Division of Student Affairs Funds
Total funds: 54
Michael D. Schermer Student Leader Excellence Endowment Fund
This fund was established by Michael D. Schermer '73, M.S.E. '78. The purpose is to fund two initiatives: an award to be presented annually to the Illinois State Outstanding Student Leader of the Year as selected by the Dean of Students Office, and a scholarship recognizing an incoming freshman student for his/her student government and community service experiences in high school. Schermer's gift to the award honors its creator, Jennifer Cowsert, by not changing the criteria for the award. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years. Schermer began his career at Illinois State in 1974. He served in many positions at ISU, including associate dean of students. He is active in community service on a local and national basis, including through Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and has numerous awards at ISU. He retired in 2008 but continues to work in the Division of Student Affairs. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Michael D. Schermer Student Leader Excellence Fund was established by Mr. Schermer to help further Illinois State University's goal of preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens who will promote and further the collective goals of society.
Dr. Leroy and Mary Noel Family Scholarship
The Dr. Leroy and Mary Noel Family Scholarship was founded by their loved ones in their memory, with the aim of supporting first-generation college students and supporting underprivileged individuals. Noel is deeply thankful for the opportunities provided by Illinois State University and the transformative influence it had on his life as a first-generation college student. This scholarship is awarded to a first-generation college student.
Danny Mathews Memorial Scholarship
The Danny Mathews Memorial Scholarship is being established to honor the memory and legacy of Danny Mathews. The goal of the Danny Mathews Memorial Scholarship is to recognize members of the Illinois State Community who seek to make transformative change on-campus or in the community for LGBTQIA+/Queer people through civic engagement and social justice work.
Billy Quigley Memorial Endowment Fund
William "Billy" Quigley Jr., born October 6, 1987, was a dedicated student leader who earned a position on the executive board of the University Program Board as the director of membership and began "Making Redbird Moments." Billy was majoring in business and finance at Illinois State University when he was involved in a fatal car accident on November 26, 2008. This endowment honors student leaders at Illinois State in honor of Billy's enthusiasm, dedication, and pride by recognizing two student leaders annually with a monetary award. The two awards are: 1) University Program Board Full Board Member of the Year and 2) Leader in Action Award. Both awards are named in honor and in memory of Billy Quigley.
Student Access and Accommodation Services Fund
The Student Access and Accommodation Services Fund provides support for the programs and services offered by the Student Access and Accommodation Services department at Illinois State University.
Dean of Students Enhancement Fund
The purpose of this fund is to conduct activities essential to the support and enhancement of the programs and services provided by the Dean of Students Office at Illinois State University.
Additionally Supports: Alpha Psi Lambda Annual Scholarship
Student Success and Excellence Fund
The Student Success and Excellence Fund provides programming and support for the retention of students who identify as first generation college students and socioeconomically disadvantaged students who have overcome educational or economic obstacles.
The Fellicia C. Foster Legacy of Leadership Scholarship
Fellicia C. Foster is a Chicago native and Illinois State University College of Business graduate who has demonstrated leadership excellence, resilience, diligence, and an ability to make a positive difference - both as a student and throughout her corporate career. This endowment was established in 2024, which represents the 20-year legacy she has developed since joining as a student on ISU's campus in 2004. The Fellicia C. Foster - Legacy of Leadership - Endowment Fund will allocate scholarships that recognize the next generation of legacy leavers who have resiliently pushed through challenges to leave their mark on the world - paving the way for future leaders.
Darren J. and Kirsten D. Clerkin Endowed Scholarship
The purpose of the Darren and Kirsten Clerkin Endowed Fund is to provide a scholarship for students that are active participants or members in a Multicultural Student Organization, multicultural Greek organizations, or a similar registered student organization that aims to help students create community around a common racial, ethnic, or cultural identity.
Garrett Van Ausdall and Anna L. Keaton Scholarship
This endowed fund was established in 1964 in memory of Garrett Van Ausdall, graduate counselor in Dunn Hall, by the residents of Dunn, Walker, Barton, Fell, and Atkin/Colby residence halls. It is awarded to a male student who is a sophomore or junior at the time of application. The Keaton Scholarship was established in 1985 to recognize a female sophomore of junior level student, in good academic standing, and of good character who actively participates in residence hall and campus activities. The student must reside in a residence hall both prior to and following the scholarship election process. These two pre-existing, independent accounts were renamed as the Garrett Van Ausdall and Anna L. Keaton Scholarship in 2005 and merged to increase the total principal, allowing for a more sizable award to be dispersed each year. The original guidelines for each fund will continue to be followed. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Garrett Van Ausdall and Anna L. Keaton Scholarship originated as two separate scholarships and were combined into one endowment in 2005. The Van Ausdall Scholarship was established in 1964 in memory of Garrett Van Ausdall, graduate counselor in Dunn Hall, by the residents of Dunn, Walker, Barton, Fell, and Atkin/Colby residence halls. The Keaton Scholarship was established in 1974. Candidates must reside in university housing, be in good academic standing, and of good character. Student must actively participate in residence hall and campus activities.
Leadership Initiative Fund
Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Leadership Initiative Fund supports new leadership initiatives and programs designed to help students learn to be engaged, compassionate leaders committed to moving individuals, teams, organizations, and ideas forward. Students are given opportunities to participate in leadership training, seminars, conferences, and other cutting edge experiences across Student Affairs to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be capable leaders.
University Housing Services Excellence Fund
The University Housing Services Excellence Fund supports the activities, programs and services provided by University Housing Services at Illinois State University.
Supporting Survivors Agreement
The purpose of The Supporting Survivors of Interpersonal & Sexual Violence Support Fund is to support victims of interpersonal and sexual violence with emergency financial assistance, scholarships, support services, or other necessities.
Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame Endowed Fund
The Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame Endowed Fund was established in April 2011 by family, friends, and colleagues as a tribute to the legacy of retiring Vice President Steve Adams and his wife, first lady of the Division for Student Affairs, Sandi Adams. Steve spent his entire 35-year career in higher education at Illinois State University and perhaps was best known as the "Voice of the Redbirds" for men's basketball and football. Sandi taught for 33 years at Bloomington Junior High and High Schools and came to the University in 2002 where she served as clinician/supervising teacher, working with student teachers in the Department of English. The Legacy Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions of a former student leader or student employee who continues to influence their community.
Esports Excellence Fund
The Esports Excellence Fund provides support for activities, programs, operations, facilities, and equipment associated with Esports, including student scholarships. The Esports program, within the Department of Campus Recreation at Illinois State University, was established in 2019 to provide students an opportunity to be involved in gaming and esports at competitive, club, and recreational levels. Varsity teams officially represent ISU, striving for championships and national recognition. Club competition brings students together around different games (both in-person and virtually) with the goal of building leadership skills, creating community, and expanding social capital.
LGBT/Queer Studies and Services Institute
LGBT/Queer Studies and Services Institute fund provides support for the activities, programs, and operations, including equipment, supplies, furniture, travel, books, materials and subscriptions associated with the program.
Campus Recreation Sport Clubs
The Campus Recreation Sport Clubs Fund helps to enhance programs and services provided to Campus Recreation Sport Clubs at Illinois State University.
Event Management Dining & Hospitality Excellence Fund
The Event Management, Dining and Hospitality Excellence Fund was established in 2020 to support enhancement of the programs, services or facilities of the Event Management, Dining and Hospitality Department (EMDH) at Illinois State University. EMD provides safe and inclusive gathering spaces, high quality dining options, and customized event serviHces to enrich student and visitor experiences.
Illinois State University Police Enhancement Fund
The Illinois State University Police Department strives to maintain peace and harmony, to protect life and property, to prevent crime, to apprehend criminals and to recover lost or stolen property. The purpose of the ISU Police Enhancement fund is to enhance the programs and services provided by the campus police department to the University campus.
Health Promotion and Wellness
The Health Promotion and Wellness Fund enhances the programs and services provided by Health Promotion and Wellness to Illinois State University.
Student Counseling Services Enhancement Fund
The Student Counseling Services Enhancement Fund provides support to enhance the programs and services provided by Student Counseling Services to Illinois State University
Spangler Scholarship for Social Justice
The purpose of the Spangler Scholarship for Social Justice is to provide financial support to students who demonstrate commitment to pursuing social justice activism in their future careers.
Tina and Mick Rowe Scholarship for Non-traditional students
The Tina and Mick Rowe Scholarship for Non-traditional Students was established by Tina M. Rowe to provide financial assistance to a non-traditional student (10 years or more out of high school). Tina would like to pay it forward to a student who has always had a dream of receiving a college degree and thus has either returned to school or started their college career later in life.
Dr. Judy Smithson Scholarship
This endowment was established in 2000 in honor of Judith Smithson, director emerita of Student Access and Accommodation Services. The scholarship is awarded to encourage students with disabilities to pursue graduate school, advance their education, enhance their career, and/or achieve certification in their field. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Dr. Judy Smithson Scholarship was established in 2000 in honor of Judith Smithson, director emerita of Student Access and Accommodation Services. The scholarship is awarded to encourage students with disabilities to pursue graduate school, advance their education, enhance their career, and/or achieve certification in their field.
Braden Internship
This endowment was established in 1994 as a living memorial for Samuel and Beth Braden by their children David B. Braden, John B. Braden, Stephen B. Braden, and Mary Beth West. Samuel Braden was the tenth president of Illinois State University and the driving force behind construction of Braden Auditorium. The internship is awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student who will assist the manager of Braden Auditorium in marketing and management of entertainment events and the facility. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Braden Internship Endowment was established in 1994 as a living memorial for Samuel and Beth Braden by their children David B. Braden, John B. Braden, Stephen B. Braden, and Mary Beth West. Samuel Braden was the tenth president of Illinois State University and the driving force behind construction of Braden Auditorium. The internship is awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student who will assist the manager of Braden Auditorium in marketing and management of entertainment events and the facility.
University Housing Services Student Employee Scholarship
The University Housing Services Student Employee Scholarship Endowment was established in 2016. The purpose of this fund is to provide a scholarship to a student employed by University Housing Services. Applicants must have been employed for at least two semesters (non-consecutive and summers may be included).
Sarah Ninan and Annamma John Mathew Scholarship
The Sarah Ninan and Annamma John Mathew Scholarship was created in 2021 by Charles Edamala. The scholarship provides support for a student who participates in Illinois State University's E-Sports program. Preference given to a student with demonstrated financial need.
Kass Odom Internship Grant for Student Teachers
The Kass Odom Internship Grant for Student Teachers was established by Kathleen A. Odom to provide financial assistance to offset unforeseen costs associated with an unpaid student teaching position such as gas, travel, lodging or purchasing work supplies. These costs often prohibit a student from completing his/her student teaching assignment.
Career Services Excellence Fund
Need purpose In an increasingly competitive job market, many students, particularly first-generation, returning military, and other nontraditional students need more than just a quality education. The Career Services Excellence Fund provides the resources necessary to serve both students and potential employers by providing mentors, résumé review and writing assistance, job and career counseling, internship and job fair coordination, and contact with corporate recruiters. Career Services not only assists students with finding their next job, but also helps them develop job-search and career development skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
Student Health Services Excellence Fund
The purpose of this fund is to enhance the programs and services provided by Student Health Services to and on behalf of Illinois State University, which may include student student support and staff recognition.
Multicultural Center Enhancement Fund
The Multicultural Center Enhancement Fund supports the activities, programs and operations associated with the Multicultural Center at Illinois State University. The Illinois State University Multicultural Center seeks to equip students to value intersecting identities and commit to enacting a culture of antiracism equity and justice. Through critical programs, services, and scholarship the Center will foster and affirming campus environment where students can flourish in their intersecting identities and center historically minoritized/marginalized communities while amplifying their voices and experiences.
Hoelting Team Player Award
This endowment was established in 1995 by Floyd Hoelting, who served as the director of the Office of Residential Life (now known as University Housing Services and Campus Dining Services) from 1977-1995. The award is presented to an individual who has worked as a team member in promoting the goals and mission of University Housing Services, Campus Dining Services, and Illinois State University. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Hoelting Team Player Award was established in 1980 by Dr. Floyd B. Hoelting, who served as the director of the Office of Residential Life (now known as University Housing Services and Campus Dining Services) from 1977-1995. The Award recognizes extraordinary team loyalties, efforts, and successes by University Housing Services employees who have consistently assisted other staff, University Housing, and the University in meeting goals and commitments.
Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Fund
The Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Fund provides resources so that students may have the opportunity to improve academically, participate in opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them, and provide programming which maximizes their development as engaged citizens. The fund may also provide support for professional development opportunities, physical improvements, new equipment, and special celebrations and recognition within the Division of Student Affairs.
Campus Recreation Excellence Fund
The Campus Recreation Excellence Fund helps enhance the programs and services provided by Recreation Services at Illinois State University.
Susan, Darrell, Sadie, and Samantha Cameron Community Engagement Endowment
The Susan, Darrell, Sadie and Samantha Cameron Community Engagement Endowment was established in 2021 to support the activities, programs, and operations associate with Community engagement efforts coordinated by ISU Police department.
Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Endowment
This endowment was established in 1986 by Neal R. Gamsky. The award is given annually to a full-time professional staff member in the Division of Student Affairs who has made a significant contribution to the quality of student life at Illinois State University. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Endowment was established in 1986 by Neal R. Gamsky. He was vice president and dean of Student Affairs at Illinois State University from 1973 to 1991. He had a long-time interest in students and a determined goal to motivate them to achieve their highest possible level of personal, social, and academic excellence. This endowment was created by Gamsky to encourage professional staff to make significant personal contributions to the students at Illinois State University. The award is given annually to a full-time professional staff member in the Division of Student Affairs who has made a significant contribution to the quality of student life at the University.
Greek Arete
The Greek Arete - Greek Leadership Fund was established in 2018 by Eric and Karin Burwell to highlight and elevate the excellence and virtue affiliated with the Illinois State University Fraternity and Sorority Life experience while honoring the history and foundation of fraternal organizations. The fund supports initiatives that call for excellence in each fraternity and sorority member and increase the value of the Greek community, for its members, the University and its Alumni. There is no English word which captures the exact meaning of Arete; the nearest equivalents are 'excellence' and 'virtue'.
Institute for Leadership and Service
The purpose of this fund is to conduct activities essential to the support and enhancement of programs and services provided by the Institute for Leadership and Service at Illinois State University.
Student Engagement Fund
The Student Engagement Fund provides support for various activities of Student Affairs units within the Division of Student Affairs. The fund may also be used to provide additional resources to support outreach, student and staff professional development, scholarships, necessities for students experiencing hardships due to crisis situations, student memorials and other campus programs and initiatives.
University Program Board Enhancement Fund
The purpose of this fund is to conduct activities essential to the support and enhancement of the programs and services provided by the University Program Board at Illinois State University.
Susan T. Kern Special Opportunities Endowed Scholarship
The Susan T. Kern Special Opportunities Endowed Scholarship was established by Susan and Stephen Kern in 2006 to provide financial support to an Illinois State University student for a one-time special academic or co-curricular opportunity. Susan Kern worked at Illinois State for over 31 years, serving as an Associate Professor of Home Economics, Assistant to the Dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), Executive Officer of the University, and Vice President of University Advancement. Stephen was employed by State Farm Insurance Company for over 35 years.
Will to Succeed Award Endowment Fund
*** Need Purpose Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Will to Succeed Award Endowment Fund provides funds to conduct activities essential to the support and enhancement of the programs and services and promote awareness of students with disabilities provided by the Student Access and Accommodation Services unit at Illinois State University. Since 2004, additional gifts to the fund have been received from alumni, friends, and a number of Illinois State University faculty and staff.
Frank A. Provenzano Scholarship for Tau Kappa Epsilon Students
The Frank A. Provenzano Scholarship for Tau Kappa Epsilon Students supports an undergraduate initiated member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity*student with demonstrated financial need enrolled at Illinois State University.
Manchester Scholarship and Janice A. Augustson Award
The Manchester scholarship was created in 1986 in memory of Flora and Orson Manchester. Orson was a University High School principal and ISU dean. The award is to be given to a resident of Manchester Hall who has a B average and is a sophomore or junior. All areas of study are considered, but the recipient is to be involved in University activities and have a high regard for others. The Janice Augustson Fund was established in 1966 to honor an exemplary residence hall director. The fund provides an award annually to an outstanding female employed in the residence halls who demonstrates a high level of leadership and performance. In January 2007 the two funds were merged into one account so a more sizeable award could be made each year. The award is to be made each fall, alternating names each year, beginning with Manchester in 2008. The prior scholarship guidelines will continue to be followed for each award. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. The Manchester Scholarship was established in 1986 in memory of Flora and Orson Manchester. Orson was a University High School principal and ISU dean. Recipient must be a resident of Manchester Hall who has at least a B average and is involved in University activities. Student must demonstrate a high regard for others. The Manchester Scholarship is open to all majors. The Janice Augustson Award was established in 1966 to honor an exemplary residence hall director. The award is given annually to an outstanding student employed in the residence halls who demonstrates a high level of leadership and performance. In January 2007, the two awards were merged into one fund to provide so a more sizeable scholarship. The named awards will be given each fall, alternating names each year, beginning with Manchester Scholarship in 2008.
Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall Enhancement Restricted Fund
The purpose of this fund is to support the enhancement of property, building, equipment, programs, or services in the Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall at Illinois State University.
RitaMae Carroll Student Leadership Fund
*** Needs Purpose. Steve Carroll graduated from Illinois State University in 1978 with degrees in philosophy and political science. Early in his Illinois State University career Steve became involved with student leadership activities. His campus involvement gave him confidence, organizational perspective, and experience at a young age. He credits much of his success to his experiences at Illinois State University. He hopes the Carroll First-Year Student Involvement Scholarship will inspire Illinois State University students to get involved early and make a difference on campus and beyond. A candidate must be a first year student, freshman or transfer; be enrolled in good academic standing; and demonstrate active achievement as a member of the campus community.
Dr. Andre McKenzie Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Scholarship
Dr. Andre McKenzie '77, '79 believes in the importance and extreme value of advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) efforts at Illinois State University and created his scholarship to award a student who also believes in this mission.
John and Louise Green Scholarship
The John W. and Louise H. Green Scholarship Fund was established in 1970 by John Green, professor emeritus of agriculture at Illinois State University. This fund was created to provide scholarship for students that are employed in Event Management, Dining, & Hospitality and to encourage excellent academic performance.
Basic Needs Insecurity
This fund supports basic needs resources for students, and services that help students navigate the resources available. This may include a peer navigator program and other campus-wide programming that creates a system of support for students who experience basic needs insecurity. It may also include the provision of consumables (food, personal supplies), temporary meal plans, textbooks, technology, temporary housing, or other resources directly to students in crisis.
Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Scholarship Fund
The Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Scholarship was established in 2014 in recognition of the spirit of loyalty and personal growth the founding donor gained through her personal membership in Beta Omicron Chapter and attending Illinois State University. The scholarship supports an active member who is in good standing and who has demonstrated leadership in the chapter, on campus, or in the community. Membership in Alpha Gamma Delta provides a synthesis of foundational values and scholastic structure that elevates a young woman to lead a successful life. The donor encourages the chapter, parents, alumni, and friends benefiting from the social, educational, cultural, and spiritual development provided by Beta Omicron Chapter and Illinois State University to help support and grow the scholarship endowment to benefit current students.
Theta Theta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Founder's Scholarship
The Theta Theta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Founder's (ATO) Scholarship was established in 2014. The award honors the founders and re-founding fathers of the Theta Theta chapter of the ATO fraternity at Illinois State, whose tireless efforts, dedication, and leadership, were instrumental in the establishment of the chapter on Feb. 8, 1975 and reinstallation on Nov. 11, 2001. The Founder's Scholarship recognizes an ATO Brother who excels in the classroom, on campus, in the community and in the chapter. Should the Theta Theta Chapter of ATO not be in good standing at Illinois State, or cease to exist, the scholarship may be awarded according to the criteria of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Scholarship established by Karin Burwell. If neither chapter is in good standing, or cease to exist, at Illinois State, the scholarship will be open to students from an eligible fraternity or sorority with preference given to a student majoring in a degree in the College of Business.
LGBTQ+ Student Support Endowment
The LGBTQ+ Student Support Endowment will provide support for educational programming related to LGBTQ+ topics. In addition, student scholarships and emergency financial assistance may be provided for students who are not receiving sufficient financial support based on life circumstances and/or a member of a group that supports LGBTQ+ issues.