Political science and philosophy major Sara O’Dowd is the recipient of the Robert G. Bone Scholarship.
Students are nominated by their department/school to apply for the scholarship, generally in the junior year. Bone Scholars are students who combine broad and excellent academic achievement with campus and community engagement and are individuals who have shown outstanding qualities of character and leadership.
At Illinois State, O’Dowd has been part of the Gamma Phi Circus, the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee, and the mock trial team. She has also interned with the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office in the civil division. She has contributed to the Illinois State academic community by presenting twice at the Spring Research Symposium. She is also a founding member and vice president of the Phi Sigma Tau chapter, the international Honors Society of Philosophers, has worked as a philosophy peer mentor, and is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society.
Being designated a Bone Scholar is the highest honor an Illinois State University undergraduate student can receive. Bone Scholars receive a scholarship, commemorative medallion, and are recognized in a display in the Bone Student Center. Scholars are also formally recognized at a luncheon and at commencement.
