VINCENNES, Ind. - The Vincennes University Foundation has received its largest individual donation to date - a $4.5 million bequest from Alexandra Page Clark who passed away on August 22, 2017, at the age of 55. Including the name of her “soul mate and husband,” the Alexandra Clark and Oscar Dunn Scholarships will benefit students in the Practical Nursing and Music programs at Vincennes University.

VU President Chuck Johnson stated, “This gift represents a historic level of support for Vincennes University. We have been fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with the Clark-Dunn family and are humbled by their generosity. A gift of this magnitude will have a multi-generational impact on VU, our students, their families, and the communities we serve.

The family’s relationship with Vincennes University began 30 years ago when Oscar Dunn and the VU Foundation established a scholarship in memory of his father, Oscar L. Dunn, a long-time mathematics teacher and band director for Vincennes Lincoln High School. The program annually awards almost $20,000 in scholarships to selected LHS math students and band members who will be attending Vincennes University.

“At the VU Foundation, one of our primary roles is to enhance student success by removing financial barriers for our students. Thanks to the landmark donation to establish the Clark-Dunn endowments, even more students will have access to a high-quality VU education,” added Gregg Sturm, chair of the VU Foundation Board of Directors.

The gift will be divided into a $3.5 million permanent scholarship endowment for students studying music and performing in the band or other music ensembles and a $1 million endowment for students pursuing the one-year certificate to become a licensed practical nurse. Many students begin their careers by earning the LPN certificate and continue their studies to earn an associate degree to become a registered nurse. VU also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Clark envisioned the scholarships helping students who may not be the typical award recipient. Financial need and the student’s desire to learn are to be greater factors for consideration than high scholastic achievements. Also, the scholarships will help fill the gap where the student needs the most assistance, whether it be housing or other college expenses.

“Alexandra Clark and Oscar Dunn have created a legacy that demonstrates stewardship at an inspiring level. They had a strong affinity for Vincennes University and were passionate about the sciences and performing arts. Thanks to their kindness, more students will be presented the opportunity to turn their potential into reality,” said Kristi Deetz interim Foundation Director.

ABOUT ALEXANDRA PAGE CLARK
(Excerpt from the San Francisco Chronicle, October 8, 2017)

Alex, a descendant of a California pioneer family, died in the City of San Francisco, the home of her birth, on August 22, after a valiant battle with glioblastoma brain cancer, with her family by her side.

Alex was the daughter of the late Susan Page of San Francisco and Edgar "Sandy" Clark of Mill Valley. She grew up in San Francisco and Brussels, Belgium, attending the Convent of Sacred Heart in Brussels; the French-American Bilingual School, and the Lycee Francaise in San Francisco. She held degrees in horticulture and culinary sciences and also earned her baccalaureate degree at UC Berkeley in 1993.

After meeting her soul mate and husband, Oscar Dunn, she made her home in Florida, and also in New York City where she continued her education, earning her master’s in biology at NYU. Alex worked as an assistant research scientist in the Department of Biology at NYU where she helped co-author several scientific articles on plant genes.

Alex was an accomplished skier, learning the sport at a young age during family trips to Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland. She and her late husband, Oscar, were also avid tennis players and were members of the River Club in New York.

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 2018-19 school year, the Foundation will have offered or awarded more than $2 million in scholarships. Additional information is available by contacting the VU Foundation at 812-888-4510, or online at vinu.edu/foundation.

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VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom Manager
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MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
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VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom