COLUMBUS — Incoming accounting students at Indiana University will have the opportunity to receive full financial support following the creation of a new $1 million scholarship honoring local educator, attorney, and accountant Thomas G. Kennedy.
The Thomas G. Kennedy Family Scholarship was established by Kennedy’s son, Michael Kennedy, and his family. The fund will provide full tuition and fees for four years at the IU Kelley School of Business, with coverage extending to a fifth year for students who enroll in the school’s 3/2 MBA Program in accounting.
The inaugural recipient of the award is Jerry Likens, a 2026 graduate of Columbus North High School, who will begin his studies at IU this fall. Future awards will continue to support incoming freshmen from the Columbus area.
A Legacy Spanning Half a Century
Thomas Kennedy, who passed away in 2018, maintained a deep connection to Indiana University for more than 50 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting from IU in 1964, an MBA in 1969, and his Juris Doctor from the IU Maurer School of Law in 1971.
Before returning to academia, Kennedy built an extensive corporate and public accounting career, working with Arthur Andersen, Cummins, Scott Foresman, and Media One. In 2002, he joined the IU faculty as a clinical associate professor teaching tax accounting, bringing practical, real-world experience into the classroom until his retirement in December 2013.
“Indiana University, the Kelley School, and Columbus, Indiana will always be special to our family, in large part due to the deep roots that our family planted there,” said Michael Kennedy. “My father was a lifelong advocate for the school, and his former students today remain an important part of his legacy. He would have been proud to continue supporting IU and students from Columbus.”
Former colleagues also highlighted Kennedy’s impact on the business school’s curriculum. Jamie Pratt, emeritus professor of accounting, noted that Kennedy was among the school’s first clinical professors, adding a vital “real-world element” to the tax curriculum while serving as a memorable mentor to hundreds of future accountants.
Campaign and Application Information
The $1 million endowment is part of Indiana University’s broader Never Daunted fundraising campaign, which supports student opportunities, research, and community initiatives across all IU campuses.
Students interested in applying for the Thomas G. Kennedy Family Scholarship or learning more about eligibility can visit the Indiana University Scholarship Application Portal.
