Jasper Strassenfest Half Pot supports VUJ scholarships; Proceeds to help up to nine students this year
The Vincennes University Jasper Foundation Scholastic Excellence Award will continue supporting local high school graduates with higher education opportunities thanks to a nearly $38,000 contribution from the Jasper Strassenfest on Sept. 29.
The Scholastic Excellence Award, now in its eighth cohort, is a one-year, full-tuition (up to 15 credit hours) scholarship that supports local high school graduates in a seven-county radius who attend VU Jasper.
“The VU Jasper Foundation is grateful for our continued partnership with the Strassenfest Committee and the success of this year’s Strassenfest Half Pot,” VU Jasper Foundation Board President Dan Fritch said. “Through our collaborative efforts, the proceeds received by the foundation will directly support scholarships for local students pursuing their education at Vincennes University Jasper. We sincerely thank the Strassenfest Committee, everyone who purchased a ticket, and all who helped make this year’s Half Pot a success.”
The Half Pot surpassed $150,000 for the second consecutive year in 2026, and allocated $37,653.61 to the VU Jasper Foundation to help students begin their college education at VU Jasper without the burden of out-of-pocket costs or student loans. This year, the Foundation will award this scholarship to seven to nine local students.
Since launching the Scholastic Excellence Award in 2019, the VU Jasper Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 to over 150 students. To ensure academic success, award recipients also receive a $500 book stipend each semester and a complimentary laptop.
The Jasper Strassenfest Committee announced that the remaining funds will support participating nonprofit organizations in emergencies and build a strong financial foundation for the continued growth of Strassenfest and the Jasper community.
The Half Pot winning ticket was worth more than $75,000. The winner was an anonymous individual from Jasper
