Three Purdue University Calumet fitness management students have received $750 scholarships from the university’s Department of Fitness, Wellness and Recreational Sports for the 2015-16 academic year.
Victoria Carrillo of Whiting and Sarala Morrow of Schererville each have been awarded the Jennie Hamilton Endowed Scholarship. Kaitlyn Galka of Dyer has accepted the John Friend Endowed Scholarship.
“Victoria, Sarala and Kaitlyn exemplify the dedication, passion and love of teaching people about physical fitness that is so reflective of the namesakes of both scholarships,” Scholarship Committee Chair and Interim Director of Purdue Calumet’s Dept. of Fitness, Wellness and Recreational Sports John Bobalik said. “They are excellent role models for physical fitness and great ambassadors for Purdue University Calumet and the Fitness Management Program.”
Jennie Hamilton Scholarship recipients
Beyond her Purdue Calumet academic curriculum, Carrillo is a certified group fitness instructor who teaches Zumba classes at several local YMCAs. Morrow looks forward to applying her knowledge and training in exercise and fitness by opening her own fitness facility to help minority women and veterans.
The namesake of the Hamilton Endowed Scholarship is a 2003 alumna of Purdue Calumet who died in a 2006 accident while training for the Ironman Triathlon. Friends and family members introduced the scholarship to honor Hamilton’s memory and advance her legacy of health, fitness and education.
The university’s Fitness Center hosts two running road races each year to raise support for the scholarship.
John Friend Scholarship
John Friend Endowed Scholarship recipient Galka has been a competitive bowler for the past 20 years. She also serves as assistant coach of the Lake Central High School bowling team.
Her scholarship is named after Purdue Calumet’s athletics director from 1980 through 2001 and beyond. While overseeing the university’s athletics program, Friend also figured prominently in developing a campus Fitness Center, expanding intramural athletics and promoting student wellness. Friend continues to serve Purdue Calumet as an athletics consultant.
