Post Secondary Scholarships for Students in College and Graduate School
The first known scholarship was awarded by the Smalley family in honor of John Smalley who died in 1983. Since then, the Scholarship Committee, founded in 1986 to distribute a bequest honoring Viola Peterson, a longtime member of UMCG and former high school teacher, has awarded more than 240 scholarships to deserving students active in our church. These scholarships represent a total of more than $275,000 awarded to students planning to attend a post high school educational institution.
Scholarships remain possible through the ongoing support of families honoring loved ones, various organizations and members choosing to generously donate, and the community through fundraising. The Scholarship Committee, comprising 5 lay members, coordinates the distribution of these scholarships.
Some of the scholarships awarded for 2022 were: the John A. Andersen Educational Scholarship, William K and Ruth Bullock Memorial Scholarships, Lucinda Dittmer Memorial Scholarship, WP McElroy and Yvonne W McElroy Scholarships, and the UMCG Scholarships.
The Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for 2023.
Click here for the 2023 Scholarship Application
Applications can be saved to finish editing later.
The application deadline this year is May 5, 2023.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
William K. and Ruth A. Bullock Memorial Scholarship
One $5000 Scholarship
Two $2500 Scholarships
Background:
Donated from the estate of Mary Bullock in memory of her parents, William K. and Ruth A. Bullock, who both 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 co-workers. She loved life; singing, dancing, and playing the piano were her passions.
Scholarship 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 given to a candidate with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Lucinda J. Dittmer Memorial Scholarship
One $2000 Scholarship
Background:
Donated by Gary Dittmer in memory of his wife Lucinda. Lucinda was a member of Hugs and served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee. She was a faithful member of UMCG for 15 years. Lucinda was a teacher for academically gifted students in district 304. She joined the Illinois Math and Science Academy to develop its math curriculum and earned her PhD in problem-based learning while at IMSA.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Female or male student planning to study elementary education (K – 8th grade).
- Student must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average by the end of the student’s junior year.
- The Scholarship Committee shall give preference to students with financial need (all other scholarships should be included to determine need).
- Student must have been active in at least 2 extra-curricular activities, sports, or UMCG outreach programs.
- Student must have been confirmed by a Christian church.