Hirons creates scholarship to celebrate founder/chairman on 40-year anniversary
In honor of its 40th anniversary, Indianapolis-based company Hirons is creating a Media School endowed scholarship fund in the name of its founder and chairman, Tom Hirons, BA’75.
Hirons is an advertising and public relations firm that’s grown since its inception to become one of Indiana’s largest.
Before founding the firm, Tom Hirons earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from IU in 1975 and studied advertising under the mentorship of School of Journalism professor and industry giant Philip Ward Burton. He also taught at IU Bloomington for more than 18 years as the J. Stewart Riley endowed chair for the School of Journalism and as a visiting lecturer for the Department of Telecommunications, both precursors to The Media School.
The Tom Hirons Scholarship will support undergraduate and graduate Media School students who are interested in a career in branding and/or advertising.
“There is no doubt that Tom Hirons has made significant contributions to IU and its students,” said CEO Jim Parham. “From his early role as vice president of the student body when he attended IU to his ongoing professional work for the university and his dedication to molding the future generations in The Media School classroom, and his support of a robust internship program, it is fitting that the employee-owners of Hirons help continue Tom’s legacy and commitment to students of our craft.”
Tom Hirons and others learned about the establishment of the scholarship, which was a surprise, when it was announced at a June 29 anniversary party for the company.
Others are invited to contribute to the endowed scholarship* in Tom Hirons’ honor.
*Per Indiana University Foundation policy, new endowment accounts which do not become fully funded at the required stated minimum through pledges/gifts at the time of the establishment of the account and through fulfilled pledges/gifts after five years will be converted, and all gifts will be made available to support the intent outlined in the supporting agreement.
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