The mission of the UMCG Scholarship Committee is “to encourage and support members of UMCG in attaining their post secondary educational goals so that they may become individuals who make a Christian impact in the world around them.”
The following scholarships are available for students – undergraduates and graduate – attending community college, college or vocational school. Factors considered in awarding scholarships are church membership & participation; school, church & community activities; academic record, financial need and work experience.
Applicants will be considered for all eligible scholarships.
Bob Tucker Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships ($2,000 each) – Bob “Grandpa Tucker” was a favorite speaker for UMCG’s ‘Words for Children.” His message for all ages often included Sammy the Snake, a character from his published book, “Grandpa Tucker’s Rhymes and Tales.” His stories contain positive messages and his poems get the point across in a humorous way.
W. P. and Yvonne W. McElroy Memorial Scholarships ($1,500 each) – W.P. “Mac” and Yvonne McElroy were members of UMCG from 1962 until their deaths respectively in 2009 and 2012. They retired in 1985 from the Geneva Community Unit School District 304 after 23 years of service. Mac was the high school principal and guidance counselor at Geneva High School, and Yvonne taught 5th grade at Fourth Street School. Prior to their years of working with youth and families in Geneva, they served schools in Homer, Mahomet, Monticello and Kankakee. Both grew up during the Depression and greatly appreciated the scholarship and community support they received to continue their education during those difficult years. Their family has established these memorial scholarships to honor their public service and commitment to education.
Candidates must meet the following criteria: Member of the United Methodist Church of Geneva. Evidence of church and community service. Preference given to graduates of Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia and Kaneland public schools. Acceptance / enrollment at a two-year or four-year college, university, technical or vocational school. Priority consideration will be given to those planning to attend Illinois public institutions of higher education and / or to those planning to enter fields of education, social service, math / science/technology or agriculture.
General UMC of Geneva Scholarship(s) for undergraduate or vocational school students.
Karen J. Weckler Memorial Scholarship ($1,500) – In memory of Karen J. Weckler and her work at the United Methodist Church of Geneva and the Tri-Cities area. Karen was a serious student of the Bible and loved doing church service work including rummage sales, pot lucks, craft fairs and more. She was a very accomplished crafter. In fact, many UMCG-ers still display the beautiful holiday hand-made crafts Karen and her sister created. She loved playing bridge with her friends, watching high school sports, gardening, and doing anything with her family. She was a wonderful wife and mother.
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship: The candidate must have a 3.0 or higher GPA by the end of the junior year. Preference will be given to candidates with stronger financial need. The candidate must be active in at least two (2) extra-curricular activities including sports or UMCG outreach programs. The candidate must plan to major in elementary education (K-8). The candidate must have been confirmed by a Christian church. The candidate must actively participate in two (2) UMCG or Geneva community outreach programs with a combined total of 20 hours of volunteer service from the following programs: ASP Service Project; Third Tuesday Supper; Feed My Staving Children; Lazarus House; Women’s Rummage Sale; Swedish Day Food Booth; Hesed House; UMCG Sunday school; Northern Illinois Food pantry. (Hours may be completed after the awarding of the scholarship but before the payout of scholarship funds). The candidate must attend an accredited community junior college, state of Illinois college, or state of Illinois university. This excludes all private institutions. The candidate must be a graduate from a Batavia, Geneva, or St. Charles public school. The candidate’s family must be an active member of the United Methodist Church of Geneva. The $1,500.00 Scholarship is to be paid directly to any state college or university in the State of Illinois upon verification of completion of the Scholarship Criteria listed above. $750.00 will be disbursed for the fall semester and the other $750.00 will be disbursed in the spring. (In the event any of the listed church programs are discontinued, the donor may revise the list or provide a substitute program.) We hope the establishment of this Memorial Scholarship Fund will in some way encourage students to embrace many of the Christian Values and interest in Community Service that was such a large part of Karen’s life. ($1,500 for undergraduate major in elementary education (K-8th) attending a college/university in Illinois.)
Mike Worthington Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) – Mike Worthington was serving as UMCG Scholarship Committee Chairperson at the time of his death in 2015. He believed there were very few things in life which can never be taken away, will never go out of style and can truly make you a better person. An education is one of these things. We will always remember his big, red, fire truck which he brought to the UMCG Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast every year. He enjoyed watching the children climb on it and pretend to be firemen. ($1,000 for college student)
William K. and Ruth A. Bullock Memorial Scholarships (1@$5,000, 2@$2,500) – Donated from the estate of Mary Bullock in memory of her parents, William K. and Ruth A. Bullock, who emphasized the importance of education. Mary loved being a kindergarten teacher in the Villa Park school district for 40 years. She was beloved by all who met her, especially her students and her co-workers. She loved life; singing, dancing, and playing the piano were her passions.
Criteria: Awarded to a deserving student who is an active member of the United Methodist Church of Geneva. Acceptance/enrollment at a two-year or four-year college, university, technical or vocational school as an undergraduate student. Preference given to a student planning on attending a Community College or Technical/Vocational school. Preference given to an applicant planning to pursue a career in Elementary Education. Active in extra-curricular activities at their school as well as their local community. Preference give to a candidate with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Click here for UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry scholarship information.
