Student Scholarships Sponsored by
the GSU Foundation and Alumni Association
Dear Student:
We are pleased to inform you of the scholarships offered by the GSU Foundation and the GSU Alumni Association. Each year the organizations devote great effort to raising funds for these awards in order to recognize academic excellence and to assist deserving students who need financial help to continue their studies.
The following is a list of available scholarships, organized by college. A scholarship application is also available. As you review this information, keep in mind that the amounts of the awards and the eligibility criteria for each scholarship vary along with required GPA, number of hours enrolled, academic major, and special circumstances. It is important that you read the eligibility criteria and furnish five copies of ALL required documentation. Community Honors Scholars and employees of the university are not eligible. Students may apply for multiple scholarships; however, only one may be awarded. A student is allowed to receive a tuition waiver and/or scholarship, however if the combination of the two exceeds the student’s tuition and fees for the term, the unused portion will be applied to the next term of enrollment in the current academic year.
Each scholarship you apply for requires a completed application and other documentation as defined in the criteria below. Five copies of each completed scholarship application form and all other documentation, such as essays and/or letters of recommendation, should be submitted at the same time in one envelope. Applications must be submitted by June 25, 2009.
If you have any questions, please visit or call the Office of Financial Aid at 708.534.4480. Applications are to be submitted on or before the June 25, 2009 deadline to:
Scholarship Committee
c/o Office of Financial Aid
Governors State University
University Park, IL 60484
On behalf of the donors who make these scholarships available, we wish you success in your pursuit of educational excellence.
Joan T. Vaughan Rosemary D. Hulett
CEO, GSU Foundation CEO, GSU Alumni Association
General Information
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 25, 2009 (unless otherwise stated)
- Community College Honors Scholars and employees of the university are not eligible.
- A student is allowed to receive a tuition waiver and/or scholarship, however if the combination of the two exceeds the student’s tuition and fees for the term, the unused portion will be applied to the next term of enrollment in the current academic year.
- There are no cash awards. Scholarship funds will be applied to the student’s account, up to the maximum award (not to exceed tuition and fees). Funds will continue to be applied to the student’s account for subsequent trimesters during the same academic year until fully expended (as long as you continue to meet the original eligibility requirements), unless otherwise noted.
- The University Scholarship Committee (assisted by the Institutional Advancement Office) has sole authority for screening applications and selecting winners. Winners will be notified in August by mail.
- Scholarship recipients are expected to attend a scholarship reception in the Spring to meet the donors.
- If you have questions please call the Office of Financial Aid at 708.534.4480.
Remember to…
- Complete a separate scholarship application form for each scholarship.
- Type all letters or essays.
- For full consideration when applying for multiple scholarships, you must revise each letter and essay to meet specific requirements.
- Submit five copies of all required documentation at the same time before the deadline date.
- If you are applying for a financial need scholarship, submit your 2009-2010 FAFSA form no later than June 25, 2009.
- If you are a new student, please include an unofficial transcript for scholarships with GPA requirements.
Tuition Payment Requirements
Please note that applying for a scholarship does not waive your obligation to make scheduled tuition payments. If you have not received official notification about your scholarship application status by the tuition due date, you need to sign a tuition payment plan agreement and make a payment. If you are awarded a scholarship after you have made a tuition payment, your overpayment (if any) will be refunded to you if your scholarship award exceeds your balance due.
Scholarships Available for All Colleges
Community Service Scholarship
Eligibility: Applicant must be a degree-seeking in good academic standing and enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours. Must be able to demonstrate engagement in community volunteer services. Must be a United States citizen. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester. This scholarship will be awarded to a GSU student who demonstrates his/her active involvement in community service. First preference will be given students in College of Business and Public Administration. If no CBPA students meet qualifications, then students from other colleges will be considered.
Amount of Award: One at $500.00
Documentation Required: Submit a biographical essay of 500 to 1,000 words demonstrating a history of and desire to continue volunteering in the community. Applicant must submit two letters of recommendation from a volunteer organization.
Dr. Wayne B. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility: Adult learner, undergraduate or graduate student with a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Financial need is a factor. Must complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA form to be eligible. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must be a degree-seeking student in good academic standing. Must be a US citizen and resident of Illinois. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: One at $400.00
Documentation Required: Submit a biographical essay of 500 to 1,000 words describing educational and work history, accomplishments and career goals and your determination to complete all coursework necessary to earn a degree. Indicate how the degree will change your life. A letter of recommendation from GSU faculty or administrator may accompany the essay
$100 Follett-GSU Textbook Voucher
Eligibility: GPA of 2.75 for undergraduates or 3.25 for graduates. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must be a degree-seeking student, in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: Thirty $100 vouchers will be awarded in the form of a Follett Bookstore gift card
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (300 words) outlining how you intend to use your GSU degree.
Scholarships for Multiple Colleges
Great Lakes Bank Endowed Scholarship
College of Business and Public Administration, College of Education or College of Health and Human Services
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate student who has graduated or transferred from Prairie State College, South Suburban College, Moraine Valley Community College, or Joliet Junior College. Must be enrolled at GSU in six or more credit hours in a major in one of the following: College of Health and Human Services, College of Education (Division of Education only) or College of Business and Public Administration (only Division of Accounting/Finance/MIS or Division of Management/Marketing). Must be a degree-seeking student in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: Five at $1,000
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (500 words) indicating how you will use your degree in the southland metropolitan region, which includes south Cook and Will counties.
Rev. Tyron & Dora Smith Scholarship in Teacher Education
College of Education or College of Arts & Sciences
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree-seeking student with at least a 2.5 GSU cumulative GPA, or newly admitted to GSU as an undergraduate degree-seeking student with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA from prior schools. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must be in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester. Primary preference given to minority male applicants admitted to elementary education major in COE. Next preference given to teacher certification programs in CAS: biology, chemistry, English, or any future approved teacher certification program.
Amount of Award: One at $500
Documentation Required: Submit essay (400 to 500 words) discussing family background, education experience, volunteer experience in community or church, educational and career goals, how you plan to use your GSU degree to benefit your community, and why you chose GSU. Letter of recommendation from church pastor on official church letterhead.
College of Arts and Sciences
Criminal Justice Student Society Scholarship
Eligibility: Application must be a degree-seeking student. Must be a criminal justice major and be a senior by the coming fall semester. Must demonstrate financial need and submit a 2009-2010 FASFA form. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be in good academic standing. Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: One at $1,000
Documentation Required: Submit a 1,000 word personal statement. Include any information about yourself, your academic/professional/personal goals, financial need, and any other information you deem pertinent. Submit two letters of recommendation: one from a professor/instructor and the other from someone of your choosing.
Dr. Joyce Mohberg Transition Award
NOTE: Special Application Deadline for this scholarship only – December18, 2009
Eligibility: Applicant must be a GSU graduation candidate completing baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biology or master’s degree in analytical chemistry or environmental biology. All applications are pending acceptance to a Ph.D. program in chemistry or related field or a professional health or science degree program.
Amount of Award: One at $1,000
How To Apply: To be considered for this award, applications must:
- Applicant must submit a letter of interest describing their goals for attending a Ph.D. program or professional school at the time the application is submitted.
- Applicant must supply documentation demonstrating application to a qualifying degree program after the application process has been completed.
- Applicant must provide documentation of acceptance into a Ph.D. program, as well as acceptance of the appointment once it is received in the Spring of 2010.
Notification: Applications meeting above criteria will be reviewed in the Spring of 2010. The award will be will cover tuition and fees for the Spring term and will be applied to the recipient’s student account for Spring term. The winner will be notified by mail.
Ralph R. Turner Endowed Scholarship in Liberal Arts
Eligibility: Must be a returning African-American student, at least 30 years in age, pursuing a Liberal Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. Must be a degree seeking student in in good academic standing and enrolled, or about to enroll, in at least six credit hours. Must be a US citizen and a resident of Illinois. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester. Must be able to substantiate an active commitment to, and involvement in, community service.
Amount of Award: One at $650
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (500 to 1000 words) documenting commitment to, and involvement in, community service. Letters of support may be submitted from the dean or the chair of the division of Liberal Arts
College of Business and Public Administration
Martin Anthonisen Scholarship
Eligibility: Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours in GSU’s Finance degree program with a GPA of 3.0. Must be a returning adult student with financial need. Must complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA form to be eligible. Must be a degree-seeking student, in good academic standing. Must be a US citizen and resident of Illinois. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: One at $500
Documentation Required: Submit an application and essay discussing reasons for choosing a career in finance and indicating financial need.
Community Service Scholarship
Eligibility: Applicant must be a degree-seeking in good academic standing and enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours. Must be able to demonstrate engagement in community volunteer services. Must be a United States citizen. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester. This scholarship will be awarded to a GSU student who demonstrates his/her active involvement in community service. First preference will be given students in College of Business and Public Administration. If no CBPA students meet qualifications, then students from other colleges will be considered.
Amount of Award: One at $500.00
Documentation Required: Submit a biographical essay of 500 to 1,000 words demonstrating a history of and desire to continue volunteering in the community. Applicant must submit two letters of recommendation from a volunteer organization.
Donald and Helen Morrison Endowed Scholarship in Business
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate student in CBPA. Must be enrolled at GSU in a major that will prepare him/her to assume an entrepreneurial role in business or industry. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must be a degree-seeking student in good academic standing. Must be a US citizen and resident of Illinois. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: Five at $1,000
Documentation Required: Submit a biographical essay (500 to 1000 words) describing education and work experience, career goals, and how you plan to make a difference in the world. In addition, a letter of recommendation from the dean, division chair, or a faculty member is required.
Lorraine Fontana Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility: Must be a degree seeking student in the College of Business and Public Administration with a GPA of at least 3.5. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester. Students must be majoring in MIS, Accounting or Finance. Student must be a U.S. Citizen.
Amount of Award: One at $1,000
Documentation Required: Applicant must submit an application and essay describing your career goals and how this award will impact your education.
College of Education
Matteson Rotary Club
Eligibility: Students working toward a career in the public schools and who live in the service area of Richton Park, Olympia Fields, and Matteson. Preference is given to those who intend to work in schools in underserved areas. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must be a degree-seeking student in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: One at $1,000 ($500 for Fall Trimester and $500 for Winter Trimester)
Documentation Required: Submit a biographical essay (250 to 500 words) describing career goals and how this award will impact your education.
Dr. W. Prince and Elise McLemore Scholarship for Elementary Education
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate elementary education students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Must have completed at least nine hours at GSU and be a minority. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must be a degree-seeking student in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: One at $500
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (500 to 1000 words) describing your qualifications.
Ralph R. Turner Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education
Eligibility: Must be a returning African-American student, at least 30 years in age, pursuing an Elementary Education degree in the College of Education. Must be in good academic standing and enrolled, or about to enroll, in at least six credit hours. Must be a degree-seeking student. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester. Must be able to substantiate an active commitment to, and involvement in, community service.
Amount of Award: One at $650
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (500 to 1000 words) documenting commitment to, and involvement in, community service. Letters of support may be submitted from the Dean or the chair of the division.
College of Health and Human Services
Dr. W. Prince and Elsie McLemore Endowed Scholarship for Physical Therapy
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate physical therapy students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Must have completed at least nine hours at GSU and be a minority. Must be enrolled for six or more credit hours. Must be a degree-seeking student in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: One at $500
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (500 to 1000 words) describing your qualifications.
Monsignor Ignatius D. McDermott Endowed Scholarship
Eligibility: Must be enrolled, or about to enroll, for at least six credit hours, in good academic standing at GSU or a former college/university, with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Must be a degree-seeking student. Must be a United States citizen and a resident of Illinois.
Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester. Students must be majoring in Addiction Studies. Applicant must show personal goal of serving the underserved, preferably with work or volunteer experience. Must visit Haymarket Center and meet with the director.
Amount of Award: One at $1,000
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (500 to 1000 words) containing a brief bio, describing you commitment to wanting to make a difference in society, and relating experience/career aspirations in the field of addiction and recovery. Letters of support from faculty/administrators at GSU or lower division institution or current/previous employer in the field are encouraged. Financial need is not a requirement for students who meet other criteria but will be considered if demonstrated. If applicant wishes to be considered based on financial need, a 2009-2010 FASFA must be submitted.
Psi Iota Xi Scholarship in Communication Disorders
Eligibility: Must be a graduate student in Communications Disorders and be enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Scholarship will be awarded for the Winter trimester. Must be a degree-seeking student in good academic standing. Eligibility will be based on your academic standing as of winter trimester.
Amount of Award: Two at $300
Documentation Required: Submit an essay (500 to 1000 words) describing your interest in, and commitment to, the field of communication disorders.