Eunice Speer Scholarship
The Eunice H. Speer Endowment Scholarship Fund was established in 1974 as a tribute to Eunice H. Speer in recognition of her retirement following 30 years of service to ISU as a library science instructor. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarships to ISU students who are studying library science. Each candidate for Eunice H. Speer Endowment Scholarship must be a certified teacher who intends to complete required coursework at ISU for the library information specialist endorsement. Preference will be given to individuals who are not eligible for reimbursement of program costs from a current employer. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Investment Pool. 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.