SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 6, 2026 – Nearly two dozen Drury University students have received a total of $56,000 in grants as part of the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Vocation Across the Academy Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and Lilly Endowment Inc. The four-year grant program is enhanced by a generous matching gift from former Drury President John Beuerlein ’75 and his wife, Crystal Beuerlein ’75.
The grants have been awarded to a total of 22 students, each of whom is engaging in various community-based projects. Eleven of the grants are for Community Focus projects, while the other 11 are earmarked for Community Impact projects.
“Drury students have created impactful projects based on community needs,” Dr. Laurie Edmondson, distinguished professor of education at Drury said. “The projects range from providing access to healthcare, supporting young children in crisis, improving access to educational opportunities and putting books in the hands of children who need them the most. I am inspired to see so many unique projects that will make a positive difference for families in Springfield. Drury is committed to engaging our students in real world projects that enable them to be working with local nonprofits to really make a difference in our community. ”
The Community Focus grants are 11 separate $1,000 grants for projects involving local nonprofits, such as Eden Village, The Kitchen, Ozarks Literacy Council, Drew Lewis Foundation, Center for Music Therapy, Ronald McDonald House, Developmental Center of the Ozarks, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Play it Forward, Crosslines Community Outreach and Watershed of the Ozarks.
The Community Impact grants total $45,000, with an extra $7,500 in matching grants possible. Local nonprofit organizations involved include O’Reilly Center for Hunger Relief, Isabel’s House, Abilities First, High Tide Theatrical, Open Field Health Collaborative and Drew Lewis Foundation.
About NetVUE
A program of the Council of Independent Colleges, NetVUE is a nationwide network of 300 colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. NetVUE Program Development Grants are made possible through generous financial support to the Council of Independent Colleges by Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more at cic.edu/networks/netvue.
About CIC
Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. Learn more at cic.edu.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. was founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr., for the “promotion and support of religious, educational or charitable purposes.” Throughout its history, the Endowment has sought to nurture the human spirit, intellect and character. For more information visit lillyendowment.org.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu