CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois Club has awarded 10 University of Illinois students more than $20,000 in scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year.
The Illinois Club offers four annual scholarships to students: The Make-A-Difference Award is presented to students committed to making an impact at the U. of I. or in their hometown communities. The Isabelle Purnell Education Award is given to students pursuing a career in education. Both are $2,000 awards. The Judith Life Ikenberry Fine Arts Award, a $3,600 scholarship, is awarded to a student pursuing a career in the fine arts. The Susan T. Haney Social Work Award, a $3,000 scholarship, is presented to a student pursuing a career in social work.
The scholarship winners (EDITORS: See list.):
All award recipients must have a minimum grade-point average of 2.75, must have completed at least 60 credit hours, and must demonstrate financial need. Students must also have significant work or volunteer experience, as well as clear career or educational goals, said Patricia Simpson, the chair of the Illinois Club Scholarship Committee.
The Illinois Club, founded in 1906 as the University Women’s Club, supports the U. of I. and surrounding communities by promoting education and friendship through interest groups, tours, activities and special events. Men were permitted to join the club in 1975 and now make up 25 percent of the membership.
In 1915 the club created a loan program using surplus funds from dues that during a 10-year period gave a total of $2,339 to 76 students, with loans varying from $5 to $50. The loans eventually became outright scholarships.
ILLINOIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
ASHMORE – Kiersten Kasey, a junior in agricultural leadership and science education, Isabelle Purnell Education Award
CHICAGO 60608 – Sally Feng, a junior in integrative biology, Make-A-Difference Award
DOWNERS GROVE – David Huettner, a junior in painting/new media, Judith Life Ikenberry Fine Arts Award
ELMWOOD PARK – Olatoyosi Grace Akinrotimi, a junior in community health, Make-A-Difference Award
HOMEWOOD – Hayley Bostick, a junior in social work, Susan T. Haney Social Work Award
NAPERVILLE – Grant Blazina, a junior in chemical engineering, Make-A-Difference Award
RIVERSIDE – Victoria J. Zeman, a junior in community health, Make-A-Difference Award
SPRINGFIELD – Natasha Wilkins, a junior in agricultural and consumer economics, Make-A-Difference Award
WONDER LAKE – Kelley Sullivan, a junior in elementary education, Isabelle Purnell Education Award
OUT OF STATE
OHIO, Rocky River – Hannah Bennett, a junior in music education, Isabelle Purnell Education Award
