Learning & Behavior Specialist II
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Auditory/Oral Specialist
The following scholarships are available for the 2009–2010 academic year, and will be awarded at the Family Weekend Scholarship and Awards Program in October 2009. Scholarship amounts are current best estimates. Scholarship availability and size may change due to fluctuations in endowments.
If you apply for a need-based award, your financial record in the ISU Financial Aid Office will be checked. To be eligible for consideration for financial aid at Illinois State University, you must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year.
(1 award, $3,000) Candidates must be entering undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing initial certification through study in the Special Education Department, who have strong academic achievement as evidenced by a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated financial need and to non-traditional students who have left a teaching or teaching assistant position to pursue initial certification in special education.
The Bansau Trust Fund Awards were established through the estate of Margaret Bansau, who designated Illinois State University as a recipient of a charitable trust. Through her trust she expressed the desire that a part of the income be used for scholarships for students who intend to teach students with disabilities, and that these scholarships be known as the "Bansau Scholarships." Margaret had polio as a young child and during her life carried 40 pounds of iron braces on her legs. She did not go to college but respected those who could and did. She left over $1.3 million for the education of children and young adults with disabilities, and for those who teach in the field of special education. Her passion was to see that students with disabilities would be given the chance to learn and the chance to give back in return through teaching, mentoring, and strengthening. She died in 1999 at the age of 83. View photos of Margaret Bansau (pdf). Read a special message to the Margaret Bansau Scholarship Award winners from Mr. Gil Barner (Margaret Bansau's cousin) (pdf).
(1 award, $500) The recipient should be a full-time sophomore or junior majoring in Special Education, who has an overall GPA of at least 3.0, and who shows evidence of community service and volunteer activity.
The Waneta Sedgwick Catey Scholarship was established in 1999 by Waneta Sedgwick Catey, who served as an Illinois State Normal University faculty member from 1936–1945 and 1946–1952. In addition to supervising rural student teachers, she also served as principal of the special education school at Fairchild Hall. Mrs. Catey was a graduate from the University of Illinois and held a master's degree from Colorado State University. She was a member of Pi Lambda Theta, Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Sigma Phi, the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association. The purpose of this scholarship is to help students complete their education in the field of special education.
(1 award, $750) The recipient should be a full-time junior or senior special education major with at least a 3.0 GPA. The recipient should demonstrate commitment and skills to teach mentally handicapped students, be nominated by written recommendation of a faculty member, and be a graduate from a public high school in Illinois. The Ward Scholarship is renewable to the student for the second year, as long as the qualifications continue to be met.
The James and Edith Aagesen Ward Scholarship Trust Fund was established in 2002. Mr. Ward created the scholarship just prior to his death in February of 2002 with the hope that those who benefit from it will "Gladly Teach" and enjoy teaching as much as he and his wife, Edith, did. Both graduates from Illinois State Normal University in the early 1940s, James and Edith had each received scholarships and participated in the work-help program at ISNU to fund their educations.
Edith was certified to teach elementary and secondary levels, and later earned state certification to teach "Educable Mentally Handicapped" (E. M. H.) students. She was honored by being made a life member of the State of Illinois PTA by her school district's association. James was an active student leader and athlete at ISNU. He also earned a master's degree from Northwestern University, and later became a teacher and coach at the high school level, then a principal, and then a superintendent for one of the first unit districts in Northern Illinois.
(1 award, $500) The recipient must be a major in special education, preferably with a specialty in deaf and hard of hearing education, who demonstrates financial need, and has strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The award is to be used for educational expenses.
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.
(1 award, $500) The recipient must be a major in special education, preferably with a specialty in Low Vision and Blindness, who demonstrates financial need, and has strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The award is to be used for educational expenses.
This scholarship was established to honor Vivette Ravel Rifkin who dedicated her life to assisting persons who are blind and/or visually-impaired. Mrs. Rifkin began reading books to help her daughter Jill learn. Realizing that other individuals had the same need, Mrs. Rifkin founded Educational Tape Recording for the Blind (ETRB) in Chicago, leading the organization for over 42 years. Mrs. Rifkin, who had graduated from high school at age 16 and received no further education, taped in her lifetime more than 3,000 college and graduate school textbooks. Her life-long commitment to the field of educating individuals with visual impairments resulted in her being awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1999. With the Vivette Ravel Rifkin Memorial Scholarship Fund, Mrs. Rifkin’s family, friends and the ETRB seek to further the education of Illinois State University students who will spend their professional lives teaching those with visual impairments.
(1 award, $2,000) Candidates must either be an incoming freshman or an upperclassman in the Learning and Behavior Specialist program. The recipient must provide evidence of financial need, meet all admission requirements, demonstrate volunteer or paid experience with persons with disabilities, and be committed to a career in teaching persons with disabilities.
The Kelley Dennis Scholarship was established by the family of Kelley Dennis, an Illinois State University special education alumna. Sadly, Kelley died in an automobile accident shortly following her graduation. This scholarship provides an incoming LD/BD Special Education major or freshman, tuition and fees or a portion thereof for eight continuous regular semesters, or five continuous regular semesters if a transfer student.
(1 award, $700) The recipient must be entering his/her senior year, preferably in the field of Learning Behavioral Specialist 1, within the Department of Special Education. The recipient should demonstrate financial need and have strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The award is to be used for educational expenses.
The purpose of the Alexander Montgomery Memorial Scholarship Fund is to provide financial assistance to a senior at Illinois State University majoring in special education, with a preferable specialty in teaching those with learning disabilities.
(1 award, $500) Candidates should be full-time juniors or seniors, majoring in one of the programs in the Special Education Department at Illinois State University, who has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The recipient will be passionate about the field of special education as evidenced by references from academic advisors, and/or faculty members, and have demonstrated evidence of commitment to serving persons with disabilities via service and/or leadership activities.
The Jeff and Heidi Bakken Future Special Education Teacher Scholarship was established in 2009 as a way to provide students majoring in special education with some financial assistance. Both Jeff and Heidi attended college and understand the financial burden that comes with this experience. 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.
Jeff Bakken began teaching at Illinois State University in 1995 after he completed his doctorate degree at Purdue University. He began his time at Illinois State University as an assistant professor and over time with support from all levels was able to earn tenure and promotions to associate and full professor. He has instructed classes at the undergraduate, master's and foctoral levels and has always enjoyed working with and supporting student learning. Teaching has always been his passion and in 2001 he was awarded the Outstanding College Teacher Award from the College of Education. In 2002 he was awarded the Outstanding University Teacher Award. Since 2008, Jeff serves as the chair of the Department of Special Education.
After moving to Normal, Heidi Bakken became an account representative for Kelly Temporary Services. After a few years, she became a stay-at-home mom with their two children, Jared and Emma. Once both children were in school, Heidi owned an internet-based business, substitute taught, and is currently working part-time at Family Heritage Insurance as an assistant to the president. Both Jeff and Heidi feel very fortunate and blessed to have a wonderful family, great careers, and the support of many to make that possible. This scholarship is being established to provide special education students at Illinois State University with some support so their dreams of being a future special education teacher may come true.
(1 award, $1,000) Candidates should be a full-time sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled in field experiences in vision or learning and behavior in the Special Education Department with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The student must demonstrate a passion for special education as demonstrated by references from university supervisors, academic advisors, and/or faculty members. Preference will be given to first generation college students or students with outstanding records of service to others. This scholarship may be renewed for up to three years.
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance to students, and at the same time provide tribute and memory to the life of Carol Owen. Carol graduated from Illinois State University's Special Education program in the vision sequence in December 1977. She taught in Lincoln, Peoria, and Pekin as a special educator for children with deaf/blindness and severe/multiple disabilities. By 1982 she had completed her master's degree and administrative credentials in general and special education, also at Illinois State University. Carol joined the faculty of the Department of Special Education in 1984, serving first as a university supervisor and later as the coordinator for the Chicago Area Field-Base program, a position she held until 1996. At that time Carol returned to the public schools as a special educator for Community Consolidated School District 15. In 2005 Carol achieved National Board Certified Teacher/Exceptional Needs Specialist status and became a Master Teacher in Illinois, the highest credentials available to special educators. This scholarship was established by Carol's husband Robbin in her memory.
(1 award, $1,000) Candidates must be full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors in the Department of Special Education with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students should demonstrate the knowledge, performance, and disposition required of an outstanding special educator as evidenced by references from university supervisors, academic advisors, and/or faculty members.
The Lawson Legacy Family Scholarship was established to honor the 60th wedding anniversary of Robert Kent Lawson and Helen Delores Akers Lawson, who met as Illinois State Normal University students and married in 1949. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson grew up during the Great Depression and came to ISNU at the close of WWII, during which Mr. Lawson had served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Lawson majored in agriculture education and later taught agriculture, science, middle school and was an elementary principal. Mrs. Lawson was a business education major which led her to employment as an office manager and bookkeeper, and later as a public aid caseworker for the State of Illinois. The couple has three children, Janice, Cindy, and Glenn, in whom they have instilled a love of teaching and learning. Their daughter Cindy Leigh Lawson ('73, '77, '93) received her education at ISU. After teaching in Peoria and Lincoln and administering a special education program in Peoria, she joined the ISU Department of Special Education where she served for over 25 years. During her time with the department she filled many roles including instructor, clinical faculty member, and undergraduate and master's coordinator. This scholarship was established upon her retirement from the position of assistant chairperson which she held for ten years.
Lawson family legacy at Illinois State began at ISNU when Avis Anna Crosby Lawson, Robert's mother, earned her teaching certificate in 1911. Her love for education and for ISU influenced all four of her children. In addition to Robert, her daughter Ruth attended ISNU, earning her teaching certificate in home economics in 1949. Five of Ruth's eight children have attended ISU. Most recently Cindy's step-daughter, Danielle Fulk Bean earned her degree from ISU in 2001 in Special Education.
(1 award, $750) Candidates for this scholarship should have a history of commitment to individuals with significant disabilities, demonstrated through volunteer or paid experiences. Candidates must demonstrate strong potential as future teachers and advocates for students with significant disabilities. Candidates must be juniors or seniors with a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the field of Learning Behavioral Specialist 1 within the Department of Special Education.
This scholarship was created by donations in memory and in honor of Dr. Meg Hutchins, who was a passionate and committed teacher educator and supportive mentor. She set high expectations for her students and provided exemplary instruction and support as they strove to meet those expectations. She dedicated her career to enhancing opportunities for people with significant disabilities.
(1 award, $1,000) The recipient must be a full-time junior or senior student majoring in special education who has been or is currently a student employee in the Department of Special Education. The recipient should have good academic standing as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and submit an essay which describes his/her record of community involvement, and future career and educational goals.
This scholarship was created by Nancy Daniels who retired in December of 2007 from her position as administrative assistant in the Special Education Department. She was employed at Illinois State University 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 Illinois State University and wanted to give back to the University which had been such an important part of her life. As a part of her work, she mentored student employees and enjoyed working closely with these students, and getting to know them personally. She always felt that Special Education student employees were of the highest quality, cared deeply for the profession they were entering and worked hard at balancing academics and a work schedule.
(1 award, $500) Candidates must be continuing undergraduate or graduate students who have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, a record of service, and are from an underrepresented group (non-white), OR have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and a demonstrated record of service to diverse populations.
The Diversity Recognition Award funds come from Special Education alumni. The purpose is to recognize undergraduate and graduate minority students for choosing ISU to further their education and for choosing special education as a career.
(2 awards, $2,000 each) Recipients should be either juniors, seniors, or graduate students in the department, with special consideration given to those in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing sequence. Two letters of recommendation from faculty are required.
The Wanda and Dale Weaver Endowed Scholarship and Fellowship Fund was established in 2002 by the Weavers to provide financial support to graduate and undergraduate students planning to teach persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Wanda Weaver earned her bachelor's degree in education from the Special Education Department at Illinois State in 1964, with a major in deaf and hard of hearing. She subsequently taught at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Cincinnati Public Schools. Dale Weaver graduated from the University of Illinois and had a 36-year career with General Electric. Together, they decided to create this award to give back to the institution from which Wanda earned her education.
(1 award, $7,000, divided equally over the recipient's remaining semesters) The recipients should be full-time graduate or undergraduate students in special education in either the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or Visual Disabilities sequence, who demonstrate a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
The Evelyn J. Rex Scholarship was established in 2000 by Dr. Evelyn J. Rex, who served and taught on the Special Education faculty at Illinois State for 30 years, retiring in 1991. Dr. Rex earned her bachelor's degree in education from Southern Illinois University, her master's degree from Northwestern University, and her doctorate degree from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville. Her devotion to literacy for the visually impaired and training teachers of students with special education needs was a constant source of fulfillment for her. She established this scholarship to assist students who show promise as future teachers of children with the low-incidence disabilities of vision and hearing impairments.
