Indiana State University Foundation Board member and alumna Sandy Senior-Dauer and her husband, Keith Dauer, have generously pledged $250,000 to the College of Arts and Sciences to support students and faculty in pursuing experiential learning opportunities abroad.
The Senior-Dauer College of Arts and Sciences Travel Grant Endowment will support students and faculty participating in a wide range of travel-based learning experiences, including traditional semester-long study grant programs, faculty-led international trips, and other short-term domestic and global study opportunities.
The aim is to enrich research, academic exploration, and cultural learning for students and faculty through meaningful travel experiences connected to Indiana State University. To qualify for the grant, students and faculty members must be pursuing majors and minors within the College of Arts and Sciences.
“The generosity of Sandy Senior-Dauer and Keith Dauer speaks to the heart of what it means to be a Sycamore: to explore boldly, to give generously, and to learn without boundaries,” said Dr. Mike Godard, President of Indiana State University. “Their investment in the intellectual and cultural growth of our students and faculty extends far beyond financial support—it empowers discovery, inspires connection, and fosters a global perspective that is essential in today’s world.”
Senior-Dauer is a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, receiving her bachelor’s degree in social studies teaching in 1968 and her master’s degree in history in 1969. Over the years, the couple has explored more than 95 countries together and are passionate about enrichment through travel. In addition to their travels, the pair have dedicated their careers to education, teaching history and social studies at the college and secondary levels.
Their teaching of both students and other instructors was enhanced markedly by study and travel provided by several Fulbright and other related grants. They would like to see their support elevate the careers of both Indiana State University students and educators in the same manner. They have already provided similar study and travel experiences in the Indiana State University history department.
“Travel has always been one of the most powerful forms of education in my life. My first journey abroad after graduating from Indiana State opened my eyes to the richness of history, culture, and global perspectives,” said Sandy Senior-Dauer. “Research isn’t just done in libraries and labs—it’s found in real-world experiences, in conversations with people from different backgrounds, and in walking through history and culture firsthand. Keith and I are honored to help open those doors for students and faculty at Indiana State.”
This year, four students were the first recipients of The Senior-Dauer College of Arts and Sciences Travel Grant Endowment. Three of the students are enrolled in the music education program and will use the funds to participate in the 50th Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria in August 2025. The fourth recipient, a student from the psychology program, will take part in Rocket Kids Summer Study to provide services to U.S. military youth.
The College of Arts and Sciences Council on Interdisciplinary Collaboration has also established the Interdisciplinary Scholarship Grant for faculty, which is partly funded through The Senior-Dauer College of Arts and Sciences Travel Grant Endowment. Funds are provided to faculty members to support research and creative activities that are interdisciplinary in nature.
The first faculty recipients of this grant are Dr. William Ganis, Professor of Art, and Dr. Jim Speer, Professor of Geography and Geology.
The next group of students and faculty to receive the Senior-Dauer College of Arts and Sciences Travel Grant Endowment is expected to be announced in the summer.
“Sandy and Keith Senior-Dauer exemplify what it means to give back with purpose,” said Dr. Melinda Roberts, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana State University. “Their continued commitment to Indiana State University College of Arts and Sciences is deeply inspiring to our students and faculty. This latest gift isn’t just generous; it’s transformative. By supporting real-world experiences, they’re helping our students to become global thinkers and leaders and expand opportunities for faculty research.”
The Dauers have been dedicated supporters of academia and life-long learning. Their generosity has enhanced and will continue to advance educational excellence and student opportunities at Indiana State University for generations.
“Indiana State’s commitment to education and discovery is made possible through Sycamores like Sandy and Keith,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of the Division of University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. “Their investment in opportunities for our students and faculty is essential to the enrichment of academic excellence at our University.”
To contribute to a program or area that aligns with your passions during the final stretch of the Be So BOLD Campaign, visit indianastate.edu/giving.