Rockford University Scholarships Available to Continuing Students
The following scholarships are funded by individuals, organizations and corporations that provide monetary assistance for students at Rockford University. Preference for these scholarships (unless otherwise indicated) is given to full-time students who have completed at least one year of study at Rockford University. There are a few scholarships which require an application to be completed in order to be considered; however, most scholarships do not require an application. Students are required to complete a FAFSA with a March 1 priority deadline. Not all scholarships are available yearly, but all are reviewed annually by Student Administrative Services. Many are presented at the annual Scholarship Day event.
Steven K. Alberts Memorial Scholarship in Criminal Justice was named in memory of Steven K. Alberts, Class of 1975, who was killed in the line of duty while a member of the Los Angeles Police Department. Established through individual and corporate gifts, the scholarship is awarded to part-time students who are majoring in anthropology/sociology with a criminal justice emphasis or pursuing the Master of Business Administration degree with emphasis in criminal justice. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and need.
Bonnie Lynn Keith Albracht Memorial Scholarship was established in 1990 by her parents in memory of their daughter, a summer school student at Rockford University during the early 1960s. Funds from this endowment provide tuition assistance to up to two juniors or seniors majoring in the helping professions who have demonstrated financial need.
Jane Ashcraft Alexander Memorial Scholarship was established in 1990 by a gift from her family to honor this 1928 alumna of Rockford University. Two scholarships are awarded annually to students from any academic area, enrolled in the traditional academic programs, with preference given to those involved in community service projects. Application and interview required for consideration.
Marshall A. and Dorothy Frederick Anderson Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 by Marshall A. Anderson in honor of his wife, Class of 1935. This scholarship is awarded annually to two female students who have completed their freshman and sophomore years at Rockford University, are entering their junior or senior years, and are concentrating their studies in the areas of science and mathematics. The scholarship is renewable and the recipients shall be chosen on the basis of academic ability.
Stephen and Dorothy Baits Endowed Scholarship was established in 1997 by a gift from Stephen, Class of 1993Hon., and Dorothy Voss Baits, Class of 1951, and is awarded annually to a deserving Rockford University student.
The Myrla Block Endowed Scholarship was established to help students entering the field of Education. Students must be in a good standing, enrolled in a traditional undergraduate program, majoring in Education, be a resident of Rockford, and demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA.
The Carter Family Scholarship was established by Steve and Lisa Carter who believe that diversity is an important consideration in society. Diversity comes in many different forms including race, gender, socio-economic status and thought. Because of this belief the Carters have established a scholarship with the intent that the Rockford University experience continues to be enriched by students with diverse backgrounds, interest and talents.
Barber Colman Management Fund Scholarship was established in 1987 through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to provide funds from an endowment directed to Rockford University for scholarships to assist the University with increases in enrollment. Funds are to be awarded to new, incoming students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 4.0 who will reside on campus and demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are renewable if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA, continues to reside on campus, and demonstrates financial need.
Ruth K. and Charles M. Burgess Scholarship was established in 1985 from the trust of Ruth K. Burgess and provides scholarships to female students with demonstrated financial need.
Paul E. Campbell Endowed Scholarship was established in 1981 from the trust of Paul E. Campbell and provides scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.
Margaret Schuh DesPland Scholarship was established in 1998 by Mrs. Aimee McGirt in memory of her mother, Margaret L.C. Schuh DesPland (1899-1987), a Rockford University art major and artist. This scholarship is awarded to a female art major at the beginning of her senior year based on outstanding talent, dedication, and promise, as demonstrated in a portfolio review at the end of the junior year.
Helene R. Dillon Memorial Scholarship was established in 1991 by the Dillon Foundation in memory of Helene R. Dillon (Class of 1933), whose support to Rockford University included hosting student and faculty functions, seminars and retreats, providing scholarships, underwriting the publishing costs of “The History of Rockford University” in 1980 and serving as a Trustee. Mrs. Dillon received the Talcott Cross award from Rockford University in 1971. These scholarships are awarded to worthy Rockford University students.
Maude Eastwood Scholarship was established in 1980 from the estate of Maude Eastwood to assist worthy female students with demonstrated financial need.
Emerson-Lathrop Memorial Scholarship was established with a portion of the income from the Mary Emerson Lathrop bequest of 1952, and provides scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.
Margaret E. Everett Music Scholarship was established in 1994 from the estate of Margaret E. Everett, Class of 1919, to provide music scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.
Hart Alden Fisher Endowed Scholarship in Math & Science was established in 2011 by Hart Alden Fisher, Class of 1962. It is awarded to a male student who is a United States citizen, has demonstrated financial need by filing a FAFSA, professes to be of the Christian faith, and is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate traditional program student pursuing a degree in the disciplines of Math or Science.
Leslie H. Geddes Rockford Downtown Rotary Club Scholarship in Criminal Justice was established in 1993 and, based on annual renewal, provides funds for outstanding full-time or part-time students pursuing a career in the criminal justice field.
Leigh and Jean Miller Gibbs Endowed Scholarship provides scholarships to students enrolled in traditional programs at Rockford University, who have a 3.0 or higher GPA and with demonstrated financial need.
Beatrice Johnson Hannah Scholarship was established in memory of this former professor of French and comparative literature, and provides scholarships for students from France.
Robert and Sheryl Head Endowed Scholarship was established in 2009 to honor Rockford University President Emeriti, Dr. Robert L. Head, and his wife, Sheryl. It provides scholarships to students majoring in art, business or nursing, enrolled in traditional programs at Rockford University, who have a 3.0 or higher GPA, and have demonstrated financial need.
Swan Hillman Scholarship was established in 1965 by Rockford Screw Products Corp. in memory of its founding president, one of Rockford’s industrial pioneers. The funds are allocated to secondary school graduates from Boone and Winnebago counties who demonstrate high promise and leadership abilities.
Gertrude Lund Hognander Endowed Scholarship for Leadership in Music and the Performing Arts, established in 2004, was named for alumna Gertrude Lund Hognander, Class of 1937, and provides funds for a full-time student of any year who participates in music or the performing arts programs at Rockford University, demonstrates personal initiative, leadership and teamwork, and is an engaged and positive contributor to one’s school, community and/or performing arts group.
Alan Hutchcroft Endowed Scholarship for Chemistry/Biochemistry was established in 2001 from the Bergmann Benjamin Moore Perpetual Charitable Trust. It is awarded to candidates chosen by the Chemistry department from among students who meet the University’s honors admission standards (top 10 percent of class, 3.5 GPA, ACT of 27 or higher or SAT of 1200 or higher), and who have an expressed interest in a Chemistry or Biochemistry major. Three scholarships - at the sophomore, junior and senior levels - will be awarded each year.
Jeremy Ingalls Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 by Colleen Kitzmiller Holmbeck, Class of 1956, and her husband, John. The scholarship is given to an outstanding student with junior standing who is majoring in English.
Arlene Jackson Scholarship was established in 1998 by the Pre-Social Work Advisory Board as a memorial to Arlene Jackson, the first instructor in social work at Rockford University.
Dr. Diane Jenkins Endowed Scholarship was established in 1997 through gifts from Dr. Diane and Mr. Robert Jenkins. The scholarship is given to a student planning to major in education who has graduated from a high school in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle counties, and who has the required academic credentials and financial need. It may be renewed if the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA, and is active in the Education majors student organization.
Shirley Jones-Bailey Endowed Scholarship was established in 2000 by LaVerne Krueger, Class of 1944, in honor of her student, Shirley Jones-Bailey, and offers financial support to students interested in the fields of fine arts, business and education. Recipients must have a GPA of at least 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale). Application required for consideration.
Julieanne Kriens Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 through the Julieanne Kriens Memorial Foundation, to provide funds to a student under the age of 20 at the start of the first semester of the academic year in which they receive the scholarship, who will be a full-time, traditional program student, who demonstrates an exemplary written record of an ongoing commitment to community service, and who enters with and/or carries a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to students pursuing a degree in a business-related field.
Carl D. Loescher Memorial Scholarship for Nursing was established to honor his father by Mr. Dan G. Loescher, in 2011. The recipient must be a full-time undergraduate junior or senior, must have declared nursing as their major, must maintain a 3.0 GPA, and must be an active participant in Rockford University’s Nursing Student Organization. In the event there are many qualified candidates, the student possessing a record of volunteer service will be selected.
George H. Mayr Scholarship was established in 1961 to provide scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.
Carol E. McDonald Education Scholarship was established in 2002 by Mark McDonald in memory of his wife, Carol Egdahl McDonald. Carol received her B.S. in education from Rockford University in 1970, and her MAT in 1981. The scholarship is given to an education major who will be a senior the following fall and is chosen on the basis of merit by the Education Department.
Edward W. and Virginia Mill Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Edward Mill, chair of the political science department from 1955-1959, and is awarded on the basis of academic performance and financial need to a junior or senior majoring in political science.
Mary Louise Miller Endowed Scholarship was established in 1994 by Mary Louise Miller, Class of 1930, to help other women achieve their Rockford University education. The recipient must be a US citizen, maintain a “C” average, enrolled full-time in a traditional undergraduate program, and majoring in music (piano performance) or science (if there are no piano performance music majors).
James C. & Phyllis Spalding Miller Endowed Scholarship was established through a unitrust in 1998 to provide financial aid for deserving students. James passed away in 2007 and and Phyllis passed in 2015 and was a graduate of the class of 1940.
Sandra Knouft Molander Scholarship in Science was established through gifts from Sandra Knouft Molander, Class of 1962, her daughter, Belinda J. Henschel, and each of Ms. Henschel’s employers, Unitrin, Inc. and Kemper Corporation. The female recipient may not be a freshman, must maintain a 2.8 GPA while a full-time undergraduate traditional program student, and must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA. The recipient must also be pursuing a degree in the sciences and actively, enthusiastically involved on campus.
Robert W. Nauert Scholarship was established in 1984 in memory of Robert W. Nauert who, in 1926, founded the Pioneer Life Insurance Co. with headquarters in Rockford. The scholarship is given to a qualified and deserving student.
Lucille Boyle Newton Scholarship was established in 1987 by G.B. Newton in memory of his wife, Lucille Boyle Newton, Class of 1921, who taught and performed music after graduation. The fund provides scholarship assistance for qualified and deserving students studying music at Rockford University.
Jean L. Stewart Olson Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 by Jean L. Stewart Olson, Class of 1938. This scholarship is given to a deserving student attending Rockford University.
Donald E. and Eldora M. Ozanne – Lewis Lemon Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 in recognition of the Ozanne Family’s belief in the importance of a liberal arts education. Scholarship funding will be awarded annually to sophomore students who have maintained a 2.75 or higher GPA and who are either majoring in a foreign language or majoring in English or political science with a minor in a foreign language
Anna Ruhl Page Scholarship provides scholarships to students majoring in science at Rockford University and is chosen on the basis of merit by the science department.
Eric H. and Ruby V. Peterson Endowed Scholarship was established by bequest in 1971 to provide scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.
George Carr Purdy Scholarship was established in 1989 from the estate of Charlotte Purdy Lang and is given to students who show scholastic aptitude, academic achievement, and financial need.
Maurice and Jeanette Rogers Scholarship was established in 1961 by the Funderburg Foundation in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Maurice P. Rogers and provides scholarships to deserving students, with preference to those interested in medicine or science.
Jane Sherwin Schwartz Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior at Rockford University, with preference given to students majoring in foreign language study, though students majoring in English, art, music history or any other of the humanities will be considered. Qualifications include an established GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrated financial need.
Anna Peck Sill Scholarships are awarded to students with GPAs of at least 3.5, who have been in residence at the University for less than four semesters and who have earned at least a 3.5 GPA elsewhere.
Ruth Linstrum Smith Scholarship was established by Margaret L. Bates, Class of 1945, in memory of Ruth Linstrum Smith, Class of 1944, to a student majoring in sociology or art.
The Socratic Society Scholarship was established in 1998 by the Alumni Association Board from the reunion gifts in honor of the Socratic Society of Rockford University. It is presented to a sophomore or junior Rockford University student who has completed at least one year of core courses of the Liberal Arts Honors program and best represents the liberal arts ideal – thus promoting scholastic achievement and furthering the interests of Rockford University.
John D. Spence Community Service Scholarship is named in honor of a popular Vice President of Development. The scholarship is based on a student’s exceptional service to the community while maintaining excellent academic performance.
Elaine D. Stambaugh Endowed Scholarship supports a sophomore, junior or senior with demonstrated financial need majoring in one of the humanities who has a proven record of seeking education in formal and informal ways, while showing they have served their community and been good stewards of the earth.
Eugene and Applin Starr Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in 1977 to deserving students with demonstrated financial need.
Sally Ann E. and Lynn H. Stiles Scholarship is given to a female Rockford University student who is seeking a degree while actively maintaining a family with children.
Adele Smith Strong Endowed Scholarship was established in 1956 by a bequest of Marguerite Strong Buzby, Class of 1906, and provides scholarships to female students.
The Helene Tzitsikas Scholarship was established through the estate of Dr. Helene Tzitsikas, a former Spanish faculty member from 1962-1965. She went on to have a successful career as a scientist at Abbott Laboratories. Students must be in good standing, enrolled in a traditional undergraduate program with a major or minor in Spanish.
Signa Mary Wahlquist Endowed Scholarship in Math & Science was established in 2011 by Hart Alden Fisher, Class of 1962, in memory of his mother. It is awarded to a female student who is a United States citizen, has demonstrated financial need by filing a FAFSA, professes to be of the Christian faith, and is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate traditional program student pursuing a degree in the disciplines of Math or Science.
Justine Walhout Scholarship in Chemistry was established through a fund created by the Chemistry Department of Rockford University and honors Professor Emerita Dr. Justine Walhout, who retired from the University in 1996. The scholarship is given to sophomore and junior chemistry or biochemistry majors making satisfactory progress toward their degrees.
Eli B. and Harriet B. Williams Memorial Scholarship was established by a bequest of Hobart W. Williams as a memorial to his parents, Eli B. and Harriet B. Williams. The scholarships are given to students of limited means to help them realize their ambitions for a college education. Preference is given to students who have completed at least one year at Rockford University.
Daisy Wilbert Endowed Scholarship in Economics was a gift from Daisy who passed away in 2014 at the age of 107. The scholarship was established to help a student majoring in Economics.
Beatrice Jones Winkler Scholarship was established in 1987 and honors Beatrice Jones Winkler, Class of 1940. The scholarship is given to a qualified and deserving student with preference given to a student who resides outside of Rockford.
R. Ray and Nola Wood Endowed Eagle Scout Scholarship was established in 1999 by R. Ray and Nola Wood to assist talented and determined young men in completing their college degree and succeed in life. To qualify for the scholarship, the Eagle Scout must apply to and be accepted by Rockford University. Recipients who are in good academic standing at the end of an academic year may receive the scholarship the following year (up to a maximum of four years).
Rubin-Lyons Family Scholarship was established as a gift from the Benjamin F. Lyons Family, as a memorial for Ben, Ethel, "Buzz" and Jane, a 1972 graduate of Rockford University and a life-long educator. It was established for the purpose of providing an endowed educational scholarship.
Rubin-Bederka Scholarship was established from the estate of Timothy Bederka, a data information specialist from the class of 1991.