Mack's gift will help in multiple ways

August 30, 2005

P.A. Mack Jr. will fund a "Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute Scholarship in Radiation Therapy" at Ivy Tech Community College's Bloomington campus.

"The generosity of individuals like P.A. Mack is as important to us as financial gifts we receive from large corporations. Mr. Mack's gift clearly supports our community college work-force development role; more importantly, it will change the life of a student," said Ivy Tech-Bloomington chancellor John Whikehart.

The scholarship will support a student in a new program. Radiation therapy is a skill needed by MPRI, a major community (and national) asset providing advanced treatment of cancerous tumors for which traditional treatment methods are less effective. Mack has been treated there for prostate cancer.

Mack is a former Indiana University trustee and member of the Indiana Commission on Higher Education, so he's no stranger to the positive impact educational institutions can have on society.

Committed individuals help make better institutions. P.A. Mack is doing his part, and we congratulate him.

Former IU trustee sets up scholarship for Ivy Tech student in radiation therapy program

by Steve Hinnefeld
331-4374 | shinnefeld@heraldt.com
August 27, 2005

A student in Ivy Tech Community College's new radiation therapy program will receive a two-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded in the name of the staff of the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute.

The award is being funded by Bloomington resident P.A. Mack, who recently underwent treatment at the Indiana University-based proton therapy center.

Mack, a former Indiana University trustee and Indiana Commission for Higher Education member, said it recognizes the splendid treatment he received.

"The staff was like family," he said. "They're superheroes is what they are."

Ivy Tech-Bloomington Chancellor John Whikehart and Dr. Allan Thornton, the medical director of the proton therapy institute, signed an agreement Friday allowing the scholarship to be awarded.

It will pay for full tuition, books and supplies toward a two-year associate of science degree in Ivy Tech's new radiation therapy program. The student who receives the award - about $7,000 over two years - will be considered for internships and employment at the proton therapy center.

The chair of the Ivy Tech program, in consultation with proton therapy staff, will select the winner.

Ivy Tech began developing the program in early 2004, with an eye to providing trained radiation therapists for the new proton therapy facility. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education approved the degree in March.

The Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute, located at the IU Cyclotron Facility, uses powerful, precise proton beams to destroy tumors and provide other medical treatment. One of four such centers in the U.S., it began treating patients in February 2004.

Mack, who was diagnosed last fall with prostate cancer, underwent 44 treatments over nine weeks, wrapping up this week. Because the proton beam is precisely targeted, the treatment doesn't cause side effects associated with traditional radiation treatment.

"We are so fortunate here in Bloomington to have this facility," Mack said. "It's just going to continue to expand."