Ferne Hinshaw-Hardt Endowed Scholarship Fund
In 1987, Darlene H. Baxter, ISNU graduate 1943, made provision through a bequest in her will to establish a scholarship fund in honor of her sister, Ferne Hinshaw-Hardt. The scholarship will be used to assist female students attending ISU. First priority will be given to qualified female students who are graduates of Octavia High School (or the school district). Should there be no qualified students from the Octavia School District in any one year or the school district cease to exist, the scholarship(s) will be awarded to qualified female students from the Central Illinois area. Qualified students must have a proven academic record (2.5 grade point average or better based on a 4.0 scale). Although financial need is not the most critical factor for consideration, all else being equal, the students demonstrating need will be given priority. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. In 1987, Darlene H. Baxter Severin, an ISNU '43 graduate who went on to teach 31 years, made provision through a bequest in her will to establish a scholarship fund in honor of her sister, Ferne Hinshaw-Hardt, to assist female students attending ISU, with priority given to graduates of Ridgeview High School with demonstrated need. Ferne had stepped in when their mother died, raised Darlene from age two, and encouraged her to seek a college degree. Candidates were to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0. In 2009, in consultation with the executor of Severin's estate, this award was updated to follow current practices of the College of Education. The purpose is now to provide financial assistance to female students majoring in education who intend to become teachers, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0, and have demonstrated financial need, with priority given to students from Central Illinois.