Eitel family establishes Ivy Tech scholarship honoring John Eitel

Thursday, April 2, 2009
Mike Harmless, Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray, Ivy Tech Chancellor Jeff Pittman pose with Ken and Jackie Eitel following the establishment of the Eitel Family Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurship and Civic Leadership.

Ivy Tech Community College announced a new scholarship for students attending the Greencastle Campus: The Eitel Family Endowed Scholarship for Enterprise and Civic Leadership. The endowment is administered by the Putnam County Community Foundation and was established by Kenneth J. Eitel, Jr., and Jacquelyn A. Eitel in tribute to John Eitel, founder of Eitel's Flowers and Gifts.

The Scholarship memorializes the legacy of entrepreneurship and community service John Eitel began 100 years ago; spanning four generations of Putnam County family entrepreneurs. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage future generations of Putnam County Ivy Tech Community College students to pursue careers in business innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.

"America was founded upon the entrepreneurship and civic leadership of individuals like my great-grandfather who valued community," related Ken Eitel. "Education has been proven to be the major contributor to a better community and quality of life; our partnership with Ivy Tech will advance these values for business students from Putnam County and our hope is it will continue to grow in resources and benefits."

Eitel's Flowers & Gifts was founded by John and Anna Marie Eitel as John Eitel & Sons Florist in 1908 because Greencastle was a good place to do business. John purchased 13 acres of land, a home and greenhouses in the Higert Place subdivision, now an area bounded by Melrose and Shadowlawn Avenue. Through the decades of the Depression, world wars and economic cycles, the business was operated by John's son Jacob Eitel, his grandson Kenneth Eitel, Sr. and currently by his great-grandson Kenneth Eitel, Jr. and continues at 17 S. Vine St. in Greencastle.

"The Eitel Family Endowed Scholarship will benefit countless students in the years to come", said Ivy Tech Community College Chancellor Jeff Pittman. "We are grateful for the investment that the Eitel family has made in Ivy Tech Community College Greencastle and surrounding communities. Students will have their lives changed through an infinite number of scholarships that this gift will support."

"The need for scholarships has never been greater," said Elaine Peck, Executive Director of the Putnam County Community Foundation. "We are grateful the Eitel family took advantage of the matching opportunities available, and we encourage other businesses to contact us as they think about make their own innovative investments in the community."

For information about opportunities to name a classroom at the new Ivy Tech Greencastle Campus or to have your gift supporting the Campus matched, contact Becky Miller, Executive Director of Resource Development, at (800) 377-4882, ext. 2361.

Ivy Tech Community College is the State's largest public post-secondary institution and the nation's largest single-accredited statewide community college system, and has campuses across Indiana. It serves as the State's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community. It also offers courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Comments
View 1 comment
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
  • I have known Ken since junior high and have the utmost respect and admiration for the Eitel family establishment of the scholarships. The family not only talks the walk, but walks the walk.

    Again, congratulations to Ivy Tech and to the Eitel family for investing in Greencastle's and Putnam County's future.

    -- Posted by Steve 1964 on Thu, Apr 2, 2009, at 8:17 AM
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: