>> Welcome to Aspiration, a podcast series from the Indiana University Foundation. Aspiration highlights just a few Indiana University students from both undergraduate and graduate programs across the state. Each featured student benefits from the generosity of donors. IU's loyal alumni and friends whose support makes today's dreams and aspirations become reality in tomorrow's world. Former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton created a scholarship in 1999 that recognizes undergraduate students at IU Southeast who demonstrate both outstanding academic achievement and dedicated volunteerism. One such student is Steven Moberly, a senior at Indiana University Southeast. 

>> In a student's life a scholarship, like a good mentor, can open doors to knowledge and opportunity and change one's life for the better. That is what happened for Steven Moberly whose academic excellence is exceeded only by his volunteerism. In 2006 he was recognized for performing over 4,000 hours of volunteer work. But Steven never planed to pursue a higher education. It was through the encouragement of IU's Southeast biology professor Claude Baker that he changed his mind. 

>> When I was a junior in high school, my brother was doing research with Dr. Baker helping him conduct environmental studies in the field. I volunteered to participate and this was what first stimulated my interest in science. Really, a large part of that was Dr. Baker his enthusiasm for applying science to solving problems, his hard work for the service of the community. It was a lot of fun, and it made me think about things in a new way. 

>> But upon graduating from high school, Steven didn't go straight to college. Partly, he didn't think a higher education was for him. So he sought out work and struck out on his own, but he promised himself he would visit Dr. Baker again one day. It wasn't until five years later that Steven, a welder at the time, did so. 

>> Dr. Baker wanted me to do two things. Volunteer to help with the West Nile Virus Research Program and to attend his class. I wasn't even enrolled, but he made me take tests and complete assignments. I would work third shift, volunteer, and go to class. That really gave me the confidence I needed. So I enrolled at IU Southeast the next semester. I didn't realize I had potential as a University student, but Dr. Baker did. 

>> The Lee Hamilton Scholars Award gave Steven the support he needed to make his academic career possible. 

>> I really appreciate the scholarship because it allowed me the time to develop academically the way I wanted to, and I could still do the volunteer work that interested me. When I received my scholarship, it took many of my worries away. 

>> Steven's gratitude inspired him to create his own scholarship for IU Southeast biology students. Like the Hamilton Scholars Award, Steven's scholarship will be given to students who serve their community. And like his mentor Steven plans to use his education to pursue science as a means of raising our quality of life. 

>> I've become deeply interested in pathology and neuroscience. But along with research in my field, I also want to treat patients so I can contribute as much as possible to the world around me. And while I will always to volunteer work, I want to mold all of these ambitions into one lifestyle. But I think Dr. Baker has shown me a fourth part of my future. I really hope that one day like him I can become someone's mentor. 

>> Thanks for listening to this Indiana University Foundation Podcast. Next month we'll introduce you to another student who exemplifies the rich diversity and great aspirations that exist across all IU campuses. If you'd like to learn more about how private support helps Indiana University every day, please visit us at iufoundation.iu.edu. 

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==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====