Scholarships and Awards

The department awards several scholarships and academic prizes to our majors each year in order to recognize/reward exceptional studentship.
All majors are considered for most scholarships, several scholarships, students can apply for between their junior and senior years.
Among these are:

Michael D. and Patricia A. Sublett Geography Professional Development Fund Award - Established: 2020

Qualifications:

1. Applicants must be a Geography major or Geography Education major at Illinois State University in good academic standing.
2. Applicants must not have received a Sublett Award during the present calendar year.

3. Purposes for the funds must be for your professional development as a student geographer, which can include paying for necessities of life, academic and otherwise.

Application:

1. Prepare a proposal using the format of a one-page academic essay (title, paragraphs, proofing, etc.). Submit the essay as a printed paper document or an attachment to an email to the Chairperson. Essay cannot exceed 250 words.
2. In the essay, explain your current circumstances as a Geography major, the need for funding, exactly what you will purchase with the money, and how much you expect to spend for each item (product or service).
3. At the bottom of the page provide your name, student number, mailing address, and other contact information. Give the date of the essay there as well.
4. Department Chairperson will administer and make the awards.

Stipend amount up to $500.

Harry O. Lathrop-Arthur W. Watterson Memorial Award–Established: 1954 Modified: 2009

Qualifications:

1. G.P.A. minimum of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
2. 48 semester hours at Illinois State University, including spring semester of current academic year
3. Junior-Senior standing
4. Extracurricular activities:
   • Involvement in the Geography or the Geology Club
   • Attendance of field trips
   • Attendance at professional meetings and/or field conferences
   • Presentation of student research at professional meetings
   • Publications

Application: Nomination by department faculty

Stipend amount depends upon interest earned by the scholarship fund. Historically the amount is about $300.00.

Eunice Blackburn Scholarship - Established: 1989

Qualifications:

1. Must be a senior Geography major having completed at least 90 semester hours.
2. Must have demonstrated substantial academic achievement both in the major and overall
3. Financial need will be a consideration
4. Must pursue either student teaching or professional practice. If the student fails to take either experience, the award funds will revert to the Endowment.

Application: Nomination by department faculty

Amount: Stipend amount depends upon interest earned by the scholarship fund. No award will be less than $250.00

George R. Means Geography Scholarship - Established 1994

Qualifications:

1. Must be enrolled at Illinois State University
2. Must have a 1st or 2nd major in Geography
3. Must have a minimum 2.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale

Application: Nomination by department faculty

Amount: Stipend amount depends upon interest earned by the scholarship fund. Maximum award has been $5,000. The Scholarship Committee will determine the number of scholarships awarded per year.

Margaret Means Endowment Stipend - Established 1994

Qualifications:

1. Must be enrolled at Illinois State University
2. Must have a 1st or 2nd major in Geography
3. Must have a minimum 2.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale
4. Must be involved in any of the following:
   • Practice Teaching
   • Unpaid Internship
   • Off campus travel and formal study

Candidates must show strong promise for a career in teaching or service to humankind: must have potential to become a positive influence in society, and must be of high character.

Application: Nomination by department faculty

Amount: Awards will be up to $2,000.00 depending on activity and circumstances. The Scholarship Committee will determine the number of scholarships awarded per year.

Louis Miglio Scholarship - Established 2006

Qualifications:

1. Strong Character
2. Financial Need
3. Strong academic record
4. Majoring in teacher education

Application: Nomination by department faculty

Amount: Stipend amount depends upon interest earned by the scholarship fund. Maximum award has been $5,000. The Scholarship Committee will determine the number of scholarships awarded per year.