College of Arts and Letters

Dean’s Excellence Fund

Your gift to the Dean’s Excellence Fund removes barriers and opens doors for students in the College of Arts and Letters, helping Bengals go further, dream bigger, and achieve more.

Undergraduate Student Travel: Travel funding gives students opportunities to present research, compete and perform on the national stage, attend professional conferences, and connect directly with leaders in their fields.

Impact:

• 20 students supported in 2025 | $14,080 awarded
• 12 students supported in 2026 so far | $5,500 awarded

These experiences build confidence, strengthen skills, and launch Bengals toward what’s next.

“The National Student Advertising Competition gave me the foot in the door to my current role as a digital marketing specialist.” —Saybree Swanson

Resiliency Scholarships:

Resiliency Scholarships support students facing unexpected financial hardship, family responsibilities, or personal challenges, helping them stay enrolled, stay focused, and finish their degree.

Since launching in Fall 2023

• $26,831 awarded
• 9 students supported
• 7 graduates, with one more graduating this spring

These scholarships provide more than financial relief. They provide stability, encouragement, and the ability to keep moving forward.

“This scholarship came at a time when I really needed to know that others believed in me.”
—Josh Govan

Campus and Community Impact: The Dean’s Excellence Fund also strengthens campus life by supporting signature events such as the ISU Powwow, Opportuni-Tea, and the Military Gala. These gatherings foster belonging, celebrate student achievement, and connect students, alumni, donors, and the broader community in meaningful ways.

Every gift makes a direct and lasting impact on students’ futures.