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.