Languages Literatures & Cultures Funds

Jo Ann Kelley Memorial Scholarship in Spanish

The Jo Ann Kelley Memorial Scholarship in Spanish was established in 2016 by Martha Burk and Joann Goetzinger in honor of their friend, Jo Ann ("Jo") Kelley. The scholarship will support a junior, senior, or graduate student majoring in one of the areas in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Culture (formerly the Department of Foreign Languages) at Illinois State University. Preference will be given to students majoring in Spanish and/or a student with financial need. Jo graduated from Magnolia High School in 1954 in Magnolia, Arkansas. She served her country in the United States Army and then moved to Bloomington to be near family. She went to Illinois State University on the GI Bill and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Spanish in 1971.

Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Fund supports the activities, programs and operations, including named commemorative scholarships and awards, of the department.

Additionally Supports: Department of Languages, Literatures &, Cultures

Ana Maria F. Parent Scholarship

The Ana Maria F. Parent Endowed Scholarship was created in 2015 by Dr. Joseph Laurenti. Ana was born May 10, 1944 in Havana, Cuba. She came to the United States in 1962 as an 18-year-old participant in a program called Operation Pedro Pan (Peter Pan), an initiative led by the Catholic Church to spare children of the ideological indoctrination of the new communist government in Cuba. Her parents came to the United States four years later. The scholarship is awarded to a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University majoring in Spanish in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Applicants must have completed or be enrolled in at least two courses in the Spanish language major and complete an application form that includes a statement addressing the student's interest in Spanish, career goals, and volunteer activities/community service. The Scholarship will help to preserve Ana Parent's memory and legacy.

David J. Parent Scholarship

This endowment was established in 1998 by family and friends in memory of David Parent. The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in a foreign language, with students majoring in German to be given a preference. Majors in Spanish and then French would be given the next priority. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The David J. Parent Scholarship was established in 1998 by family and friends in memory of David Parent. The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in a foreign language, with students majoring in German to be given a preference. Majors in Spanish and then French would be given the next priority.

Petrossian Tarrant Scholarship

This endowment was established in 2001 by Wallace Anderson in honor of two influential Illinois State University foreign language faculty members, George Petrossian and Patrick Tarrant. The scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in a French language study abroad program endorsed by the French faculty. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Petrossian Tarrant Scholarship was established in 2001 by Wallace Anderson in honor of two influential Illinois State University foreign language faculty members, George Petrossian and Patrick Tarrant.

Roger R. Ruddy Memorial Endowment

The Roger R. Ruddy Memorial Endowment was established in December 2017 by an anonymous donor. The endowment provides scholarships for students enrolled in good standing in Languages, Literatures and Cultures either as a Spanish language education major or in the Latin language sequence as a language education major. Funds may be used for direct educational expenses such as tuition and books. The Endowment may also support faculty in the department as determined by the Department Chair.

Scholarship for French Study Abroad Endowment Fund

This scholarship was created by faculty, staff, and grateful alumni who wanted to provide students with the opportunity to study abroad in a French-speaking country. The scholarship may be used for travel expenses, tuition, and other costs related to studying abroad.

Paul Carlson Spanish Teacher Education Fund

The Paul Carlson Spanish Teacher Education Fund was established to provide financial assistance for students enrolled in Spanish Teacher Education with demonstrated financial need. Scholarship may be applied toward tuition or study abroad.

Allie Ward Billingsley Scholarship Endowment

This endowment was established in 1973 by friends and colleagues in honor of the retirement of Dr. Allie Ward Billingsley. The scholarship is awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student, majoring in Spanish, with a commitment to teaching. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Allie Ward Billingsley Scholarship was established in 1973 by friends and colleagues in honor of the retirement of Dr. Allie Ward Billingsley. The scholarship is awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student majoring in Spanish who displays a commitment to teaching.

Catherine O'Leary Endowed French Scholarship

The Catherine O'Leary Endowed French Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by James P. O'Leary, in honor of his sister Catherine. The award supports an undergraduate, transfer, or graduate student majoring in French.

Additionally Supports: Catherine O’Leary Endowed French Scholarship Fund