Kenneth Leroy "Bud" Smith Memorial Scholarship
July 22, 2025
Fulfilling Dreams Born from Sacrifice:
The Kenneth LeRoy Smith Story
Mr. Smith continues to carry forward his late wife’s strong belief in helping others. Mrs. Theresa Kathryn (Klein) Smith passed away in 2019. The Smiths were married for 32 years.
This scholarship is in the name of Mr. Smith’s “Uncle Bud,” Kenneth LeRoy Smith. Kenneth LeRoy Smith was a Vincennes native who made the ultimate sacrifice in the 1943 Battle of Tarawa, the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region during World War II. He was 22 years old. As Mr. Smith shared, “My uncle never had the opportunity to follow his dreams. Our hope is to help others achieve their goals.”
Eligibility requirements
- Recipients shall have a 3.5 high school grade point average (GPA) or a VU GPA of 3.5 if a returning student.
- Minimum 12 credit hours per semester
- Can be in any year of study
- Must be enrolled as a history major, if a student matching all of the listed criteria is not presented, a degree-seeking student studying economics/economic history or finance/finance history may be considered if they meet all other criteria.
Eligible Vincennes University Locations
- Vincennes Campus
How to Apply
- Complete the VU Admissions Application by January 15th each year for Priority Deadline. After this date, scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis.
- Apply for or update your FAFSA
- Recipients will be notified via email
questions
Financial Aid Office
FA@VINU.EDU
812-888-4361
Scholarship Information
VUSCHOLARSHIPS@VINU.EDU
812-888-4510
877-300-6992