Cody Rogers ’21 graduated with a bachelor’s in theatre teacher education and an endorsement in psychology. He was surprised and thrilled to be awarded the Diana Corley Schnapp Endowed Scholarship. “I felt the financial weight I have always been carrying get lighter, and I could breathe more easily,” he said.
Dylan Toth is a junior at Illinois State double majoring in family and consumer sciences teacher education and political science. He plans to become a family and consumer sciences teacher while advocating for policy that is beneficial to students and teachers.
Tyler Bloomfield studies music education and music composition at Illinois State University. Bloomfield’s passion for music is evident through the time he took to study composition strategies and write music before beginning coursework for his major.
Mennonite College of Nursing received funds from the Marion McDowell Stafford Charitable Trust Grant in 2002. Stafford was from Central Illinois and had an interest in educational programs benefiting children, youth, and families, as well as education and initiatives that fight disease or infirmity.
Each year, thousands of Redbirds arrive or return to campus excited to pursue their academic pursuits. But for many Redbirds, obstacles will arise, requiring additional support to overcome these unexpected barriers. At Illinois State, thousands of donors step forward each year to help.
“The Endowment for Forensics Fund means stability. We never know what our funding will look like year to year, so building up this fund means we can plan out the next several years, recruit students, and trust that when we offer them a spot at ISU, the team can be there for them all four years,” said Director of Forensics Megan Koch. “We have been here since ISU opened its doors, and the fund means we can continue to grow and thrive with the University.”
David DeMarini ’72, M.S. ’74, Ph.D. ’80, enjoyed a 36-year career as a genetic toxicologist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Decades earlier, he was a high school student competing in an annual State of Illinois forensics competition. His win in comedy reading while on Illinois State’s campus inspired his Redbird journey.
A recent estate gift commitment from Art Professor Emerita Susan Amster will further the study of art at Illinois State University. The gift honors her twin sister, Stephanie Amster, who died at age 80 on February 12, 2021. Both sisters created a legacy of teaching and inspiring as art faculty members at Illinois State.
Thanks to funding included in Wonsook Kim’s $12 million transformative gift, Illinois State University has been designated an All-Steinway School with the acquisition of 14 Steinway pianos.
When Kevin Stevens CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor graduated in 1994 with a degree in finance, financial planning wasn’t a well-known career. However, the career appealed to Stevens. With 24 years of experience in financial planning, Stevens is now focused on giving back. The scholarship Kevin Stevens funded will provide five, $5,000 scholarships for Illinois State University students interested in the profession.
