Two students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Dr. Eugene E. Lepley Memorial Scholarship.
Juliana Simon, a kinesiology exercise science major in the IUP Cook Honors College from Erie, is the scholarship recipient. Vincent Oddo, a health and physical education major from Westmoreland County, is the scholarship finalist. The students received $4,000 and $2,275, respectively, through the scholarship.
From left, committee members Dave Wachob and Jim Racchini, faculty in the departments of Career and Wellness Education and Allied Health, respectively; recipient Juliana Simon; Susan Lepley Miller, the late Eugene Lepley’s daughter; recipient Vincent Oddo; committee member and faculty in the Department of Management Joshua Castle; and retired faculty member Elaine Blair.
The Eugene E. Lepley Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of the late Eugene “Gene” Lepley, a professor in the former Health and Physical Education Department at IUP from 1963 to 1988. Established by colleagues, family, and friends to continue his legacy, Lepley is recognized for “his optimism, cheerfulness, zest for living, and dedication to teaching and young people (that has) made a permanent and positive impact on many.”
Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee of faculty members from the former Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Science program, IUP alumni, and Susan Lepley Miller, the late Dr. Lepley’s daughter (or her designee).
Scholarships are awarded annually to those students who are preparing to enter their final year of study at IUP, and who have completed all school, departmental, and other requirements for that status. Eligible majors include exercise science, health and physical education, pre-athletic training, and sports administration. Students must also have achieved an overall grade point average of 3.25 or better and have been a student in one of the eligible majors for a minimum of two years.
Simon, daughter of Sean Simon and Flor Simon, is a 2024 graduate of McDowell High School. She is a Sutton Scholarship and Cook Honors College Scholarship recipient and won the ROTC Gold Athletic Award. She is president of Order of Athena Woman’s ROTC Club, and secretary of IUP Rifle Club, and is a member of the Leaders in Exercise and Training Club and the ROTC Color Guard.
Oddo, son of Lori and Eric Oddo, is a member of the Health and Physical Education Majors Club and is a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. IUP’s Impact 150 comprehensive campaign is designed to honor a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, public service, and leadership in healthcare education, including the first college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in the commonwealth.