In the mid-1980s, citing the caring faculty and departmental personnel who befriended her while she was at Ball State, Martin expressed a wish to give an English scholarship. Initially preferring to remain anonymous, she was convinced by Adrian to endow an ongoing scholarship. Adrian encouraged her to allow it to bear her name and thus recognize her association with the caring individuals and dedicated students with whom she shared the Ball State experience. Adrian offered to coordinate the application and award process and, with Martin's permission, became the chairman of the scholarship committee. In 1986-1987, the first four English majors received scholarship awards.
Students address character and leadership issues in an essay as part of the application.
Quotes from the essays become part of the department's spring awards presentation activity. Adrian notes that typically four or five students receive the scholarship yearly. He further explains that some awards are honorary. The recipient cannot hold another Department of English scholarship during the same period. If so, the scholarship is granted in name only.