Indiana State University Foundation Board member and alum Kent Kramer and his wife Jamei have pledged $100,000 to establish an endowed scholarship to support ninth-semester students and University retention initiatives. Their gift will assist full-time students at Indiana State who require additional financial aid to cross the finish line and complete their degree.
Kent graduated from Indiana State in 1990 with a degree in management. Since graduating, he has built a successful career, working in regional leadership positions with Sam’s Club and Kmart before joining Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana in 2002 as Vice President of Retail Operations. He was later promoted to Chief Operating Officer and, in 2015, became the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. Throughout his career, Jamei has supported Kent and, together, they have raised four children.
The family has remained loyal Sycamores, with Kent serving on the Indiana State University Foundation Board and on the university’s strategic plan steering committee, and their son Jak Kramer ’19 serving as a member of the Alumni Board. Beyond the university, Kent is also involved with the School of Business and Information Technology Advisory Board for Purdue University Global.
“When I entered my ninth semester at Indiana State, I faced a great deal of uncertainty and financial pressure. That chapter of my life left a lasting impression on me and is the reason our family is so passionate about supporting students who find themselves in a similar situation,” said Kent Kramer. “Indiana State was a transformative experience for me and truly shaped my leadership, career path, and so many of the opportunities that followed. We hope this support will help students cross the finish line and begin their next chapter with confidence.”
The Kramers’ gift will establish the Kramer Family Bridge the Gap Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will directly help full-time students who are entering their ninth semester or later and are on track to earn an undergraduate degree from Indiana State University.
“Investing in students in their final stretch of college ensures that financial barriers do not stand in the way of degree completion and provides momentum at a pivotal moment in their academic journey,” said Mike Godard, President of Indiana State University. “We are deeply appreciative of alumni and friends like the Kramers, whose generosity speaks to their belief in our students and their determination.”
By directing financial aid to students, this scholarship will make a meaningful difference for those nearing degree completion, helping ensure student success and contributing to improved retention and institutional growth.
“Alumni who believe in the power of opportunity strengthen Indiana State’s commitment to degree attainment. Kent and his family care deeply about this university and the students we serve, and their thoughtful contribution reflects a genuine desire to see Sycamores advance and achieve their goals,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation.
