2025 Scholarship Recipients

Amy’s Gift Endowed Scholarship was established in 2007 in honor and memory of Amy O’Reilly Fisher ’93. The purpose of the endowment is to recognize her contributions and to inspire and empower others.

• Maddie Folgers

Anne “Kiki” Wood Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 by Jeffrey Wood, who retired in 2015 as the dean of Illinois State’s College of Applied Science and Technology, in memory of his spouse, Kiki ’73, M.S. ’89, and to support promising elementary teacher candidates.

• Brianna Solano

Ann (Rehn) and Wayne French Endowed Scholarship in Teacher Education was established in 2014 by Wayne French ’59, M.S. ’66, in honor of his beloved wife, Ann ’60, and their nearly 52 years together. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance, preferably to students from Henry County, who intend to pursue a career in teacher education.

• Abbey Calkins
• Ashton Woulf

Ashby-Lockman Family Future Special Education Teacher Scholarship Endowment was established in 2009 by sisters and educators Dana ’85, M.S. ’87, and Dianne Ashby and Jack Lockman, Dianne’s husband, to provide financial assistance for students majoring in special education.

• Stella Savage

Bansau Trust Fund for Special Education

• Andrea Burney

Barbara Wyna Reading Specialist Scholarship was established by Barbara Wyne in order to support Graduate students pursuing a degree in Reading.

• Jessica Ochoa

Best Buddies/Greenbaum Memorial Fund

• Isabela Cortez
• Ashton Matthews

Betty Phillips Watson  Fund in Special Education Department

• Katie Diakow
• Olivia Melby

Bon Accord Endowed Award was established in 1987 to help students accomplish their educational goals. Maureen Brady ’67, M.S. ’71, created this fund to promote and enhance modern technology in educational development—a concept that is at the forefront of teacher education today.

• Marlene Urbina

Carroll and Judith Sigler Educator Scholarship was established by Carroll Sigler in order to leave a legacy for future educators and honor the careers of both Carroll and Judith who dedicated their lives to teaching. The goal of this scholarship is to provide funding for Redbirds during their student teaching semester.

• Emma O'Lone

Catey Scholarship

• Dekyia Brown

Charles DeGarmo Scholars Endowed Scholarship was established in 1993 with annual funds by Sally Pancrazio ’60, M.S. ’66, then dean of the college, as a competitive scholarship program for graduate and undergraduate students in the college. DeGarmo believed that all children should have both incentive and opportunity to learn and carry their educational development as far as their abilities and circumstances warrant. Established with funds from Sally Bulkley Pancrazio. She received her B.S. from Illinois State in 1960.

• Melissa Agular
• Nora Bajerski
• Clarissa Bell
• Kirgan Briley
• Hailey Brooks
• Bella Chlada
• Kimberly Diaz
• Mya Erdahl
• Skye Foree
• Ashlyn Kelly
• Samantha Preziosio
• Tokarz Trinity
• Maria Jose Vargas

Charlotte Corray Kinkade Endowed Scholarship for Middle Level Education was established in 2006 by Charlotte Corray Kinkade ’61, M.S. ’65. She established this scholarship to provide support for students who plan to become teachers of language arts in middle schools.

• Valeria Rios

Class of 1929 Endowed Scholarship was established in 1986 to provide an endowed scholarship for students in teacher education at Illinois State.

• Isabel Kusiolek

Class of 1932 Endowed Scholarship was created in 1982 when the Class of 1932 met for its 50th graduation reunion. All class members were invited to contribute to the fund with a purpose of endowing a scholarship in teacher education. The scholarship was presented to the University in 1987 at the 55th anniversary reunion of the class.

• Carmella Pettit

Class of 1934 Endowed Scholarship generously followed in the footsteps of the classes of 1929 and 1932 by endowing a scholarship in teacher education. The endowment was created in 1987 and was presented to the first student in 1989 at the 55th anniversary reunion of the class.

• Colette Reckamp

Class of 1937/Ruth Henline Scholarship was established in 1990 to endow a scholarship in teacher education. The College of Education honors the Class of 1937’s dedication to the future of teacher education through this scholarship.

• Marleni Uppling

College of Education Global Intiatives Award

• Heidi Burke
• Abigail Cuffan

Darlene Ann Sargeant Scholarship for Early Childhood Educators provides financial assistance for undergraduate students pursuing a primary or elementary education degree.

• Ashley Mattson
• Kate Thompson

Dean S. Hage Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in 1980 upon the death of Dean Hage, who served Illinois State University as a professor of special education for 20 years (1959-79).

• Gigi Kondracki

Delora Mast Endowed Teaching Scholarship was started by Delora’s daughter, Karel Thompson, to honor Delora’s career as an educator. Delora returned to school at the age of 50 to pursue her teaching degree, graduated in 1965, and served as a history teacher in the Peoria area for many years. Preference for this scholarship is given to nontraditional students.

• Melinda Woollen

Diane L. Arnhold Scholarship in Elementary Education was established by Diane L. Arnhold ’68 in 2023 to provide financial support to an undergraduate student majoring in Elementary Education with at least sophomore status.

• Erica Alexander
• Mary Grace Czerak

Doing Something Now Back-A-Bird Scholarship

• Chad Bowerman

Donald and Gloria Eklund Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2012 by the Eklunds’ children and their families—David, Michael ’75, Julie (Schmitt), Barbara (Marella)—to honor their parents on their 60th wedding anniversary. The purpose of the scholarship is to honor the Eklunds and their education at Illinois State Normal University in perpetuity, while at the same time to provide financial support for students who plan to become teachers.

• William Christian
• Mackenzie Coates

Donald and Mary Cay Hahn Scholarship was established in 2017 by Mary Cay ’73, M.S.Ed. ’74, and Don Hahn ’73, M.S.Ed. ’77, to ensure that students from rural communities have the opportunity to be prepared for a career in education by the College of Education.

• Jenna Klokkenga
• Rachel Olson

Donald F. Templeton Scholarship The Donald F. Templeton Scholarship was established by Donald Templeton’s family in 2023 to honor his commitment to education. Don always saw the good in students, making sure they knew they had to do well in their studies to come back into the university community after academic probation. His children still hear from former students who, because of “Mr. T”, were allowed to return to graduate and succeed in life.

• Ashley Bermudez

Dona Lewis Endowed Scholarship was created in 1993 by the family and friends of Dona Lewis ’91. They made gifts in her memory to honor her and support students attending Illinois State University.

• Marianna Hren

Dorothy Pratt Myers Scholarship Beverly Nelson and Dennis Myers were moved to establish this scholarship to honor their mother, Dorothy Pratt Myers, who had a successful career in the family business of crop protection. Dorothy, a 1950 graduate of ISNU taught for 4 years, but her strong foundation as an educator transferred into other positions she held after leaving the classroom.

• Nicole Tomaszewski
• Taylor Trimble

Dr. Carol T. Benson Endowed Elementary Education Mathematics Teaching Scholarship was established in 2019 by Dr. Benson ’69, M.S. ’70, D.A. ’89, Ph.D. ’00, to assist a current elementary education student in good standing.

• Megan Heistand

Dr. Edna F. Bazik Endowed Mathematics Teaching Scholarship was created in 2011 by Edna F. Bazik ’69, a 43-year veteran mathematics educator, author, and associate professor of mathematics education. Edna served as supervisor of Illinois State math student teachers, has co-authored 12 math education textbooks, and was the State of Illinois Coordinator of PAEMST.

• Josephine Peters
• Grace Taheny

Dr. Jeanne B. Morris and Dr. Charles E. Morris, Jr. Fund was established in 2021. Both Jeanne and Charles had long careers in higher education, and both achieved professor emeritus upon their retirement from ISU’s College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences (respectively).

• Nia Franklin
• Illexia Williams

Dr. John T. Goeldi Future Teacher Endowed Scholarship was developed by the students of the 1997–1998 Executive Board of the Student Education Association to recognize their faculty advisor, John T. Goeldi. He offered support and guidance to many of our future teachers, and this scholarship was created to recognize his dedication to the student organization.

• Abbigayle Sevening

Dr. Marilyn K. Moore Endowed Scholarship for the College of Education was established in 2011 by Marilyn Moore’s daughters and their husbands to honor her many contributions in the field of education.

• Natalie Herbert

Dr. Meg Hutchins Memorial Endowed Scholarship was created by Meg Hutchins’ parents, C. Thomas Hutchins and Margaret Penn Hutchins, and also friends and colleagues. The scholarship provides financial support to students majoring in special education.

• Austin Aron
• Teagan Gray

Dr. Normand William Madore Memorial Scholarship in Elementary Education was established to honor and remember Dr. Madore as a teacher of teachers at Illinois State University and to support future elementary school teachers. 

• Natalie Ellars

Dr. Sally Bulkley Pancrazio Endowed Scholarship was established in 2001 by an initial donation from Cecilia J. Lauby-Ryan, who created the scholarship to honor the career and accomplishments of alumna and College of Education Dean Emeritus Sally Pancrazio ’60, M.S. ’66.

Dr. Savario J. Mungo Endowed Scholarship was established in 2000 by the student branch of the Collegiate Middle Level Association to honor Professor Emeritus Savario Mungo upon his retirement from Illinois State University.

• Maryjo Coleman

Dr. Stewart L. Adams Endowed Scholarship in Teacher Education was established in December 2013 to provide financial support to students who plan to become teachers.

• Andrea Burney
• Veronica Jones
• Montzerrat Meza-Pena
• Ben Zielinski

Dr. Tom Crumpler Scholarship

• Gabriella Barshak
• Gracie Lapacek

Dr. William Zeller Scholarship was created in honor of Dr. William Zeller to provide financial assistance to students majoring in secondary education.

• Jasmine White

E. Jay and Marilyn J. Hammer Memorial Scholarship was established in 2017 by E. Jay ’50, M.S.Ed. ’60, and Marilyn J. Hammer to provide financial assistance to future educators prepared by Illinois State University’s College of Education.

• Mia Ratajczak

Edward R. Hines Higher Education Endowed Scholarship

• Caress Brown
• Edith Kachia

Egelston Educational Administration Scholarship

• Nathan Meyers
• Nicholas Schaack
• Julia Seller

Eitenmiller Family Scholarship in Education was established in 2021 by Anna Marie ’69, M.S. ’71, and Dr. John Eitenmiller ’70, M.A. ’71. Their passion for supporting students stems from the successes they witnessed and seeing the difference in the lives of students impacted by well-prepared and highly trained educators.

• Madison Mata
• Chloe Venditti

Elden Lichty Scholarship

• Ashley Baldwin
• Robert Lugial
• Amy Orona
• Alhassan Safianu

Eleanor Kong Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Education was established in 2011 by the family of Eleanor Kong, who wanted to make sure that her life and commitments were remembered and honored in perpetuity. This scholarship will support students who are committed to promoting diversity on campus and making a significant impact on the education of children.

• Caitlin Clark

Evelyn Hanson Durdin – Hazel Hanson Scholarship was established by Evelyn Hanson Durdin ’46 in 1999 to provide assistance to students seeking to become teachers and to honor her mother, Hazel Hanson.

• Sara Kvorka
• Samantha Langstaff

Evelyn J. Rex Endowed Scholarship was established in 2000 by Evelyn J. Rex, a member of the special education faculty. She established this scholarship to assist students who show promise as future teachers of children with the low incidence disabilities of vision and hearing impairments.

• • Jessica Abdelsayed
  • Elina Aguilar
  • Jayla Bishop
  • Deandre Boylan
  • Byanca Buford
  • Hannah Buhl
  • Jaylene Carrillo
  • Nataly Colon
  • Azul Delgado-Santillan
  • Jaidyn Eisman
  • Isabella Estrada
  • Deema Farooq
  • Sofia Genis
  • Alyssa Gonzalez
  • Abby Gonzalez
  • Haddie Hill
  • Michael Krzeptowski
  • Sam Leahy
  • Maggie Lobo
  • Noah Mayer
  • Destani Mcclatchey
  • Liznette Mendez
  • Sophia Missman
  • Amari Montgomery
  • Hailey Moores
  • Stefania Mossman
  • Marielle Ndam
  • Luis Perez
  • Callum Riley
  • Jack Sifuentes

Fell Hall Friends, Class of 1961, Endowed Teaching Scholarship was created in 2009 by a group of connected alumni who refer to themselves as the Fell Hall Friends. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students planning to enter the education field and become teachers. It also serves as a lasting legacy and symbol of the group’s belief in Illinois State University’s commitment to excellence in education.

• Emily Frieling
• Libby (Elizabeth) Price

Ferne Hinshaw-Hardt Endowed Scholarship Fund

• Ciara Berg

Ferrell Family Endowment Scholarship for Professional Development Schools was established in 2013 by Audrey Ferrell ’71 to support students pursuing a yearlong internship through the College of Education’s Professional Development School model.

• Daniela Urbano

Franson-Anderson Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund was originally established in 1995 to honor the memory of Ida Franson ’52. The scholarship honors her husband, Jerry, and Ida’s firm belief in the importance of education as the foundation for success in life.

• Vanessa Serra

Future Educator Award Focusing on Public Education was established in 2023 by Robert Fisher and Beverly Roberts to provide support for students majoring in Special Education or Secondary Education in Social Sciences.

• Edgar Gonzalez-Becerra

George Manus Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of George Manus ’29 for students preparing for careers in teaching.

• Zoe Ruzbasan
• Amanda Stringer
• Hailey Trajano
• David Villarreal

Glynn-Bowlby Future Teacher Endowed Scholarship was created by Carol Bowlby Glynn ’62 and Terry Glynn ’57 in honor of their parents—Victoria Bowlby ’65, Mary Alice Glynn ’59, and Will Glynn, M.S. ’51—who were also Illinois State Normal University graduates.

• Giselle Martinez
• Reece Davis
• Amanda Faller

Gordon Coupland Endowed Scholarship was created in 1991 by family and friends in memory of Gordon Coupland to encourage and recognize outstanding students who plan to teach.

• Keaton Empey
• Nicole Wasmund

Grady Student Teacher Scholarship was established by Anne Grady in order to assist in defraying the cost of education for majors in the College of Education during their required clinical or student teaching sequence.

• Abby Hammond

Greenebaum Memorial Fund, in Memory of Elisabeth C. Greenebaum, Helen and Jacob Greenebaum, and Henry E. Greenebaum was established by Elisabeth C. Greenebaum, of Chicago, to assist students who are studying to become teachers but who may not otherwise be able to afford college tuition. The award is primarily given to students pursuing majors in the School of Teaching and Learning and the Department of Special Education.

• Lucia Alcazar
• Emma Asien
• Emily Bensing
• Faith Bertha
• Tyler Brunger
• Alexis Burns
• Cheyenne Burns
• Jessie Byron
• Donnie Cady
• Kiley Campbell
• Diana Casas Flores
• Mia Castrejon
• Bella Cortez
• Bella Cruz
• Joyne Custer
• Kaitlin Cyprian
• Adel Dahbour
• Anthony Disalvo
• Jocelyn Del Valle
• Tony Donegan
• Alexa Evans
• Dante Felix
• Destiny Fitzgerald
• Thomas Guilfoyle
• Miguel Gamez
• Alexa Gamino
• Erik Gonzalez
• Santonio Grandberry
• Acer Griffin
• Nathan Gudz
• Isabella Harper
• Alex Hernandez
• Beyonce Hernandez
• Kasey Hyland
• Josie Hyson
• Za'Kia Johnson
• Sofiya Jones
• Riley Jones
• Mjelma Jusufi
• Trenton Kirgan
• Lauren Krelle
• Julia Kroll
• Brandon Kwong
• Zaniah Matthews
• Zoey McCartney
• Hunter Melohn
• Carsten Menzer
• Amanda Martell
• Savanah Meyers
• Isabella Montes
• Airalih Morales
• Rachel Paddock
• Dominic Palumbo
• Sarah Parsons
• Dino Pecoraro
• Ella Perce
• Maria Perdomo
• Cristian Perez
• Sarai Picon
• Naomi Pentell
• Ariana Pryor
• Laura Rayo
• Xiomara Romero
• Manuel Rosas-Lopez
• Cheyenne Loeb 
• Leah Ruiz
• Kendall Sanan
• Kara Savino
• Ramsie Sauerbrunn
• Eliana Seleps
• Devon Shelton
• Addison Shymkewich
• Nahomy Silva
• Kira Smith
• Trey Smith
• Cami Smith
• Michael Smith
• Molly Smith
• Nicole Stoicescu
• Jordan Strange
• Anu Terguunbayar
• Maritsa Ullman
• Abby Vandiver
• Audrey Van Houten
• Olivia Viveros
• Alyssa Walker
• Rew Wallace
• Ada Wilhelmi
• Emma Grace Wilson

Heidi Mullejans Scholarship in Education was established by the estate of Monica Hege, daughter of Heidi Mullejans ’59. Heidi received her degree in mathematics education and served Glenview as a beloved math teacher for over 30 years.

• Arely Carreno
• Maritza Guzman
• Halle Modloff
• Annalina Nelson
• Ellie Richwine
• Nazeli Silos

Heimsoth Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 1987 by Thomas Heimsoth to honor and support outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in special education, rehabilitation, or related human services.

• Emma Blackbourn

Helen K Ryan Scholarship was established in 1985 by contributions received from Helen Ryan’s many friends.

• Fiaz Adam

Howard and Naomi Oesch Endowed Scholarship was established through the estate trust of Naomi Oesch ’52. She created the scholarship to benefit elementary education majors at Illinois State University and to serve as a living memorial and legacy in honor of her husband, Howard Milton Oesch.

Howard Paul and Eithal Hanson Curry Scholarship was established in 2002 by Eithal Hanson Curry ’46 to honor educators and the profession of teaching.

• Cree Lewis

Larry and Patricia (Hunkler) Stagen Endowed Teaching Scholarship was established in 2008 by two Illinois State graduates: Patricia (Hunkler) ’61, M.A. ’66; and Larry Stagen ’60. They decided to “pay it forward” by encouraging others in the teaching field so that they might help others reach their potential and have more productive and rewarding lives. This scholarship was also created in memory of her parents, Mildred and Ray Hunkler; and her grandparents, Ruth and John Hunkler.

• Deanna Aguilar
• Jermisha Braswell
• Alex Bray
• Aaron Burns
• Evelyn Carrera-Saldana
• Kennedy Cobb
• Daniela Cornelio
• Jalyn Garcia
• Jesus Garcia
• Janiya Garrett
• Jesarela Gonzalez
• Heather Guzman
• Lilly Krueger
• Damien Mendoza
• Diego Mendoza
• Margarita Montejano
• Jessie Padilla
• Axel Rodriguez
• Maria Rojas-Rojas
• Viviana Salgado
• Christian Sanchez
• Manuel Tabarez

Isabelle S. Purnell Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund for Future Teachers was established in 2009 through a bequest from the estate of Isabelle S. Purnell ’38. The scholarship provides financial support for new freshmen students enrolled in the College of Education who plan to become teachers.

• Iranett Camacho
• Emily Clemens
• Grace Deppe
• Madison Frost
• Marissa Gabor
• Hannah Linna
• Marilyn McCottrell
• Taylor McKee
• Ella Perce
• Sadie Smith
• Lilia Stahr
• Ella Umbdenstock

James and Edith Aagesen Ward Family Trust Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established in 2002 by James Ward ’40, who created the scholarship just prior to his death with the hope that those who benefit from it will “gladly teach,” as did he and his wife, Edith ’40.

• • Elizabeth Kuziela
  • Marissa Mangin
  • Ally Zimmerman

James and Kathleen Schlesser Scholarship was established in 2019 by James and Kathleen Schlesser to provide a scholarship opportunity for students in the College of Education who have a demonstrated financial need.

• Amy Juarez

James Duffy College of Education Back-a-Bird Scholarship

• Braden Decker

Janice McElvain Back-a-Bird Scholarship Fund Janice McElvain created this scholarship to award to students within the Special Education field. Due to the outstanding education Janice received at Illinois State University, she went on to have a successful career as a Special Education teacher.

Janet W Bedford Scholarship in Education Administration

• Fatemeh Ashpaz
• Joshua Bogaski
• TS (Taneka) Douglas
• Edith Kachia
• Ashley Stevens

Jannes (Teply) and Dr. Gary Weede Endowed Elementary Education

• Abigail Cuffan
• Amanda Goodwin

Jared Iman Washington Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in memory of Jared Iman Washington to assist future educators to follow their passion of teaching.

• Jordi Jimenez

Jean M. Borg Endowed Scholarship was created in 2008 by Jean M. Borg ’50, M.A. ’62, to express appreciation to Illinois State University for the education she received and to support future students to become committed teachers of excellence.

• Alexander Davis
• Katherine Moser
• Steve Vilchez

Jepsen International Scholars Program Endowment was established through gifts from Keith Jepsen ’67, M.S. ’68, and his wife, Kathleen Dore, who desire to assist and encourage aspiring teachers to experience different cultures while they are students.

• Evette Covarrubias

Jody M. Fitch Endowed Scholarship was established in loving memory of Jody Fitch ’85 by her father, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Thomas Fitch.

• Jasmine Guzman
• Margaret Lowery

Joe and Kathy McGuire Scholarship fund was established in 2022 to support current or incoming students in the College of Education.

• Gabrielle Knudson
• Diego Ramirez

John Joseph Kennedy Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by John Joseph Kennedy ’61 as an expression of his gratitude for the excellent education he received at Illinois State University.

• Kristin Steidinger

Joseph A. Rives-Scott J. Brouette Endowed Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ Support was established by Joseph A. Rives ’87, M.S. ’90, Ph.D. ’94 and Scott J. Brouette ’87, ’89 to inspire success in students and support LQBTQ+ students and allies.

• Elsie Rund

joyce gillie gossom Endowed Special Education Scholarship was established in 2020 by joyce gillie gossom ’78 and Thomas Gossom Jr. to aid students seeking a degree in learning and behavior within the Department of Special Education.

• Raniah Wiles

Judith A. Bernoteit Scholarship in Elementary Education was established in 2023 by Bob and Stephanie Bernoteit in loving memory of their aunt, Judith Bernoteit ‘67, in support of future elementary education teachers of distinction who reside in Illinois. Most of her lengthy, 45-year career was dedicated to teaching first grade. She retired from Crystal Lawns School in the summer of 2013 as the professional with the longest tenure in Plainfield District 202.

• Kendall Burdick

Judith Roberts Busey Scholarship was established in 2007 by Judith ’62 and John Busey to express their desire to encourage college students to pursue an interest in the teaching profession.

• Ibrahem Abdulla
• Lynette Edelman
• Raven Edwards
• Gabriella Hagen
• Finley Jackson
• Riley Schutt
• Julia Smaga
• Leah Waggoner

Julie and Bob Dobski Early Childhood Education Scholarship was created in 2023 by Julie and Bob Dobski to support students in Early Childhood Education.

• Abby Sauder

Justin E. Jensen Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was created with donations from family, former teachers, classmates, friends, and supporters from Justin Jensen’s hometown of Bartlett and its surrounding communities to honor and remember the commitment of the 2010 graduate to teaching students with special needs.

• Thomas Corcoran

Kathryn Oltman Memorial Scholarship The purpose of this scholarship is to honor Kathryn Oltman, a disabled person, treasured by her family is to encourage students pursuing a career in Special Education and reaffirm belief in lifelong learning in this field.

• Alexi Kagel
• Jennifer Stewart Rice

Kelley Dennis Endowed Scholarship was created in 1995 by the family of Kelley Dennis ’90 to honor her memory. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to a student majoring in special education.

• Diana Gaucin
• Joan Moore
• Sidney Necheles
• Maxwell Stroesser
• Mackenzie Webb

Kelli Stackhouse Appel Special Education Endowed Scholarship was established by Kelli Stackhouse Appel ’89 in 1990. The scholarship encourages special education majors to achieve high standards of academic work and professional development.

• Zoe Nelson

Larry and Barbara Efaw Endowed Scholarship was created in 2004 by David and Dana Efaw, M.S. ’01, out of their desire to honor his parents—Larry ’56, M.S. ’59, and Barbara ’59—who were students at Illinois State Normal University when they met in 1954.

• Monique Robinson

• Maritsa Romero

• Sandy Vargas

Laurie Turilli Endowed Scholarship in Special Education was established in 2016 by Larry and Laurie Turilli to assist special education students enrolled in field-based clinical experiences or student teaching. Both were graduates of Illinois State University, and Laurie returned to the University in 1997 as a clinical assistant professor. She supervised clinical students in their practicum, field-based, and student teaching semesters until her retirement in 2017.

• Alayna Nance

Lawrence D. Vuillemot Fieldwork Scholarship Endowment was established in 1990 by friends and relatives in Lawrence D. Vuillemot’s honor. The purpose of this fund is to recognize an outstanding student who is entering or achieving in a special education-based field or fieldwork program.

Lawson Legacy Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2009 in honor of the 60th wedding anniversary of Robert Kent Lawson ’51 and Helen Delores Akers Lawson. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide assistance to outstanding special education students and pay tribute to the Lawson family legacy at Illinois State University.

• Tyler Wilson

Luelle E Schultze Endowed Scholarship was established in 2001 through a bequest in the will of Luella Schultze ’46, M.A. ’51, and grew through contributions from many of her friends, relatives, and colleagues.

M. M. Chambers Scholarship was established in 1986 by Ralph Chambers and his sister Doris Chambers in memory of their uncle Merritt M. Chambers. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student admitted to the doctoral program in Educational Administration committed to a career in higher education.

• Madison Johnson
• Ivan Raya

Madge E. Bayston Endowed Scholarship in Special Education was established by Madge Bayston ’64, M.S. ’72, in 2013 to provide financial support to students majoring in special education.

• Abigail Lynch

Marcella Bunis and Conrad L. Stahly Endowed Scholarship was established in 2015 by Marcella Bunis Stahly and Conrad Stahly to support students in elementary education with an interest in the early years of education.

• Joshua Muehlberg

Marcia Rossi Back a Bird Scholarship

• Regina Anelli

Margaret E. Whitehair and James R. Miller Scholarship in Education was created by Louis H. Whitehair in memory of Margaret E. Whitehair and James R. Miller to assist student majoring in education at Illinois State University.

• Khendi Guest
• Josh Ortiz

Marguerite Graffy Memorial Scholarship was established in 2022 by Marguerite’s niece, Mardel Graffy, to honor Marguerite’s 40-year career in teaching and education administration.

• Hayleigh Cogan

Marilyn and Ronald Blake Scholarship in Special Education was established in 2021 by Marilyn Blake in honor of her husband, Ronald Blake ’57, M.S. ’67. The fund gives support to freshmen enrolling in the Department of Special Education.

• Jessica Abdelsayed
• Alexa Evans

Marilyn Sams Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by Todd and Angela Donalson to honor Marilyn Sams, M.S. ’87, a 23-year educator. Marilyn was known among her peers as the “science guru,” receiving the Illinois Outstanding Science Teacher Award for the 1985-1986 academic year. Her students still feel Marilyn’s impact, and this award seeks to continue her work in supporting future educators. Preference for this award is given to an incoming transfer student.

• Candy Barajas
• Natalie Colon
• Hannah Ekstrom
• Lesly Lopez Ramos

Marla Kim and Robert A. Benzinger Scholarship for Non-Traditional EAF Students

• Brad Jacobson
• Yesenia Nicoson
• Luke Starkey
• Tracy Wells

Mary Alice Katschke Endowed Scholarship In Elementary Education

• Elizabeth Drew

Mary Kathryn Merna-Mellon Endowed Scholarship was created in 2006 by her husband, Edwin Dale Mellon, in honor and in memory of his wife, Mary ’53. He founded this scholarship to assist students pursuing their dreams of becoming teachers.

• Kate Biros

Mary F. English Technology Award was established in 2001 by Robert ’66, M.S. ’67, and Mary English ’68 to assist and support students pursuing the teaching professions and to encourage the use of technology in the classroom.

Mary R. Borg Endowed Scholarship was created in 2008 by Jean Borg ’50, M.A. ’62, to honor her influential and encouraging mother, Mary Borg. Although she never attended college, Mary Borg recognized the value of formal education and of education for women and fervently encouraged her daughter to go to Illinois State Normal University to become a teacher.

• Myka Hoover
• Kelsey McDonough
• Milly Oswald
• Zyon Ryks

McMullen Family Endowment for Teacher Education was established in 2019 to honor Dorothy McMullen by Illinois State University alumni Jennifer McMullen-Jaegle and Drew Jaegle. Additionally, the endowment honors the memory of Dorothy’s sons, Mike and Dennis; and her mother, Pearl, who were also alumni of Illinois State University.

• Madi Hatch
• Leafar Taher

Michael A. and Abigail M. Jones Family Scholarship

• Gia Boice

Minnie Vautrin Memorial Scholarship

• Grace Tomlinson

Michael A. Lorber-Stella V. Henderson, Mu Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi Scholarship Award Endowment was created in 2009 by Kappa Delta Epsilon, Kappa Delta Pi, and friends of Stella Henderson to encourage members of the Mu Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi, to think about how they can implement the honor society’s ideals of fidelity to humanity, science, service, and toil in their practices as educators.

• Victoria Chow

Nan Schuman Klein Future Teacher

• Dowua Abed
• Cassie Labanowski

Nancy and Robert Northrip Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2020 by Nancy and Robert Northrip to support students within the College of Education.

• Madison Cumberland
• Sauerbrunn Rhylee

Nancy G. Swayne Endowed Scholarship was created in 2005 by Marjorie Swayne ’40 to honor her daughter, Nancy, and to provide financial support to graduates of Rock Island High School who are attending Illinois State University.

• Akeyla Brown

Nany Henderson Preschool Scholarship

• Kailey Angelacos

Nancy L. Kampmeier College of Education Endowed Scholarship

• Lily Evans

Norma J. Marks Memorial College of Education Scholarship was established in 2024 by Christopher Marks to honor his mother, Norma J. Marks, who was an impactful and motivating educator for 38 years. Preference for this Elementary Education award is given to students who reside in central Illinois.

• Ellie Hill

Norman E. Orr Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 through a gift of the estate of Norman E. Orr ’60. This scholarship continues his honorable work by assisting Illinois State students in the pursuit of excellence.

• Takarionna Green

Odessa Meyer Scholarship

O. Lillian Barton-Adeline Stevenson Nurse Endowed

• Amelia Logan

Oesch Scholarship

• Latoya Wright

Para-Professional Pipeline P.U.L.S.E.

• Kimmico Anderson

• Jenni Bowers

• Michael Burk

• Claire Cacciatori

• Justin Carpenter
• Zoey Clem

• Cynthia Farris-Morano

• Tanya Goulding

• Miriam Jacob
• Melissa Joachim

• Lauren Jordan

• Ashlynn Leininger

• Rebecca Leslie Reeves

• Lisa Less

• Krista Lynch

• Samuel Marshall

• Jessica Morse

• Gladiz Ramirez

• Tiffany Richardson

• Marco Romero Murillo

• Alyssa Ross

• Morgan Saaf-White

• Hyang Seol

• Brandi Simer

• Robyn Smith

• Sarita Taylor

• Kate Tormey

• Amere Washington

Patricia Klass-Linda Lyman Endowed Scholarship Fund

• Randy Krepel
• Sally Timm

Patricia Peffer Helphinstine Endowed Scholarship in Special Education was established in 2017 by Payton Helphinstine ’57, M.S.Ed. ’59, to honor his spouse, Patricia ’57, M.A. ’59. The award was made to encourage, reward, and recruit students pursuing a degree in special education.

• Nova Finucane

Peg and Roy Van Meter Endowed Scholarship was created in 2015 by Peg ’65 and Roy Van Meter to honor Illinois State University for starting Peg on such a wonderful career in teaching. The purpose of the scholarship is to help the University provide financial assistance to future teachers.

• Gabby Knudtson

Phyllis McCluskey-Titus CSPA Endowed Scholarship The Phyllis McCluskey-Titus CSPA Endowed Scholarship was established in 2023 by Ed Manley, a College of Education alumnus and supporter, who was moved to establish this scholarship to honor retiring faculty member and program director, Dr. Phyllis McCluskey-Titus. Through this scholarship, the legacy of Dr. McCluskey-Titus, retiring after 22 years at ISU and a career of over 40 years in Student Affairs and with an alumni network of over 500 from the ISU CSPA program, will continue to impact students that are committed to enriching the lives of students across college campuses around the world.

• Daniela Martinez

Pulaski Transfer Student Scholarship was established by Chester “Bud” and Judy Pulaski to support transfer students pursuing a degree in elementary education (K-8) or secondary education (9-12).

• Tanaja Edwards
• Henry Kunzer
• Josephina Pattison
• Daniel Yunker

Pyrle G. Barclay Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education

• Devyn Slater

Ralph E. Grimm, Sr. and Ralph E. Grimm, Jr. Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by family members to honor the commitment to education instilled in them. While Ralph Sr. did not graduate from college, he was an avid reader and lifelong learner. His son, Ralph Jr. ’83, M.S. ’86, took that love of learning and went on to have an impactful 34-year career in teaching and education administration.

• Shelby Sledge

Raymond Rogina and Diane Cullen Scholarship was established in 2021 by the mayor of St. Charles and his wife, both career educators. Both financed their own educations and would like to support a student from St. Charles East High School majoring in education at Illinois State University.

• Amy Callejas

Rebecca Thoman Ward Endowed Scholarship was created in 2017 by Rebecca Thoman Ward ’75 and William Ward to support undergraduate tuition in the deaf and hard of hearing program or for students with previous experience working in the area of autism.

• Eva Brackmann
• Sarah Carr
• Calla Donavon
• Malley Nauman

R. Douglas and Janice Luecke Irvine Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by R. Douglas ’67, M.S. ’70, and Janice Luecke Irvine ’67, M.S.Ed. ’75, in 2013 to support students with financial need at Illinois State.

• Kaitlyn Crawford

Reverend Dr. Joanne Peppard-Cooke Doctoral Grant Fund

• Jennifer Butcher
• Amy Dennison
• Senesta Howard
• Carolyn Jones
• Gig Supanichrattana

R.M. Lee Educational Scholarship was established in 2017 by Richard M Lee ’67 to encourage and support diversity in the field of education.

Robert and Karen Walter Special Education Scholarship was established by the Walters in 2021 to provide financial support to high-achieving students in the Department of Special Education.

• Catherine Jabczynski
• Sascha Rubens

Robert and Susan Lee Walling Endowed Fund for College Student Personnel Administration

• Kaitlyn Johns

Roth Family Scholarship was established in 2017 by Leonard Roth to support future educators prepared by Illinois State University’s College of Education.

• Abigail Crawford
• Addison Greenland
• Elyse Lape
  
  
• Jocee Miller
• Alyssa Olson
• Deklan O'Rourke
• Erin Pioquinto

Roy and Dorothy Hostettler Endowed Scholarship was established in 2007 through a gift from the estate of Roy L. Hostettler ’41, M.S. ’47.

Roy O. Schilling Endowed Scholarship was created in 2007 by Roy O. Schilling ’35, ’40, M.A. ’43. This scholarship is meant to help students who plan to become teachers.

• Kaitlyn Lay

Ruth M. Goodwin Scholarship Fund was established in loving memory of Ruth M. Green Goodwin ’43 by her spouse, Bill, and her family. The scholarship serves as a tribute to the Goodwins’ status as an Illinois State legacy family, with three generations attending the University.

• Lizzy Del Real

Sally Bulkley Pancrazio Endowed Scholarship

• Erin Schier

Sarah Hazel Buck Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 to honor Sarah Hazel Buck, who attended Illinois State Normal University and received her teacher’s certificate for second grade in January 1914.

• Allie Marconi
• Alyssa Ohlund

Sertoma Club of Springfield, Illinois Scholarship in Special Education was established in 2024 to provide financial assistance to an undergraduate junior or senior student in Special Education majoring in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The student must reside in central Illinois with preference given to Sangamon County.

Spycher Award in Graduate Reading Studies Endowed Scholarship

• Kenny Herron-Cologna
• Jaimie Hutchison
• Staci Loyd
• Madison Stark
• Elizabeth Van Der Velde

Tom and Betty Tegtmeyer Education Scholarship was established in 2012 by Tom Tegtmeyer ’71, husband of 32 years to Betty Tegtmeyer ’69. The scholarship provides financial assistance to graduates of Ottawa High School who intend to pursue a career as an elementary education teacher.

• • Atlas Hillyer
  • Maggie McDonald
  • Jordan Whaley

Urban Teaching Scholarship was established in 2008 by Cristan Embree, M.S. '07, to support students who want to teach in an urban environment.

Verial F. Phillips Endowed Scholarship

• Hailey David

Virginia Guthrie Back-A-Bird Scholarship

Vivette Ravel Rifkin Endowed Scholarship was established to honor Vivette Ravel Rifkin, who dedicated her life to assisting persons who are blind or visually impaired. The purpose of this scholarship is to further the education of students who will spend their professional lives teaching those with visual impairments.

• Xavier Dean

Wanda and Dale Weaver Endowed Scholarship and Fellowship was established in 2002 by Wanda ’64 and Dale Weaver to provide financial support to graduate and undergraduate students who plan to teach persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

• Bridgette Bell
• Alberto Guevara
• Mackenzie Padulo
• Madison Woiwode
• Eric Yoon

The Ward Family Trust Scholarship

• Alexis Clary
• Gina Malkosky
• Connor Sibley
• Tiffany Williams

Warren F. Craig Memorial Scholarship was created in 2016 by the Craig family. Warren F. Craig was an educator and teacher, spending the majority of his career in Unit District 54 and retiring as the first reading coordinator for the district. He and his wife, Joybelle, strongly believed in education, equality, and cultural diversity. They were a host family for many Illinois State University international students after Warren retired from teaching.

• Anneka Eposito

Wheeler Foundation Fund for Special Education Students was established in 2018 to assist students who are in their junior or senior year in the learning and behavior specialist program. The Wheeler Foundation was started upon the passing of Charles and Maxine Wheeler. Maxine was a special education teacher and Charles a psychologist. They operated the residential Wheeler Home Farm School in Rankin from 1964-2002 to empower students with learning and behavioral challenges.

• Brent Abas
• Maggie Albrecht
• Carley Baer
• Tia Bailey (Howell)
• Tessa Belkowski
• Bridgette Bell
• Melanie Blair
• Chad Bowerman
• Dekyia Brown
• Hayley Bruckman
• Carlos Castro
• Vicky Chow
• Evette Covarrubias
• Kaitlyn Crawford
• Laura Crowder
• Lindsey Decker
• Fiona Degrazia
• Lizzy Del Real
• Miguel Dominguez Gonzalez
• Sharon Donovan Besterfeldt
• Madeline Edwards
• Elena Fender
• Maddie Folgers
• Alyssa Gatlin
• Diana Gaucin
• Alberto Guevara
• Ellie Haack
• Abby Hammond
• Donna Hegwood
• Paula Hernandez
• Gabby Hernandez Parra
• Lexi Holcomb
• Emily Jacobs
• Kaylee Kasper
• Hailey Kellogg
• Izzy Kelly
• Michael Kinney
• Amanda Kozelka
• Abigail Leskanich
• Kelly Lesniak
• Nessa Licitra
• Olivia Lunak
• Gina Malkosky
• Giselle Martinez
• Diana Martinez
• Meghan Morris
• Sam Morse
• Brandi Myers
• Molly Nieber
• Anthony Oberlin
• Isabelle Owens
• Mackenzie Padulo
• Heather Petersen
• Semaj Peterson
• Justin Raef
• Cristina Ramirez
• Jake Reed
• Samantha Roberts
• Jillian Rowlett
• Pricila Sahagun
• Alexandria Sanchez
• Stella Savage
• Amanda Smith
• Mckenna Smith
• Celia Stennett
• Jenny Stewart Rice
• Maxwell Stroesser
• Laika Stroud
• Hailey Trajano
• Beth Tucker
• Tessa Wallace
• Marissa Warzecha
• Scarlett Washington
• Maddie Woiwode
• Olivia Zabel
• Sara Zborowski
• Allison Zimmerman

William and Creta Sabine Scholarship

• Kelly Hasselbring
• Sarah Patterson
• Lauren Reynolds

William and Linda Peine Lewis Scholarship

• Madeline Frishman
• Daisy Guerrero
• Monroe McGhee
• Amellia Bednar
• Delani Frederick
• Maddie Rincker

Vicki Lynn (Crook) Dechman Memorial Education Scholarship

• Emily Scolaro

Virgina Guthrie Back-A-Bird Scholarship Fund

• Angelica Velazquez

Vivette Ravel Rifkin Memorial Scholarship

• Keegan Vanek