the fall in honor of Carrie Parker Taylor, the first African-American woman to enroll at IU. An amount of $2,500 is awarded to each selected high-achieving sophomore, junior or senior who is a member of the 21st Century, Groups or Hudson and Holland scholars programs and demonstrates financial need. Priority is given to first-generation college students.
The scholarship is funded by an endowed gift of $30,000 made by James Wimbush, dean of the University Graduate School and vice president for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, and by a $10,000 donation from Indiana Black Expo, a nonprofit organization that serves as a voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. As part of the university’s Bicentennial Campaign, Indiana University will match the annual endowed interest.
“Indiana University has been a longtime supporter of Indiana Black Expo,” said Tanya Bell, president and CEO of the Indiana Black Expo. “I’m proud of the fact that we were able to give back to their students.”
Estefani Alcaraz Quevedo
Estefani Alcaraz Quevedo, a junior from Chicago, is an accounting major in the Kelley School of Business. A first-generation college student, Alcaraz Quevedo is also a Groups Scholar with Distinction, serves as a student intern with Balfour Scholars Program and is a recipient of the Balfour Textbook Scholarship for Strong Campus Leadership. She is also an English and peer support tutor with the Asian Culture Center.
After completing her undergraduate work at IU, Alcaraz Quevedo plans to pursue a career in the business field of the rapidly expanding markets in East Asia. She also hopes to start a mentoring program for children in her Chicago neighborhood.
George Hutchins
George Hutchins, a sophomore from Indianapolis, is pursuing a degree in biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of several organizations including STEM Outreach, Hutton Honors College and Hudson and Holland Scholars Program, he has been named an IU Founders Scholar and a University Division Scholar of High Distinction. He is passionate about community service and volunteers his time as a peer tutor in general and organic chemistry.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Hutchins plans to attend medical school and build a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon, working with patients of heart disease and lung cancer.
Seth Shoopman
Seth Shoopman, a senior from Indianapolis, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the College of Arts and Sciences, with a minor in sociology. He is a first-generation college student, has been named an IU Founders Scholar and is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. As a student ambassador for the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program, he educates high school students about the program and available opportunities at IU.
Following his graduation from IU, Shoopman plans to participate in Teach for America, which will allow him to travel. Afterward, he will attend graduate school with the goal of beginning a career as a juvenile counselor.
Diamond Turner
Diamond Turner, a junior from Indianapolis, is a community health major in the School of Public Health-Bloomington, minoring in emergency medical training. A first-generation college student, Turner is also a member of the Groups Scholars Program, has served as an orientation leader for IU’s Office of First Year Experience and is a mentor for the Faculty and Staff for Student Excellence Mentoring Program.
After receiving her degree, Turner hopes to attend an accelerated nursing program and then work as a registered nurse while earning a master’s degree. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a doctorate in nursing.
About the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs: The office strives to foster an inclusive environment that promotes and nurtures diversity, broadly defined, on all campuses of Indiana University. To fulfill its mission, the office strategically focuses on the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students; the promotion of a welcoming and positive campus climate; and engagement in outreach and advocacy locally and nationally.
