DUBOIS – A new scholarship fund at Penn State DuBois has been endowed in the name of a student who tragically lost his life while enrolled at the campus. The Jordan Andrulonis Trustee Scholarship has been established by Jordan’s mother, Betty McFadden Freemer, and her husband, Mark Freemer, both of DuBois. The scholarship will be available to any undergraduate student who is enrolled or plans to enroll at Penn State DuBois who has a financial need.
An engineering major and dean’s list student at Penn State DuBois, Andrulonis was also a member of the campus wrestling team and active in intramural athletics. He drowned at Treasure Lake in September of 2009.
The Freemers, like Andrulonis, are both alumni of Penn State DuBois. Jordan’s brother, as well as his uncles, aunt, and cousins all attended the campus, as well. Additionally, Mark Freemer is the chair of For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students campus fundraising campaign. The family truly has a deep connection to the campus.
“Having Jordan’s name connected to Penn State DuBois thrills us. He will always be remembered at the campus he attended,” said Betty McFadden Freemer. She went on to recognize the enormous impact scholarship dollars have on the lives of students, and explained that she and her husband are glad to be part of that impact. She said, “It is important to help others if you are able. This scholarship will help students reach their academic goals, and then perhaps someday the recipients will be able to help others.”
In March, the Freemers also dedicated a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork to the campus in Jordan Andrulonis’ name; a mosaic titled, “Let Our Diversity Be a Uniting Force”.
The work of art was created by artist and assistant professor of education at Penn State Harrisburg, Anju Jolly. After seeing the piece, Mark Freemer decided to fund the artwork project on behalf of his wife, in honor of her son. At that time, Mark Freemer said, “The timing just seemed perfect for this gift. I forwarded a picture of the mosaic to Betty, and when she saw it, she noted how beautiful it was. After her response, it just felt like this gift to Jordan from her was meant to be.”
The mosaic now hangs on an interior wall in the campus’ Swift Building, alongside a plaque that reads: “Mosaic donated in memory of Jordan J. Andrulonis, by his mother, Betty McFadden Freemer.”
The artwork, like this newly established scholarship, will stand as lasting gifts, representing one of the campus communities’ beloved members, who will always remain at Penn State DuBois in spirit.
A golf tournament to benefit the Jordan Andrulonis Trustee Scholarship is planned for August 10, at the DuBois Country Club. The event will also feature an auction, door prize, and dinner. For more information, contact Betty at 375-7489 or bettyfreemer@yahoo.com.