The Susan T. Kern Special Opportunities Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 by Dr. Susan and Stephen Kern to support Illinois State students participating in a one-time special academic or co-curricular opportunity. Redbirds Trinity Mersmann and Allison Henrichsmeyer were chosen as recipients in spring 2022.
A senior zoology major, Mersmann noted how influential the scholarship has been. She will use the award to help fund expenses related to a class within the School of Biological Sciences called “Rainforest Ecology.” Mersmann will use knowledge gained from the class when she travels with other students to Costa Rica over fall break to work on an individual research project.
“The name fits … receiving this award will truly allow me to take part in a special opportunity that will advance my career and my education at ISU,” Mersmann said.
A sophomore majoring in political science and legal studies, with a minor in French and francophone studies, Henrichsmeyer was inspired by her eighth grade social studies class where she and other students wrote letters to state representatives. The experience led her to explore the world of political influence.
Thanks to the Susan T. Kern Special Opportunities Scholarship, Henrichsmeyer was able to travel to France over the summer. The experience was one she had been looking forward to for a long time, and having additional support allowed her to fully focus on getting the most out of the experience.
The experiences of Mersmann and Henrichsmeyer mirror donor Susan Kern’s intent for the scholarship. Kern was inspired to create the fund after she heard of a student on ISU’s solar car team who lacked the money needed to travel to a race. “I wanted to make funds available to students who would otherwise not be able to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would add to their education,” said Kern.
