Two bequests totaling nearly $6 million were made to the UI Foundation for financial aid to UI students from southeast Iowa.

A $3.9 million bequest from the estate of Keokuk natives Clyde W. James and Frances James will fund scholarships for students attending the UI from high schools in Des Moines Henry, Jefferson, Lee and Van Buren counties in southeast Iowa, as well as those transferring to the University of Iowa from Southeastern Community College in Keokuk.

Nearly $2 million from Berenice Gardner, a native of Bonaparte, will benefit the Robert Nelson Cresap and Nan Walther Cresap Memorial Fund at the UI Foundation. Preference for scholarship recipients is given to students from southeastern Iowa.

Four students will receive James Scholarships in August, providing about $8,200, the cost of tuition, health and computer fees, books and supplies, and room and board at the UI for the academic year.

The number of James scholarships will grow to more than 20 in future years. An additional seven to be awarded in 2000, another six in 2001, and another five in 2002. The number will fluctuate, based on number of community college transfers, cost of education increases, and growth of the fund.

Recipients of both the James and Gardner scholarships will be selected by a committee of UI financial aid and admissions staff. For scholarship application information, contact the UI Office of Financial Aid at 319-335-1450.