Graduate School Funds
Total funds: 8
Ora Bretall Graduate Scholarship
This fund was established through the estate gift of Ora J. Bretall. The scholarship is awarded on a one-time basis to persons enrolled in graduate programs at Illinois State whose proposal of master's thesis or doctoral dissertation deals with issues of educational theory or religious thought. The recipient of an award shall be involved in study and research that adds to the existing knowledge base of the above fields of study. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. The Ora Bretall Graduate Scholarship was established through the estate gift of Ora J. Bretall. The scholarship is awarded on a one-time basis to persons enrolled in graduate programs at Illinois State whose proposal of master's thesis or doctoral dissertation deals with issues of educational theory or religious thought. The recipient of an award shall be involved in study and research that adds to the existing knowledge base of the above fields of study.
Additionally Supports: Bretall Graduate Scholarship
Graduate School
The Graduate School Fund was established in 1978 to support the services and programs administered within the Graduate School. The Graduate School at Illinois State University provides resources for students as they navigate life as a graduate student.
Ada Belle Clark Welsh Scholarship
Ada Bell Clark Welsh earned a two-year diploma from ISU in 1902. She had a distinguished teaching career in several states including Illinois, Arizona and California. Mrs. Welsh died in 1975. She provided in her will to establish a scholarship to assist women who have prior involvement in community or civic activities and who plan to have a career in liberal arts, humanities, teaching, or improvement of teaching. Criteria include a record of academic excellence, evidence of career goals in one of the designated areas, and financial need. Ada Bell Clark Welsh earned a two-year diploma from ISU in 1902. She had a distinguished teaching career in several states including Illinois, Arizona and California. Mrs. Welsh died in 1975. She provided in her will to establish a scholarship to assist students who have prior involvement in community or civic activities and who plan to have a career in liberal arts, humanities, teaching, or improvement of teaching. Financial need may or may not be considered.
Additionally Supports: Welsh Scholarship
Sandra Little Groves Graduate Student Emergency Assistance Endowed Fund
The Sandra Groves Graduate Student Emergency Assistance Endowed Fund was established at the time of her retirement in 2007 by her colleagues to recognize her outstanding contributions to ISU as well as her profession. The purpose of this fund is to retain graduate students who may need financial assistance in emergency situations that jeopardize the student's degree completion within the time to degree limitations defined by the Graduate School policy. The Sandra Groves Graduate Student Emergency Assistance Endowed Fund was established at the time of Sandra's retirement in 2007 by her colleagues to recognize her outstanding contributions to Illinois State University and her profession. The purpose of this fund is to retain graduate students who may need financial assistance in emergency situations that jeopardize the student's degree completion within the time to degree limitations defined by the Graduate School policy.
Additionally Supports: Sandra Little Groves Graduate Student Emergency Assistance F
Clarence W. Sorensen Graduate School Award
As the first dean of the Graduate School (1959), Clarence Sorensen provided the leadership that enabled ISU to mature as a comprehensive graduate institution. Under his leadership, master's degrees increased dramatically and the ground work for the first doctoral programs was laid. The purpose of this fund is to recognize the outstanding doctoral dissertation at ISU on an annual basis. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. As the first dean of the Graduate School (1959), Clarence Sorensen provided the leadership that enabled ISU to mature as a comprehensive graduate institution. Under his leadership, master's degrees increased dramatically and the ground work for the first doctoral programs was laid. The purpose of this fund is to recognize the outstanding doctoral dissertation at ISU on an annual basis.
Additionally Supports: Sorensen Graduate School Award
Lela Winegarner Fellowship
This fund was established by (Hazel) Merret Culbertson. The gift honors her sister, Lela Winegarner, who was a loyal member of the ISU family for about 25 years, working in the area of English as well as the International Student Program. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support for outstanding international graduate students pursuing careers of service to individuals in this country or their home country. All international students admitted to Illinois State Graduate School programs who plan to use their education in a service capacity are eligible. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Lela Winegarner Fellowship was established by (Hazel) Merret Culbertson. The gift honors her sister, Lela Winegarner, who was a loyal member of the ISU family for about 25 years, working in the area of English as well as the International Student Program. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support for outstanding international graduate students pursuing careers of service to individuals in this country or their home country. All international students admitted to Illinois State Graduate School programs who plan to use their education in a service capacity are eligible.
Additionally Supports: Winegarner Fellowship
James L. Fisher Outstanding Thesis Award
In 1993-94, ISU celebrated its 50th anniversary of graduate education. At that time, the Graduate School's Outstanding Thesis Competition was renamed to honor James L. Fisher, an exceptional graduate of ISU. After completing a bachelor's and master's degree, Fisher served the University as a professor, administrator, and vice president. In addition, Fisher is a renowned scholar in leadership in academia, as well as President Emertius of Towson State University and the Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Winners of the thesis competition are recognized at the college level, and one recipient is selected to receive the Fisher Award, as well as represent the University at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools regional competition. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. In 1993-1994, Illinois State University celebrated its 50th anniversary of graduate education. At that time, the Graduate School's Outstanding Thesis Competition was renamed to honor James L. Fisher, an exceptional graduate of the University. After completing a bachelor's and master's degree, Fisher served the University as a professor, administrator, and vice president. In addition, Fisher is a renowned scholar in leadership in academia, as well as President Emertius of Towson State University and the Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Winners of the thesis competition are recognized at the college level, and one recipient is selected to receive the Fisher Award, as well as represent the University at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools regional competition.
Additionally Supports: Fisher Outstanding Thesis Awar