An agriculture scholarship has been established in memory of 1988 Illinois State University alumna Jill Walker, who died in August. She was the wife of Paul Walker, professor of Agriculture at Illinois State, and mother of Samantha and Leslie.
The scholarship was created and endowed by contributions from Paul Walker and the friends and family of the Walkers. The Jill Walker Agriculture Memorial Scholarship will provide a $1,000 scholarship each year to an incoming freshman majoring in agriculture and specializing in animal science, agronomy or agriculture education. The first scholarship will be presented in the fall 2007 semester.
Jill Walker was a committed supporter of young people and a recognized community leader. She was a past president of the Danvers Women’s Club, a member of the Danvers Library Board, past officer of the Danvers Grade School PTO, a member of the Trinity Lutheran PTO, a coordinator for the Red Cross Danvers Blood Drive and a member of the Illinois Simmental Association.
Walker received several awards for her community service including the Illinois Simmental Association 2002 Member of the Year and was recognized as an Olympia FFA Honorary Member. In addition to the annual scholarship, members of the Illinois cattle industry have established the Jill Walker Memorial Traveling Trophy, along with $5,000 and $2,500 savings bonds awarded each year to two junior exhibitors who win the Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer awards at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show.
Anyone interested in contributing to the scholarship should click on Giving and designate the Jill Walker Agriculture Scholarship in the gift designation area.
