Faces of the Foundation - Scholarships: Aileen Howard

Life-Long Learner Gives Time to Support Student Success

Aileen Howard

After spending much of her adult life away, Aileen Howard returned to Muncie 11 years ago to be close to her brother and a few special high-school friends.

“Coming back to Muncie seemed like going back to my roots,” said Aileen about her decision to come back to the community where she had grown up.

Aileen Howard

Upon her return, Aileen reconnected with old friends, joined social and volunteer organizations to meet new friends, and was encouraged by those friends to do even more. She is a member of the Association of LifeLong Learners and the McRae Club. As a member of First Presbyterian Church, Aileen spends time each week attending meetings and choir practice, preparing statistical reports for church records, and serving with fellow parishioners as a volunteer at South View Elementary School. She also actively participates in her neighborhood association, attends a weekly current events discussion group, and takes part in a book club at the Muncie Public Library. Aileen noted the great community assets that Ball State University provides. She utilizes the adult fitness center, regularly attends concerts and performances across campus, and specifically highlighted the wonderful music and theatre department.

If that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Aileen serves as a volunteer on The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $204,763 in scholarships to 73 students in 2019.

Community-minded donors established the 51 scholarship funds managed by the Foundation and set the criteria for the awards. Each year, Scholarship Committee members review dozens of applications from students across the community and make recommendations for the awards.

“Many, many young people in our community are gifted, talented, and devoted,” said Aileen. “I wish we were able to give scholarships to even more students. It’s a real responsibility as a committee member to make sure you have selected the best out of a group of great students. Scholarships can make a difference in the lives of the students who receive them.”

Through her work on the Scholarship Committee, Aileen sees the impact the Foundation can have on students as well as on the whole community.

“I look for ways to contribute to make an impact now and long-term,” said Aileen. “The Community Foundation is certainly able to do that.”