2026 Scholarship Recipients

Alexander Montgomery Memorial Scholarship 

• Evette Covarrubias

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.

• Olivia Melby

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.

• Stelecia Sweeten

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 DeSchepper

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.

• Sarah Hartman

Bansau Trust Fund for Special Education

• Miranda Cook

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

• Kenny Herron-Cologna

Best Buddies/Greenbaum Memorial Fund

• Julia Stephens
• Lily Zim

Betty Phillips Watson Fund in Special Education Department

• Kristine Fajardo
• Marissa Fandel
• Melissa Nelson
• Erin Whelan

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.

• Aubrey Lenard

Bowman Fellows Endowment

• Layla Brown
• Jayla Harris Daniels
• Treasure Jackson

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.

• Aubrey Carli

Catey Scholarship

Charles DeGarmo Scholars Endowed Scholarship was established in 1993 with annual funds by Dr. Sally Pancrazio ’60 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. 

• Erica Alexander
• Andrea Burney
• Abigail Crawford
• Sophia Hronis
• Veronica Jones
• Tess Mally
• Abby Neenan
• Zoe Nelson
• Erin Pioquinto
• Molly Wojtczak

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.

• Justina McGuinn

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

• Stephanie Quigley

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.

• Gianna Dalton

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.

• Emma Swartzendruber

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.

• Elanor Huber

College of Education Global Intiatives Award

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

• Kealey Rick

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).

• Savannah Cunningham

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.

• Chelsea Wegener

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 Cohn
• Fatima Suhail

Diversity Recognition Award

• Kiara Davis

Doing Something Now Back-A-Bird Scholarship

• Sophia Hartke
• Sadie Smith

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.

• Jose Aviles
• Riley Bainter

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.

• Marissa Gabor
• Zachary Manahan
• Maddux McPartlin

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.

• Hannah Salazar

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.

• Dowua Abed

Dorothy Varner Miko Scholarship

• Finley Jackson
• Maddie Rincker

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.

• Holli Hays

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.

• Caitlyn Murdock-Schey
• Emma Walker

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).

• Joia Coleman
• Xiomara Vargas

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.

• McKenna Patten

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.

• Monroe McGhee

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.

• Alaina Miller
• Mia Ratajczak

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. 

• Ramil Geverola

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 Emerita Sally Pancrazio ’60.

• Sahana Mathan

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.

• Ganay Coleman
• Sandy Vargas

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.

• Zafirah Hassan
• Kyrsten Hill
• Mahirwe John

Dr. Tom Crumpler Scholarship

• Alaina Gates

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

• Tyler Bouris
• Addison Greenland

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.

• Natalie Dee

Edward R. Hines Higher Education Endowed Scholarship

• Jessica Adkisson
• Miranda Lanza

Egelston Educational Administration Scholarship

• Nate Carlson

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

• Bryan Asbury
• Aidan Bovee
• Stephanie Jacobs
• Madison Johnson
• Siobhan Regan

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.

• Danica Mcgee

Eunice H. Speer Endowment Scholarship Fund 

• Sara McDonough

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.

• Khatib Camila
• Thompson Radia

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.

• Sarah Abusaid
• Brynn Barnard
• Julian Benham
• Maria Celestine Campagna
• Caelynn Chapman
• Kamryn Lynn Cook
• Christina Drikos
• Colbie Dudson
• Kevon Gamblin
• Addison Gomorczak
• Brady Gomez
• Daisy Analy Guardiola
• Phaedra Hisson
• Emily Hooper
• Hannah Hughes
• De'Ajah Jones
• Ehniya Jones
• Niko Knanishu
• Elise Sydney Levy
• Sophia Anne Lund
• Aimee Angela Marklund
• Makayla Mcquarter
• David Mersman
• Shaylyn Francis Mrofka
• Sora Muszynski
• Olivia Ocasio
• Dulce Pereyra-Cisneros
• Haley Richaud
• Gavin Rull
• Bri Seely
• Violet Smith
• Aidan Travers
• Mason Tucker
• Kaylie Lynn Warner
• Danielle Weinberg

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.

• Reilly Schneider
• Nicole Wasmund

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.

• Charles Cruse

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.

• Madison Mata
• Chloe Venditti

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.

• Arden Bolton
• Oliver Campbell
• Meng Chen
• Jack Garcia
• Lizbeth Garcia
• Kate Jenrick
• Alyssa Martinez
• Jocelyn Millan-Nava
• Vince Minaglia
• Francisco Perez
• Kandis Perry
• Ruby Sherwood
• Yasmin Vaca

Glenn T. Schlichting, Sr. and Karl G. Schmidt Scholarship

• Matthew Cappello
• Conner Price

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.

• Cree Lewis
• Zitlalyk Luna
• Kayla Urbina

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.

• Bella Matarelli

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 Michels
• Sydney Spencer

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.

• Jamir Abed
• Gavin Al-Barakat
• Meghan Allie
• Violeta Alvarado
• Linsey Benson
• Alex Bignell
• Grace Borre
• Donovan Brooks
• Dominika Brzegowy
• Greta Butler
• Selah Cho
• Emily Cicero
• Kaylie Clark
• Bryanna Clements
• Hayden Doerscheln
• Trenton Edens
• Moe El-Hindi
• Mia Evans Haseman
• Ashley Fuse
• Ryan Fuko
• Chloe Gaither
• Angel Garcia
• Kimberly Garcia
• Lucia Gomez
• Taylor Goodwin
• Olivia Griffith
• Kelli Griffin
• Delayla Guerrero-Morales
• Daniela Guzman
• Giselle Guzman
• Gabrielle Harmon
• Julia Heischberg
• Karlee Henkins
• Atlas Hillyer
• Londyn Hollins
• Jael Jimenez-Perez
• Brooke Johnson
• Darriel Jones
• Syrai Kelly
• Madelyn Kennedy
• Camila Khatib
• Victoria Ledezma-Tagle
• Adrian Luchtefeld
• Rielan Mahmood
• Mar Marshall
• Yuri Martinez
• Naomi Meade
• Macyn Morrill
• Nicholas Murdock-Schey
• Gabriel Nino
• Abigail Olaez
• Jaime Orozco
• Esmeralda Paez
• Peyton Paige
• Makaila Peevy
• Liliana Picicco
• Jeriah Porter
• Emily Prentice
• Savi Provenzano
• Emma Quinton
• Dylan Rafferty
• Fatima Ramirez
• Jerusalem Rassi
• Emily Rivas
• Ava Roback
• Aidan Rodriquez
• Elina Rodriquez
• Mason Russell
• Xander Salazar
• David Sanchez
• Martha Sanchez
• Alexa Schuring
• Ella Siedlecki
• Aubrey Shelby
• Lazariyah Simmons
• Ana Steeno
• Justin Stengel
• Aubrey Steward
• Froy Suarez
• Jessie Tess
• Kaylee Thomas
• David Tolan
• Emilia Toporkiewicz
• Nataly Torres
• Megan Turner
• Justin Upton
• Addy Vanetten
• Jocselyn Vargas-Garcia
• Idelyz Vazquez
• Gabe Velazquez
• Jaylene Velez
• Steve Vilchez
• Emma Wade
• Paulina Waz
• Isabella Wernsing
• Corbin White
• Niya White
• Adia Williams
• Amir Williams
• Faith Wrzeciona
• Genesis Zamora
• Jed Zaldarriaga
• Makenzie Zimmerman

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.

• Zoe Bosonetta
• Arely Carreno
• Nicholas Cianchetti
• Mikayla Crowe
• Jasmine Failla
• Kelley Flannery
• Harlen Fusilli
• Tiara Harris Magee
• Iryna Kalyniak
• Isabella Larson
• Ian Leetch
• Katelyn Malito
• Jennie Malpartida
• Megan Moravick
• Annalina Nelson
• Emilie Potosnak
• Alexandra Raloff
• Sierra Sakautzky
• Morgan Zavoral

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.

• Elyse Lape

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

• Madi Keffer

Holmes Scholar Fund

• Mussarath Mehedi
• Md Mamunur Rashid Zaber

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.

• Madison Florzak

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

• Kaelyn Gehrke

Irvin Family Scholarship in EAF

• Caress Brown-Miller
• Sonia Ruiz

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.

• Alyvia Bag
• Takiya Butler
• Yuriii Conner
• Paulina Esparza
• Jada Gordon
• Ziona Hightower
• Braelyn Kloster
• Deyeneiry Lebron Rosado
• Evelyn Lopez
• Linoshka Martinez-Alvarez
• Nevaeh McLaurin
• Norbel Nguyen
• Natilyn Ocasio
• Riley Pridemore
• Tessa Sales
• Avery Smith
• Brenda Velasquez Raigoza
• Lexi Walters
  
  

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.

• Sophia Buck
• Alana Diaz
• Hannah Greenberg
• Janelle Markoutsakis
• Vince Minaglia

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.

• Alexis Clary
• Amanda Joplin
• Alexandria Pratt

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.

James Duffy College of Education Back-a-Bird Scholarship

• Megan Wasilewski

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

• Demitri Corbin
• Dee Frazier
• NaStasha Powers
• Randy Sanchez-Guerrero

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

• Amanda Goodwin
• Kelsey Hajduk

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.

• Ya'Natika Morgan

Jean A. Wellman Elementary Education Memorial Scholarship

• Natalie Herbert

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.

• Emma Andrist
• Kelly Gac
• 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.

• Macie Wright

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

• Angelena Armstrong
• Alexa Jefferies

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

• Josefina Ballone
• Maritsa Romero

John Joseph Hoover Endowed Special Education Scholarship

• Ashlynn Royal
• Kristin Steidinger

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.

• Ella Corum
• Ava Kvale

John Mark Smith Endowed Scholarship in Special Education

• Avery Huddleston

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.

• Melissa Harvey

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.

• Maddie Marsh

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.

• Zoey Alba
• Makenzi Borton
• Alaina Soberaski
• Nicole Tomaszewski
• Riley Usselman
• Katherine Verbeck

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

• Macie Wright

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.

• Jack Sifuentes

Katherine McGorray Endowed Scholarship

• Dominika Brzegowy

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.

• Lucero Cardona Fuentes
• Alexi Kagel

Kelly (Clint and Sue) Endowed Elementary Education Scholarship

• Emily Guiwargis
• Marra Seibert

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.

• Kortney Dixon
• Jeff Glatz
• Elizabeth Krizka
• Krista Lynch

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.

• Eva Graefe

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.

• Mia Juarez
• Joshua Muehlberg

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.

• Elle Spence

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.

• Acelya Richardson

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.

• Ella Schmitz

LEADS Fellowship for Doctoral Students

• Megan McMullen

Lillian Scholljegerdes Davies Endowed Scholarship

• Isa Flores

Louise Purnell Jones Scholarship in Elementary Education

• Jessica Anderson
• Deklan O'Rourke

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.

• Ella Keating
• Rylan Marvin

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.

• Ro Echols

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.

• Fredo Camargo

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.

• Avery Fashingbauer
• Sydney Morin

Marcia Escott Hickrod Scholarship Award for Nontraditional Students

• Michelle Self-Ballard

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.

• Alayna Milazzo

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.

• Hannah Daly

Marie Struble Johnson Endowed Scholarship

• Cindy Farris-Morano

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.

• Natalie Brutlag
• Tanner Nolin

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.

• Natalie Colon
• Madison Gummerson
• Ava Ruggles

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

• Drew Brodbeck
• Melissa Guzman
• Olivia Hartzler
• Adrienne Johnson
• Yesenia Nicoson
• Kai Nunnery
• Amy Roehrig
• Delecia Scott
• Kemora Simpkins
• Allison Warren

Mary Alice Katschke Endowed Scholarship In Elementary Education

• Emily Sikora

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.

• Lizzie Paragi

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.

• Hayden Harbacek
• Myka Hoover
• Molly Jones
• Kelsey McDonough
• Riley Tedford

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.

• Brynn Benway
• Emma West

Michael A. and Abigail M. Jones Family Scholarship

• Anaia Tipton

Minnie Vautrin Memorial Scholarship

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.

• Meg Griest

Nan Schuman Klein Future Teacher

• Nia Marshall

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

• Elizabeth Drew
• Carleigh Gasen

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.

• Killian Graff

Nany Henderson Preschool Scholarship

• Kailey Angelacos

Nancy Johnson O'Brien Memorial Scholarship for Elementary Education

• Audrey Dziubla

Nancy L. Kampmeier College of Education Endowed Scholarship

• Danielle Carr

Naomi (Montgomery) Law Endowed Scholarship in Special Education

• Ceila Ruiz

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.

• Annabelle Price

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.

• Brayden Voyles

Odessa Meyer Scholarship

• Tatiana Alaraj
• Elissa Gong
• LaShawn Jones
• Christina Mables
• Mariah Moran
• Ivan Raya

O. Lillian Barton-Adeline Stevenson Nurse Endowed

• Tashay Jackson-Roper

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

• Rebecca Alley
• Marcella Allison
• Nancy Arroyo
• Michael Burk
• Brianna Castenada
• Jill Coy
• Ashlee Crowe
• Kristine Fajardo
• Cynthia Farris-Morano
• Debra Garner
• Jacqueline Gonzalez
• Magdalene Houseman
• Lauren James
• Lauren Jordan
• Hailey Judge
• Ashlynn Leininger
• Lisa Less
• Jonathon Long
• Krista Lynch
• Samuel Marshall
• Brian Matkovic
• Justin Newton
• Tiara Perkins
• Tania Perez
• Concepcion Ramirez
• Gladiz Ramirez
• Rebecca Reaves (Leslie)
• Marco Romero
• Alyssa Ross
• Hyang Seol
• Nida Sheikh
• Barbara Stacy
• Shymira Stewart
• Destiny Tafoya
• Shaliena Taylor
• Laisha Terry-Gaona
• Kaniyah Williams
• Bonnie Witowski

Patricia Klass-Linda Lyman Endowed Scholarship Fund

• Sonia Culbertson
• James Kirkton
• 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.

• Eleanor Carlson

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.

• Gwynneth Boynton
• Britt Kotiw

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
• Briana Figgins
• Henry Kunzer
• Josephina Pattison
• Krystin Rice
• Daniel Yunker

Pyrle G. Barclay Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education

• Ava Rigg

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.

• Jax Kozlak
• Madison Potaczek

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.

• Logan Leaver

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
• Maggie Flavin

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.

• Hailey Moores

Reverend Dr. Joanne Peppard-Cooke Doctoral Grant Fund

• Hanan Almiladi
• Fatemeh Ashpaz
• Carla Boyd
• Paula Melissa Flores
• Edith Kachia
• Sarah Patterson

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 C. and Susan Lee Walling Endowed Fund for College Student Personnel Administration

• Alejandro Martinez
• Tyrin Sykes

Rose E. Parker Graduate Excellence Award

• Carrie Kline
• Katherine Moreland
• Angela Shannon

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

• Ali Frickleton
• Megan Heistand
• Alyssa LaVecchia
• Olivia Wise
• Stella Wroble

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

• Scarlet Bryant
• Lesly Lopez Ramos

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.

• Marilyn McCottrell

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.

• Jessie Schnittger

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.

• Cece Cathcart
• Tya Collins

School of Teaching and Learning Graduate Scholarship 

• Sarah Jaime

School of Teaching and Learning Undergraduate Scholarship

• Carmyn Huston
• Colette Reckamp
• Abby Ruebush

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.

• Gabrielle Lucas
• Malley Nauman

Spycher Award in Graduate Reading Studies Endowed Scholarship

• Theresa Denham
• Karen Ford
• Kenny Herron-Cologna

Suhwa Winny Lin Back-A-Bird Scholarship

• Claire Linhart

Taylor Family Scholarship for Student Teaching in Special Education

• Ally Palermo

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.

• 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

Vicki Lynn (Crook) Dechman Memorial Education Scholarship

• Emily Scolaro

Virginia Guthrie Back-A-Bird Scholarship

• Jordi Jimenez

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.

• Ivan Rogel Martinez

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.

• Shannon Craig
• Mackenzie Jirik
• Olivia Morrison
• Isabella Sheridan

The Ward Family Trust Scholarship

Waneta Sedgwick Catey Scholarship 

• Samantha DeWitte

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.

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.

• Jocelyn Aguero
• Natalia Aguirre
• Regina Anelli
• Alex Avgeris
• Patty Banks
• Melanie Barrett
• Melanie Berger
• Christine Block
• Landon Boger
• Setthea Brozenec
• Hayley Bruckman
• Molly Bugos
• Wolffe Carlson
• Allyssa Carey
• Ella Casey
• Michelle Castro-San Juan
• Alexis Clary
• Natalie Colon
• Miguel Dominguez-Gonzalez
• Kortney Dixon
• Kim Faulkner
• Michelle Fischer
• Paityn Formanski
• Chloe Franklin
• Jasmine Gardner
• Daniela Garcia
• Mallory Garcia
• Devonna Givens
• Paulina Gonzalez
• Eva Graefe
• Alaina Grossman
• Andrea Guevara
• Karly Hall
• Alexis Hamilton
• Kristin Harris
• Deborah Hartman
• Sarah Hartman
• Angela Hotchkiss
• Blu Isham
• Cat Jabczynski
• Amanda Joplin
• Isabella Karunas
• Izzy Kelly
• Abbey Kent
• Donna King
• Jordan Knox
• Amanda Kozelka
• Elizabeth Krizka
• Heather Malik
• Marissa Mangin
• Cylas Marcum
• Alyssa Martinez
• Joan Moore
• Sam Morse
• Sophia Neally
• Ally Palermo
• Tassia Patrick
• Nicola Perna
• Christina Petropoulos
• Patti Pfannkuche
• Sarah Pollard
• Aiyana Puente
• Stephanie Quigley
• Cristina Ramirez
• Alli Reif
• Acelya Richardson
• Samantha Roberts
• Penny Romero
• Brooke Rycyzyn
• Laika Schneblin (Stroud)
• Gabby Serrano
• Jacob Slago
• Mckenna Smith
• Summer Swearingen
• Sarah Thomas
• Alessandra Turano
• AJ Washington
• Susan Weil (Schwalb)
• Alivia Wilson
• Melinda Woollen
• Alexis Wright
• Colleen Young

William and Creta Sabine Scholarship

• Jenna Hefner
• Pratt Reece
• Sam Schmale
• Katarina Valenzuela

William and Linda Peine Lewis Scholarship

• Emma Kraus
• Alondra Saucedo
• Gilyan Shankle