Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2024

About Zenophia Y. Fitzgerald

Yvonne graduated with her MSW degree from the Indiana University School of Social Work in 2003. She began her career at IUPUI as the Director of Advising in University College and later transitioned to the IU School of Social Work where she served as the Student Services Coordinator and Recruitment Specialist, Assistant Director of the MSW Program, and now as Assistant Dean for Student Success.

Throughout her tenure at the School of Social Work Yvonne has donated generously to student scholarship assistance because she has observed the impact higher education costs have on students, with some incurring student loan debt, and others experiencing food and housing insecurities. Ultimately, Yvonne wanted to ease the burden for social work students who share her dedication and commitment to improving children’s physical and mental health outcomes. In 2023, she established the Zion Psalms Millard-Render Memorial Scholarship in honor of her granddaughter who experienced premature death due to a congenital heart defect.

Prior to this, Yvonne demonstrated unwavering commitment to empowering teen girls by establishing the Pearls of Wisdom Scholarship Program that ensured students have access to higher education and the tools necessary to achieve their dreams. In addition to her financial contributions, Yvonne volunteers her time and talents at various events, such as IUPUI’s annual Regatta, the School of Social Work Alumni Association’s annual conference, and other community initiatives. She has dedicated her career to student success, and we are so grateful for her ongoing investment in social work students.