Mary and Robert English Technology Award Endowment
Bob '66, M.S. '67, and Mary '68 English established the Mary F. English Technology Award Program (MFETAP) in 2001. The purpose of the program is to recruit and retain disadvantaged students in the teacher education program at Illinois State University. In addition to special mentoring and academic support, students receive personal computers, technical training, and supplies. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Mary and Robert English Technology Award Endowment was established in the fall of 2001 by Robert English in honor of his wife, Mary. Bob and Mary met at Illinois State University where she earned a B.S. in English education in 1968 and he earned a B.S. in business education in 1966 and a M.S. in business administration in 1967. In 1978, they started English & Associates, Inc., a consulting business in educational data processing; co-authored the Guide to Administrative Software; founded Continental Testing Services, Inc., a psychometric firm; and in 1984 started PMA Financial Services, Inc., an investment firm devoted to the public sector. Today their children manage the firm. The purpose of this award program is to assist and support disadvantaged students pursuing teaching professions and to encourage the use of technology in the classroom once they enter the field.