ISU Athletics Endowed Scholarships
Doug Collins Endowed Scholarship: The proceeds from the Doug Collins Roast and Toast in 1990 established the scholarship in the name of Illinois State's all-time leading basketball scorer. It is presented annually to either a junior or senior men's basketball player who meets academic requirements and contributes significantly to his team.
Benoni Green Endowed Scholarship: Established in 1998, the Benoni Green Endowed Scholarship was funded by friends of the star Redbird tennis player. Green competed at Illinois State prior to World War II and his scholarship was presented for the first time in 1999.
Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship: The Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999, when the Redbird coaching legend retired from the women's basketball post. The award honoring the winningest coach in Illinois State history is given to a women's basketball player.
Will Robinson Endowed Scholarship: Proceeds from the 1994 Doug Collins Chicago Golf Outing and a special announcement reception established the Will Robinson Scholarship. Robinson was the Redbird basketball coach from 1970 to 1975 and a pioneer among African-American college coaches. The scholarship also funds an internship with the Detroit Pistons, Robinson's employer until his death in 2008.
W. F. Ruebush Endowed Scholarship: Funded in 2005 by a gift from the W.F. Ruebush Foundation, this scholarship honors the foundation's creator, Walton Ruebush, a 1932 Illinois State graduate who captained the Redbird football team. Mr. Ruebush, who died in 1991, began his professional life as a teacher and coach before becoming a leader in personal finance. The scholarship will be presented annually to a Redbird football player with at least a 3.2 grade point average.
D. A. Weibring Endowed Scholarship: Established in 1994 with proceeds from the first five D.A. Weibring Redbird Golf Classics, the scholarship -- named for the former Redbird golfer -- goes to a current Redbird golfer who meets specific eligibility criteria. After another successful classic in 1995, the endowment became the first at Illinois State to be fully funded.
Milt Weisbecker Endowed Scholarship: Established in 1990 to honor the Redbird athletics director who led Illinois State's program into Division I status, the Milt Weisbecker Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior men's basketball player who meets specific academic standards.
Duffy Bass Endowed Scholarship: Named for the baseball coach who retired in 1988 after leading the Redbirds to more than 700 wins, the Duffy Bass Scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior Redbird baseball player who demonstrates the spirit of Coach Bass.
Dede Woytowych Endowed Scholarship: The Woytowych scholarship was established in 2007 by Denise and Rich Woytowych (parents of Dede) and her many friends. Dede was a swimming letterwinner for ISU who died suddenly in 2005 at the age of 23. Dede had a personal impact on the lives of her teammates, her coaches, her community and swimming fans. The scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior swimmer.
Helen Cushman Endowed Scholarship: In January 1995 the Helen Cushman Endowed Scholarship Fund was established with $5,600 from Nina Chesebro and the late Pat Chesebro to benefit Illinois State's intercollegiate women's golf program and to honor their close friend, Helen Cushman. The pair decided to establish the fund prior to Pat Chesebro's death in appreciation to Cushman, who had introduced them to the game of golf.
Raymond W. Fairchild Endowed Scholarship: Dr. Fairchild was Illinois State Normal University president from 1933 to 1954. After his death in the early 1960s, an endowment was established to fund a scholarship for a Redbird junior baseball player.
Dr. James E. Collie Endowed Scholarship: The Collie scholarship was established in 2008 through funds raised by former players and coaches of Coach Collie. "Gentleman Jim" coached ISU men's basketball 1958-1970 achieving 209 coaching victories. Dr. Collie was elected to the ISU Hall of Fame in 1976. Much of today's Redbird basketball tradition traces directly to the Collie era. His players remember him as one who helped to positively mold all their lives. The scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior on the men's basketball team.
Dr. Linda Herman Endowed Schloarship: For more than three decades, Dr. Linda Herman contributed to the success of Redbird Athletics as a pioneering volleyball coach and award-winning administrator, including four terms as Illinois State's interim director of athletics. Proceeds from the 2005 Joe Warner Memorial Golf Classic initiated funding for the scholarship, which will be presented annually to a volleyball student-athlete.
L. Durwood Boone Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship was established with an initial grant from the estate of the late L. Durwood Boone, whose playing skills inspired the start of the Redbird golf program in the 1930s. It was awarded to a Redbird golfer for the first time in 1995.
Rob & Nancy Northrip Endowed Scholarship: The Northrip scholarship was established in 2009 by Nancy and Rob Northrip for female student-athletes majoring in education, with a preference for female gymnasts. Nancy lettered in gymnastics for the Redbirds and Rob was a Redbird cheerleader. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Junior female student-athlete.
Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship: Named after an avid and longtime Redbird supporter, the Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship was established in 1997, when Fred, husband of the late Janyth Aellig, funded the endowment with the help of more than 50 friends and family.
Bob & Audrey Weber Endowed Scholarship: The Weber scholarship was established in 2006 by Bob Weber in honor of his late wife Audrey, longtime Redbird fans and supporters. The Weber's became men's basketball season ticket holders in 1974, football season ticket holders in the mid-1980"s and became women's basketball season ticket holders in 2003. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the men's or women's basketball team.
Schuster Family Endowed Scholarship: The Schuster Family scholarship for Redbird Baseball was established in 2007 by Robert and LaNita Schuster. The scholarship honors Andrew Schuster, a 4 year Redbird baseball letter winner, and Danielle Miller-Schuster, a "Redline Dancer" for the Redbirds. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Junior or Senior member of the Redbird Baseball team.
Herschel Brock Endowed Scholarship: The Herschel Brock scholarship was established in 2008 by Jeff Brock. The scholarship honors his father Hershel. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Junior or Senior Illinois State Athlete.
Rev. Dr. Joanne Peppard-Cooke Endowed Scholarship: The Cooke scholarship was established by Dr. Cooke in 2006. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support for a member of the women's basketball team. "Pep" created this scholarship to express her support of education and athletics. As a recipient of a scholarship herself, "Pep" was aware of the difference such support can make in the life of a student. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the women's basketball team.
James & Carole Mounier Endowed Scholarship: The Mounier scholarship was established in 2007 by James and Carole Mounier. Jim and Carole are proud Illinois State graduates who were active in Greek life-Sigma Nu and Delta Zeta. They both enjoy golf and believe the sport builds character and life success. The scholarship is awarded annually to a golf student-athlete.
Robert & Laura Garrett Endowed Scholarship: The Garret scholarship was established in 2008 by Robert and Laura Garrett. The scholarship is for women's basketball and volleyball, long-time loves of both Bob and Laura. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the women's basketball team or a member of the women's volleyball team.
Stephen Heaton Endowed Scholarship: The Stephen Heaton scholarship was established in March 2010 by Nancy Heaton and family in honor of her late husband Steve. This scholarship is for a baseball student-athlete studying in the college of business. Steve lettered in baseball beginning in 1965 until he graduated in 1968. He was an all-conference baseball player and was named to the All-National Tournament Baseball Team Midwest Regional two years in succession. Steve majored in Business Education earning dean's list distinction six of his eight semesters. Steve dedicated his life to teaching business and coaching baseball. His dedication and leadership inspired many students and players to pursue careers in education and coaching. Nancy is also a proud graduate earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Illinois State University.
Ed Struck & Carl D. Heldt Endowed Scholarship: The Ed Struck and Carl D. Heldt Endowed Football Scholarship was established and first awarded in 2012. Due to the impact of these two coaches, a group of former ISU players have established this scholarship and it shall be awarded annually. Ed Struck served as head football coach for over 20 years at ISU while Carl D. Heldt was part of the faculty for 22 years. This endowed scholarship will serve as legacies for future generations of Illinois State University student-athletes in perpetuity.
Jim Whitman Tennis Endowed Scholarship: The Jim Whitman Tennis Scholarship was established in 2014 from gifts made in honor of Jim Whitman to benefit a men’s tennis student-athlete. Jim was a former Illinois State men’s tennis player and coach who received all-conference accolades all four years as a player at Illinois State from 1963-67 and coached from 1972-1986. As a player Jim was honored as MVP twice and won three conference singles titles. He was inducted to the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame in 1981.
Andrew C. Butler Endowed Scholarship: The Andrew C. Butler Endowed Scholarship was established in May 2015 from gifts in memory of Andy Butler. Andy attended his beloved Illinois State University, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Andy was an extremely successful salesperson and manager for Sprint. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, and loyal ISU Redbird supporter. He had a passion for connecting ISU alums and fans with Redbird Athletics, and enjoyed attending games with his fiancé Jamie. The endowment rotates to benefit a member of the Redbird men’s basketball, football, or men’s golf team.
James R. Tague Endowed Scholarship: The James R. Tague Endowed Scholarship was established in April 2015 following a generous gift from Jim’s family in his memory/honor and benefits a Redbird football student-athlete. Jim was a standout on the Redbird football team and was inducted into the Illinois State Hall of Fame for his achievements on the gridiron in 1990. Jim was an extremely successful insurance salesperson and adviser, having his own agency for more than 50 years. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, and loyal ISU Redbird supporter.
Rollie Mercer Endowed Scholarship: The Rollie Mercer Endowed Scholarship was established in Oct. 2018. Preference will be given to a football student-athlete currently enrolled and in good academic standing. In addition, preference will be given to an offensive player (tight end wearing #85 if applicable) that demonstrates a team-first attitude.
Bill Mitze Endowed Scholarship: The Bill Mitze Endowed Scholarship was established in Aug. 2018. Bill was a football student-athlete from 1957-1959 and graduated in 1960 from ISU. He was a long-time education administrator, teacher and coach before retiring. He was also an active member of various civic and church organizations. Preference will be given to a Football student-athlete majoring in Education or showcasing high academic achievement in their chosen area of study.
Dave & Doris Schertz Endowed Scholarship: The Dave & Doris Schertz Endowed Scholarship was established in 2020 to honor Dave Schertz, a four-year basketball letterman (1956-1959) and Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame member, and his wife, Doris. Dave was Illinois State’s captain and most valuable player for three season. He was on the all-NAIA District 20 team as a senior in 1959, when the Redbirds compiled a 24-5-record, won the conference title, and reached the NAIA national tournament. He still ranks No. 2 in career rebounds and No. 17 in career scoring. Preference will be given to a Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete displaying significant character, commitment to community service, and high academic achievement within their chosen area of study.