E. Bronson Ingram, chairman of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust from 1991 until his death in 1995, conceived of the Ingram Scholarship Program in 1993 as a way to encourage Vanderbilt students to combine a professional career with a commitment to community service. Mr. Ingram's own life exemplified volunteerism and an untiring commitment to mobilizing the resources of the business community to assist nonprofit community groups. The Ingram Scholarship Program is a natural development for Vanderbilt because of its longstanding and expanding commitment to community outreach and service.

The Ingram Scholarship Program challenges the vision and energy of Vanderbilt students to excel both inside and outside the classroom. Ingram Scholars must maintain the high academic standards that are Vanderbilt's tradition as well as initiate and pursue volunteer projects in the community. The program sponsors students who demonstrate a willingness and ability to combine a successful business or professional career with a lifelong commitment to finding solutions to critical societal problems.