A Ball State University theater professor is being recognized for 42 years of service to the university with a scholarship named in his honor.

The Gilbert L. Bloom Theatre Scholarship was recently created with contributions from his wife, Margaret C. Bloom, his daughter, Jane E. Brooks, and the Department of Theatre and Dance along with colleagues, alumni and friends.

The $27,000 scholarship fund will provide financial assistance to students majoring in theater with preference to those entering their senior year. Students also must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and be active in the departmental production program.

Bloom, who recently retired, came to Ball State in 1962 as an assistant professor in the areas of speech and theater, which evolved into the Department of Theatre and Dance. During his tenure, he directed 57 plays and served as a lighting and scenic designer, technical director and faculty adviser on student-directed productions.

The first recipient of the scholarship is Danni Smith from Logansport.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Ellen Caskey, director of scholarship and endowment services for the Ball State University Foundation, at ecaskey@bsu.edu or (765) 285-7068.)