University High School Funds
Total funds: 31
U-High General Fund
The University High School (U-High) Fund provides support for the highest priority initiatives, including named commemorative scholarships and awards, of the School.
U-High Alumni Association Fund
The U-High Alumni Association Fund was established in March 1996 to support U-High through alumni events, activities, and community outreach efforts.
Lucie Critical Thinking Award Endowment
The Lucie Critical Thinking Award was established at University High School in 1996 by Teresa Lucie Thompson, for the purpose of supporting graduating seniors who exemplify critical thinking skills. Thompson earned her B.S. in 1978 and her M.S.E. in 1987, both from Illinois State. She began her career as a faculty associate and English department chair at University High School, worked in marketing and public relations at State Farm Insurance, became vice president of marketing for Safeco Insurance, and serves as Purdue University's vice president for marketing and media. Each candidate shall be nominated for this award by a U-High teacher and must enroll in a college or university in the fall semester following graduation from University High School; demonstrate a spirit of inquiry and a desire for knowledge; and challenge conventional assumptions, have a spirit of critical receptiveness to alternate possibilities, and be willing to propose unique solutions to problems.
Dirk Smid Memorial Scholarship at University High School
The Dirk Smid Memorial Scholarship at University High School was established in 2009 as an expendable scholarship to honor Dirk Smid, who coached football and taught mathematics at U-High for 18 years prior to his death in 2008. The scholarship was funded through proceeds from the annual Duffin' for Dirk golf tournament started by a group of area football coaches who wanted Dirk to be remembered for his outstanding leadership qualities and his strong connections with his students and colleagues. In April 2021, the Dirk Smid Memorial Scholarship reached the minimum funding needed to establish a permanent endowment.
Howard Ivens Instructional Equipment Fund
The Howard Ivens Instructional Equipment Endowment fund was established by Jon and Jo Ann Laible to provide funds for instructional equipment to University High School's Physical or Biological Sciences programs that cannot be purchased or acquired through the normal budgeting process.
Aubertine Family Scholarship for University High School
The Aubertine Family Scholarship for University High School provides financial assistance for graduating seniors who will enroll in a college or university in the fall semester following graduating from University High School and plan to major in education, English, or literature. Matt Aubertine, a 1976 graduate of U-High and 1987 graduate of Illinois State established this scholarship to honor his parents, Horace and Barbara Lee.
Dennis Kelly Scholarship
The Dennis Kelly Scholarship was established in 1989 by University High School alumni and parents in honor of Dennis Kelly, director of the laboratory schools from 1983 to 1988. The scholarship is awarded to a University High School graduating senior, with preference given to students who intend on majoring in education.
Crossroads Scholarship
The Crossroads Scholarship endowment was established in 1998 by Dr. John H. Williams, a 1954 University High School graduate. The scholarship is awarded to a University High School graduating senior demonstrating academic improvement between their freshman and senior years.
David Gipson Memorial Fund
This endowment was created in 1950 in memory of David Gipson by family and friends. The award is made annually to a University High School senior boy based on personal character, leadership, scholarship, and service to the school.
Barry Curry Memorial Fund
The Barry Curry Memorial Fund was established in 1990 by friends and family in memory of Barry Curry, a member of the class of 1992. The recipient of the Barry Curry Lineman of the year award will be determined annually by the University High School Head football coach.
John Ryan Hamilton-Hamada Family University High School Scholarship
The John Ryan Hamilton-Hamada Family University High School Scholarship was established in 2017 by Chris and Laura Hamilton to honor their families and recognize their son, John Ryan Hamilton and his inspiring experiences while at U-High. John Ryan was a 2013 U-High graduate.
Joe Club Student Assistance Fund
The Joe Club Student Assistance Endowment was established in 2014 by an anonymous donor. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to University High School students during the college exploration and admission application and selection process. Funds may be used to support students unable to meet the financial obligations, expectations, or requirements for test preparation classes; college visits; essay assistance for college applications; supplemental or enhancement opportunities required for college admissions; or any assistance deemed helpful by the administrators toward the goal of college admission and future college attendance.
Joel Oberman Scholarship
The Joel Oberman Scholarship was established in 1999 by Joel Oberman, a 1971 graduate of University High School. The scholarship is awarded to a University High School boy's basketball team member who demonstrates hard work, positive attitude, leadership, teamwork, and athletic performance with an emphasis on rebounding prowess.
Peter Parmantie Educational Scholarship
This endowment was established in 1997 by a committee of University High School students in honor of Peter Parmantie, who was an English teacher at U-High from 1959 until his retirement in 1997. The scholarship is awarded to a University High School graduating senior seeking a career in education.
Marilyn and Donald Turner Endowed Scholarship
The Marilyn and Donald Turner Endowed Scholarship was established to provide financial support to a senior student graduating from University High School who plans to pursue a degree in education or architecture at an institution of higher education. Marilyn and Donald Turner created this scholarship to acknowledge the excellence of the education they received at University High School.
Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School (ISSCS) Memorial Scholarship
The Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School (ISSCS) Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 by Bjarne Ullsvik to support students attending University High School from single parent families who will enroll in a college or university in the fall semester following graduation from University High School. Bjarne, a 1956 U-High graduate, attended U-High at a time when a portion of the enrollment included students that were residents of the Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children School (ISSCS). He was inspired by the support, assistance, and sense of family that U-High provided these students and how it impacted their lives to go on from high school and have successful lives. Bjarne was moved to establish this scholarship to honor, encourage and motivate students that come from single parent households or those raised in foster care.
Donna Jean Shirley Wissmiller Mathematics Award
The Donna Jean Shirley Wissmiller Mathematics Award was established in 1997 by friends of the class of 1955 in memory of Donna Jean Shirley Wissmiller. This award is given to a University High School senior seeking a career in mathematics or a mathematics related field. Application will include a short essay which addresses the importance and value of diversity, including women, in the field of mathematics.
Derek Nanni University High School Memorial Scholarship
The Derek Nanni University High School Memorial Scholarship was established by friends and family to honor the life and legacy of Derek Nanni, a proud Pioneer of the U-High class of 2020, whose life ended way too soon. The scholarship supports a graduating senior of University High School enrolled in a college or university in the fall semester following graduation. Recipient must exhibit a positive school spirit, display selflessness and be an active participant in school sports and extracurricular activities.
Lexie and Steven Greeneberg University High School Scholarship
The Lexie and Steven Greeneberg University High School Scholarship was established in 2017 to provide financial assistance for graduating seniors who demonstrate growth, service, and leadership in creative programs for at least four semesters while at University High School. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in a college or university in the fall semester following graduation from U-High.
Dr. and Mrs. Harry D. Lovelass U-High to ISU Scholarship
This scholarship was originally established at University High School in 1996 by Thomas and Meredith Lovelass, in memory of Harry and Mescall Lovelass. In 2009, the scholarship guidelines were expanded such that awards would be given to students who will attend Illinois State University. Harry was principal and later director of University High School. Mescal served as an English teacher for Unit 5 for over fifteen years. The scholarship is to be awarded annually at $1000 each to two students as long as funds are received to make this award possible. Each candidate must be a U-High senior who has been accepted and enrolled to attend ISU in the fall semester following graduation, and they must have a grade point of at least 3.2 and demonstrated evidence of leadership and service. Whenever possible, one of the scholarships is to be awarded to a student enrolling in the College of Education, and the other to a student enrolling in any college at ISU.
CJ Hamilton-Hamada Family University High School Scholarship
The CJ Hamilton-Hamada Family University High School Scholarship was established in 2017 by Chris and Laura Hamilton in honor of the families and to recognize their son Christopher Thomas "CJ" Hamilton and his inspiring journey while at H-high. As a student athlete, CJ set track records at U-High and ISU, where he was 2013 MVC 800 meter Champion.
Ruth Stroud Award
The Ruth Stroud Memorial Award fund was established in 1979 from funds received from Ruth Stroud's estate, attorney, family, and friends. Because of Ruth Stroud's close ties with University High School, an award honoring the outstanding female senior student was established in her honor. The Ruth Stroud Memorial Award is presented annually to the outstanding female student at University High School.
Thomas M. Barger Family Endowed Scholarship
Thomas M. Barger was a beloved instructor of physics and chemistry at University High School from 1913-1943. He left an indelible mark on the students of U-High and was fondly remembered in many poems, skits, and for his saxophone performance during senior activities in 1925. The first edition of the U-High yearbook, The Clarion, was dedicated to him in 1929. The Thomas M. Barger Family Scholarship was established in 2015 by Carter and Thomas Barger, III in honor of their grandfather. The scholarship will be awarded annually, with one award given to a U-high student who excels in physics and one award to a student who excels in chemistry.
Clyde B. Coombs Endowed Fund
The Clyde B. Coombs Endowed Fund was established in 2011 by Clyde B. Combs as a living legacy for University High School students who need financial assistance during their high school career, and in honor of Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's School (ISSCS) "homers." Clyde grew up at ISSCS in Normal. At the time that Clyde lived there, children completed their high school education at University High School. Following graduation he enrolled in college as an art major but was shortly thereafter drafted into the military. While in the Vietnam War, he served his country as a military police officer where he earned the title of Provost Marshall Investigator. After the war he enjoyed a 32-year career at Caterpillar where he became the inspector in Security Police for World Wide Headquarters. Clyde believes that his time at U-High taught him to be a good citizen.
Chiodo-Hubbard Endowed Fund
The Chiodo-Hubbard Endowed Fund was established by friends and family in honor of Frank Chiodo, who was a University High School coach for 30 years. Frank originally established this endowment to provide funds for students who wanted to participate in sports but needed financial assistance. The Hubbard family has long been associated with U-High as students and then as educators and wanted to continue the legacy of helping young athletes. The purpose of the Chiodo-Hubbard Endowment Fund is to provide assistance to student-athletes who are unable to meet some of the financial expectations that involvement in University High School Athletics necessitates.
Steve Gleason Journalism Award
The Steve Gleason Journalism Award Fund was established by the Pantagraph and its employees in memory of Steve Gleason, a longtime Pantagraph editor who died after a traffic accident in 2000. Candidates must meet each of the following requirements: be a graduating senior from University High School, demonstrate high achievement in courses related to journalism, plan to attend college to pursue a major in journalism or a related communication field, and be committed to the ideal of serving others.
Bernerd I. Lowery Endowed Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 2011 through a gift from the estate of Sandra Lowery. Sandra planned, prior to her death, to make sure that there would be a scholarship at U-High in memory of her husband, Bernerd. He was a 1947 graduate of University High School and often mentioned how much he valued the excellent education he received while a student there. He was accepted to Illinois State Normal University but found that he could not afford to attend at that time. He began a 27 year career in retail with Al Baskin/Mark Shale. He later developed his own business selling high-end clothing to large department stores and realized a very successful career. In his honor, The Bernerd I. Lowery Endowed Scholarship Fund will be awarded to U-High students who wish to continue their education at Illinois State University.
Houston-Arbogast Family University High School Fine Arts Scholarship
The Houston-Arbogast Family University High School Fine Arts Scholarship was established in 2017 with a gift from the Arbogast Family Charitable Trust to support the activities, programs, student needs, and operations associated with the Fine Arts department at University High School. The fund may support undertakings and events that encourage and support students in all areas of chorus, theatre, dance, music education, and travel or fees associated with the activities. Special consideration is given to those students that demonstrate financial need to participate in these activities and are committed, passionate, and engaged with the program.
The Helping Hand Scholarship for University High School
The Helping Hand Scholarship for University High School was established by Bjarne Ullsvik in order to support 1st or 2nd generation students as they pursue their education at a community college, four-year college or university, or technical or vocational school.
George Girardi Wrestling Endowment
This endowment was established in 1997 in memory of George Girardi, a teacher and coach at University High and Illinois State for 41 years, by family, friends, and colleagues. The funds are used to support the U-High Wrestling program.