Political Science

Department of Political Science Scholarships

Application

  • Application Deadline: Applications are due by March 1.
    Visit the Scholarship Portal to Apply.
  • Number of Awards/Scholarships: Dependent upon the number and applications received.
  • Award Amounts: Vary based on available funds.
  • Selection: College Scholarship Selection Committee

Charles A. Leonard Memorial Scholarship

The Charles A. Leonard Memorial Fund was created in memory of Charles A. Leonard, a professor in the Political Science Department at Western Illinois University.

Criteria: Political Science major, Freshman, sophomore, or junior, Demonstrate outstanding contributions to the field of political science.


Clarence E. Neff Memorial Scholarship

The Clarence E. Neff Memorial Scholarship was established in the spring of 1989 by the family and friends of Clarence E. Neff. Mr. Neff was a longtime member of the Illinois State House of Representatives and had also been a member of the WIU Foundation Board of Directors for many years. Mr. Neff died in July of 1988.

Criteria: Must be a junior, senior, or transfer student majoring in Political Science; Minimum 3.25 GPA; Must reside in the 17th Congressional District; Financial need will be considered.


Dan Webb Political Science Internship Award

Established in 1999 by distinguished alum Dan Webb, who was selected by National Journal as one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in the US.”

Criteria: Be political science majors, Have completed junior status, Have completed at least 12 hours of political science classes, Hold at least a 2.75 GPA, Be in good judicial standing, Applicants will meet the normal requirements for Political Science 402, which include: Completing 100 hours of work (for three hours credit) at the designated job site, Keeping a journal documenting both hours worked and reflections, Completing a reading assignment, to be determined by the faculty supervisor, Writing a paper on a topic related to the internship, Giving a presentation to her/his peers about her/his experiences during the following Fall semester, as a recruiting opportunity for future interns. Each recipient will need to register for Political Science 402, and will be supervised by the Department Chair or relevant faculty member.


Donald L. Marshall Scholarship

he Don Marshall Memorial Fund was established in memory of Don Marshall, a professor in WIU’s Department of Political Science.

Criteria: Must be a new entering transfer student, Must be a declared Political Science major, Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA from the previously attended institution.


Edward Ohlin Scholarship

The Edward Ohlin Scholarship was created with a $1,000 donation from Edward Ohlin. Edward graduate from WIU in 1973 with a degree in political science. The funds were deposited into the general scholarship fund account for annual scholarships. Mr. Ohlin designated the WIU Foundation Office to write the criteria.

Criteria: Transfer with minimum 3.4 GPA; Leadership, extracurricular activities, and community service are considered


Marcy and Lulu Bodine Scholarship

The Marcy G. and Lulu A. Bodine Fund was established to honor Dr. Marcy G. Bodine, WIU professor of Political Science, in commemoration of his numerous contributions to the Department and the University.

Criteria: Entering freshman, Minimum composite ACT 27 and upper 1/3 class rank of high school graduating class, Declared Political Science major, Demonstrated service through high school activities and community service.


Matt and Nicole O'Kray Creek Leadership Scholarship

Matt and Nicole O’Kray met at WIU while taking a Math 099 class. Both graduated from Western in 2004. Matt graduated with a Bachelors in Arts Political Science and Nicole graduated with a Bachelors in Business Marketing. She was a member of Sigma Kappa from 2000-2004, holding Executive Board positions of VP Scholarship and President. Matt was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma from 2001-2004, holding Executive Board positions of VP Programs and President. They both were members of the Greek Week committee and both nominated for IFC/PHC/NPHC President of the Year in 2003. Matt also wrote for the Western Courier.

They decided to start the scholarship to first off support the students of WIU. Second, they felt that the Greek community gave so much to them that they wanted to give back. Holding the positions and being part of a large student organization taught them skills that they still use today in regards to leadership, dealing with adversity, respecting others views and time management/organization. Without memberships in Sigma Kappa and Sigma Tau Gamma they would not be the people they are today, not to mention the lifelong friends that have become like family for them. The school will always be special to both of them.

Criteria: Must hold a leadership role in a Fraternity or a Sorority (provide a letter proving that role and that the student Is in good standing from the executive board); 2.75+ GPA


Roland P. Burke Scholarship

This scholarship is dedicated to Roland, his life and to the students who share these qualities; individual who see the importance of working hard to achieve an education and then putting those skills and knowledge to the good of mankind.

Criteria: The primary recipient of this scholarship will be a junior in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.25, Interest in a career associated with Political Science or Municipal government. Preferences will be given to students who are an underrepresented minority with financial need and a desire to work in the field of Political Science.