Michael and Muriel Wallace International Scholarship Fund

The Michael and Muriel Wallace International Scholarship endowment fund was established in 2008 by former IU School of Social Work senior lecturer and Student Advisor, Elsa Iverson whose career spanned 35 years at the School. “Elsa not only received her MSW from the School of Social Work, she also gave the School 35 years of dedicated service,” said Michael Patchner, Dean of the Indiana University School of Social Work. “Elsa was a pioneer in the development of international field placements. Because of her efforts our School was among the first in the nation to send students abroad for field education. Over the years many students benefited because of Elsa’s leadership and dedicated service.”

Elsa strongly believed in the power of international experiences in preparing future social workers to practice in a global world. Elsa’s vision is more relevant today than ever before as our students graduate and work with immigrants and refugees living in our nation. Issues such as sex trafficking, poverty and substance abuse reach across our global boundaries. There is much to be learned and applied locally from the policies and social work practices of other countries.

Following the sudden death of an English colleague, Michael Wallace, who along with his wife Muriel, had helped Elsa with placements in London, she felt moved to create an endowed scholarship to assist social work students who might not otherwise be able to go abroad. Michael and Muriel were often a welcome sight as students arrived in London to begin their social work practicums. They helped students acclimate to their new environments by making housing arrangements, explaining transportation options and serving as trusted advisors throughout their stays. Many students who were making their first trips abroad, and away from their families, cherished the friendships that would carry them through a semester abroad, and perhaps most importantly, remain with them throughout their lives.

2017 Study Abroad/Service Learning Destinations – approximately 25 students planning to travel to

• Croatia
• India
• South Africa
• England
• South Korea

Checks can be written to the Indiana University Foundation and sent to the School at 902 W. New York Street, ES 4161, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202. Please put the scholarship’s account number (0370007650) in the memo of the check.

Indiana taxpayers are eligible for a 50 percent tax credit for gifts up to $400 on joint returns or $200 on individual returns.