Strassenfest Committee makes $45k donation to VUJC Foundation

In the picture above from left to right are Corie Eckerle (Strassenfest Chairperson), Gary Schnell (VU Jasper Foundation Board Member), Austin Welp (Assistant Director of Special Projects/VUJAdvancement and Strassenfest Half Pot Chairperson), Adam Watkins (Assistant Vice President and Dean), and Kim Lottes (VU Jasper Foundation Board Member)

The Vincennes University Jasper Foundation Scholastic Excellence Award reflects VUJ’s continued dedication to providing high school graduates with access to quality higher education.

This one-year, full-tuition scholarship is designed to support Indiana high school graduates from Dubois, Crawford, Orange, Perry, Harrison, Martin, and Spencer counties who choose to attend VU Jasper. Along with full tuition coverage, the award also provides a $500 book stipend per semester and a new laptop, equipping students with essential tools for academic success.

The Vincennes University Jasper Foundation received nearly $46,000 from the Jasper Strassenfest Committee on October 2, 2025. This contribution stems from the 2025 Strassenfest.

“The Vincennes University Jasper Foundation and the Jasper Strassenfest proudly partner each year on the annual Half Pot event, said Dan Fritch, Vincennes University Jasper Foundation President. “By working together, we raise scholarship funds that benefit local students, creating opportunities for their education and future success.”

From the proceeds, $45,548.62 was allocated to the Vincennes University Jasper Foundation to support and help students begin their college education at VU Jasper without the burden of out-of-pocket costs or student loans. Thanks to this year’s contribution, the Foundation will already be able to offer 8 to 10 local students this award.

The Jasper Strassenfest Committee also announced that the remaining funds will be used to support participating nonprofit organizations in times of emergency and to build a strong financial foundation for the continued growth of Strassenfest and the Jasper community. As part of the Half Pot event, the lucky winning ticket—held by a married couple from Jasper—secured a prize of just over $77,000.