Nathan Keller
Intended major(s): Criminology and Psychology
Lynnville, Indiana
Learn more about Nathan Keller, an incoming Bulldog and Lilly Scholar. Nathan is one of nearly 100 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients at Butler.
What does being selected as a Lilly Scholar mean to you?
Being selected as a Lilly Scholar means the world to me. Now, I can focus on school and interact with other peers instead of trying to figure out how to repay my student loans. It is also an honor to represent my family, as they were by my side the entire process.
Can you share the process you went through to become a Lilly Scholar? What was the most challenging part?
In Warrick County, becoming a Lilly Scholar is a three-part process. First, you must fill out your basic information, including school and community involvement, and write an essay. If you are selected for the next step, you have an allocated amount of time to write an essay. Finally, you can be chosen for an in-person interview with the community foundation panel.
As a procrastinator, remembering to turn in the initial questions was the most challenging part for me. Also, waiting to hear if you were the Lilly recipient was intense. It almost drove my family and me insane to have to wait.
As a Lilly Scholar, what made you choose Butler University?
Butler has one of the most beautiful campuses in Indiana. I would not have been able to attend Butler without the opportunity the Lilly Endowment provided me. Also, the class sizes and opportunities to meet classmates are unlike any other college.
What programs or aspects of Butler are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the social events Butler hosts for students and other Lilly Scholars. I love to meet new people and learn about their experiences, and Butler makes that super easy. Also, Butler’s intramural sports excite me. I have been involved in sports my whole life, and the ability to keep playing them is huge.
What are your expectations for your first year at Butler University?
I just want to have fun and live in the moment. Life is all about how fun you make it, so I am going to try to live the best life I can.
What advice would you give to high school students aspiring to become Lilly Scholars?
Start as early as possible to boost your resume. Do whatever you can to help your community, and stay on top of your school work. Also, don’t forget to have fun with the whole process.