Scholarships

A number of scholarships and financial assistance are available to students at EIU.  Work-study programs are provided on-campus for eligible students and opportunities for employment exist in the Recreational Sports Office and in the Department of Recreation Administration. 

Additional Scholarships are available to Recreation Administration students:

Gretchen Sue Denton Memorial Scholarship
William G. Riordan Scholarship
Ewen "Lefty" Bryden Alumni Award
Dorothy L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Gretchen Sue Denton Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: The recipient must have, at the time of his/her selection, completed at least 60 but not more than 89 semester hours (junior classification) at EIU and have declared a major in Recreation Administration.

Selection Criteria: The recipient should declare his/her intent to undertake a career related to the field of recreation following the completion of his/her college study, show promise of making a substantial contribution to the field of recreation, and have demonstrated an interest in ecology of some form. Financial need may be considered when other qualifications of finalist candidates appear to be equal.

Application Process: Eligible students wishing to be considered for this scholarship will submit to the Chair of the Department of Recreation Administration a letter of application that addresses the following:

• the intent of the applicant ot undertake a career related to recreation
• the applicant's potential to make a substantial contribution to the field
• the applicant's interest in ecology in some form
• the applicant's financial needs

Amount of Award: Approximately $300 / year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures:

• If a clear decision cannot be made between two or more candidates, muliple awards will be given and the available stipend will be divided among the recipients.
• Payment of the scholarship shall be made to the recipient upon the date of his/her earliest re-enrollment in the Univeristy following the granting of the award. The recipient shall not receive the awards if he/she does not re-enroll in the Univeristy by the beginning of the second academic term of the regular school year following the term in which the award was presented.
• The scholarship shall be presented at the annual Awards Banquet held each Spring.

Click here to apply online for Gretchen Sue Denton Memorial Scholarship!

William G. Riordan Scholarship

Eligibility: The recipient shall be enrolled as a senior, majoring in the field of Recreation Administration.  He/she should have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. and a 3.00 GPA within the major (REC courses).

Selection Criteria: The recipient must have demonstrated involvement in university and professional activities and organizations.  He/she should have demonstrated leadership skills while enrolled as a Recreation Administration major.

Application Process: Eligible students wishing to be considered for this scholarship should submit (7) copies of their resume along with a cover letter, addressing the above selection criteria, to the Chair of the Department of Recreation Administration.

Amount of Award: Approximately $200 / year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures:

• If the Selection Committee finds no student adequately meets the eligibility requirements and selection critera listed above, no award will be given.
• If a clear decision cannot be made when there are more than one candidate, multiple awards may be given and the available stipend will be divided among the recipients.
• The award (stipend and certificate) will be presented at the annual Awards Banquet held each Spring.

Click here to apply online for William G. Riordan Scholarship!

Ewen "Lefty" Bryden Alumni Award

Eligibility: The recipient must have completed a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 59 hours @ EIU and at least 5 hours in Recreation Administration.  He/she should be a declared Recreation Administration major and have a 3.00 GPA (minimum).

Selection Criteria: The recipient must have demonstrated leadership potential such as involvement in the Student Association for Recreation and active participation in class.

Application Process: All students who meet the Selection Committee shall consider the eligibility requirements listed above.  No formal application needs to be made.

Amount of Award: Approximately $100-150 / year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures:

• If the Selection Committee finds no student meets the eligibility requirements and selection critera listed above, no award will be given.
• If a clear decision cannot be made when there are more than one candidate, multiple awards may be given and the available stipend will be divided among the recipients.
• Payment of the scholarship shall be made payable to Eastern Illinois University on behalf of the recipient(s) upon the date of his/her earliest re-enrollment in the University following the granting of the award. The recipient shall not receive the awards if he/she does not re-enroll in the Univeristy by the beginning of the second academic term of the regular school year following the term in which the award was presented.
• The scholarship award(s) shall be announced each Spring at the annual Awards Banquet.

Click here to apply online for Ewen "Lefty" Bryden Alumni Award!

Dorothy L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: The recipient must be, at the time of his/her selection, a declared a major in Recreation Administration. He/she should have a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Selection Criteria: The recipient should demonstrate his/her interest in camping such as involvement with the American Camping Association and/or camps. He/she must display a need for financial aid.

Application Process: Eligible students wishing to be considered for this scholarship should submit to the Chair of the Department of Recreation Administration a letter of application that addresses the following:

• the applicant's financial needs
• the applicant's demonstrated interest in camping

Amount of Award: Approximately $200 / year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures:

• The award may be given a second time, to the same stdent, as long as the eligibility and selection criteria continue to be met.
• The award will be announced in the Spring semester and given in the Spring semester.

Click here to apply online for Dorothy L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship!