The Michael Collins Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
Michale Collins was a senior Exercise Science major less than two months away from graduating when his life was tragically cut short at age 22 when a car in which he was a designated driver for a group of friends was crashed into by a drunk driver. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science which was accepted by his parents, Jim and Kelly at his funeral. Michael had played baseball at Heartland Community College before transferring to ISU and continued to stay involved in the sport as a coach. Michael was heavily involved in community and church activities. Michael was an organ and tissue donor who ended up helping several individuals through his donation. This award is designed to represent Michael’s religious commitment and his “Pay it Forward” attitude.
Criteria: ES junior or senior, in good standing, minimum GPA of 3.0, preference for demonstrated financial need. Displays a “pay it forward” attitude and who is committed to helping people achieve their goals.
The Georgia Rose Exercise Science Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Jeff and Karen Sunderlin. Jeff Sunderlin, (BS ’74 and MS ’77), serves as a program manager with the YMCA-USA Healthier Communities Initiative—Statewide Pioneering Healthier Communities, a position he has held since 2009. Prior to accepting this position, he served as a public health administrator in the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control with the Illinois Department of Public Health for 18 years and with the Office of the Governor for four years prior to that. Before entering state government service, Sunderlin was the director of Sports Medicine, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Adult Fitness at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria and held a concurrent position as head athletic trainer at Bradley University.
Criteria: 3.0 cumulative ISU GPA, Junior or Senior ES Major, demonstrated participation in campus or community events and service opportunities, Demonstrated involvement in professional or pre-professional associations.
The Trent R. Richards Scholarship Fund
This endowment was established in 2000 by Trent Richards, is a 1971 BS and 1981 MS graduate of Illinois State University. Trent had a successful teaching/coaching career before starting One on One Fitness, a Chicago fitness consulting company to help companies, executive and schools in wellness education. In 1988, he designed a boardgame “Balance” with an ad agency and started “funbrain” which became the largest educational website for teachers and children. Funbrain was eventually sold to Pearson in 2000.
Criteria: Junior ES major (55+ hours) in good standing; demonstrated strong academic achievement (3.0 gpa); awarded fall of junior year.
Exercise Science Distinguished Senior – Funded by the Esther McGinnis Fund, this award goes to the top academic student in the Exercise Science Program.
Criteria: 3.0 cumulative ISU GPA, three full-time ISU semesters (greater than 40 hrs.), Declared ES major. Nominated by and voted upon by the Exercise Science faculty.
Exercise Science Professional Development Award – Funded by the Esther McGinnis Fund, this award goes to the student in the Exercise Science Program demonstrating professionally focused community involvement. It is usually awarded to students who have been involved in research in the Exercise Science Program.
Criteria: Senior ES major, 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA. Nominated by and voted upon by the Exercise Science faculty.