Milner Library has extended the deadline for applications for the 2023 Dr. Thomas D. Wilson Student Assistant Scholarship to 11:55 p.m. Tuesday, October 31. This scholarship is a one-time award of $1,000 given to two student employees who have worked at the library for at least one semester.
The award was created in 2020 by Kay Wilson in honor of her late husband, Dr. Thomas D. Wilson ’59, who supported Milner Library and loved to learn. Thomas Wilson taught politics and government at Illinois State from 1961 to 1992. He was a member of the Friends of Milner Library Board for multiple years, even serving as president. Thomas Wilson also enjoyed helping with the annual book sale that used to be held at the library. He worked to help collect and sort more than 10,000 books sold to raise money to fund grants for special projects and speakers.
The inaugural award went to then-senior sociology major Tenaya Muhammad ’22. Muhammad had worked in circulation at Milner Library for most of her time at Illinois State. The 2021 recipients were Kylee Winkler ’22 and Gage Ford ’22, who are planning careers in libraries and archives and in cybersecurity, respectively. In 2022, the award went to Shannon Thommes ’22, who is attending library school at the University of Illinois, and Noah Virklan ’23, who served as the student representative on Milner’s Library Council.
Other eligibility requirements for the award include at least a 3.0 GPA, and applicants must be a sophomore, junior, or senior who will be enrolled for classes in spring 2024. Interested library student assistants should complete all application materials and should submit materials no later than Tuesday, October 31, at 11:55 p.m. Applications will be evaluated based on clarity of writing, thoughtful reflection on daily work and other library activities, narrative of holistic experience at Milner Library both positive and challenging, and demonstrated application of skills learned at Milner Library to their major courses or other areas of their lives.
Any questions can be directed to Milner Library Director of Marketing and Communications Michelle Neuffer by emailing mgneuff@IllinoisState.edu or by calling (309) 438-3897.
