Kinesiology and Recreation Funds

Jorndt Fund for Faculty and Student Research

In 1967 Louis C. Jorndt made a gift to the ISU Foundation to establish a fund supporting research in the Department of Health and Physical Education. The Jorndt Fund for Faculty and Student Research supports research projects or programs in the field of health and physical education.

School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR) General Scholarship Fund

The School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR) Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to students majoring in Kinesiololgy and Recreation in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Diane Ryon Transfer Student Scholarship

The Diane Ryon Transfer Student Scholarship was established by Diane Ryon in June 2017. The award supports a transfer student accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University. Preference is given to physical education teacher education students first, then open to all other majors in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation.

The Karen Fennell Back-A-Bird Scholarship Fund

The Karen Fennel Back-a-Bird Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing a master's in athletic training.

Joyce Morton Kief Future Professional Award

This award was established in 2006 to honor the 40 year career (1966-2005) of Joyce Morton Kief at Illinois State University. Her high ethical standards, loyalty and hard work were the hallmarks of her teaching, coaching and administrative career. Candidates must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0, and must have demonstrated persistence, work ethic and high standards in academics and professional activities. This award will be presented annually at the School of Kinesiology and Recreation awards reception to a student who is recognized to have the potential to be an outstanding professional in their chosen career. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Joyce Morton Kief Future Professional Award was established in 2006 to honor the 40 year career (1966-2005) of Joyce Morton Kief at Illinois State University. Her high ethical standards, loyalty, and hard work were the hallmarks of her teaching, coaching, and administrative career. This award will be presented annually at the School of Kinesiology and Recreation awards reception to a student who is recognized to have the potential to be an outstanding professional in their chosen career.

Kathy Schniedwind Scholarship

*** Need Purpose Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Kathy Schniedwind Scholarship was established in 2006 through gifts made by family, alumni, colleagues, and friends of Kathy Schniedwind. The award honors her 30-year career (1976-2006) at Illinois State University. Her loyalty, hard work, persistence, and high ethical standards characterized her teaching, mentoring, and administrative career. During her career as head athletic trainer, she provided medical care for numerous student athletes. The students selected for this award should exhibit the same characteristics that marked Schniedwind's career. The award will be presented annually as funds allow.

L. Marlene Mawson Graduate Research Potential Award

This endowment was established in 2002 by L. Marlene Mawson. The award is presented annually to a graduate degree student in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation whose thesis or dissertation research proposal has been accepted. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This endowment was established in 2002 by L. Marlene Mawson. The award is presented annually to a graduate degree student in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation whose thesis or dissertation research proposal has been accepted.

Judith Sancken Rothermel Physical Education Scholarship

The Judith Sancken Rothermel Physical Education Scholarship was established in 2013 in honor of Judy's parents, Paul and Edith (Harms) Sancken. Paul worked for Farm Service, Inc., and Edith graduated from Mennonite School of Nursing and worked as a nurse. Judy received her B.S. degree from Illinois State in 1972, majoring in health, physical education, and recreation. She also later earned masters degrees in physical education and educational administration elsewhere. Judy taught physical education and coached in Japan, Ohio, Iowa and Illinois until her 2012 retirement. She earned numerous awards during her career, one of her favorites being her varsity letter in 2003 for participating in field hockey, basketball, golf, and softball at Illinois State. This scholarship is for juniors majoring in physical education-teacher education in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State. Preference given to female students. The Judith Sancken Rothermel Physical Education Scholarship 512-6000 was established by Judith Rothermel in order to provide a scholarship to provide assistance to students at Illinois State University.

Judy A. Johnson Professional Development Award

The Judy A. Johnson Professional Development Award was established in 2018 to support travel for undergraduate students in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation who are attending Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD).

Physical Education Reunion Classes 1968-72 Excellence Fund

The Physical Education Reunion Classes 1968-72 Excellence Fund supports a variety of student opportunities in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation including scholarships, student professional development, and physical education teacher education program enhancements -special projects.

Chris Voelz Endowed Legacy Scholarship

The Chris Voelz Endowed Legacy Scholarship was established by Chris Voelz in order to support a Junior in the PE Major with emphasis on leadership and engagement in the program.

Darlene A. Kluka Scholarship

This endowment was established in 2000 by Darlene Kluka, a 1972 graduate of Illinois State University. The scholarship is awarded to a female undergraduate student majoring in physical education. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Darlene A. Kluka Scholarship was established in 2000 by Darlene Kluka, a 1972 graduate of Illinois State University. The scholarship supports an undergraduate student majoring in physical education intending to coach female sport teams in public schools of Illinois.

Esther McGinnis Endowment

Albert Harold McGinnis established this fund in memory of his wife, Esther Larson McGinnis. The endowment was established in 1989 to be used by the Women’s Physical Education Department. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. Albert Harold McGinnis established this fund in memory of his wife, Esther Larson McGinnis. The endowment was established in 1989 to be used by the Women's Physical Education Department.

Additionally Supports: McGinnis Distinguished Senior AT, McGinnis Distinguished Senior ES, McGinnis Distinguished Senior PETE, McGinnis Distinguished Senior RPA, McGinnis Endowment

Trent R. Richards Scholarship Fund for the School of KNR

This endowment was established in 2000 by Trent Richards, a 1971 graduate of Illinois State University. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior student majoring in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This endowment was established in 2000 by Trent Richards, a 1971 graduate of Illinois State University. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior student majoring in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation.

Betty Keough Endowed Scholarship Fund

This endowment was established in 1985 by family, friends, and colleagues in honor of Betty Keough. The scholarship is awarded to a senior female student majoring in physical education, teacher education. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Betty Keough Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 1985 by family, friends, and colleagues in honor of Betty Keough. The endowment supports several different awards for students majoring in Physical Education, Teacher Education.

Additionally Supports: Betty Keough Honorary Teacher Education, Keough Jr. Achievement Award in PE/Teacher Ed

School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR) Fund

The School of Kinesiology and Recreation Fund supports the general operating needs of the School of Kinesiology and Recreation. The School of Kinesiology and Recreation provides nationally acclaimed academic programs that foster physically active and healthy lifestyles through exemplary teaching, scholarship and service. The School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR) Fund supports the general operating needs of the School of Kinesiology and Recreation. The School of Kinesiology and Recreation provides nationally acclaimed academic programs that foster physically active and healthy lifestyles through exemplary teaching, scholarship and service.

Sandra Little Groves Recreation and Park Administration Faculty Development Fund

Sandra L. Groves, Professor Emerita, served for 22 years as a faculty member in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation and in various administrative capacities at Illinois State University. The Sandra Little Groves Recreation and Sport Management Faculty Development Fund was created to provide financial support for College of Applied Science and Technology and the School of Kinesiology and Recreation pre-tenured faculty.

Nancy Niebur Parente Senior Intern Scholarship Fund

Provide financial assistance for students in the Recreation and Park Administration program's culminating internship experience to cover expenses associated with the internship, including but not limited to travel costs, living expenses, and professional needs.

Darla Moldenhauer Scholarship in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation

The Darla Moldenhauer Scholarship in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation was established by Darla Moldenhauer in order to provide financial assistance to undergraduate Physical Education- Teacher Education majors.

Ellen Maxine Abshire Scholarship in Kinesiology and Recreation

The Ellen Maxine Abshire Scholarship in Kinesiology and Recreation was established in 2018 with gift from the Trust of Ellen Maxine Abshire. The Scholarship supports students majoring in Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University

Clifford E. Horton Fund

Clifford E. Horton established this scholarship fund in 1966. Horton was a professor of health and physical education from 1923-1961. The scholarship is to be awarded to a junior male student majoring in physical education. The student must also demonstrate leadership qualities. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. Clifford E. Horton established this scholarship fund in 1966. Dr. Horton was a professor of Health and Physical Education from 1923 until his retirement in 1961. The scholarship supports a junior student majoring in physical education who demonstrates leadership qualities. Candidate's commitment must be to the professional preparation program of physical education.

Wes Bair Scholarship for the School of Kinesiology and Recreation

Wesley D. Bair received his bachelors degree in 1955 and masters degree in 1960 in physical education (teacher education) from ISU. He was inducted into the ISU Athletic Hall of Fame for his football achievements. Bair received his doctorate in 1969 from the University of Arkansas. Candidates for this scholarship must have a cumulative GPA of at leat 3.0/4.0; provide evidence of extracurricular, volunteer or community service involvement that demonstrates leadership potential; provide two letters of recommendation by faculty members; major in kinesiology and recreation; and be a junior with 55 or more hours or a senior with 85 or more hours. Candidates who are awarded this scholarship during their junior year will automatically receive the scholarship again during their senior year provided they remain in good standing and in compliance with the guidelines. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Enndowment Investment Pool. The Wes Bair Scholarship for the School of Kinesiology and Recreation was established in 2018 through an estate commitment. Wesley D. Bair received his bachelors degree in 1955 and masters degree in 1960 in physical education teacher education from ISU. He was inducted into the ISU Athletic Hall of Fame for his football achievements. Bair received his doctorate in 1969 from the University of Arkansas. Candidates for this scholarship must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 and provide evidence of extracurricular, volunteer or community service involvement that demonstrates leadership potential.

Michael Collins Memorial Scholarship

The Michael Collins Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 by Jim and Kelly Collins in memory of their son Michael. The Scholarship was funded by the Michael Collins Foundation which supports causes and initiatives important to Michael, his faith, and his family. In April of 2014, less than two months short of graduating from ISU and days away from opening day of the U-High baseball season, Michael's life was tragically cut short at age 22 when the car he was a passenger in was struck by a drunk driver. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from ISU. Michael was devoted to the field of Exercise Science and was excited to start his career helping other people achieve their goals. This scholarship supports an Exercise Science major who embodies Michael's drive and dedication in making a difference.

Georgia Rose Exercise Science Scholarship

In honor of their granddaughter, Jeffrey and Karen Sunderlin established the Georgia Rose Athletic Training Scholarship to provide financial support to kinesiology students who are studying to become personal or athletic trainers.

Gina L. Bianchi Scholarship in Kinesiology and Recreation

The Gina L. Bianchi Scholarship in Kinesiology and Recreation was established in 2021. The scholarship supports a student enrolled in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University.

Dr. Peter Yuan Kai Wang Scholastic Excellence Award

The Dr. Peter Yuan Kai Wang Scholastic Excellence Award is a one-time award for students enrolled in any major in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR).

Mary Alice Behling Women's Scholarship in Kinesiology and Recreation

The Mary Alice Behling Scholarship in Kinesiology and Recreation was established in 2010 by Mary Alice Behling to provide financial assistance to a full-time undergraduate student in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation. Preferences will be given to students majoring in physical education teacher education. From a very early age it was evident that Mary Alice was interested in physical activity of all types, was well-coordinated, and very competitive. When expressing an interest in becoming a physical education teacher, Illinois State University was recommended as the best choice. Upon completing her undergraduate work Mary Alice taught high school and junior high school and coached softball and field hockey. She continued her own education by earning a master's degree and her Ph.D. in physical education, completing her career as a full professor at The University of Northern Colorado.

Sandy Little Groves Legacy Scholarship

The Sandy Little Groves Legacy Scholarship was established in 2018 by Diane Dahlmann in honor of Dr. Sandy Groves. The scholarship supports a student majoring in Recreation Management.

Robert "Doc" Kief Scholarship in School of KNR

The Robert "Doc" Kief Scholarship was established in memory of Robert Kief in 2013 by Joyce Morton Kief. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to students majoring in athletic training in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University.

Doris E. Henderson Endowed Scholarship in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation

Doris Henderson was interested in only one thing as child and that was to compete in sports and one day become a physical education teacher. She completed a B.S. in physical education at the Champaign/Urbana campus of the University of Illinois in 1954. She earned a master's of arts degree from Northwestern University in 1960. In the 60's she pursued additional post-graduate studies specializing in curriculum and instruction at Illinois State University. Later she became a member of the Illinois State University women's physical education staff. Doris continued her athletic pursuits and was the Midwest Badminton Champion in ladies singles in 1964.