VINCENNES, Ind. - The Vincennes University Foundation has been named as a beneficiary in the C. James McCormick Revocable Trust. In accordance with the wishes of the late C. James "Jim" McCormick, $100,000 was donated to the VU Foundation to be split equally into four separate scholarships.

The existing Mac Award Memorial Scholarship Fund received $25,000 with the investment income to be used to establish annual scholarships to four Vincennes University students majoring in Diesel Technology. The Mac Award was established in memory of Jim’s son Mac McCormick who passed away in October 2006. At the time of his death, Mac was serving on the Vincennes University Board of Trustees and the Vincennes University Foundation Board of Directors.

The Clarence J. and Emma L. McCormick Memorial Fund, established in the 1980s in memory of Jim’s parents and already held with the VU Foundation, received $25,000. This scholarship is designated to four Vincennes University students majoring in Agriculture, decided by a selection committee of family and friends. Clarence J. McCormick served as Under Secretary of Agriculture during the Truman Administration and was chair of the VU Board of Trustees from 1971-76.

With this estate planning gift, Jim established two additional scholarships: J. Howard Williams Scholarship and James E. Nicholas Scholarship. The newly created scholarship funds each received $25,000 in memory of their friendship.

“Our family is proud of the legacy our father built,” states Jane Wissel, daughter of C. James McCormick. “Our dad was a very giving man who cared for and supported the University in various ways. It’s truly fitting that he would want to ensure an education for future VU students.”

ABOUT THE DONOR

Clarence James (Jim) McCormick, 92, passed away at his long-time family home on May 22, 2017. McCormick was a towering figure in the American trucking industry during the last half of the twentieth century. Rising from the fertile farmland of southwest Indiana, Jim ascended to prominence as a civic, political, and industry leader. He was also a devout supporter of higher education, having served for six years as chair of the Vincennes University Board of Trustees.

Jim was instrumental in involving his children and grandchildren in the trucking business. In 1981 he acquired a small trucking company that became Bestway Express. Jim’s sons, Pat and Mac, obtained ownership positions and managed the business successfully. It has grown over the years and is today operated by Pat and three of Jim’s grandsons: Will, Ry, and Eli.

ABOUT THE VU FOUNDATION

In advancing the University’s missions of higher education and community service, the VU Foundation, through the generosity of its donors, administers endorsements and contributions established by corporate and individual gifts as designated. During the 2017-18 school year, the Foundation will award more than $1.6 million dollars in scholarships. More information is available at www.vinu.edu/foundation or by calling 812-888-4510.

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