Two grassroots trauma system leaders in Indiana have established a scholarship that will support master of public health students as they engage in professional development experiences beyond the classroom.
The Addison Public Health Experiential Learning & Leadership Scholarship was established at the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at Indiana University through the generosity of Meredith J. and Larry J. Addison, two longtime advocates of the Indiana state trauma system.
The scholarship is designed to help remove financial barriers to professional development experiences that prepare students for public health leadership. Financial support will help offset expenses such as travel, registration and related costs for attending statewide commissions, leadership conferences, policy discussions and other experiential learning opportunities.
“Merry and Larry Addison drew inspiration for the scholarship from decades of service dedicated to strengthening trauma care and improving health systems across Indiana,” according to a press release.
The scholarship reflects the couple’s belief that some of the most valuable learning occurs by participating in the conversations, collaborations and decision processes that shape public health systems and policies.
“It’s important to give a kid a chance,” Merry Addison said. “There are many, many people out there who are way brighter than either you or me, and if you can just help them get their foot on the path, they will achieve way beyond what we have done.”
Merry said the goal of the scholarship is to help these students grow into future public health leaders. “We need to connect with these people and let them shine.”
