Eleven May graduates have pledged their signing bonuses to create a scholarship to enhance diversity in the Smeal College of Business.

The students are all part of the college's Minority MBA Association.

The $16,000 donation will help fund the Vernis Welmon Endowment for MBA Minority Affairs and International Programs.

The endowment is named for Welmon, assistant to the dean for Diversity Enhancement and International Programs in Smeal College. Welmon has improved the ethnic diversity of the college during his 16-year tenure.