Upper Iowa University donates scholarships to Gibbs family as part of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" project
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Upper Iowa University President Alan G. Walker presented |
Learn more about UIU's participation in this Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Project
FAYETTE, Iowa (October 9, 2011) -- Upper Iowa University has donated up to five, two-year scholarships to the Audrey Gibbs family of West Union in support of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project that gave the family a new home.
The ABC television series selected Gibbs, a widow with six children, and built the family a new home from October 2- 9. The episode is expected to air in late 2011 or early 2012. UIU students, faculty and staff were among the thousands who volunteered at the EMHE worksite during construction.
At the current tuition rate, the UIU gift is valued at about $233,000. The children in the Gibbs family may elect to attend another educational institution for two years as well. Northeast Iowa Community College has also given the family up to five, two-year scholarships.
"We are pleased to be able to support this family with a gift that will make a lasting difference in the individual lives of family members," said UIU President Alan G. Walker. "This family has overcome so much, and we know that being able to invest in college education poses an enormous challenge. These scholarships provide the family members with options for their future that might not have been available to them before."
Walker noted that UIU has an articulation agreement with NICC that means if any of the Gibbs children chose to attend the first two years at NICC and the second two years at UIU, course credits earned at the community college will transfer seamlessly to completing a UIU bachelor's degree.
"UIU is committed to providing affordable college education to deserving students, and we look forward to welcoming the first member of the Gibbs family to our campus in Fayette," Walker said.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
The Emmy award winning reality program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now in its 9th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. Episodes currently air Sunday from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., ET on ABC. Beginning October 21, 2011, episodes will air Friday nights from 8:00 – 9:00pm, ET on ABC.t