Otis W. and Cora Burke Caldwell Endowed Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND

Otis Caldwell had a passion for education and learning. A student in the late 19th century, Mr. Caldwell voluntarily repeated the eighth grade in his country school, even though he had passed all his tests, because he felt there were still lessons he could learn from the college student who had been hired to teach. When Mr. Caldwell arrived at Franklin College, he was certain he would only be able to stay for a semester or two before his money ran out. But he soon found jobs around the campus and town chopping wood, running the dining room of a boarding club and even teaching in country schools where he could inspire young people just as he had been inspired. He worked hard and, when not working, studied hard. In 1894, Mr. Caldwell graduated from Franklin College and left the campus with two things: a diploma and the love of his life. Mr. Caldwell met Cora Burke while the two were students at Franklin. They married several years after graduation. The Caldwells had long cherished the idea of giving a gift to the college to aid other students who shared their hunger for knowledge. On the golden anniversary of their graduation, they established the Otis W. & Cora Burke Caldwell Endowed Scholarship.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

The Otis W. & Cora Burke Caldwell Endowed Scholarship is available to any Franklin College student in good standing. Strength of character and academic record are considered in making the selection. The recipient is chosen each year by the financial aid office.