Scholarships and Awards

Dr. Jerry Burnam held the position of Associate Dean of Academics Affairs for many years in the College of Applied Health Sciences before retiring in 2000. This scholarship is designated for undergraduate AHS students who transferred to the college from another institution of higher learning or from another college within the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Preference is given to students who are first generation, have a history of volunteerism and community service, participated in the U.S. military or ROTC, or graduated from an Illinois high school in a “low sending” county. Students must have a FAFSA on file with the Office of Student Financial Aid to be considered for this award. 

Ralph Geeseman provided 39 years of service to the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He was proud of his service to the College but also of his service in the United States Navy. Applicants must be students currently enrolled in the College of Applied Health Sciences. Preference is given to applicants who have either served in or are training for a branch of the U.S. Military, or who are dependents of active members of the military; and those enrolled in the Department of Health and Kinesiology.

Burris F. Husman completed a bachelor’s degree in the College of Education and a master’s degree in physical education from the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Husman retired as a professor from the University of Maryland where his research interests included fitness and physical education programs. This scholarship fund was established to assist undergraduates in the College of Applied Health Sciences. Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated interest in fitness and physical education through a record of scholarship, experience, and service in this area.

The Floyd and Etta McAfee Award honors the late Col. McAfee, who graduated from the University of Illinois in physical education in 1956. His family created this award to honor his commitment to education and helping others.  

This award goes to an undergraduate interested in multicultural issues. Applicants must be current undergraduates at AHS and show financial need. The Office of Student Financial Aid will verify this. 

Ronald Stopka earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education from the College of Applied Health Science. He and Patricia established this scholarship to support students in the College of Applied Health Sciences. Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated history of strong academic achievement, service, and interest in topics related to the applied health sciences.

Dr. Kenneth Watkin was the founding Director of the Center on Health, Aging and Disability, a faculty member at the College of Applied Health Sciences and held appointments in the Beckman Institute and the College of Medicine before retiring in 2016. This memorial scholarship was established by his wife, Dr. Tanya Gallagher, the former dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences. The scholarship allows those with disabilities to receive funding without getting a note from a doctor or healthcare provider that confirms their disability.

Dr. John Trach served as a member of the faculty in the Departments of Community Health and Special Education. Dr. Trach was recognized for his expertise in cognitive disabilities and the study of rehabilitation. This scholarship was established to support students pursuing a career in a disability-related field.

The AHS Study Abroad Scholarship is for undergraduate students in the College of AHS who are currently or plan to study abroad. Students in yearlong, semester, or short-term study abroad programs, including faculty-led programs, may apply for this scholarship.

Applicants should explain what they hope to gain from their experience abroad and how it relates to the college’s mission of promoting health and well-being across the lifespan.

We provide funding for select students to attend the LeaderShape Institute.  

This retreat offers a chance for self-discovery and reflection among about 60 peers. The Institute isn’t like a usual leadership retreat. It focuses on finding personal values that spark community change. Participants create a vision for their passions. They will do this through self-assessment, small group discussions, and team-building activities. 

Leading with integrity and passion, participants discover their identities and the change they seek in communities. They work towards a fairer and kinder society.  

Students can apply through the Illinois Leadership Center.

These scholarships are awarded to top incoming first-year and transfer students to the College of Applied Health Sciences. The number of awards given each year varies and is dependent upon funding from generous donors and the number of students admitted to the college. An application is not required for consideration for these scholarships. All incoming first-year and transfer students are considered for these scholarships using information from the application for admission. Several factors are considered in review, including academic performance, standardized test scores (if submitted), leadership experience, volunteer experience and admissions essay.