Scholarships

Eastern Illinois University students can receive a number of scholarships and other forms of financial assistance. Work-study programs are provided on campus for eligible students, and opportunities for employment exist in the Campus Recreation office and the Department of Recreation Administration. 

Additionally, the following scholarships are available to recreation administration students:

Gretchen Sue Denton Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility — At the time of his/her selection, recipient must have completed at least 60 — but not more than 89 — semester hours (junior classification) at EIU along with declaring a major in recreation administration.

Selection Criteria — The recipient should:

  • Declare an intent to undertake a recreation-related career following the completion of his/her college study.
  • Show potential to substantially contribute to the field of recreation.
  • Have demonstrated an interest in ecology of some form.
  • Financial need may be considered when other finalists' qualifications appear equal.

Application Process — Eligible students desiring consideration for this scholarship will submit an application letter to the chair of the Department of Recreation Administration. The letter will address the following:

  • Applicant's intent to undertake a recreation-related career.
  • Applicant's potential to substantially contribute to the field.
  • Applicant's interest in some form of ecology.
  • Applicant's financial need.

Amount of Award — Approximately $300 per year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures —

  • If a clear choice between multiple candidates is deemed impossible, multiple awards will be given. Recipients will divide the available stipend.
  • The scholarship is 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 — EIU seniors majoring in recreation administration are eligible; applicants must have a cumulative 2.75 grade point average and a 3.00 grade point average within the major.

Selection Criteria — The recipient must demonstrate involvement in university and professional activities and organizations. While enrolled as a recreation administration major, he/she must also demonstrate leadership skills.

Application Process — Eligible students desiring consideration for this scholarship should submit seven copies of their resume, along with a cover letter addressing the above criteria, to the chair of the Department of Recreation Administration.

Amount of Award — Approximately $200 per year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures —

  • If the selection committee finds no applicant adequately meets the eligibility requirements and selection criteria listed above, no award will be given.
  • If a clear choice between multiple candidates is deemed impossible, multiple awards may be given. Recipients will divide the available stipend.
  • The award (stipend and certificate) is 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 no fewer than 15 and no more than 59 credit hours at EIU. At least five hours of recreation administration coursework is also required. He/she should be a declared recreation administration major with a minimum 3.00 grade point average.

Selection Criteria — The recipient must demonstrate leadership potential, such as involvement in the Student Association for Recreation and active class participation.

Application Process — All students meeting the selection committee shall consider the above eligibility requirements. No formal application is necessary.

Amount of Award — Approximately $100-150 per year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures —

  • If the selection committee finds no applicant meeting the eligibility requirements and selection criteria, no award will be given.
  • If a clear choice between multiple candidates is deemed impossible, multiple awards may be given. Recipients will divide the available stipend.
  • After winning the scholarship, payment shall be made upon the date of the recipient's earliest re-enrollment in the university. If the recipient leaves the university, the award will be lost. The recipient must re-enroll by the beginning of the second academic term of the regular school year following the term in which the award was presented.
  • The scholarship is presented at the annual awards banquet held each spring.

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

Dorothy L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility — At the time of selection, recipient must be a declared recreation administration major. He/she should have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50.

Selection Criteria — The recipient should demonstrate an interest in camping. An example is involvement with the American Camping Association and/or camps. He/she must also display a need for financial aid.

Application Process — Eligible students desiring consideration for this scholarship should submit an application letter to the chair of the Department of Recreation Administration. This letter should address the following:

  • The applicant's financial need.
  • The applicant's demonstrated interest in camping.

Amount of Award — Approximately $200 per year should be available.

Selection and Award Procedures —

  • The same student may win this award a second time as long as he/she continues to meet the eligibility and selection criteria.
  • The award is announced and award in the Spring semester.

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