Student Affairs - Office of VP Funds
Total funds: 18
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.
Dr. Leroy and Mary Noel Family Scholarship
The Dr. Leroy and Mary Noel Family Scholarship was founded by their loved ones in their memory, with the aim of supporting first-generation college students and supporting underprivileged individuals. Noel is deeply thankful for the opportunities provided by Illinois State University and the transformative influence it had on his life as a first-generation college student. This scholarship is awarded to a first-generation college student.
Student Success and Excellence Fund
The Student Success and Excellence Fund provides programming and support for the retention of students who identify as first generation college students and socioeconomically disadvantaged students who have overcome educational or economic obstacles.
The Fellicia C. Foster Legacy of Leadership Scholarship
Fellicia C. Foster is a Chicago native and Illinois State University College of Business graduate who has demonstrated leadership excellence, resilience, diligence, and an ability to make a positive difference - both as a student and throughout her corporate career. This endowment was established in 2024, which represents the 20-year legacy she has developed since joining as a student on ISU's campus in 2004. The Fellicia C. Foster - Legacy of Leadership - Endowment Fund will allocate scholarships that recognize the next generation of legacy leavers who have resiliently pushed through challenges to leave their mark on the world - paving the way for future leaders.
Leadership Initiative Fund
Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Leadership Initiative Fund supports new leadership initiatives and programs designed to help students learn to be engaged, compassionate leaders committed to moving individuals, teams, organizations, and ideas forward. Students are given opportunities to participate in leadership training, seminars, conferences, and other cutting edge experiences across Student Affairs to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be capable leaders.
Supporting Survivors Agreement
The purpose of The Supporting Survivors of Interpersonal & Sexual Violence Support Fund is to support victims of interpersonal and sexual violence with emergency financial assistance, scholarships, support services, or other necessities.
Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame Endowed Fund
The Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame Endowed Fund was established in April 2011 by family, friends, and colleagues as a tribute to the legacy of retiring Vice President Steve Adams and his wife, first lady of the Division for Student Affairs, Sandi Adams. Steve spent his entire 35-year career in higher education at Illinois State University and perhaps was best known as the "Voice of the Redbirds" for men's basketball and football. Sandi taught for 33 years at Bloomington Junior High and High Schools and came to the University in 2002 where she served as clinician/supervising teacher, working with student teachers in the Department of English. The Legacy Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions of a former student leader or student employee who continues to influence their community.
Spangler Scholarship for Social Justice
The purpose of the Spangler Scholarship for Social Justice is to provide financial support to students who demonstrate commitment to pursuing social justice activism in their future careers.
Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Fund
The Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Fund provides resources so that students may have the opportunity to improve academically, participate in opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them, and provide programming which maximizes their development as engaged citizens. The fund may also provide support for professional development opportunities, physical improvements, new equipment, and special celebrations and recognition within the Division of Student Affairs.
Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Endowment
This endowment was established in 1986 by Neal R. Gamsky. The award is given annually to a full-time professional staff member in the Division of Student Affairs who has made a significant contribution to the quality of student life at Illinois State University. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Endowment was established in 1986 by Neal R. Gamsky. He was vice president and dean of Student Affairs at Illinois State University from 1973 to 1991. He had a long-time interest in students and a determined goal to motivate them to achieve their highest possible level of personal, social, and academic excellence. This endowment was created by Gamsky to encourage professional staff to make significant personal contributions to the students at Illinois State University. The award is given annually to a full-time professional staff member in the Division of Student Affairs who has made a significant contribution to the quality of student life at the University.
Greek Arete
The Greek Arete - Greek Leadership Fund was established in 2018 by Eric and Karin Burwell to highlight and elevate the excellence and virtue affiliated with the Illinois State University Fraternity and Sorority Life experience while honoring the history and foundation of fraternal organizations. The fund supports initiatives that call for excellence in each fraternity and sorority member and increase the value of the Greek community, for its members, the University and its Alumni. There is no English word which captures the exact meaning of Arete; the nearest equivalents are 'excellence' and 'virtue'.
Student Engagement Fund
The Student Engagement Fund provides support for various activities of Student Affairs units within the Division of Student Affairs. The fund may also be used to provide additional resources to support outreach, student and staff professional development, scholarships, necessities for students experiencing hardships due to crisis situations, student memorials and other campus programs and initiatives.
Susan T. Kern Special Opportunities Endowed Scholarship
The Susan T. Kern Special Opportunities Endowed Scholarship was established by Susan and Stephen Kern in 2006 to provide financial support to an Illinois State University student for a one-time special academic or co-curricular opportunity. Susan Kern worked at Illinois State for over 31 years, serving as an Associate Professor of Home Economics, Assistant to the Dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), Executive Officer of the University, and Vice President of University Advancement. Stephen was employed by State Farm Insurance Company for over 35 years.
Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Scholarship Fund
The Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Scholarship was established in 2014 in recognition of the spirit of loyalty and personal growth the founding donor gained through her personal membership in Beta Omicron Chapter and attending Illinois State University. The scholarship supports an active member who is in good standing and who has demonstrated leadership in the chapter, on campus, or in the community. Membership in Alpha Gamma Delta provides a synthesis of foundational values and scholastic structure that elevates a young woman to lead a successful life. The donor encourages the chapter, parents, alumni, and friends benefiting from the social, educational, cultural, and spiritual development provided by Beta Omicron Chapter and Illinois State University to help support and grow the scholarship endowment to benefit current students.
Faith and Leadership Scholarship
The Faith and Leadership Scholarship was established in 2019 to provide support for students who demonstrate leadership in a Registered Student Organization such as: Apostolic Christian Youth Group, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Christian Students at ISU, Nurses Christian Fellowship, Campus Outreach at Illinois State University, and Alpha Omega Campus Ministry. Students must show significant involvement on campus, in the workplace, and/or in the community.
Theta Theta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Founder's Scholarship
The Theta Theta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega Founder's (ATO) Scholarship was established in 2014. The award honors the founders and re-founding fathers of the Theta Theta chapter of the ATO fraternity at Illinois State, whose tireless efforts, dedication, and leadership, were instrumental in the establishment of the chapter on Feb. 8, 1975 and reinstallation on Nov. 11, 2001. The Founder's Scholarship recognizes an ATO Brother who excels in the classroom, on campus, in the community and in the chapter. Should the Theta Theta Chapter of ATO not be in good standing at Illinois State, or cease to exist, the scholarship may be awarded according to the criteria of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Scholarship established by Karin Burwell. If neither chapter is in good standing, or cease to exist, at Illinois State, the scholarship will be open to students from an eligible fraternity or sorority with preference given to a student majoring in a degree in the College of Business.