In 1989 our club began its tradition of scholarships by honoring the student who portrayed Chief Illiniwek each year.  In 2004 we expanded the scope of our program by requesting scholarship applications from San Diego County students attending the University of Illinois.  As of 2012, our Club had made 44 scholarship awards, totaling more than $48,000.

When our Club's scholarship program began, 1/3 of our scholarship funds were provided by the U of I Alumni Association via the University of Illinois Foundatation (UIF).  Beginning in 2009, due to budget restrictions the U of I Alumni Association continued to assist in the adminstration of the scholarship process, but the Club took on the responsibility for the entire cost of the local scholarships. 

In case you are wondering where our scholarship funds come from, we have two primary sources.   First, Players Sports Bar has made a major committment to donate 10% of its receipts from Illini "game watches" hosted at the Keaney Mesa venue.  Our Club greatly appreciates their continued support.  Second, tax deductible donations to the scholarship fund are made directly via our website.  Keep in mind, our Club no longer charges membership dues, so a making a voluntary contribution to our scholarship fund is a worthwhile option for you to support our Club.     

 

William Ross		Evan Richards	Alison Mo

Here are a few ways that you can help our club continue its tradition in scholarship program excellence and ensure that next year's students will have an opportunity to compete for one of our Club's scholarships:

1. Volunteer to participate on the Scholarship Committee.  Most of its work is accomplished in June of each year.  If interested contact Gunnar Schalin, our scholarship chair.

2. Recommend a local student to apply to the U of I.  After admittance, suggest that they apply for one or our scholarships.

3. Attend Illini "game watches" at Players Sports Bar.  Remember Player's contributes 10% of Illini "game watch" receipts to our Club's scholarship fund.

4. Make an investment in a student's future by making a tax deductible contribution to our Club's scholarship fund today.

Previous Scholarship Winners

First Award	Awards	First Name	Last Name	City	Recognized for/Major
1989	1*				Chief Illiniwek
1990	1*				Chief Illiniwek
1991	1*				Chief Illiniwek
1992	1*				Chief Illiniwek
1993	1*				Chief Illiniwek
1994	1*				Chief Illiniwek
1995	0
1996	2*	Scott C.	Brakenridge	Western Springs, IL  60558	Chief Illiniwek
1998	3*	John T.	Madigan	Champaign, IL  61820	Chief Illiniwek
2001	3*	Matthew	Veronie	South Holland, IL  60473	Chief Illiniwek
2004	2*	Kyle	Cline	Decatur, IL  62521	Chief Illiniwek
2004	4*	W. Stuart	Warren	Chula Vista, CA  91915	Computer Engineering
2005	1*	Angela Y.	Lee	San Diego, CA  92130	Graphic Design
2006	2*	Qinghan (Gina)	Fu	San Diego, CA  92129	Computer Science
2006	2*	Graham	Haworth	La Jolla, CA  92037	Mechanical Engineering
2006	2*	Melissa	Horning	Poway, CA  92064	Systems Engineering
2006	1*	Daniel	Maloney	Galesburg, IL  61401	Chief Illiniwek
2006	3*	Lauren	Waidelich	San Diego, CA  92128	Music Performance
2008	3*	Jae Eun (Jenny)	Shin	San Diego, CA  92128	Music Performance
2009	1	Shrivastava	Tanay	San Diego, CA  92127	Aerospace Engineering
2009	1	Na	Yeon	Chula Vista, CA 91914	Community Health
2010	2	Chelsea	McKinnis	San Diego, CA  92131	Speech & Hearing
2010	3	William	Ross	San Diego, CA  92130	Electrical Engineering
2011	2	Evan	Richards	Ramona, CA 92065	Electrical Engineering
2012	1	Mo	Alison	San Diego, CA 92131	Marketing

Scholarships are made possible by generous donations from Players Sports Bar in San Diego and members of the Illini Club of San Diego County. The University of Illinois Alumni Association provided approximately 1/3 of the funds where indicated by an asterisk (*).