E. Bronson Ingram founded the Ingram Scholars Program in 1994 by awarding the scholarship to four undergraduates and two incoming freshmen. With Professor Ann Neely established as the founding Faculty Director, the Ingram Scholars Program was a natural development for Vanderbilt University, aligning with its longstanding and ever-expanding institutional commitment to community outreach and service.
E. Bronson Ingram, chairman of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust from 1991 until his death in 1995, conceived of the Ingram Scholars Program in 1993 as a way to encourage Vanderbilt students to combine a professional career with a commitment to community service.
Mr. Ingram's own life exemplified volunteerism and an untiring commitment to mobilizing the resources of the business community to assist non-profit community groups.
To facilitate academic, professional, and service opportunities relating to each Scholar's respective interests and career plans through advising, seminars, internship placements, projects, travel, and collaboration.
To maximize opportunities that prepare Scholars for professional careers involving a commitment to solving critical social problems.
To strengthen the connections between academic learning and engaged service.