Tom Dean and Chieko Chambers Study Abroad Scholarship
Overview
Thomas L. Dean is a Hoosier. He was raised in a small community of Nappanee, Indiana, in Elkhart County, noted for its Amish population. Tom is a 1968 graduate of Indiana University. He spent the 1966-67 academic year studying at the Free University of Berlin on an Exchange Scholarship developed in collaboration between IU and the Free University. Studying and living in a different country and culture, resulted in a lifelong interest in travel, and was the inspiration for funding this scholarship.
Tom worked for 33 years as a Probation Officer—two years in Indianapolis and 31 in Alameda County, California. He has had a life-long interest in sports as a participant and fan. He is an avid reader and golfer. He volunteered in elementary school reading programs and high school writing clinics.
Tom and his wife, Chieko, have been together for 23 years. Chieko Chambers is a native of Japan. She was born and raised in Saitama Prefecture, a suburb of Tokyo. She is a graduate of Kwansei Gakuin University and worked in the University’s Administration Offices for several years after graduation. When she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, she earned a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication from San Francisco State and taught speech and communication there for several year. Afterwards, she embarked in a career as a paralegal working in Immigration Law, where her bilingual skills were in demand. Chieko is an above average flute player, reads extensively, enjoys classical music, hiking, and yoga. Tom and Chieko travel often to Japan to visit her family.
Selection Criteria
This scholarship to provide support for international educational experiences for students engaging in social, cultural, and/or historical academic endeavors. The recipient will be an undergraduate enrolled in the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis who are participating in an IU-approved, credit-bearing overseas study program as part of an educational experience for a semester, academic year, summer study, or short-term program.
To be considered for this scholarship, provide a reference letter, upload the study abroad program information flyer including description of program and costs, and write an essay about your study abroad plans, your interest in language/culture study, future educational and career plans, and the importance of the study abroad program to your Liberal Arts education.
How to Apply
Visit our scholarship application website to apply for this scholarship and others.