Education Scholarships

The Bon Accord Endowed Award was established in 1987 to help students accomplish their educational goals. Maureen Brady '67 created this fund to promote and enhance modern technology in educational development—a concept that is at the forefront of teacher education today. Brady named this fund in honor of her mother and her family's origin, as Bon Accord is the town motto of Aberdeen, Scotland.

• Amount: 600
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: One. From a member of the ISU faculty or professional staff is required.
• Class: Undergraduate or graduate
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Have a career goal of using emerging technology in educational development through teaching and/or research

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

Her mother, Mary Borg, urged Jean to attend college, so she enrolled at Illinois State Normal University (ISNU). While a student at ISNU, Jean worked in the audiovisual department under Nelson Smith and also excelled in her work in the biological sciences department. Her years as a student with the biological sciences department and her ongoing love for animals and plants added to her decision to create this scholarship. She earned a degree in education and taught junior high school in Momence, Leroy, and Bloomington. Borg later earned her master's in counselor education in 1962 and an advanced certificate in counselor education in 1967 from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. From 1962-72 she served as a school counselor for students in Champaign. For more than 20 years of her career, Jean was a faculty member at the University of South Florida. Borg learned the importance of education from her mother and is very aware of the need for good teachers.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your commitment to teach in the area of biological sciences and your involvement in community and/or campus service. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Demonstrate involvement in community and/or campus service
• Recommendation: One.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Juniors or seniors
• Major: Biological Science
• Preferences: Plan to teach biological sciences 

The Class of 1929 Endowed Scholarship was established in 1986 to provide an endowed scholarship for students in teacher education at Illinois State. This scholarship was one of four endowments created by graduates of the college between 1929 and 1937. Illinois State is proud of the opportunities created by this scholarship to uphold the importance of teaching.

• Amount: 500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your desire and plan to enter the teaching profession. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelors
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Plan to enter the teaching profession

The 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. Coupland was a former department chair in the college.

• Amount: 1800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Must be active in extra-curricular activities
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior
• Major: Education

The Larry and Barbara Efaw Endowed Scholarship was created in 2004 by David and Dana Efaw out of their desire to honor David's parents, who were students at Illinois State Normal University when they met in 1954. The Efaws were wonderfully surprised during Christmas 2004 when they learned that David and Dana had established this scholarship in their name. Larry earned his bachelor's in business education in 1956 and his master's in education in 1959. He was elected senior class president and named the outstanding senior. Barbara earned her bachelor's in education in 1959 and was active in many activities, among them varsity cheerleading. Larry and Barbara have led lives committed to education and have maintained their love for their alma mater. Larry passed away in September 2010.

• Amount: 1400
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please describe your desire to be a teacher and your active involvement in student activities at Illinois State University. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Active involvement in student activities at Illinois State University
• Recommendation: One.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, or Business Education
• Preferences: Full or part time

The Donald and Gloria Eklund Endowed Scholarship was established in 2012 by the Eklunds' son, David, and his family, together with his siblings Michael, Julie (Schmitt), Barbara (Marella), and their families, with the desire to honor their parents on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. The Eklunds are graduates of Knoxville High School, and both were valedictorians of their classes; he graduated in 1947 and she in 1948. Because they were valedictorians, they each received state scholarships to attend Illinois State Normal University. The purpose of the Donald and Gloria Eklund Endowed Scholarship is to honor the Eklunds and their education at Illinois State (Normal) University in perpetuity, while at the same time to provide financial scholarship support for students who plan to become teachers.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Should demonstrate involvement in community or university activities via participation in clubs or sports, and/or other volunteer activities
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, junior, senior
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Plans to enter the teaching profession following graduation.

The 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. This group of graduates all lived in Fell Hall during their time as students at Illinois State Normal University. They all received degrees in education from the University and following graduation entered the teaching field. The Fell Hall Friends have maintained close communication with one another since their graduation, and return every August for a reunion on campus.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Service to Illinois State University through leadership and/or participation in campus activities
• Recommendation: Two. From Illinois State University faculty who are familiar with your commitment to becoming a teacher and involvement in activities at the University.
• GPA: 3.2 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Juniors or seniors, have completed both their freshman and sophomore years at Illinois State University
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Plan to become a teacher
• Additional Preferences: All things being equal, preference will be given to a female applicant

The Glynn-Bowlby Future Teacher Endowed Scholarship was created by Carol Bowlby Glynn and Terry Glynn in honor of their parents who, like them, were Illinois State Normal University graduates.

Collectively, the family of Illinois State graduates has taught for more than 100 years. Carol is a 1962 graduate with a bachelor's in special education. Terry is a 1957 graduate with a bachelor's in mathematics. Victoria Bowlby, Carol's mother, received her bachelor's in 1965 and went on to teach in a one-room school in Iowa. Terry's mother, Mary Alice Glynn, received her bachelor's in 1959 and his father, Will Glynn, received a bachelor's in 1932 and a master's in 1951. Mary Alice and Will's careers began in Cerro Gordo, where they also taught in one-room schools.

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: Yes, contingent on GPA
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please describe your desire to be a teacher and your dedication to community service and the teaching profession. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Have a dedication to community service
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE IN A PREVIOUS YEAR
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Mathematics Education
• Preferences: Full time

The Dr. John T. Goeldi Future Teacher Endowed Scholarship was developed in 1998 by the students of the 1997–98 Executive Board of the Student Education Association at Illinois State University to recognize their faculty advisor, John T. Goeldi. John was a teacher who cared about his students and the future of education. He served as professor in the School of Teaching and Learning (formerly the Department of Curriculum and Instruction) and as the director of Clinical Experiences and Certification Processes for seven years. He offered support and guidance to many future teachers, and this scholarship was created to recognize his invaluable contributions and dedication to the organization.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• GPA: 2.8 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, junior, senior
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Member of the Student Education Association of Illinois State University, active for at least two consecutive semesters
• Additional Preferences: Member of the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association
• Additional Preferences: Plan to teach after graduation
• Additional Preferences: Must have signed verification from the Student Education Association President

The Greenebaum Memorial Fund is in Memory of Elisabeth C. Greenebaum, Helen and Jacob Greenebaum, and Henry E. Greenebaum.

It 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. Elisabeth was born April 1, 1915. Her brother Henry was born on November 24, 1924. Neither married. They were the only children of Jacob and Helen Greenebaum of Pontiac, where the family owned Illinois State Savings Bank. Elisabeth graduated from the University of Chicago in 1937 and Henry from Northwestern in 1947. Elisabeth moved back to Pontiac to pursue a graduate degree in early childhood education at Illinois State Normal University and her dream of becoming a teacher. Her plan changed as she had the responsibility of assisting her aging parents in maintaining the family home and bank. Henry continued his education at the University of Iowa, while Elisabeth remained in Pontiac. In early 1947, their father died, leaving Elisabeth and Henry to operate the family bank, as well as take care of their mother. Later, the family bank was voluntarily liquidated, with Elisabeth serving as trustee. Elisabeth, Henry, and Helen moved to Evanston, where Henry resided while studying at Northwestern.

Henry became a worldwide traveler and a collector of many different objects, including Oriental antiquities, sculptures, European paintings, autographs, advertising, art, books and coins. He spent much of his time managing his collections. He bought and sold many items through auction. Elisabeth was a very intelligent person, conservative in her dress, speech and beliefs; unassuming; polite; kind; self-sufficient; and reserved. Henry was, in many ways, the perfect counterpoint to Elisabeth. He was also very intelligent, but was more outgoing and outspoken. Henry is said to be the kind of person who did not suffer fools easily. As Henry traveled and maintained his various antique and painting collections, Elisabeth maintained her and Henry's investments and ran the household. When Henry died in 2007, Elisabeth was 92 years old and quite frail. Personnel at the Bristol Condominium where she lived recall Elisabeth walking through the snow and slush to the grocery store with her two-wheeled cart. She would waive off all of their efforts of assistance and go about her business. She was a favorite of everyone who knew her and she remained mentally sharp up until she passed away. In establishing the trust for Illinois State students, Elisabeth had always contemplated making various charitable organizations the beneficiaries of her estate. Because she and Henry, Illinois residents all of their lives, had benefitted so much from their ancestors who had immigrated to and so clearly succeeded in Illinois, Illinois State University was her choice.

• Amount: $1,000-$12,000
• Renewable: Contingent upon award type and GPA. Recruitment incentive awards are non-renewable.  
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please explain what it means to you to be studying teacher education at Illinois State University and what impact you hope to make on your future students after graduating. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE FOR STUDENTS / TRANSFERS; 3.5 HIGH SCHOOL FOR FRESHMEN
• Class: Newly admitted or currently enrolled
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: No more than one from a single community

This scholarship is established in loving memory of Ruth M. Goodwin by her husband, Bill, and family. Bill and Ruth Goodwin were married 51 years before her passing in 2000. Ruth Green Goodwin was a 1943 graduate of Illinois State Normal University, earning degrees in Rural Education and Elementary Education. She began her teaching career in a one room school near Mazon, Illinois. In addition, she taught 4th grade in Princeton, Illinois for five years, followed by a long and distinguished career in the Wilmington, Illinois schools. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of hundreds of students.

This scholarship also serves as a tribute to the Goodwin's status as a 'Legacy Family' at Illinois State. Ruth represents one of three generations of the Goodwin family that have studied education at Illinois State.

• Need-based: No
• GPA: 2.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Students with home address in 60481 zip code
• Additional Preferences: Should have completed 30 or more hours at Illinois State University

Mary Cay and Don have endowed this scholarship to ensure the tradition and legacy of students from rural communities have the opportunity to be educated through the exemplary programs ISU offers through the College of Education. Their desire to focus on recruitment of students to ISU as education majors reflects their passion for education, and teacher preparation and the impact ISU had on their lives as educators and administrators.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Students from rural communities in and surrounding McLean counties
• Additional Preferences: If no candidates in initial preferences, consideration given to candidates from Unit 5 or District 87

The 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 an educator.

In the 1940s, the Stella V. Henderson Memorial Award was made possible by gifts from Kappa Delta Epsilon, Kappa Delta Pi, and friends of Stella Henderson, who was an alumna and member of the University faculty. Her many contributions to Illinois State were in the field of educational philosophy. The award was created as a scholarship primarily to reward academic excellence for graduate students, but eventually expanded to include high-achieving undergraduate students as well. During subsequent years, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a counselor's award was added to the process to honor Franklin G. Lewis, who served as counselor of Mu Chapter from 1975 to 1995. In 2009, this award was renamed in honor of the most recent and long-term advisor of Mu Chapter, Professor Emeritus Michael A. Lorber, who served in this role as advisor for 14 years (1995–2009). Lorber taught in the School of Teaching and Learning (former Department of Curriculum and Instruction) from 1970 to 2009. In 1980 he received a grant from Radio Shack to start the College of Education Microcomputer Lab. He later served as director of the lab from 1980-87. In 2003, Michael was asked to coordinate the Alternative Route to Secondary Certification program, which he directed until 2009. During his, tenure Lorber was the coordinator of the secondary education area and coordinator of the master's and doctoral programs.

• Amount: 1500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your involvement with the Mu Chapter-Kappa Delta Pi at Illinois State University and discuss how it better prepared you to become a teacher. Additionally, please discuss your future goals and education aspirations.
• Class: Undergraduate, graduate
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Should be active members of Mu Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi, at Illinois State University.   If no member submits an application, or if a non-member submits an essay that is clearly superior to one submitted by a Mu Chapter member, the scholarship may be award
• Additional Preferences: Plan to become an educator in the teaching profession

The Katherine McGorray Endowed Scholarship was established in 1990 by Katherine McGorray through a bequest in her will. She was an 1892 graduate of Illinois State Normal University and later served her alma mater as a faculty member.

• Amount: 500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Recommendation: One. Should attest to the candidate's promise as a teacher.
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: Teacher Preparation Program

The Norman E. Orr Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 through a gift of the Estate of Norman E. Orr. Orr was raised on a farm near Bloomington and worked in local industry after high school, until ordered into active military service in 1951. He was discharged in 1953 and returned to his hometown to attend Illinois State Normal University. While at ISNU, he himself received a scholarship and graduated in 1960. For a period following graduation, Orr was a business education teacher until re-entering military service as an armor officer and retired at the rank of colonel in 1982. During his military career, he served as tank commander in both Korea and Vietnam. In 1982, Orr was hired at H&R Block as a tax consultant. Later, he became the Fort Walton Beach city manager where he served for 15 years. He was also very active in the Elks Lodge of Fort Walton Beach, assuming significant positions locally and statewide. Orr was a man of commitment to excellence in everything he did. His gift of a scholarship continues his honorable work by assisting Illinois State students in the same way he benefited during his college career.

• Amount: 800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Juniors or seniors
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Plans to become a teacher
• Additional Preferences: Demonstrated a strong interest in the education profession
• Additional Preferences: All things being equal, preference will be given to a student who plans to serve, is serving, or has served in the United States military

The 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 help support a high school senior who wants to attend Illinois State University to pursue a career in education. The scholarship provides financial assistance for a student who meets certain criteria listed below.

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale) CUMULATIVE HS GPA or 4.0 (5.0 scale)
• Class: Incoming freshman
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Incoming freshman graduating from St. Charles East High School planning to become a teacher

The Helen K. Ryan Endowed Scholarship was established in 1985 by contributions received from Ryan's many friends. Ryan was a graduate of Illinois State Normal University and very involved in leadership activities through the Illinois Education Association. At the time of her death, she was the president of the Illinois State Normal University Alumni Association.

• Amount: 500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Class: Juniors or seniors
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Resident of Illinois

The Larry and Patricia (Hunkler) Stagen Endowed Teaching Scholarship was established in 2008 by two Illinois State graduates: Patricia (Hunkler), a 1961 elementary education graduate, and Larry Stagen, a graduate in English, speech, and journalism. They decided to "pay it forward" by encouraging others in the teaching field so that they might help others reach their potential and have a more productive and rewarding life. Pat and Larry also created this scholarship in memory of her parents, Mildred and Ray Hunkler, and her grandparents, Ruth and John Hunkler. Both Larry and Patricia earned master's degrees in education, and between them have committed more than 60 years of service to the field. Pat taught 32 years with C.B. Smith School in Pekin as a third grade teacher. Larry taught English at Washington High School for four years and then entered the guidance department. After two years, he became the director of guidance and held that position for an additional 27 years.

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please describe why you are passionate about education and teaching and explain how your commitment to a career in this field will impact future generations. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Recommendation: Two.
• Class: Incoming freshman or upperclassman
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Strong interest in teacher as a professional career
• Additional Preferences: All things being equal, preference will be given to students who are graduates of Blue Ridge (Farmer City), Deer Creek-Mackinaw, East Peoria, or Washington High Schools

The Bowman Fellows Endowment was originally established as a restricted fund in 2004 in honor of Illinois State University president, Al Bowman. In 2012, John '81 and Therese '81 Rigas permanently endowed the Bowman Fellows fund as a way of paying tribute to the legacy of Al Bowman as he announced his retirement as president. The core values of the program are aligned with the College of Education's realization of its democratic ideals, with particular emphasis on the values of diversity, equity education through reflective and innovative leadership, as well as individual and shared responsibility.

Bowman became Illinois State's 17th president in 2004, after serving one year as interim president. Under Bowman's leadership, Illinois State was transformed into a first-choice public university, ranking for seven straight years as one of the top 100 public universities in the nation for quality and value, according to Kiplinger's Personal Financemagazine. During Bowman's tenure as president, Illinois State achieved historic highs in freshman ACT average (24.3), freshman-to-sophomore retention rate (85 percent) and standard measure graduation rate (70.4 percent). The University also constructed a $50 million Student Fitness Center/McCormick Hall, opened a new Alumni Center, renovated many classroom buildings and completely remodeled six residence halls. Bowman also initiated the University's first-ever public/private student housing partnership, leading to a 900-bed, privately-owned, student apartment complex constructed on University-owned land.

Bowman received a bachelor's degree in speech pathology from Augustana College and a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Eastern Illinois University. He chose the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana for his graduate work, completing a Ph.D. in speech and hearing science.

Bowman was a staff speech pathologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Danville prior to joining Illinois State in 1978 as a faculty member in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. He was appointed chairperson of the department in 1994, and held the position for eight years, while also serving as director of the Down Syndrome Speech-Language Clinic and continuing to teach a course each semester.

• Amount: 500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Major: Teacher Education

The Sarah Hazel Buck Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 to honor Sarah Hazel Buck, who was a resident of Waynesville and attended Waynesville Township High School. She attended Illinois State Normal University and received her teacher's certificate for second grade in January 1914.

• Amount: 1800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• GPA: 2.8 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergrad, either accepted or enrolled
• Major: College of Education
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to candidates who are either orphaned by at least one parent or are dependent children

The 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 the spring of 1987 at the 55th anniversary reunion of the class.

• Amount: 500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your plan for a career in teaching and your involvement in campus activities. Explain why you think it is important to be engaged with the campus community. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Please list your involvement in campus activities at Illinois State
• Recommendation: A member of the Illinois State professional staff.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Planning a career in teaching
• Additional Preferences: Candidates must be active in campus activities

The 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 of the class.

• Amount: 500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your plan for a career in teaching and explain how your involvement in campus activities has enhanced your learning experience at Illinois State University. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Please list your involvement in campus activities at Illinois State
• Recommendation: A member of the Illinois State professional staff.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Planning a career in teaching
• Additional Preferences: Must be active in campus activities

The Class of 1937 Endowed 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.

• Amount: 1250
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your plan for a career in teaching and how you think your involvement in campus activities better prepared you to be a teacher. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Please list your involvement in campus activities at Illinois State
• Recommendation: A member of the Illinois State professional staff.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Planning a career in teaching
• Additional Preferences: Must be active in campus activities

Warren F. Craig was an educator and teacher, spending the majority of his career in Unit District 5 (Normal IL) and retiring as the first Reading Coordinator for the district. Warren and his wife Joybelle strongly believed in education, equality, and cultural diversity. They were a host family for many ISU international students after he retired from teaching. Warren was “born and raised” in Fairbury, Illinois. After graduating from Fairbury High, he followed in his father’s footsteps and enrolled at Illinois State Normal University. His studies were interrupted by WW II, but after his Army service as a pharmacist’s mate in the Aleutian Islands he returned to finish his bachelor’s degree at ISNU. He later obtained a Master’s from the University of Illinois. Warren passed away in 2015 at the age of 94.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: Yes
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Students with home address in Livingston county

The Howard Paul and Eithal Hanson Curry Endowed Scholarship was established in 2002 by Eithal Hanson Curry. This scholarship honors educators and the profession of teaching. Both Howard and Eithal Curry are graduates of Illinois State University and spent many years in teaching and administration. Their educational philosophy was: "One has to love children and to love teaching if one wants to become a dedicated and successful teacher!"

• Amount:
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, junior, senior
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Plans to teach in grades kindergarten through eight.

The Charles DeGarmo Scholars Endowed Scholarship was established in 1993 with annual funds by Sally Pancrazio, then dean of the college, as a competitive scholarship program for graduate and undergraduate students in the college. The scholarship is named for Charles DeGarmo, who was an outstanding student (1870–73), teacher and principal of the Grammar School (1876–83). Later, he became a professor of modern languages and reading (1886–90). In 1972, the education and psychology building was named DeGarmo Hall in his honor. He believed that every child should have both incentive and opportunity to learn and carry his or her educational development as far as his or her ability and circumstances warranted.

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• GPA: 3.50 CUMULATIVE UG; 3.75 CUMULATIVE GRAD
• Class: Undergraduate or graduate
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: A strong commitment to a career in teaching/education
• Additional Preferences: Significant work completed in a College of Education program (90+ undergraduate hours; 50 percent graduate work)

The Charles DeGarmo Scholars Endowed Scholarship, In Memory of Kathy Hassig was established by the U.S.S. Magellan, a Star Trek fan organization that Hassig cofounded. She graduated from Illinois State University in 1975 with a degree in special education. Hassig died at the age of 51 after a brave battle with lymphoma and later a brain tumor. Known as a nurturing teacher and education diagnostician, everything she did was in the spirit of helping others. Hassig was a lifelong fan of Star Trek and lived her life according to the ideals represented in the show: Be good to people, respect yourself, and give to those who are in need of your help.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Major: Teacher Education

The Evelyn Hanson Durdin-Hazel Hanson Scholarship was established by Evelyn Hanson Durdin in 1999 to provide assistance to students seeking to become teachers, and to honor her mother, Hazel Hanson. Evelyn Durdin began her teaching career with a contract to teach in rural South Dakota in 1936. Shortly after, while attending summer school at Illinois State Normal University (ISNU), she earned her two-year certificate, which enabled her to teach in Illinois. In 1946, she received her degree in elementary education from ISNU and went on to teach as an elementary art teacher in the Rockford school system for 25 years.

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 2.8 HIGH SCHOOL
• Class: Freshman
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Plan to teach following graduation

This endowment was established in December of 2013 for qualified education students by Audrey Ferrell '71. As a 1950 graduate in Elementary Education at Iowa Wesleyan College, with a two year certificate, Audrey began her teaching career. She taught second grade in Ft.Madison, Iowa and Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She and her husband had three children. Audrey decided to be a stay-at-home mom until her children were older. After completing a four year education degree at Illinois State University in 1971, she substituted several years. The Ferrell family continued to be education supporters. All three of Audrey's children attended ISU. Her husband, Dr. John Ferrell, was a music education professor at ISU for 35 years. His parents were also both teachers for their careers. Audrey and John's oldest daughter graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from ISU. She taught third grade in Riverton, Illinois and pre-school in Denver, Colorado. All of the Ferrell children's spouses also attended ISU and four generations of the Ferrell family have chosen careers in education. It is their hope that this scholarship will support and encourage others to embrace those values that are part of the long history at Illinois State University.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Student who has been accepted into the PDS internship program and will attend a Professional Development School

The Jody M. Fitch Endowed Scholarship was established by Jody's father, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Thomas Fitch. Tom had a long and impactful career at Illinois State University and was named a Distinguished Professor in 1989. His daughter, Jody, graduated from Illinois State University in 1985 with her bachelor's in family and consumer sciences and went on to become a nutritionist. As a student, she was active in student organizations and was a member of the Big Red Marching Machine. She was a bright and caring woman whose life was cut short by cancer. As she fought the disease, her dad often spent 12-hour shifts at her bedside. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her," he said. "Jody was a beautiful young lady, both in outward looks and in inner beauty."

• Amount: 1250
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Please list your involvement in community/charitable volunteer work during college
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Elementary Education

The Franson-Anderson Endowed Memorial Scholarship was originally established in 1995 to honor the memory of Class of 1952 graduate Ida Franson. The scholarship was renamed in 1999 to include the honor and memory of her husband "Jerry" Anderson (1928–1999). The original scholarship was established by Ida and Jerry's three children: Lorayne Anderson Russo '76; Sharon Anderson Patton; and Wallace Anderson '83, an Illinois State University Bone Scholar. The scholarship was renamed after their father passed away. The scholarship honors Ida and Jerry's firm belief in the importance of education as the foundation for success in life. Ida taught as a substitute teacher for the Niles school district for more than 30 years and was known for her commitment to her profession, a willingness to share her experiences, and an uncanny capacity to never forget a name or a face. After her teaching career ended, Ida continued to serve the community by volunteering as a librarian in the district.

• Amount: 2500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please explain your plan for international travel for academic studies.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: College of Education, preferably Elementary Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Planning a career in teaching
• Additional Preferences: Candidates must intend to use the scholarship to support expenses associated with international travel for academic studies, including student teaching, preferably during their senior year
• Additional Preferences: Prefer a senior

The Ferne Hinshaw-Hardt Endowed Scholarship, In Memory of Darlene Baxter Severin provides financial assistance to female students at Illinois State University who intend to become teachers.

Darlene Baxter Severin, a 1943 graduate of Illinois State Normal University (ISNU), established the scholarship
in honor of her sister and mentor, Ferne Hinshaw-Hardt. Ferne attended ISNU, passed her teachers' exam, and taught grade school in Central Illinois for several years. Ferne left teaching to adopt Darlene, her two-month-old sister, after their mother died. Darlene was the only child of Ferne and her husband, Henry. Ferne felt that education was the key to a bright future and was a strong proponent of education for women. Darlene was a very strong student and benefitted from her sister's belief that education was the gateway to a better life. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees at Illinois State and taught English and art for more than 30 years. Prior to her death in 2009, Darlene created this scholarship as a way to honor her sister, Ferne, by making it possible for other young women to attend Illinois State University and live out their dreams of becoming teachers.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: Yes, contingent on full-time status and other award criteria
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 2.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Accepted for enrollment or enrolled
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Female
• Additional Preferences: Planning on being a teacher
• Additional Preferences: First priority will be given to qualified students from the Central Illinois geographical area

The purpose of the College of Education Student Travel Global Initiatives Award is to support study abroad opportunities for undergraduate and graduate College of Education majors. The scholarship focuses on first-time international travelers with demonstrated financial need.

The E. Jay and Marilyn J. Hammer Memorial Scholarship is established to provide financial assistance to future educators prepared by Illinois State University’s College of Education.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Candidates in a Educational Administration Foundations graduate or doctoral degree program OR a teacher education candidate with at least ninety (90) hours 
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Intent to teach in Illinois schools

The Roy and Dorothy Hostettler Endowed Scholarship was established in 2007 through a gift from the estate of Roy L. Hostettler, who earned his bachelor's in social sciences education in 1941 and his master's in educational administration in 1947. His wife, Dorothy Jean (Wilson) Hostettler, graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1940 and earned a master's degree from Illinois State Normal University in 1958 in educational supervision. Both Roy and Dorothy dedicated their lives to education. Dorothy was a supervisor to student teachers at Illinois State, while Roy spent the major portion of his 48-year teaching career known as "grand old man" at Bloomington High School. Roy taught civics, history, and journalism before becoming a guidance counselor, a role that he considered his most important work.

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Candidates must "...demonstrate leadership through involvement with extracurricular and/or community activities"
• Recommendation: Two.
• GPA: 3.4 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, junior, senior
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Strong interest in teaching
• Additional Preferences: All things being equal, preference will be given to students who graduated from Bloomington High School, Bloomington, IL

The Jepsen International Scholars Program Endowment was established through gifts from Dr. Keith Jepsen and his wife Kathleen Dore, who desire to assist and encourage Illinois State University students who are planning to become teachers, to experience different cultures while they are students. They share a belief that exposure to different cultures is the way to change the world. Keith Jepsen has two degrees from ISU, and has more than 45 years of experience in higher education at the international, national, state, and university levels. Dr. Jepsen was inducted into the Illinois State University College of Education Hall of Fame in 2010.

Kathleen Dore currently serves as Senior Advisor, Vision and Strategy, for consulting firm Proteus International. In 2008, Kathleen retired as President, Broadcasting, at Canwest Media. Prior to joining Canwest, she was President, Entertainment Networks for Rainbow Media, overseeing cable networks AMC, IFC, WE and Bravo. She holds a BA in Speech Communications and an MBA in Finance from the University of Iowa. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Big Ten Television Network, the University of Iowa Foundation, and the Women's Forum of New York.

Following the attacks of 9/11, together the couple wondered what they could do to support international understanding, and decided that the experiences they have had convinced them that the only long-term solution to the problems in the world is international education.

The John Joseph Kennedy Endowed Scholarship was established in 2007 by John Joseph Kennedy as an expression of his gratitude for the excellent education he received at Illinois State University. This learning experience brought him a lifetime of personal growth and enjoyment, and afforded many career opportunities. He graduated from Englewood High School in Chicago in 1951 and began working in the purchasing department of a large corporation. In 1957, he enrolled at Illinois State and completed his bachelor's in education/English-journalism in 1961. While he was a student, he held various positions on the student newspaper, the Daily Vidette, and became its editor. He later continued post-graduate studies at the University of California–Berkeley and at San Francisco State University. In the San Francisco Bay Area he taught high school English, journalism and social studies for a number of years. He later went into the real estate field where he supervised industrial and commercial appraisers for Contra Costa County, California.

• Amount: 2500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Candidates must "...demonstrate leadership through involvement with extracurricular and/or community activities"
• Recommendation: Three. From high school faculty.
• GPA: 3.5 HIGH SCHOOL
• Class: New freshmen
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Students should have an ACT composite score of 25 or above, or equivalent SAT composite score
• Additional Preferences: Strong interest in teaching

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

• Amount: 800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• GPA: 2.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or graduate
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Plan to teach
• Additional Preferences: Preference is given to candidates who graduated from a high school in LaSalle or Grundy Counties and/or reside in one of these counties
• Additional Preferences: Preference also is given to female candidates, age 30 or older

The George Manus Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of George Manus, who graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1929 with a major in elementary education. He died in 1984. His wife, Helen J. Manus, passed away in 2002, after which the college was notified that the Helen J. Manus Trust provided for a bequest to Illinois State University "to be used for scholarships for worthy students preparing for teaching careers in memory of George Manus."

• Amount: 4000
• Renewable: Yes, contingent on GPA
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your plans to teach after college and explain why you would like to teach in Chicago. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Recommendation: From an educator familiar with the student's goals and achievements.
• GPA: 3.75 HIGH SCHOOL
• Class: New freshmen or transfer students
• Major: Department of Special Education or School of Teaching and Learning
• Preferences: Have an ACT composite score no lower than 25 and no higher than 27.9
• Additional Preferences: Reside in Chicago and plan to return to Chicago to teach

The Delora Mast Endowed Teaching Scholarship was started by Delora's daughter, Karel Thompson '61, to honor her mother's career as an educator.

Delora was a full-time mother for many years before she decided to return to school at age 50 to pursue her teaching degree. Delora graduated from Illinois State University in 1965 with a B.S. in social sciences education. She taught in the Peoria suburbs for over a decade and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students and helping them to understand that learning about history can be fun and interesting.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe how you will benefit from receiving this scholarship and share why you are interested in becoming a teacher. Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.
• Class: Accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing in the College of Education
• Major: Teacher Education
• Additional Preferences: Non-traditional students over the age of 25 or a student who is a single parent

The Mary Kathryn Merna-Mellon Endowed Scholarship was created in 2006 by her husband, Edwin Dale Mellon, in honor and in memory of Mary, who passed away in 2002. Mary Merna was born in Bloomington and lived on a farm in Merna, a town that was named after her grandfather. She earned her bachelor's in education from Illinois State Normal University in 1953 and became a third and fourth grade teacher at Roach School in Decatur. There she met another educator, Edwin Dale Mellon, who later became her husband. He founded this scholarship to assist a student pursuing his or her dream of becoming a teacher.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your desire to become a teacher. Reference one or two experiences that led you to pursue a career in education. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Recommendation: One.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, junior, senior
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time

The Dr. Marilyn K. Moore Endowed Scholarship for the College of Educationwas established in 2011 by Dr. Moore's daughters and their husbands, to honor her many contributions to the field of education. Marilyn Moore was born on the South Side of Chicago in 1946, and decided to act on the social injustices occurring in this place and time, especially the incongruent educational opportunities for minority children. While attending Northern Illinois University, her desire to teach in an urban setting led her to request a student teaching placement at a school on the West Side of Chicago. The safety of the neighborhood was a major concern, and Marilyn quickly realized how underprepared she was to teach the children who needed her most. This challenge led her to take a break from teaching to become a flight attendant with American Airlines.

However, Dr. Moore continued to think about the children she taught in Chicago, and completed her master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Marilyn never stopped educating children, taking positions in childcare centers, becoming a mother to four girls, and completing her doctoral work at Northern Illinois University. During her career, Dr. Moore taught college students with diverse backgrounds, many from urban schools. In 1989, she became a full-time tenure track faculty member at Illinois State University. At Illinois State, Dr. Moore saw opportunity to expose her students to urban education. Along with other passionate colleagues, she organized urban bus tours where university students were paired in mentor/mentee relationships with elementary school students in inner-city schools. This program still provides powerful learning and understanding for future teachers after more than 20 years.

• Amount: 1500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Recommendation: Two letters of reference from ISU faculty who have taught the student in his or her major within the past two years.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Early Childhood or Elementary Education
• Preferences: Recipient must be planning a career in teaching with diverse populations

The Howard and Naomi Oesch Endowed Scholarship was established through the Estate Trust of Naomi Oesch.

Mrs. Oesch 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. He graduated from University High School in 1940 and Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) in 1950 with a B.S. in education and in 1956 with an M.S. in educational administration. Howard earned more than 32 post-graduate hours from the University of Illinois by attending summer school and was also an Air Force veteran of World War II.

After graduating from Armstrong Township High School, Naomi Holt Oesch attended ISNU from 1943–45, majoring in elementary education. In 1947, she traveled with geography professor Arthur Watterson throughout the United States and Canada for college credit in geography and history. Watterson Towers, a residence hall on the campus of Illinois State, was named for the ISNU alum and professor emeritus. In 1951, Naomi made plans to study abroad with Watterson in Europe; Howard was studying abroad on the trip. Naomi and Howard met as a result of a social function that Watterson arranged for his travel students. In 1953, Howard and Naomi were married and raised four children, three of whom are Illinois State University graduates.

• Amount: 750
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please describe your passion for teaching at the elementary education level. Please limit your response to no more than 300 words.
• Listing: Demonstrate service to others through volunteer work at the university and/or in the community
• Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from College of Education faculty who can attest to your commitment to become a teacher are required.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Elementary Education

The 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 Dean Emeritus Sally Pancrazio. A 1960 graduate, Pancrazio served as dean from 1993 to 2001. She provided administrative and academic leadership to the college's three academic departments, two laboratory schools, and the Office for Clinical Experience and Certification. Pancrazio was inducted into the College of Education Alumni Hall of Fame in 2001, the College of Business Hall of Fame in 2002, and later received an Illinois State University Alumni Achievement Award in 2005.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• GPA: 60 HOURS ISU COURSEWORK AND 3.5 CUMULATIVE UG; 50% COURSEWORK GRAD
• Class: Junior, senior or graduate student
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Candidates should have demonstrated leadership in education and expressed a strong commitment to a career in public education

This scholarship was created by Chester "Bud" and Judy Pulaski to establish a scholarship supporting two transfer students pursuing a degree in elementary education (K-8) or secondary education (9-12).

• Amount: half tuition for up to three years
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Class: Incoming transfer student
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Children of widows, widowers, or single parents

The Isabelle S. Purnell Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Future Teachers was established in 2009 through a bequest from the estate of Isabelle S. Purnell, who died on March 10, 2006. Isabelle was born on May 22, 1912, in Mahomet. She graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a bachelor's in business teacher education in 1938 and received her master's from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in 1952. Isabelle worked most of her life at the University of Illinois and traveled extensively. She loved the educational process and believed teaching and learning were important for the individual and for society. She was the author of three privately published books, including An Unofficial History of Mahomet, Illinois. The book featured her personal research and information collected from her family's long history as Mahomet residents. The scholarship provides financial support for new freshmen students enrolled in the College of Education and who plan to become teachers.

• Amount: 3000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Demonstrates leadership through involvement with extracurricular and/or community activities
• GPA: TOP 25% HIGH SCHOOL OR ACT COMP 24 (OR SAT EQUIVALENT)
• Class: New freshman
• Major: College of Education

Attending Illinois State University in the 1960's, Lee’s experience was a positive life changing one. He has attended many events through the years and continued to support the university, including endowing this scholarship to encourage and support diversity in the field of education.

• Amount: 1000
• Need-based: Yes
• Class: Any
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Full time

The Rollings Scholarship was created in 2005 by Kaci Sue Rollings, who graduated from Illinois State University in 1994 with a bachelor's in elementary education. The scholarship honors Kaci's grandfather, Max Rollings (1916–2001). He too had a connection with Illinois State as a sheet metal superintendent working on the first high-rise dormitories on campus. The Rollings Scholarship is Kaci's way of giving back to the University that supported her personally and professionally. She says, "I heard a man once say that sometimes in life we go through difficulties on our own simply so that we can make a path for others to follow. My hope is that this scholarship will help other girls who find themselves on a similar path to mine."

• Amount: 1500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your plan to become a teacher and your experience as a single mother under the age of 25. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Female student who is a single mother, age 25 or under.

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

• GPA: Incoming freshmen 3.25, enrolled ISU student 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Full time

The Roy O. Schilling Endowed Scholarship was created by Roy O. Schilling in 2007. This scholarship is meant to help deserving students who plan to become teachers. He received a teaching certificate in 1935 and a bachelor's in education in 1940 from Illinois State Normal University. He received his master's in educational administration from Columbia University Teacher's College in New York. His first teaching position was at Maple Grove Rural School west of Elkhart. He was a teacher and/or a principal in Emden, Lincoln, River Forest, and Decatur until he retired in 1979. Schilling is an avid world traveler, and was inducted into the College of Education Alumni Hall of Fame in 2003.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your desire to become a teacher and how you believe involvement with extracurricular and/or community activities has been beneficial to you and serves as a good educational tool for students. Please limit your response to no more than 500
• Recommendation: One.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, junior, senior
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time

This scholarship was established in 2019 by James and Kathleen Schlesser to support students in the College of Education.

The Glenn T. Schlichting Sr. and Karl G. Schmidt Scholarship was established in 1999 by the families of Glenn Schlichting Sr. and Karl Schmidt to honor their lifelong contributions as teachers, administrators, mentors, and coaches who were said to model the values of commitment, teamwork, and a love of learning.

Schlichting began his career in 1950 as a sixth grade teacher and coach. He was a teacher and principal for more than 21 years before, sadly, he died at a young age. Schlichting served children, families, and teachers for the benefit of students and society as a whole.

Schmidt began as a teacher and principal of fourth through eighth grades in a two-room school. His career spanned more than 47 years, as he was principal for five different schools, impacting thousands of students and families. He also worked with the North Central Association accreditation programs where he developed an accreditation program for elementary and secondary Lutheran schools.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior or graduate enrolled while concurrently teaching in an elementary or middle school
• Major: College of Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to male students

The Luella E. Schultze Endowed Scholarship was established in 2001 through a bequest in the will of Luella Schultze and grew through contributions from many of her friends, relatives, and colleagues following her passing. She graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1946. She taught at Thomas Metcalf School for 26 years and was a faculty member in the School of Teaching and Learning (formerly the Department of Curriculum and Instruction) before retiring in 1984.

• Amount: 1250
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: One. Candidates should demonstrate potential for becoming an outstanding classroom teacher as evidenced by strong positive recommendations during clinical experiences.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Senior
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Plan to teach in Illinois
• Additional Preferences: Must be a resident of Illinois
• Additional Preferences: Must have attended Illinois State University for at least 95 percent of undergraduate education
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to students who have a proven interest in reading/language arts in the K-6 grade level.

The Dr. Stewart L. Adams Endowed Scholarship in Teacher Education was established in December 2013 to provide financial support to students attending Illinois State University who plan to become teachers with preference given to a graduate of any high school in Rock Island county in Illinois. Dr. Adams earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Illinois State University in Elementary Education with a specialty in junior high education in 1971. He earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Special Education in 1974 and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in 2003 both from Illinois State University.

He was a Special Education Teacher in the Rock Island-Milan School District #41. Dr. Adams re-initiated the Student Education Association - Illinois Education Association (IEA) and served as President for Illinois State University students preparing for teaching certificates from 1969-1971. Dr. Adams has held numerous positions, including President, and has served on a variety of committees with the IEA.

• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Any teacher education
• Preferences: Graduate of any high school in Rock Island county in Illinois

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

Marjorie Swayne graduated Illinois State in 1968. Nancy taught in Rock Island for 30 years and was described as a giving, loving, supportive person who always maintained her graciousness. Following her death, her teacher friends said that Nancy was the one who "always kept us going!"

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Demonstrate leadership through involvement with extracurricular and/or community activities
• GPA: 3.0 HIGH SCHOOL
• Class: New freshman
• Major: College of Education
• Additional Preferences: Ranked in the top quarter of the high school graduating class/or have an ACT composite score of 24 or above (or equivalent SAT score).
• Additional Preferences: Strong interest in teaching
• Additional Preferences: Preference given to graduate of Rock Island High School, Rock Island, Illinois

The Urban Teaching Scholarship was established in 2008 by an anonymous donor. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support for a senior who is committed to urban teaching.

• Amount: 750
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please discuss your commitment to teaching in an urban setting. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can discuss your commitment to urban education are required.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Senior
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: The candidate must do student teaching in an urban area
• Additional Preferences: Plan to teach in an urban setting following graduation

Peg Van Meter's "story'' is all about education. Peg graduated from Illinois State University in 1965. She received her Master of Education degree from DePaul University in Chicago in 1983, and subsequently has done a considerable amount of postgraduate work at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Peg taught in grades K-5 for 35 years, retiring in 2000. All of her teaching was done in Community Unit District 300, based in Carpentersville, IL. She taught grades K-3 for 14 years in Dundee and grades 4 and 5 for 21 years in Hampshire, IL. Peg credits her late father, Howard B. Thomas, as the impetus behind her philanthropy. He served on the Community Unit School District 301 Board of Education for 25 years. The Howard B. Thomas Grade School was named for him in recognition of his service to the district and the value placed on education.

Roy Van Meter has been the financial planner in the family. Peg indicated that it was his suggestion to make the first planned gift to Illinois State, since it was the institution which started her on such a wonderful career in teaching. Roy retired in January 2005 having worked for SKF/CR Industries in Elgin for 44 years. He has been involved with the manufacture of oil seals for the automobile and space industries, and has also served with the United States Army in Germany.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate with at least 60 credit hours
• Major: Education

The Jared Iman Washington Memorial College of Education  Scholarship was created in 2019 by the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to memorialize the life and legacy of Jared Iman Washington. Jared received his BS in Middle Level Education in 1995 and his MS in Educational Administration and Foundations in 1999 from Illinois State University. He taught at Crete Middle School and Chiddix Middle School before being placed as Assistant Director of North Kenwood Oakland Middle School.  He became the founding Director of Carter G. Woodson Middle School and served in this role until becoming Leadership Coach and Director of Strategy for the University of Chicago Charter School Program.

Jared was a lifelong learner, teacher, mentor, and role model to his many students, friends, and beloved family members. The intent of this award is to continue to impact future educators and to impress upon those preparing to enter the classroom, to follow their passion of being an educator and understanding the importance of being a role model. 

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Demonstrated financial need and provide a personal statement of 500 words or less on their motivation to follow the path of being an educator
• GPA: 2.9 or better cumulative
• Class: Sophomore, junior or senior in the Elementary, Middle, or Secondary Level Teacher Education Program
• Major: College of Education
• Additional Preferences: Preference given to African American males or African American females

The Kelli Stackhouse Appel Special Education Endowed Scholarship was established by Kelli Stackhouse Appel in 1990.

This scholarship encourages special education majors to achieve high standards of academic work and professional development. Kelli Stackhouse Appel graduated from Illinois State University in December 1989. While at Illinois State, she was an outstanding student and was appointed as one of the 1989-90 Bone Scholars.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Community service and volunteer activity
• Recommendation: One. Speaking to candidate's being a role model among prospective teachers.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Department of Special Education

The Ashby-Lockman Family Future Special Education Teacher Scholarship Endowment was established in 2009 by alumnae, sisters, and educators Dana and Dianne Ashby; and Jack Lockman, Dianne's husband, to provide financial assistance for students majoring in special education. The sisters understand from personal experience the financial burden of funding education. They want to make it possible for a "smart person who is financially unable to attend college, to get to go to college."

Dana is the director of special education in Morton. She earned a bachelor's in speech pathology–teacher education in 1985, and a master's in speech pathology and audiology in 1987 from Illinois State University. Dianne served as the vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the Illinois State University Foundation, and for a brief period was interim vice president of Finance and Planning. She also held positions at Illinois State as dean, College of Education; chair and faculty, Department of Educational Administration and Foundations; principal, University High School; and grant director. Donald and Darlene Ashby were a blue-collar, middle-class couple that understood the value of education. They encouraged their daughters, Dana and Dianne, to pursue higher education. As the first generation of their family to attend college, the sisters recognize and appreciate the difference their educations have made in their lives and careers. A successful military and business professional, Jack also appreciates education and joins Dianne and Dana in their enthusiasm for this scholarship for future educators. Despite numerous challenges while growing up, and despite the fact that he worked full-time to support a family, Jack completed his bachelor's degree at age 40.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Demonstrated evidence of employment to help pay for the cost of educational expenses
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE for >=SOPH; ACT COMP 23 FOR FRESHMEN
• Class: Undergrad
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Preference shall be given to first-generation college students

The Jeff and Heidi Bakken Future Special Education Teacher Scholarship was established in 2009 by Jeff and Heidi Bakken to provide assistance for outstanding special education majors who exemplify the excellence of special education graduates from Illinois State.

Professor Jeff Bakken began teaching at Illinois State in 1995 after he completed his doctorate at Purdue University. Bakken held the academic rank of professor of special education and served as chair of the Department of Special Education and as interim associate dean in the College of Education. He instructed classes at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels, and was awarded the Outstanding College of Education Teacher Award in 2001. In 2002 he was awarded the Outstanding University Teacher Award. Heidi Bakken, who came to Illinois with Jeff in 1995, is the assistant to the president at Family Heritage Insurance. Both Jeff and Heidi feel very fortunate and blessed to have a wonderful family, great careers, and the support of many to make that possible.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Demonstrated evidence of commitment to serving persons with disabilities via service and/or leadership activities
• Recommendation: Two. From academic advisors and/or faculty members who can speak to the candidate's passion about the field of special education.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Full time

The Margaret Bansau Trust Scholarship was established in 2001 through the estate of Margaret Bansau, who designated Illinois State University to be a recipient of a charitable trust. Through her trust, she expressed the desire that a part of the income be used for scholarships for students who intend to teach students with disabilities, and that these scholarships be known as the "Bansau Scholarships."

Margaret had polio as a young child and during her life carried 40 pounds of iron braces on her legs. She did not go to college but respected those that could and did. She left more than $1.3 million for the education of children and young adults with disabilities, and for those who teach in the field of special education. Her passion was to see that students with disabilities would be given the chance to learn and the chance to give back in return through teaching, mentoring and strengthening children.

• Amount: 3000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please discuss your commitment to teaching students who have disabilities. If applicable, describe why you left a teaching position to pursue a special education certification. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Entering Undergraduate or graduate students
• Major: Pursuing initial certification in the Department of Special Education
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to non-traditional students who have left a teaching or teaching assistant position to pursue initial certification in special education

The Waneta Sedgwick Catey Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 by Waneta Sedgwick Catey, who served as an Illinois State Normal University faculty member from 1936–45 and 1946–52.

In addition to supervising rural student teachers, she also served as principal of the special education school at Fairchild Hall. Waneta was a graduate from the University of Illinois and held a master's degree from Colorado State University. She was a member of Pi Lambda Theta, Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Sigma Phi, the Illinois Education Association, and the National Education Association. The purpose of this scholarship is to help students complete their degree in special education.

• Amount: 1250
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Community service and volunteer activity
• Recommendation: One.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore or junior
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Full time

The Nancy K. Daniels Scholarship was created by Nancy Daniels, who retired in December 2007 from her position as administrative assistant in the Department of Special Education.

She was employed at Illinois State University for 20 years. With the exception of one year, her whole career was spent in that department. She was proud to have been part of Illinois State, and wanted to give back to the University because it has been such an important part of her life. As a part of her work, she mentored student employees. She enjoyed working closely with students and getting to know them personally. She always felt that special education student employees were of the highest quality, cared deeply for the profession they were entering, and worked hard at balancing academics and a work schedule.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please discuss how working as a student employee in the Department of Special Education has enhanced your educational experience. Additionally, describe the ways you have been involved with the community and your future career and educational goals. Pleas
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Who has been or is currently a student employee in the Department of Special Education

The Kelley Dennis Endowed Scholarship was created in 1995 by the family of Kelley Dennis to honor her memory.

Kelley was an Illinois State University special education alumna. Sadly, Kelley died in an automobile accident shortly following her graduation. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide to an incoming Learning and Behavior Specialist major, or freshman, tuition and fees, or a portion thereof, for eight continuous regular semesters, or five continuous regular semesters if a transfer student.

• Amount: 2500
• Renewable: Yes, up to 8 semesters if a freshman, 5 if a transfer
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please discuss your experience working with persons with disabilities and how it influenced your career path. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Demonstrate volunteer or paid experience with persons with disabilities
• Class: Incoming freshman or transfer
• Major: Learning and Behavior Specialist
• Preferences: Demonstrate commitment to a career in teaching persons with disabilities

The Diversity Recognition Award was created in 2002 by the Department of Special Education using funds from donations from alumni and friends.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: A record of service, and are from an underrepresented group (non-white), OR have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and a demonstrated record of service to diverse populations
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Continuing Undergraduate or graduate students
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: A record of service, and are from an underrepresented group (non-white), OR have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and a demonstrated record of service to diverse populations

The 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).

Members of his family, colleagues at Illinois State, and many former students and friends established this fund to honor Hage's contributions to the field of special education. This scholarship will provide assistance to special education majors who intend to teach following graduation.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Record of service to persons with disabilities
• Recommendation: One.
• Class: Completed 60 to 90 semester hours
• Major: Department of Special Education

The Heimsoth Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 1987 by Thomas Heimsoth to stimulate alumni and faculty to contribute financially to the Department of Special Education.

Heimsoth is a 1965 graduate of Illinois State University and serves on the Illinois State University Foundation Board of Directors. The scholarship honors outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in special education, rehabilitation, or related human services.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Record of service to persons with disabilities
• Recommendation: One.
• Class: Junior, senior, graduate students
• Major: Special Education

Patricia was a trailblazer in the world of Special Education. She was passionate, devoted and committed to helping those students most in need. For over 32 years, Patricia taught in Lake County Illinois, and was at the forefront of introducing special education programs in Barrington and Libertyville IL. Patricia's family roots run deep in the Bloomington/Normal community, having graduated from Trinity High school, known today as Central Catholic High School. Patricia served on many boards and committees and was known to always be ready to lend a friendly, helping hand. Payton Helphinstine, loving widower of Patricia established the Patricia Peffer Helphinstine Special Education Endowed Scholarship in 2017, after her passing in November 2016 to honor Patricia and to encourage, support, reward and recruit students enrolled in the College of Education Special Education Program.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.2 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Special Education

The Dr. Meg Hutchins Memorial Endowed Scholarship was created by her parents, C. Thomas Hutchins and Margaret Penn Hutchins, and also friends and colleagues.

The scholarship honors and remembers Meg Hutchins, who passed away in 2005. Meg was a passionate and committed teacher, educator, and supportive mentor. Her leadership began as student body president at Hampton Roads Academy, from which she graduated in 1971. She attended Salem College and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1975.

While serving as a special education teacher for students with disabilities in Albemarle County, Virginia, she also coached the girls field hockey team for several years. After earning a master's in education from the University of Virginia in 1982, she moved to Illinois and received her doctorate in special education from the University of Illinois in 1989. She taught classes and directed two federally funded research grants at the University of Illinois before joining the faculty at Illinois State in 1995. She achieved tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 2000. Meg set high expectations for her students, providing exemplary instruction and support as they strove to meet her expectations. Her philosophy of teaching was grounded in the belief that all teachers should also be learners. From that belief she endeavored to create effective professional development strategies that would encourage educators to implement what they learned, and not to willingly accept the status quo for their students. Her interest focused on successful transition of youths with disabilities from school to adult life, with a special emphasis on promoting positive employment outcomes. Later she expanded her concerns to other adult areas that help define "quality of life" for persons with disabilities.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: History of commitment to individuals with significant disabilities, demonstrated through volunteer or paid experiences
• Recommendation: One.
• GPA: 3.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Learning and Behavior Specialist I
• Preferences: Candidates must demonstrate strong potential as future teachers and advocates for students with significant disabilities.

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

Jensen attended Bartlett High School and decided at a young age that he wanted to work with students with special needs after volunteering at a "challenger" baseball game and a Special Olympics ski competition. Justin graduated from Illinois State University in spring 2010 with a degree in special education and accepted a teaching position in St. Charles. Tragically, Justin passed away the following July, just one short month before he was to begin his teaching career. While at Illinois State he made a positive impression on teachers, mentors, and fellow students. A former professor said, "Justin was a unique individual. He touched the lives of everyone with whom he came into contact."

• Amount: 2000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Volunteer or paid experiences with individuals with significant disabilities
• Recommendation: Two. From faculty or others familiar with candidate's commitment.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Male
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to students who graduated from an Illinois District U-46 )Bartlett, Elgin, Gifford, Larkin, Sout Elgin, or Streamwood High Schools)

The Marie Struble Johnson Endowed Scholarship was established in honor of Marie Struble Johnson as a living memorial to her by her brother.

Marie Struble Johnson was a 1917 graduate of Illinois State Normal University. The scholarship was established through an endowment to support honor scholarship programs. This award is used to provide financial support for an outstanding student in the field of special education.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Have a record of community involvement
• GPA: 3.75 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: Department of Special Education

The Lawson Legacy Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 by retired assistant chairperson of the Department of Special Education Cindy Leigh Lawson '73, M.S.E. '77, and Ed.D. '93; and friends, colleagues, and family of Robert Kent Lawson and Helen Delores Akers in honor of the couple's 60th wedding anniversary.

Sadly, Robert Lawson passed away in 2010. Robert and Helen met as Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) students and married in 1949. The Lawsons grew up during the Great Depression and came to ISNU at the close of World War II, during which Kent had served in the U.S. Navy. He majored in agriculture education and later taught agriculture and science. He also taught in middle level education and was an elementary school principal. Helen was a business education major, which led her to employment as an office manager and bookkeeper and later as a public aid caseworker for the state of Illinois. Robert and Helen have three children—Janice, Cindy, and Glenn—in whom they have instilled a love of teaching and learning. Cindy taught in Peoria and Lincoln, administering a special education program in Peoria prior to joining the Department of Special Education at Illinois State, where she served for more than 25 years. This scholarship was established upon her retirement from the position of assistant chairperson, which she held for 10 years.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: Two. Demonstrate the knowledge, performance, and disposition required of an outstanding special educator as evidenced by references from university supervisors, academic advisors, and/or faculty members.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, juniors, seniors
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Full time

The R. Douglas and Janice Luecke Irvine Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by R. Douglas and Janice Luecke Irvine in 2013.

Janice and Doug both graduated from Illinois State University. Janice majored in the special education, blind and visually impaired program, and Doug majored in social sciences. When the couple met in the spring semester of their freshman year, the University was still a "Normal" school and carried the name Illinois State Normal University. The Irvines married the summer following their graduation from Illinois State University in 1967.

Janice served as a preschool teacher at the Rhode Island Association for the Blind while earning her master's in education from Rhode Island College. After relocating to Indiana, she taught students who were blind and visually impaired at the South Bend Community School Corporation for 26 years. Doug earned his master's in sociology at Illinois State and continued his graduate education at both Northeastern and Tufts universities. After teaching at the college level for several years, Doug moved into administration, where he retired after serving as a college financial aid administrator for several Indiana schools.

After careers in teaching and financial aid administration, they strongly believe that it is important to support students with financial need at Illinois State. Without the training and education they received at Illinois State, the Irvines say they would not be in the position to create this scholarship. They hope that creating this scholarship, along with an additional scholarship they created for a student majoring in sociology, will serve as a "thank you" to the University and to the professors they had the privilege of experiencing during their years on campus.

• Amount: 500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undegraduate sophomore or above
• Major: Low Vision and Blindness
• Preferences: Enrolled in good standing

The Alexander Montgomery Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 by Jean and Donnie Montgomery in honor and in memory of their son Alex, who passed away in January 2007.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to a senior at Illinois State University majoring in special education, preferably studying the specialty to teach those with learning disabilities. Jean and Donnie chose to create this scholarship for future teachers because of the help Alex received from his special education teachers at Schramm Educational Center in Pekin. The Montgomerys remember their beloved son as a "person so full of life."

• Amount: 800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Enter senior year
• Major: Preferably Learning and Behavior Specialist I

The Carol Owen Memorial Special Education Teacher Scholarship was created in 2008 by Robbin Owen and friends and colleagues of Carol Owen to honor her and her love for teaching, as well as to benefit special education students.

Carol graduated from Illinois State University in 1977 with a degree in special education, visual disabilities sequence. She taught in Lincoln, Peoria, and Pekin as a special educator for children with deafness/blindness and severe/multiple disabilities. She completed her master's degree and administrative credentials in general and special education by 1982, also at Illinois State. In addition to her excellence as a teacher, Carol was a loyal and involved family member and friend, fond of hosting large gatherings with home-prepared authentic Italian foods. She was an avid biker, camper, and always the first in line for any adventure or opportunity to help. In 1996, Carol was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which she survived for 12 years with courage, optimism, and her strong will to serve others. She was active as a special educator until the time of her death and was also very involved in her church and community.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: Yes, for up to 3 years
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Please list your involvement in service activities
• Recommendation: Two. Must demonstrate a passion for special education as demonstrated by references from university supervisors, academic advisors, and/or faculty members.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, juniors, seniors
• Major: Enrolled in field experiences in Low Vision and Blindness or Learning and Behavior
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to first generation college students or students with outstanding records of service to others

The award for the Rose Parker Scholarship within the Special Education Department is a highly selective award for a graduate student in the department.

• Class: Graduate
• Major: Special Education
• Preferences: Student that is graduating in calendar year in which the award is given
• Additional Preferences: Scholarship and service. Consideration given for teaching, presentations, research, etc.

The Evelyn J. Rex Endowed Scholarship was established in 2000 by Evelyn J. Rex, who taught on the special education faculty at Illinois State University for 30 years until retiring in 1991.

Evelyn earned her bachelor of science in education from Southern Illinois University, her master's degree from Northwestern University, and her doctorate from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville. Her devotion to literacy for the visually impaired and to training teachers of students with special education needs was a constant source of fulfillment for her. 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.

• Amount: 5000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Please list your community service and volunteer activity
• GPA: 3.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Graduate or undergrad
• Major: Deaf and Hard of Hearing or Low Vision and Blindness
• Preferences: Full time

The Vivette Ravel Rifkin Endowed Scholarship was established to honor Vivette Ravel Rifkin, who dedicated her life to assisting persons who are blind and/or visually impaired.

Vivette began reading books to her daughter, Jill, to help her experience the joys of reading. Realizing that other individuals had the same need, Vivette founded Educational Tape Recording for the Blind (ETRB) in Chicago. She led the organization for more than 42 years. Though she graduated from high school at age 16 and received no further education, Rifkin taped more than 3,000 college and graduate school textbooks in her lifetime. Her lifelong commitment to educating individuals with visual impairments resulted in her being awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1999. Through this scholarship, her family, friends, and the ETRB seek to further the education of Illinois State University students who will spend their professional lives teaching those with visual impairments.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: Department of Special Education, preferably Low Vision and Blindness

This scholarship was established to support undergraduate tuition in the deaf and hard of hearing program or to a student with previous experience working in the area of autism.

• GPA: 2.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Sophomore, junior or senior
• Major: Special Education
• Preferences: Student from DuPage county
• Additional Preferences: Student in the Deaf and Heard of Hearing program or previous experience working in the area of autism

This scholarship was established in 2016 by Larry and Laurie Turilli to assist special education students enrolled in field-based clinical experiences or student teaching. Laurie Turilli is a 1978 graduate of Illinois State University with her B.S. degree in Special Education. She taught Special Education for 10 years in Illinois and New York, returning to ISU in 1997 as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Laurie supervised clinical students in their practicum, field based and student teaching semesters until her retirement in 2017. Her husband, Larry, and daughter, Stacey, are also Illinois State University graduates.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Special Education
• Preferences: Student who has completed their practicum semester and is enrolled in field based or student teaching

The Lawrence D. Vuillemot Fieldwork Scholarship Endowment was established in 1990 by friends and relatives as a living memorial to honor Lawrence D. Vuillemot. He was a friend of the Special Education Department and Illinois State University, and is credited with laying the groundwork for the special education field-based program. Lawrence was the superintendent and special education director in the Special Education District of Lake County, one of the pioneer special education cooperatives in Illinois.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Please list your community service and volunteer activity
• Recommendation: One. From a university supervisor.
• GPA: 3.75 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Enter a field-based program during their next academic year

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

Both early 1940s Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) graduates, James and Edith each received scholarships and participated in the work-help program at ISNU to fund their educations. Edith was certified to teach on the elementary and secondary levels, and later earned state certification to teach educable mentally handicapped students. James was an active student leader and athlete at ISNU. He also earned a M.A. from Northwestern University and later became a teacher and coach at the high school level, a principal, and then a superintendent for one of the first unit districts in Northern Illinois.

• Amount: 1800
• Renewable: Yes, contingent on award criteria
• Need-based: Yes
• Recommendation: One. Be nominated by written recommendation of a faculty member; letter should speak to candidate's demonstrated commitment and skills for teaching mentally handicapped students.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Department of Special Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Demonstrate commitment and skills to teach mentally handicapped students
• Additional Preferences: Be a graduate from a public high school in Illinois

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

Wanda Weaver earned her bachelor's in special education in 1964, with a major in deaf and hard of hearing. She subsequently taught at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Cincinnati Public Schools. Dale Weaver graduated from the University of Illinois and had a 36-year career with General Electric. Together they decided to create this award as one way of giving back to the institution from which Wanda earned her education.

• Amount: 4000
• Renewable: Yes, contingent on award criteria
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Please list your community service and volunteer activity
• Recommendation: Two. From faculty.
• Class: Junior, senior, graduate students
• Major: Department of Special Education, special consideration to Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Preferences: Citizen of U.S.

The Dr. Minnie Perrin Berson Scholarship in Early Childhood Education was established in 2012 by family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Minnie Perrin Berson as a memorial in honor of her life and work.

Berson was born March 12, 1914, in Ruzhin, Ukraine. At age 6, she and her family fled civil war and violent persecution of Jews, immigrating to the United States and settling in Detroit. Berson was an individual who came to the United States as an immigrant who learned an entirely new culture and way of life in the process. She was thrilled to be able to study and gain an education. Thus, she chose to commit her entire life to caring about and helping others do the same.

In 1970, Berson became a professor of education at Illinois State University, where she championed the importance of play in young children's learning, universal preschool education in public schools, and high-quality educational preparation of teachers in early childhood programs.

• Amount: 1600
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your personal and professional goals as they relate to teaching as an early childhood educator. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Recommendation: Two. From ISU faculty members familiar with the student's educational development and potential for teaching.
• GPA: 3.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Juniors or seniors
• Major: Early Childhood Education
• Preferences: The recipient will plan to teach in early childhood settings, preferably in low-income/poverty-stricken communities

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

Judith graduated from Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in education. After graduating she taught second grade in Pekin. She taught at the elementary level as a full-time and substitute teacher for almost 20 years, balancing her dedication to teaching and to her children as a stay-at-home mother. Judith retired in 2000 and now spends time with her four grandchildren, still using her teaching skills to encourage them to enjoy books and to be inquisitive about the world in which they live. Busey says, "I had a wonderful experience learning to be a teacher during my four years at ISNU. By creating this scholarship, hopefully it will encourage others to become a teacher, because for me it was a most gratifying experience and profession."

• Amount: 2500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Demonstrated leadership through extracurricular and/or community activities
• GPA: CURRENT ENROLLMENT
• Class: Junior or Senior
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Strong demonstrated interest in teaching elementary education

The Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Research and Development Scholarship is available to students admitted to a graduate program in the School of Teaching and Learning (formerly Department of Curriculum and Instruction) and who have earned at least 12 hours of graduate credit at Illinois State University.

• Amount: 1800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: One.
• Class: Graduate
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Completed 12 ISU hours of graduate instruction
• Additional Preferences: Admitted to a graduate program in C&I

The Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Scholarship was created in 1993 to support students in the School of Teaching and Learning (formerly Department of Curriculum and Instruction) who are enrolled in early childhood, elementary, and middle level majors. Students selected for this scholarship will demonstrate qualities that should ensure their probable success for developing into highly successful classroom teachers.

• Amount: 1500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: One. Should attest to the candidate's academic performance, professional attitude, and commitment to teaching.
• GPA: ESTABLISHED ISU GPA
• Class: Attained junior status
• Major: Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Middle Level majors

The Lillian Scholljegerdes Davies Endowed Scholarship was established by Lillian's colleagues and family as a living memorial in her honor.

Lillian was an Illinois State University faculty member who served as an academic advisor and an associate professor of elementary education from 1963–73 before she retired.

• Amount: 800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: Nominated by a pre-student teaching supervisor for reading and/or language arts methods clinical assignments, when possible.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: Elementary Education

The Vicki Lynn (Crook) Dechman Memorial Education Scholarship was established in 2013 by her husband of 42 years, Bernard ("Dutch") Dechman. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students pursuing a career in teacher education. Vicki received her bachelor's degree in art from Illinois State University in 1967. Vicki worked for the Carlinville Public School District starting in 1967 as a 3rd grade teacher before becoming an elementary art teacher, retiring in 2003. During her tenure as a teacher, Vicki demonstrated an ability to combine the attributes of creativity in her work and incorporation of items in nature. Dutch Dechman received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Blackburn College in 1969. He also received a master's degree in psychology from Illinois State University in 1972. He was a school psychologist in Alton from 1977-2012.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Early Childhood Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: Demonstrated participation and/or leadership in student or community activities

The Fosler Family Education Scholarship was created by Randy and Lisa Fosler in 2012 to recognize outstanding students in the College of Education.

Their daughter, Shannon Fosler '12, graduated with B.S. in elementary education from Illinois State. She was active on campus and co-founded the Future Educators Association Professionals (FEAP) chapter, where she became the first collegiate columnist of the Future Educators Association's magazine, Go Teach.

The scholarship also honors the memory of Shannon's great-grandmother, Margaret Haley, a 1933 Illinois State Normal University graduate and teacher. Other teachers in the family include Shannon's grandmother, a retired middle school English teacher, and a great-grandfather, who served not only as a teacher, but also as a school principal. The scholarship will provide annual financial support for students who plan to become teachers in the field of elementary education.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please discuss your passion for teaching. Explain how your participation in community, university, and leadership activities has shaped this passion. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Demonstrate participation and/or leadership in community/university activities
• GPA: 3.2 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Full time
• Additional Preferences: In good standing.
• Additional Preferences: All things being equal, preference will be given to Illinois State elementary education majors who are active members of Future Educators Association Professional (FEAP)

The Ann (Rehn) and Wayne French Endowed Scholarship in Teacher Education was established in December 2014 by Wayne French in honor of his beloved wife, Ann, and their nearly 52 years together. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance, preferably to students from Henry County (IL), who intend on pursuing a career in teacher education. Ann Louise (Rehn) French and Herbert Wayne French met at Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) in 1958. They were married on July 23,1960 and both began extensive careers in education. Ann passed away on April 3, 2012. Wayne continues to enjoy travel, golf, and attending ISU functions.

• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Must have completed at least 60 credit hours
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Must be enrolled in the School of Teaching and Learning
• Additional Preferences: Student from Henry County, Illinois

The Holmes Scholars network supports and stimulates the scholarly experience and professional connections of talented men and women of color who are underrepresented in leadership positions in universities. Illinois State University is a member of the Holmes Partnership, a national consortium of research universities that are committed to improving the quality of schooling through research and development and the preparation of educators who will be career professionals. The purpose of the Holmes Scholar Fund is to support students with outstanding credentials for graduate study.

• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Doctoral
• Major: Education
• Preferences: Outstanding record as K-12 teacher
• Additional Preferences: Potential for leadership in education and plan to pursue a career in higher education

The Louise Purnell Jones Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education was established in 1996 by Louise to support students with the ambition of becoming elementary school teachers.

Louise Purnell Jones was born in Mahomet and received her bachelor's degree in education at Illinois State Normal University in 1940. She taught elementary school in Mahomet before taking an administrator position with First Methodist Church of Chicago. She passed away in June 2001.

• Amount: 1250
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your desire and commitment to a career in elementary education and discuss why this area of education is important to you. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior
• Major: Elementary Education

The Mary Alice Katschke Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education was established in 2009 through gifts from her daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Randy Kaufman, as well as through memorial donations from colleagues and friends.

The scholarship honors the life and memory of Mary Alice Katschke. She taught elementary education for 30 years after graduating with a bachelor's from The National College of Education in Evanston. She and three friends from college began their teaching careers in Santa Cruz, California. Mary's mother, also a teacher, encouraged Mary to pursue a teaching career. Although she began as a kindergarten teacher, her true love became first grade, where she taught hundreds of children to read. She held a significant belief in the importance of reading, and of children learning to read at an early age. After retiring in 1994, Mary continued working, teaching family and friends about the enjoyment of reading. She was a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma, which is the International Honor Society for Women in Education.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Listing: Involvement in the community and/or the University via leadership and/or service activities
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or Senior
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Demonstrate a specific interest in teaching reading at the elementary education level

The Kelly (Clint and Sue) Endowed Elementary Education Scholarship was established in 2003 by Clint Kelly to honor his wife, Evelyn (Sue) Kelley, Illinois State Normal University graduates in 1935 and 1936, respectively.

Together, they devoted a total of 64 years to teaching and education in Illinois and Indiana. Clint was inducted into the College of Education Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004 at age 89.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: Yes
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please describe your desire and motivation to teach in the primary grades. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Class: Freshman or transfer student
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Female
• Additional Preferences: Born in Illinois
• Additional Preferences: Special consideration will be given to a member of the Kelly-Brown family should that student be a qualified candidate

The Charlotte Corray Kinkade Endowed Scholarship for Middle Level Education was established in 2006 by Charlotte Corray Kinkade, a 1961 Illinois State Normal University bachelor's in education degree recipient.

Kinkade's teaching career spanned 32 years, beginning in Farmer City, then five years in Bensenville, and then in Bloomington-Normal. Her final 24 years were spent at Chiddix Junior High School in Normal, where she taught social studies and language arts for the first four years, and language arts exclusively for 20 years. She established this scholarship to provide support for students who plan to become teachers of language arts in middle schools.

• Amount: 1500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: One.
• Class: Senior
• Major: Middle Level
• Preferences: Plan on teaching language arts
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to a student who has at least one parent who is a teacher

The Nan Schuman Klein Future Teacher Scholarship was established by Nan Schuman Klein through a planned gift and a commitment for annual cash giving.

Following graduation Nan taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in Illinois for more than four years. In late 1977 she moved to California, where she entered the business field in human resources. Using skills learned at Illinois State, she began leadership training of employee teams and eventually formed her own human resources consulting firm in 1998, specializing in systems and administration. Nan says that she never forgot her teaching background, even while mentoring human resources executives and systems specialists on both the requirements and capabilities of technological solutions to human resources issues. Nan married Raleigh Klein and had a son, Jim. Both Nan and Raleigh instilled in Jim the value of a good education. Knowing the impact a passionate teacher can make in the lives of students, Nan created this scholarship to support students' dreams of becoming teachers.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your passion and commitment to becoming a teacher and discuss the role balance plays in the life of a teacher. If applicable, discuss why you chose to change career paths and pursue teaching. Please limit your response to no more than 500
• Listing: Demonstrated leadership skills during their academic career. Please list your involvement in student activities at Illinois State
• Recommendation: Two.
• GPA: 3.8 HIGH SCHOOL AND 28 COMP ACT FOR FRESHMEN; 3.2 CUMULATIVE FOR ALL OTHERS
• Class: Incoming freshman or an upperclassman
• Major: Curriculum and Instruction
• Additional Preferences: Applicants who leave successful careers to enter the university to pursue teaching careers will be given special consideration
• Additional Preferences: In the event that multiple applicants are equally qualified, special preference will be given to students from Crete, Streator, Danville, or California

The Eleanor Kong Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Education was established in 2011 by the family of Eleanor Kong to honor her life and commitments in perpetuity.

Eleanor came to the United States with her family in 1991 and quickly assimilated into her new environment, becoming a role model to fellow high school students. She was awarded the "Who's Who Among American High School Students" honor, and in 1993 was selected as the recipient of The Golden Apple Foundation Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Eleanor graduated with a B.S. in elementary education and taught in the Chicago Public Schools.

Eleanor's hope was to become a teacher who made a difference in the lives of her students. She wanted to show her students interesting and creative ways of learning and the importance of embracing diversity. After a short but valiant fight with lupus, Eleanor passed away in 1999 at age 24. Even though she was unable to fulfill her ultimate goal to complete a doctoral degree in education and become a teacher of teachers someday, she certainly accomplished many goals and touched many lives.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes, if undergraduate
• Essay: Please describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity on the campus of Illinois State University and how you plan to use teaching to make a significant impact on the education of children. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words
• Recommendation: Two. From faculty who are familiar with the candidate's performance.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Upper-class student or graduate student
• Major: Elementary Education (upperclassmen) or Curriculum and Instruction graduate student
• Preferences: Must plan to become a teacher with a strong interest in teaching as a professional career

The Dorothy Varner Miko Endowed Scholarship was established by Dorothy Miko in 2001 to provide financial support for outstanding students preparing to become teachers of reading for the primary grades.

Miko earned a teaching certificate in 1938 at Illinois State Normal University and a bachelor's in education in 1963, also from Illinois State. Her distinguished career was highlighted in 1968 when she was named one of the nation's outstanding early education teachers by the magazine Grade Teacher. In 2002, she was inducted into the College of Education Alumni Hall of Fame.

• Amount: 1250
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please discuss your plan to become a teacher and discuss the impact that you think early reading education has on a student's life. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• GPA: 3.2 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Seniors
• Major: Early Childhood or Elementary Education
• Preferences: Must plan to teach reading in the primary grades

The 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.

Savario was a professor of education from 1968–2000. In all, he taught in public schools and at the university level for more than 40 years. Mungo received many awards and recognitions, including Outstanding College of Education Teacher Awards in 1973 and 1983, and the first David Strand ISU Diversity Achievement Award in 1994. As an advocate for understanding and working with diverse student populations, Mungo has held numerous leadership positions statewide and nationally, and has been a national speaker and consultant on diverse student issues.

• Amount: 750
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Please list any community service, paid or volunteer positions, or ISU campus involvement that demonstrates your interest in / commitment to multicultural issues
• Class: Senior
• Major: Middle Level
• Additional Preferences: Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated interest in multicultural issues

The Janet Weldon Noah Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 by James E. Noah in memory and honor of his wife, Janet, who graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1952. James is also an Illinois State graduate.

Janet loved teaching, especially kindergarten, and had been recognized by her colleagues and administrators in California as the Union School District's Outstanding Teacher. She also received the Santa Clara County Teacher Recognition Award in 1990.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Recommendation: One. From a faculty member who can verify the candidate's potential as an early childhood educator.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Attained a junior status or having at least one semester remaining when the scholarship is awarded
• Major: Early Childhood

The O. Lillian Barton-Adeline Stevenson Nurse Endowed Scholarship was established in 1986 through joining funds from a bequest in the will of Adeline Stevenson Nurse—who wanted her endowment to be kept in perpetuity—with funds contributed in honor of educator O. Lillian Barton. A group of women from Barton Hall and friends of Dean Barton established the scholarship.

• Amount: 800
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• Recommendation: One.
• Class: Undergraduate or second bachelor's
• Major: Teacher Education
• Preferences: Females
• Additional Preferences: Will be student teaching when they receive the award.

The William and Linda Peine Lewis Endowed Scholarship was established in 2003 by William and Linda Lewis, who met when they were undergraduate students at Illinois State University.

William is a 1970 biological sciences graduate, and Linda is a 1970 elementary education graduate. Linda is a preschool teacher. The couple created this fund to pay tribute to the excellent education they each received at Illinois State University. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support to outstanding Illinois State students who plan to major in early childhood education and to become early childhood educators.

• Amount: 3000
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please describe your passion for teaching at the elementary and/or early childhood education level and your plan to teach after graduation. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• GPA: 3.5 HIGH SCHOOL FOR FRESHMEN; 3.0 FOR ALL OTHERS
• Class: Incoming freshman or transfers, sophomore, juniors or seniors
• Major: Elementary Education or Early Childhood
• Additional Preferences: Preference given to applicants who are graduates of a high school from Kane, Clay or Effingham Counties

The Darlene Ann Sargeant Scholarship for Early Childhood Educators was established to provide financial assistance for a student pursuing a degree in primary or elementary education.

• Renewable: No
• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE 
• Class: Any undergraduate level
• Major: Primary/Elementary Education

Marcella Bunis, a graduate of Gage Park High School in Chicago, attended Illinois State (Normal) University from 1957 to 1960. She graduated from Salem State College (now Salem State University) in 1974. She and her husband Conrad established this scholarship is to support students in Elementary Education with an interest in the early years of education.

• Need-based: Yes
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Elementary Education

The Eunice H. Speer Scholarship was established in 1974 as a tribute to Eunice H. Speer in recognition of her retirement following 30 years of service to Illinois State library science. From 1974 to 1987, scholarships were awarded to students for scholastic achievement and service to Mu Chapter of Alpha Beta Alpha. In 1987 the library science program was phased out, and fund purpose changed to support library staff and faculty with opportunities to improve their education. In 2007, the University developed coursework leading to endorsement as Library Information Specialists and the fund has returned to its original purpose of providing scholarships to students studying library science. In 2017 the Post-Baccalaureate Program in School Librarianship, moved from Milner Library to the College of Education and selection of the recipients and fiscal oversight moved to the Dean of College of Education.

Major: Library Science - Teacher Education, Library Science

Class Level: Masters.

• Essay: Required
• Class: Masters program
• Major: Library Science - Teacher Education
• Preferences: Community service, leadership experience, Full time
• Additional Preferences: Certified teacher not being reimbursed for program cost by employer

The Spycher Award in Graduate Reading Studies Endowed Scholarship was established in 2007 by Ellen and Richard Spycher to provide financial support for the cost of tuition for graduate students pursuing a master's in reading.

Ellen, assistant professor emerita of reading and literacy, considers herself a lifelong learner. When you look at her educational journey, you can see why. She graduated from a New York City high school in 1964, received an associate's degree in humanities from Richland Community College in Decatur in 1986, a bachelor's in English from University of Illinois–Springfield in 1989, a master's in reading from Illinois State University in 1997, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Illinois State University in 2003. After having been a graduate student, the School of Teaching and Learning (formerly the Department of Curriculum and Instruction) hired her, first as a non-tenure track faculty member and then as tenure track.

Her husband of 41 years, Richard, graduated from high school with Ellen in 1964; earned a bachelor's in accounting and finance from Baruch College, City University of New York, in 1974; and in 1991 earned a certificate from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. After 32 years of service, he retired in 2007 from his position as vice president of credit at Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur. Ellen and Richard realize how determined teachers must be to stay current in their field. This scholarship not only rewards the hard work and dedication of the teacher, but it shows the Spychers' commitment to education—for their grandchildren and so many other deserving children.

• Amount: 1500
• Renewable: No
• Need-based: No
• Essay: Please discuss what your previous teaching experience has taught you about the importance of reading education. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Recommendation: One. From a faculty member or other individual familiar with your commitment to reading education.
• Class: Graduate
• Major: Master of Science In Education, concentration in Reading
• Preferences: Should have a minimum of five years of Full time teaching experience
• Additional Preferences: Have successfully completed at least two required courses in the Reading sequence of the Master of Science in Education program

The Betty Jane Tegtmeyer Memorial Education Scholarship was established in 2012 by Tom Tegtmeyer '70, husband of 32 years to Betty Tegtmeyer '69.

Betty graduated from Ottawa High School in 1965 and was a member of the National Honor Society. The scholarship provides financial assistance to graduates of Ottawa High School who intend to pursue a career as an elementary education teacher. During her tenure as a teacher, mostly at the fourth-grade level, Betty demonstrated an ability to combine the attributes of creativity, devotion to students, selflessness and extreme time management. Always arriving early and staying late, Betty worked to constantly challenge her students.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: Yes, up to 4 years, contingent on GPA
• Need-based: No
• Listing: Demonstrate participation and/or leadership in student or community activities
• GPA: 3.2 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Incoming freshman
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Graduating from Ottawa (IL) High School
• Additional Preferences: In good standing.

The Jannes (Teply) and Dr. Gary Weede Endowed Elementary Education Scholarship was as created in 2011 by Jannes and Gary Weede to support students with financial need in the College of Education.

Jannes and Gary were first-generation college graduates coming from families of modest means who have a combined total of 64 years of teaching between them. Jannes received a degree in elementary education in 1969 from Iowa State University. Gary received degrees in industrial education in 1961 and 1963 and education in 1967, also from Iowa State.

Jannes taught in Iowa for four years before joining Fairview Elementary School in Normal, where she taught for 24 years until her retirement. During her career, Jannes supervised numerous Illinois State University student teachers and pre-student teachers. She was known for creative, innovative projects involving not only her own classes but also the entire school. She showed love, concern, and compassion for every student regardless of his or her abilities while building their self-esteem. Her key words were RESPONSIBILITY and RESPECT, which all the students came to know.

Gary taught junior high school industrial arts for two years in Iowa, followed by six years of industrial technology at Iowa State University. He later joined Illinois State University's industrial technology program, where he developed a comprehensive plastics technology program, served as graduate coordinator, and taught various manufacturing and graduate-level engineering technology courses. Gary also taught gifted high school students in the "Summer Academy for the Gifted" program at Illinois State and retired from the University after 28 years of service.

• Amount: 1000
• Renewable: Yes, up to 1 additional year, contingent on award criteria
• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please share your philosophy of teaching. Explain how your participation in leadership and co-curricular activities has shaped this philosophy. Please limit your response to no more than 500 words.
• Listing: Demonstrate leadership skills through high school and college extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs, community volunteering and leadership activities
• Recommendation: Two.
• GPA: 3.0 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Junior or senior in good standing
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Exceptional enthusiasm in the classroom as determined by the scholarship selection committee
• Additional Preferences: If all candidates meet the above criteria, preference will be given to first generation college attendees and/or children of public school teachers

This scholarship 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. Kiki taught first grade for 24 years in the Bloomington-Normal area, and delighted in teaching children to make emotional connections to academic subjects.

• Need-based: Yes
• Essay: Please describe your career goals, how your education will support those goals, traits of the candidate that will enhance his or her education ad future employment.  Also, describe the solutions would improve or resolve a current issue in the public school setting. Please limit your response to no more than 300 words.
• GPA: 3.5 CUMULATIVE
• Class: Any
• Major: Elementary Education
• Preferences: Student teaching the calendar following scholarship application date
• Additional Preferences: Completing or pursuing a reading teacher endorsement