Scholarship Support

During the 2023-24 academic year, 1,658 students received $4.1 million in donor-funded scholarships.

IUP graduates Dr. Primo Toccafondi '62 and Patricia (Sue) Kurtz Toccafondi '63 Rolando Toccafondi ’65 and his wife, Barbara Micks Toccafondi, to establish the Toccafondi-Kurtz Scholarship for students pursuing an education degree or teaching certificate. Primo and Rolando Toccafondi are brothers originally from Creekside, while Patricia is originally from Ligonier. Primo, Rolando, and Patricia Toccafondi are all first-generation college graduates. Primo and Patricia Toccafondi both retired after 30 years in the education field. Barbara Toccafondi, originally of DuBois, is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville. Rolando and Barbara Toccafondi also retired after long careers in education.

“Near the end of my high school senior year, I was awarded a scholarship,” Dr. Primo Toccafondi said. “That scholarship allowed me to pursue my professional career in education. It is an honor for Sue and me to join my brother and Barbara to establish the Toccafondi Kurtz Scholarship for IUP students that are accepting the challenge to teach tomorrow’s youth.”

“Our parents always talked about their children going on to college, and always encouraged us to get good grades,” said Rolando Toccafondi. “Fortunately, in my junior year I received a monetary award from one of the IUP scholarship programs. Barbara and I always felt a need to support our alma maters, and I have been proud to support the IUP marching band and the IUP ROTC program, as well as the education program.”

The family’s scholarship is already making a difference in students’ lives. Amber Chmielewski, a junior pursuing a degree in early childhood/special education, is the first recipient of the Toccafondi-Kurtz Scholarship. Coming to IUP from Pittsburgh, she decided to attend because she loved the size of the university and the great education program. “I love that I see someone I know everywhere I go on campus,” she said. “I also love how IUP provides resources to help students in all areas.” After IUP, Amber hopes to teach in a special education classroom or a fourth-grade general education classroom. She also plans to return and complete a master’s program to further her education and better her skills as a teacher for her students. “Receiving this scholarship allows me to pursue the career I want and be able to have a great experience at college,” she said. “Without this scholarship, I would not have the same opportunities. Thank you!”

CJ Jaynes ’79, M’82 graduated from IUP with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and then taught in the Indiana Area School District while working on her master’s degree in mathematics. At that time, CJ decided to leave the teaching profession and join the US Navy. She was commissioned in March 1983 and spent the next 33 years as an Aeronautical (Maintenance) Engineering Duty Officer and Acquisition Professional. CJ traveled the world and visited many fascinating places, but her heart was always at IUP. CJ retired in May 2016 as a Rear Admiral, was selected as an IUP Distinguished Alumni in 2017 and became a member of the Dean’s Advancement Council for the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

CJ believes her degrees from IUP set the foundation for her Naval career and enabled her to have success in an aviation/engineering field. The Rear Admiral CJ Jaynes Scholarship for Veterans in STEM encourages students to pursue careers in STEM and set themselves up for a prosperous and successful future. CJ’s focus for veterans is linked to the many enlisted sailors and Marines that helped shape her as a junior officer and developed the leadership characteristics that she carries with her to this day.

Jacob Herman, a dedicated student from Tower City, Pennsylvania, is set to graduate in 2025 with a degree in computer science with a minor in criminology. His choice of IUP was influenced by the university’s strong computer science program, particularly its focus on cyber security, the supportive campus environment and welcoming faculty.

Active in campus life, Jacob participates in the Cyber Security Club and engages in intramural sports, including basketball and flag football. He values these extracurricular activities not only for physical engagement but also for the rewarding friendships and connections. The small class sizes at IUP further enhance his educational experience, allowing for meaningful interactions with professors.

After graduation, Jacob aims to enter the cyber field and is currently exploring job opportunities. He also aspires to pursue a master’s degree in the future to further his education. Receiving a scholarship is a significant honor for Jacob. It provides financial support and serves as motivation to excel in his studies. He appreciates this recognition as a testament to his hard work and is excited about the prospects that lie ahead.

“Receiving a scholarship is a huge honor, and not only does it allow me to gain financial support, but it also motivates me to work harder,” he said. “I am so appreciative of receiving this scholarship because it is such an honorable recognition and makes all the hard work that I have put in over the years pay off. It also makes me proud and excited for what the future has to offer.”