Emma Thorp Selected as 2021 Anderson University Law Scholar

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Anderson, Ind. — Emma Thorp ’21, a senior political science major with a minor in Spanish at Anderson University, has been selected as the 2021 scholarship recipient of the AU Law Scholar program — a partnership between Anderson University and Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

The program, offering recipients a scholarship to the IU McKinney School of Law, was created in 2015 to provide students an opportunity to follow the same educational path as Anderson University President John S. Pistole ’78, a 1981 IU McKinney alumnus. 

After earning his juris doctorate from the McKinney School of Law, Pistole joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and by 2004 was appointed deputy director. In 2010, President Obama nominated Pistole as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and he remains the longest-serving administrator in the TSA’s history. 

AU students studying political science and pre-law, like Thorp, receive a strong foundation for their professional careers, rigorously preparing them for graduate school. 

“This semester I had the opportunity to participate in an FBI seminar class,” Thorp shared. ”It’s a new facet of the government that we don’t touch on in our standard courses, so it’s nice to experience something new and hear from current agents.” 

Any AU graduating senior or alumnus who is accepted to IU McKinney is eligible for the scholarship. AU nominates one student or alumnus for admission each year, following Indiana University’s nomination procedures. At minimum, AU Law Scholars receive a half-tuition scholarship ranging from $12,500-$23,000 per year. 

“Emma’s desire to help protect those who are vulnerable from being exploited is fueled by a passion to stand up to injustice wherever it occurs,” said Dr. Michael Frank, professor of political science at AU. “She exemplifies the servant leadership that is central to an Anderson University education. That, along with her outstanding academic achievement, make Emma an ideal recipient of the award.”

Upon graduation from AU this May, the Zionsville native will attend the IU McKinney School of Law to pursue a career in human rights law. Her goal is to work toward the fight against human trafficking.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.