Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2025

About Erin Cassity

In every office you can usually find some work “besties,” one or two co-workers that you really connect with. That’s the story of Erin and Jackie. Both grew up in families of modest means but knew what it meant to share what you have when others have less. When it came time for college, both worked their way through school. Erin attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN, majoring in education with an emphasis on early childhood. Jackie attended Indiana Central University (now University of Indianapolis) majoring in elementary education. Both had their sights set on becoming teachers. But fate had its way and both ended up as employees at IUPUI. Erin worked in the Curriculum Resource Center for the School of Education. Jackie worked in the Registrar’s Office. That was summer and fall of 1979 and neither of them knew each other at that time. Fast forward a few years and both ended up on the Parking Appeals committee and a new friendship began. Fast forward a few more years and Jackie was hired as an academic advisor in the School of Education. Working with students from different perspectives, Erin providing materials for classes and advising student organizations, and Jackie advising students and working with them from admission to graduation, they both saw a need for more scholarship money for these students. Scholarships were important to both of them during their college careers and Erin came up with an idea. Starting up a new classroom is a huge expense for a new teacher – could we do something to help? And so, in honor of our 35 year work anniversary, the Cassity Whitney Classroom Startup Legacy Scholarship was born. It gives great joy to these recipients be able to really start making a difference in the lives of young people because they can create a welcoming classroom environment. This scholarship has now been awarded for 10 years, and they hope for many more years to come.