The University of Indianapolis Announces Gift to Establish Learning Resource Center
The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) is delighted to announce a significant gift in memory of Nanci Vargus. This generous gift was provided by Nanci’s daughter, Jilda Vargus-Adams who wanted to create a lasting legacy for her mother’s commitment and dedication to education and her remarkable impact on the University.
The University will establish the Nanci Vargus Learning Resource Center to remember Nanci’s legacy. Nanci was an educator at the university for over 20 years who used her expertise and kindness to guide elementary and college-age students alike in their journeys to literacy.
“As a child, Mom literally read every book in her local library’s children’s section. She loved books. But more than that, she loved the joy that everyone can get from reading and she built her career with that goal in mind,” Vargus-Adams said. “Both as an elementary school teacher and as a professor of education, Mom endeavored to ensure that all children could have the gift of literacy.”
The Nanci Vargus Learning Resource will provide UIndy students and faculty opportunities to engage in literacy research, explore best practices in emergent literacy, and enhance teacher preparation through one-on-one instruction with children for reading development.
Dean of the University of Indianapolis College of Education & Applied Behavioral Sciences John Kuykendall, Ph.D., says that the Nanci Vargus Learning Resource Center will assist statewide Department of Education initiatives to improve literacy in the state.
“Literacy rates in Indiana have been on the decline for almost a decade,” he said. “Thanks in part to this generous gift, our future educators at UIndy are being equipped with the right instructional tools in the science of reading to improve literacy outcomes for the students they will go on to teach.”
The new Learning Resource Center is just one way that people can honor the legacy of Nanci Vargus according to her daughter. “Others can honor her memory by sharing their time and treasure with causes that support literacy. They can also continue to share her light by embodying her spirit in supporting others and having faith in themselves,” she said. “My Mom would be heartened to know that she had influenced others to be brave, positive, and/or inquisitive!”
About the University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, founded in 1902, is a private university located just a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The University is ranked among the top National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, with a diverse enrollment of 5,000 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students. The University offers a wide variety of study areas, including 100+ undergraduate degrees, more than 40 master’s degree programs, and five doctoral programs. More occupational therapists, physical therapists, and clinical psychologists graduate from the University each year than any other state institution. With strong programs in engineering, business, and education, the University of Indianapolis impacts its community by living its motto, “Education for Service.” Learn more: uindy.edu.
Tags: early childhood education, elementary education, state policy
