Special Education Funds

Special Education General Fund

The Special Education General Fund provides support for the activities, programs and operations associated with the department. The Department of Special Education at Illinois State University is one of the largest and most respected special education programs in the country.

Dr. Tina Taylor Family Scholarship in Special Education

The Taylor Family Scholarship for Student Teaching in Special Education was established to financially support those students pursing the special education field during their student teaching.

Wanda and Dale Weaver Endowed Scholarship and Fellowship

This endowment was established in 2002 by Wanda and Dale Weaver. The scholarship is awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student in special education with special consideration given to those in the deaf or hard of hearing sequence. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This endowment was established in 2002 by Wanda and Dale Weaver. The scholarship is awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student in special education with special consideration given to those in the deaf or hard of hearing sequence.

Betty Phillips Watson Fund in Special Education Department

The Betty Phillips Watson Fund in Special Education Department was established in 2019 to provide support for students majoring in special education with demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to transfer or nontraditional students.

Kathryn Oltman Memorial Scholarship

To honor Kathryn Oltman, who had disabilities and was a very treasured member of her family. This scholarship is for the hard work it takes to be accepted and succeed in the Special Education Department at ISU; to encourage students pursuing a career in Special Education. Scholarship funds will be provided to the Special Education students in their Junior and Senior years who are in good academic standing

Sertoma Club of Springfield, Illinois Scholarship in Special Education

The Sertoma Club of Springfield, Illinois Scholarship in Special Education was established in 2023 by members of the Sertoma Club of Springfield, Illinois in order to provide financial assistance to students majoring in Special Education: Deaf Hard of Hearing at Illinois State University.

Nancy K. Daniels Scholarship

The Nancy K. Daniels Scholarship was established in 2007 through a gift of $2,000 to the ISU Foundation. Nancy Daniels was employed at ISU for twenty years. With the exception of one year, her whole career was spent in the Special Education Department. She was proud to have been part of ISU and wanted to give back to the University which had been such an important part of her life. Nancy Daniels created this scholarship at the time of her retirement because of her dedication to the Department of Special Education, and particularly the student employees with whom she work with over the years. One way to honor all of the students that she had worked with over the years was to offer a scholarship upon her retirement solely for the student employee. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide an annual $1000 scholarship award to a student employee in the Department of Special Education, to help defray the costs of higher education for the selected student. The Nancy K. Daniels Scholarship was established in 2007 through a gift of $2,000 to the ISU Foundation. Nancy Daniels was employed at ISU for twenty years. With the exception of one year, her whole career was spent in the Special Education Department. She was proud to have been part of ISU and wanted to give back to the University which had been such an important part of her life. Nancy Daniels created this scholarship at the time of her retirement because of her dedication to the Department of Special Education, and particularly the student employees with whom she worked with over the years. One way to honor all of the students that she had worked with over the years was to offer a scholarship upon her retirement solely for the student employee. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide an annual $1000 scholarship award to a student employee in the Department of Special Education, to help defray the costs of higher education for the selected student.

Heimsoth Family Scholarship

This endowment was created in 1987 by Tom Heimsoth to stimulate alumni and faculty contributions to special education. The scholarship is awarded to upper-level undergraduate or graduate students in special education, rehabilitation, or human services curriculum with an intent to work in such a field. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This Heimsoth Family Scholarship was created in 1987 by Tom Heimsoth to stimulate alumni and faculty contributions to Special Education. The scholarship is awarded to upper-level undergraduate or graduate students in special education, rehabilitation, or human services curriculum with an intent to work in such a field.

Patricia Peffer Helphinstine Endowed Scholarship in Special Education

The Patricia Peffer Helphinstine Endowed Scholarship in Special Education was established in 2017 by Payton Helphinstine, loving widower of Patricia after her passing in November 2016. The purpose of the scholarship is to honor Patricia and to encourage, support, recruit, and reward students enrolled in the College of Education Special Education Program.

Special Education Assistive Technology Center

The Special Education Assistive Technology (SEAT) Center fund supports the programs and operations of the Center. The SEAT Center was established August 21, 2001 by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and serves as a center of excellence where partnerships among people advance the knowledge and practice of assistive technology solutions to enhance teaching, learning and living.

Lawson Legacy Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Lawson Legacy Family Scholarship was initially established in 2009 in honor of the 60th wedding anniversary of Robert Kent Lawson and Helen Delores Akers Lawson. Robert and Delores met while attending Illinois State Normal University. Robert's mother, Avis Anna Crosby Lawson, also an alum of Illinois State, influenced all four of her children to pursue higher education degrees. In addition to Robert, his sister Ruth also graduated from ISNU, along with five of her seven children. In addition, daughter, Cindy Leigh Lawson ('73, '77, '93) is also an Illinois State graduate. Following Robert's death in 2010 daughter, Cindy Lawson and her husband Steven Kester decided to provide a tribute to the Lawson family legacy at Illinois State and established the Lawson Family Legacy Endowed Scholarship Fund. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance to outstanding special education majors who exemplify the excellence of Illinois State University special education graduates.

Ashby-Lockman Family Future Special Education Teacher Scholarship

This fund was established by sisters Dana '85, M.S. 87, and Dianne Ashby, and Jack Lockman, husband of Dianne, to provide financial assistance to help outstanding special education majors meet their educational goals. Dana serves as the director of special education for the Morton school district. Dianne serves as the vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the Illinois State University Foundation. Jack enjoyed a successful career, valuing education so much that he completed his bachelor's degree at age 40. Each candidate must be a full-time student with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0/4.0 and have an ACT score of 23 or better if an entering freshman, demonstrated financial need, and employment to help pay educational expenses. Preference is given to first-generation college students. The award is for educational expenses. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This fund was established by sisters Dana '85, M.S. '87 and Dianne Ashby, and Jack Lockman, husband of Dianne, to provide financial assistance to help outstanding special education majors meet their educational goals. Dana serves as the Director of Special Education for the Morton school district. Dianne served as the Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the Illinois State University Foundation. Jack enjoyed a successful career, valuing education so much that he completed his bachelor's degree at age 40. Each candidate must be a full-time student with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0/4.0 and have an ACT score of 23 or better if an entering freshman, demonstrated financial need, and employment to help pay educational expenses. Preference is given to first-generation college students. The award is for educational expenses.

Dean Hage Memorial Fund

This endowment was established by family, friends, colleagues, and former students as a memorial for Dean S. Hage. This scholarship is awarded to a junior-level student majoring in special education in the teacher-preparation sequence. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Dean Hage Memorial Fund was established by family, friends, colleagues, and former students as a memorial for Dean S. Hage. This scholarship is awarded to a junior-level student majoring in Special Education in the teacher-preparation sequence.

Kelli Stackhouse Appel Special Education Scholarship

This endowment was created by Kelli Stackhouse Appel, a 1989 graduate of Illinois State University. The scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in special education. Candidates must have junior or senior standing in special education sequence (60-90 credit hours), have a GPA of 3.0 or above, be a role model among prospective special education teachers, and demonstrate strong potential for future contribution to the special education field. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. Mrs. Kelli Stackhouse Appel graduated from Illinois State University in December 1989. While at ISU, Mrs. Appel was an outstanding student and was appointed as one of the Bone Scholars of 1989-1990. During her first year as a dedicated teacher in the field of special education, teaching children with multiple disabilities, Mrs. Appel donated $10,000 to the Illinois State University Foundation to establish a fund to encourage special education majors to achieve high standards of academic work and professional development.

Lanny Morreau Student Research Fund

Distinguished Professor of Special Education Lanny E. Morreau earned his bachelor's degree at ISNU in 1961 & later taught at ISU for 27 years before his death on May 11, 2001. Lanny Morreau invested much of his time & energy mentoring students on research projects during his career at ISU. To honor Lanny's contributions to this area, the Department of Special Education established this fund. Undergraduate & graduate students in the department will be able to access this fund to purchase materials and supplies that they need to undertake & complete research projects. The funds may also be used to support students in disseminating the results of their research at professional conferences. The funds may also support departmental faculty members when they are presenting at professional conferences with students. At least 50% or more of the funds available each year will be awarded to students. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. Distinguished Professor of Special Education Lanny E. Morreau earned his bachelor's degree at ISNU in 1961 & later taught at ISU for 27 years before his death on May 11, 2001. Lanny Morreau invested much of his time & energy mentoring students on research projects during his career at ISU. To honor Lanny's contributions to this area, the Department of Special Education established this fund. Undergraduate & graduate students in the department will be able to access this fund to purchase materials and supplies that they need to undertake & complete research projects. The funds may also be used to support students in disseminating the results of their research at professional conferences. The funds may also support departmental faculty members when they are presenting at professional conferences with students. At least 50% or more of the funds available each year will be awarded to students.

Lawrence D. Vuillemot Scholarship

Lawrence Vuillemot laid the ground work for the special education field-based program. He was a strong supporter for programs serving children with disabilities. The fund, established in his honor by friends and relatives, supports an outstanding upper-division undergraduate student entering, or achieving in, a special education-based or field work program and demonstrating strong potential for future achievement in the field. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. Lawrence Vuillemot laid the ground work for the special education field-based program. He was a strong supporter for programs serving children with disabilities. The fund, established in his honor by friends and relatives, supports an outstanding upper-division undergraduate student entering, or achieving in, a special education-based or field work program and demonstrating strong potential for future achievement in the field.

Ward Family Trust Memorial Scholarship

Candidates for the James and Edith Aagesen Ward Family Trust Memorial Scholarship must be enrolled as a full-time junior or senior special education student in good standing at ISU, have demonstrated academic achievement via cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have demonstrated commitment and skills to educate mentally handicapped students, be nominated by written recommendation of a faculty member familiar with the student's abilities, have graduated from an Illinois public high school, and have demonstrated need for financial aid. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. Candidates for the James and Edith Aagesen Ward Family Trust Memorial Scholarship must be enrolled as a full-time junior or senior Special Education student in good standing at ISU, have demonstrated academic achievement via cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have demonstrated commitment and skills to educate mentally handicapped students, be nominated by written recommendation of a faculty member familiar with the student's abilities, have graduated from an Illinois public high school, and have demonstrated need for financial aid.

Alexander Montgomery Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Alexander Montgomery Memorial Scholasrhip Fund is to provide financial assistance to a senior at ISU majoring in special education, with a preferable specialty in teaching those with learning disabilities. The scholarship, a restricted account, will be funded through $2,100 in memorial donations. Three annual $700 scholarships will be awarded until such time as the fund is exhausted. The purpose of the Alexander Montgomery Memorial Scholasrhip Fund is to provide financial assistance to a senior at ISU majoring in special education, with a preferable specialty in teaching those with learning disabilities. The scholarship, a restricted account, will be funded through $2,100 in memorial donations. Three annual $700 scholarships will be awarded until such time as the fund is exhausted.

Diversity Recognition Award

Each year, the Diversity Recognition Award Fund will provide one-half of the funding for the COE Minority Scholarship for Future Teachers in the Special Education Department. This fund will also provide a minimum award of $500 to a continuing undergraduate or graduate student who meets the criteria. Candidates for the award must be continuing undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the Special Education Department, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have a demonstrated record of service and/or future potential for service to diverse populations, priority will be given to students from underrepresented groups in the profession of special education. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. Each year, the Diversity Recognition Award Fund will provide one-half of the funding for the COE Minority Scholarship for Future Teachers in the Special Education Department. This fund will also provide a minimum award of $500 to a continuing undergraduate or graduate student who meets the criteria. Candidates for the award must be continuing undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the Special Education Department, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have a demonstrated record of service and/or future potential for service to diverse populations, priority will be given to students from underrepresented groups in the profession of Special Education.

Waneta Sedgewick Catey Scholarship

This endowment was created in 1999 by Waneta Sedgewick Catey, an ISNU staff member from 1936-1943 and 1946-1952. In addition to supervising teachers in the one room school major, she also served as principal of the special education school at Fairchild Hall. The scholarship is awarded to a full-time sophomore or junior majoring in special education. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This endowment was created in 1999 by Waneta Sedgewick Catey, an ISNU staff member from 1936-1943 and 1946-1952. In addition to supervising teachers in the one room school major, she also served as Principal of the Special Education school at Fairchild Hall. The scholarship is awarded to a full-time sophomore or junior majoring in Special Education.

Wheeler Foundation Fund for Special Education Students

The Wheeler Foundation Fund for Special Education Students was established upon the passing of Charles and Maxine Wheeler. Maxine, a special education teacher and Charles a psychologist, dedicated their lives to enriching and empowering students with learning and behavioral challenges. From 1964-2002, the Wheeler's operated the Wheeler home Farm School in Rankin, where students resided and benefited from the educational expertise of Maxine and Charles. The Wheeler Foundation board was moved to establish this scholarship to ensure teachers will continue to be prepared to help those students that the wheeler's were dedicated to and committed to providing a better quality of life.

Marcia Rossi Back-a-Bird Scholarship

joyce gillie gossom Endowed Special Education Scholarship

The joyce gillie gossom Endowed Special Education Scholarship was established in 2020 by joyce gillie gossom and Thoms Gossom, Jr. The scholarship supports students in the Learning and Behavior Program in the Department of Special Education. Preference given to students who are graduates of a Chicago Public School.

Justin E. Jensen Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created with donations from family, friends, former teachers, classmates, and supporters from Justin's hometown of Bartlett as well as surrounding communities. Justin enjoyed volunteering with Special Olympics events, participated in activities with his school, was a National Honor Society member, and was athlete of the year at his high school in 2006. He came to Illinois State to pursue an education as a special education teacher. He realized that dream in May 2010 but tragically passed away one month before his first job as a teacher. The fund was created to honor and remember Justin's commitment to teaching students with special needs. The purpose is to provide financial support for a student planning to become a special education teacher, with preference given to male applicants.

Para-Professional Pipeline P.U.L.S.E. Fund

The Wheeler Foundation was started upon the passing of Charles and Maxine Wheeler. Maxine, a special education teacher and Charles a psychologist, dedicated their lives to enriching and empowering students with learning and behavioral challenges. From 1964-2002, The Wheeler's operated The Wheeler Home Farm School in Rankin, where students resided and benefited from the educational expertise of Maxine and Charles. The Wheeler Foundation board was moved to establish this scholarship to ensure teachers will continue to be prepared to help those students that the Wheeler's were dedicated to and committed to providing a better quality of life.

Rebecca Thoman Ward Endowed Scholarship

The Rebecca Thoman Ward Endowed Scholarship was established in 2017 by Rebecca Thoman Ward and William Ward. The scholarship assists students majoring in special education at Illinois State University with an emphasis in Deaf and hard of hearing or students with previous experience working in the area of autism.

Special Education Assistive Technology Center Savings Fund

The former Kara Peters Endowed Chair in Special Education Assistive Technology (5306818) was closed at the request of the original donor. The remaining (as of June 30, 2011) principal and expendable funds from that endowment were transferred to the new fund. The Special Education Assistive Technology Center Savings Fund will be used to support the salary of the director of the SEAT Center.

Vivette Ravel Rifkin Memorial Scholarship

*** Need Purpose Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Vivette Ravel Rifkin Endowed Scholarship was established to honor Vivette Ravel Rifkin, who dedicated her life to assisting persons who are blind and/or visually impaired. Vivette began reading books to her daughter, Jill, to help her experience the joys of reading. Realizing that other individuals had the same need, Vivette founded Educational Tape Recording for the Blind (ETRB) in Chicago. She led the organization for more than 42 years. Though she graduated from high school at age 16 and received no further education, Rifkin taped more than 3,000 college and graduate school textbooks in her lifetime. Her lifelong commitment to educating individuals with visual impairments resulted in her being awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1999. This scholarship provides support for Illinois State University students teaching those with visual impairments.

Kelley Dennis Scholarship

This endowment was established in 1993 in memory of Kelley Dennis by her family. The scholarship is awarded to students majoring in special education with a long-term commitment to teaching students with disabilities. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Kelley Dennis Scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Kelley Dennis by her family. The scholarship is awarded to students majoring in Special Education with a long-term commitment to teaching students with disabilities.

Marie Struble Johnson Scholarship

Marie Struble Johnson graduated from ISNU in 1917. Upon her death in 1975, her brother gave the University a long-term note in honor of his sister. The note is worth (at maturity) approximately $32,500. A scholarship in Marie's name is to be established with a portion of these funds. The remaining portion of the gift was used to establish an endowment which supports other honor scholarship programs. No specific guidelines were established at the time the gift was received. Thererfore, the Director of Development, Milt Weisbecker, established a named, living memorial scholarship. Interest earned on the $5000 endowment is to be used to provide financial support for an outstanding student in the field of special education. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. Marie Struble Johnson graduated from ISNU in 1917. Upon her death in 1975, her brother gave the University a long-term note in honor of his sister. The note is worth (at maturity) approximately $32,500. A scholarship in Marie's name is to be established with a portion of these funds. The remaining portion of the gift was used to establish an endowment which supports other honor scholarship programs. No specific guidelines were established at the time the gift was received. Therefore, the Director of Development, Milt Weisbecker, established a named, living memorial scholarship. Interest earned on the $5000 endowment is to be used to provide financial support for an outstanding student in the field of Special Education.

Evelyn J. Rex Scholarship

This endowment was established in 2000 by Evelyn Rex through her estate. The scholarship is awarded to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in the Department of Special Education in either the deaf and hard of hearing or the visual disabilities sequence. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Evelyn J. Rex Scholarship was established in September 2000 with an initial gift from the Evelyn J. Rex Trust. Additional gifts from the Trust were received in 2006 along with gifts from other donors. Evelyn Rex passed away in 2009, leaving her estate for the scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in the Department of Special Education with preference given to applicants in either the deaf and hard of hearing or the visual disabilities sequence.

Marilyn and Ronald Blake Scholarship in Special Education

The Marilyn and Ronald Blake Scholarship in Special Education was established in 2021 to provide financial assistance for students enrolled in a special education sequence. The scholarship supports an incoming freshman, with preference given to students from Bloomington High School or Richwoods High School.

Robert and Karen Walter Special Education Scholarship

Scholarship: Provide financial assistance for two students, who will received $750 each in the Spring semester.

Janice McElvain Back-a-Bird Scholarship

Janice McElvain is creating a Back-a-Bird scholarship to award students in the Special Education field. Due to the outstanding education Janice received at Illinois State University, she went on to have a successful career as a Special Education teacher. She wants to enable SPED students at Illinois State University to have that same opportunity.

Amy's Gift Endowed Scholarship

Amy O'Reilly Fisher was a devoted mother, wife, and educator. She received degrees in deaf education (Illinois State University, 1993) and educational administration (Governors State University, 2002), and her career with special needs and deaf children spanned 10 years. She always went the extra mile to ensure her students received whatever was needed to succeed despite their challenges. The Amy's Gift Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Amy's family for the purpose of providing financial support for a student majoring in special education, with a preference for deaf and hard of hearing majors. The endowment recognizes Amy O'Reilly Fisher's extraordinary contributions to her students and the community, and allows her legacy to inspire and empower others for many years to come. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. Amy O'Reilly Fisher was a devoted mother, wife, and educator. She received degrees in deaf education (Illinois State University, 1993) and educational administration (Governors State University, 2002), and her career with special needs and deaf children spanned 10 years. She always went the extra mile to ensure her students received whatever was needed to succeed despite their challenges. The Amy's Gift Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Amy's family for the purpose of providing financial support for a student majoring in special education, with a preference for deaf and hard of hearing majors. The endowment recognizes Amy O'Reilly Fisher's extraordinary contributions to her students and the community, and allows her legacy to inspire and empower others for many years to come.

Rose E. Parker Graduate Student Scholarship

This award includes a minimum of $500 cash award and the inscription of the student recipient's name on a permanent department plaque. This annual award is presented at the Graduate Student Reception and scholarship recognition in late Spring of each year. The recipient must be a current special education graduate student who plans to graduate in May, August, or December of the calendar year in which the award is given. The recipient must be nominated by a graduate faculty member. Selection is based upon scholarship and service. Consideration is given for teaching, professional presentations, research conducted, publications, collaboration with faculty, service to the profession, and similar documentation of commitment and service to the profession of special education. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. The Rose E. Parker Graduate Student Scholarship was established in 1989 through a gift from the Rose E. Parker Trust. The fund provides financial support for a graduate student in the Special Education Department who intended to teach children with disabilities. Candidates much be enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University as a graduate student in the Department of Special Education's master's, doctoral, or Director of Special Education (DOSE) program, with at least 9 credits completed in their degree program.

Dr. Meg Hutchins Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Dr. Meg Hutchins Memorial Endowed Scholarship was created by colleagues, family, alumni, and friends to honor the memory of Margaret Penn Hutchins, a faculty member in the Special Education Department from 1995-2005. Her interests focused on successful transition of youth with disabilities from school to adult life. She was posthumously awarded the Council for Exceptional Children's 2005 Outstanding Educator Award.