Gene and Patricia Scholarship

VINCENNES,Ind - The Vincennes University Foundation is delighted to announce the Gene and Patricia Bathe endowed scholarship for full-time VU students.

The Gene and Patricia Bathe Scholarship is a tribute to their commitment to higher education, Vincennes University, and to future generations of students in the city they loved. Gene moved to Vincennes in grade school, while Patricia moved to Vincennes after graduating High School.

Patricia attended Vincennes University and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She later served her alma mater as treasurer of the Vincennes University Alumni Association. Pat worked at Montgomery Ward until the birth of their first child, Gene. Three more children followed: Sandra, Linda and David. Patricia focused entirely on her children, but when duty called she quickly accepted responsibility for three young nephews and a niece. Each child mirrored the age of her own children and she loved telling the various stories of people asking her about the eight small children in her station wagon. With a passion for music, Patricia sang and played musical instruments for church services, school programs, and her family. She was an advocate for higher education as a way to a better life for individuals.

Gene was a businessman who served in the National Guard and a patriot who loved his country. He was active in the Jaycees, the Masons, and the Republican Party. He was an avid supporter and fund raiser for the March of Dimes. One of his greatest honors was to present a check to support Jonas Salk’s research for the polio vaccine, and hosting a dinner for Vice President and Mrs. Richard Nixon. Gene later returned to Vincennes University to teach automotive and aviation technology for 25 years.

After retirement, they lived in Palm Cay, Florida, on a farm surrounded by horses and wildlife. Gene and Patricia celebrated almost 67 years of marriage before his passing in 2018, and had a happy life together with their children Gene, Sandra, Linda, and David, and their nieces and nephews, Francis, Robert, Jimmy, and Susan. Their family was their one true love.

The purpose of this scholarship is to help students who have a strong work ethic,and a passion for higher education at Vincennes University. The students must be a graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High School or Jean Francois Rivet High School and be a full-time student.

Looking through letters from Gene’s students, his wife Patricia and their son David stated,“They thanked him for his generosity for paying their tuition, when they couldn’t afford to do it themselves.”

ABOUT THE VINCENNES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION In advancing the University’s missions of higher education and community service, the VU Foundation, through the generosity of their donors, administers endowments and contributions established by corporate and individual gifts as designated. During the 2020-21 school year, the Foundation will have awarded over $2 million dollars in scholarships (both Foundation and Academic Scholarships). Additionally, the VU Foundation coordinates department funds and grants received by VU programs. More information is available by visiting www.vinu.edu/foundation, or by calling 812.888.4510.