Richard Pan ’24 was one of 28 first-generation college students honored by the Independent Colleges of Indiana with a “Realizing the Dream” scholarship.
ICI spotlights students from Indiana’s private, non-profit colleges and universities who are the first in their families to attend college and are successfully advancing toward degree completion.
“This award means a lot to me and I am very appreciative to those who chose me for it,” said Pan. “This takes away some of the financial obligation for my parents and me. It also removes some stress I have because I know my parents work very hard so I can succeed in college. The Realizing the Dream award shows me that I am on the right path and should continue to work diligently to become the man my supporters see in me.”
A Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) major with an Asian Studies minor, Pan came to Wabash College from Crawfordsville. He received the $3,000 scholarship from ICI, which was made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
As part of the award, each honoree selected an inspirational teacher or mentor who also received a $1,000 professional development grant. Pan selected Anita Harris of Mollie B. Hoover Elementary School as his inspirational teacher.
Pan is a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where he serves as recording secretary and serves on the Social and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees. He is a representative of the College’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, president and co-founder of the Asian Culture Club, and is treasurer of the Chinese Club.
“Because of Wabash’s commitment to providing opportunities for first-generation students, we always have a number of good candidates for the Realizing the Dream award,” said Greg Redding, Dean of Students and Associate Professor of German. “Richard stood out this year not just for his excellence in the classroom, but also for his leadership in forming the Asian Culture Club and his work to enrich our campus community with events that celebrate Asian cultural traditions. At a time when the College is focusing on student sense of belonging and issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Richard’s contributions to campus life are particularly timely and needed. We look forward to his continuing leadership at Wabash.”
ICI has honored Indiana’s first-generation college students with the “Realizing the Dream” scholarship for more than 30 years.