Student Affairs - Office of VP Funds

Total funds:  10

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.