Franklin College Receives Grant for Distinctive Student Experiences

Franklin College has received a $50,000 grant from the Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation supporting the college’s Branigin Engaged Learning program.

In 2016, the Branigin Foundation provided a grant of $100,000 to establish the Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Engaged Learning Fund at Franklin College for it to move forward in its effort to advance distinctive engagement opportunities for its students. This grant builds upon that original $100,000 support from the Branigin Foundation.

The fund was established to support distinctive student opportunities to connect liberal arts education with experiential, relevant learning. These regional and national experiences include internships, research opportunities, conference presentations, and academic and professional competitions. These value-added student experiences result in substantive learning and professional outcomes.

“We have a deep appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the Branigin Foundation and Franklin College,” said President Kerry N. Prather. “Over the years, we have had no more reliable and enthusiastic partners than the Branigin Foundation. This continued support enables a variety of impactful experiences for our students.”

Franklin College prioritizes active, engaged learning experiences at the core of the curriculum. The Branigin Engaged Learning Fund allows the college to provide unique experiential opportunities in the areas of undergraduate research and professional development.

“This funding will provide opportunities for students to work directly with faculty on undergraduate research projects and to benefit from professional development experiences designed to prepare them for graduation,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Kristin C. Flora, Ph.D. “The generous philanthropy of the Branigin Foundation continues to provide life-changing opportunities for students and has a profound effect on our entire campus.”

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

About Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation

The Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation was created in 1986 by Gene Portteus Branigin to encourage and support civic, charitable, educational and public benefit organizations in Johnson County and throughout Central Indiana. The Branigins’ legacy of generosity endures through the Foundation’s continued financial support of organizations that help enrich the lives of Hoosiers.

About Franklin College

Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential liberal arts and sciences institution located 20 minutes south of Indianapolis. Franklin offers a wide array of undergraduate majors as well as master’s degree programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Athletic Training. The unique curriculum merges classroom instruction with immersive experiences, research opportunities and study away programs. Students participate in 21 NCAA Division III sports, esports, Greek life, musical and theatre productions and more than 40 student organizations. As the first college in Indiana to become coeducational with the admission of women, Franklin welcomes diversity of thought, belief and person into a community that values equity and inclusion. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association with the American Baptist Churches USA. For more information, visit www.FranklinCollege.edu. Find Franklin College on Facebook and follow @FranklinCollege on Twitter.