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:
- Applicants must be a Geography major or Geography Education major at Illinois State University in good academic standing.
- Applicants must not have received a Sublett Award during the present calendar year.
-
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:
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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:
- G.P.A. minimum of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- 48 semester hours at Illinois State University, including spring semester of current academic year
- Junior-Senior standing
- 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:
- Must be a senior Geography major having completed at least 90 semester hours.
- Must have demonstrated substantial academic achievement both in the major and overall
- Financial need will be a consideration
- 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:
- Must be enrolled at Illinois State University
- Must have a 1st or 2nd major in Geography
- 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:
- Must be enrolled at Illinois State University
- Must have a 1st or 2nd major in Geography
- Must have a minimum 2.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- 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:
- Strong Character
- Financial Need
- Strong academic record
- 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.