From left to right: Kellie Osmon, Brandon Osmon, Jamie Stuteville, Chancellor Jennie Vaughan, and Biology Program Chair Sarah Cote.
BLOOMINGTON – Student, Jamie Stuteville, received the inaugural Osmon Chiropractic Cancer Survivors Scholarship this spring and is on-track to graduate with her associate of science in biotechnology in spring 2020. The $1,000 scholarship award was presented to Stuteville at the Indiana Center for the Life Sciences on April 25, 2019.
Stuteville was diagnosed with cancer only four years ago and had everything to live for—her two daughters. “For two weeks [after the second diagnosis] I wondered if I would live to see my two beautiful daughters grow up,” she said. “I wondered if I’d have to make videos and write letters so they would know who I was.”
Stuteville is now cancer-free and onto a new career path in biotechnology—one she hopes will lead her to a career in research and development in the fight against cancer. Previously, Stuteville styled hair for a living.
Her husband is also a student at Ivy Tech Bloomington, studying for his associate degree in supply chain management and logistics, while keeping full time employment. She says that they are working toward a better future together by sacrificing money and time now for their studies.
Brandon Osmon, of Osmon Chiropractic, approached Ivy Tech Bloomington last fall about establishing a scholarship for cancer survivors after personal experience—his 15-year-old son had been diagnosed with lymphoma. While treatable, his son underwent months of chemotherapy at Riley Hospital for Children, and through the process, learned about the emotional, physical, and financial struggles that cancer patients and their families face.
Through the chiropractic business that Osmon and his wife Kellie own, they made a commitment to start a scholarship to help students who have been impacted by a battle with cancer.
Like Stuteville, Osmon’s son is now cancer free.
“These remarkable individuals have a lot to offer the world,” Osmon said. “We look forward to following their journeys.”
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
