GIVING
Redbird Athletic Scholarship Fund
The general scholarship fund for student-athletes at Illinois State University. Gifts to the Redbird Athletic Scholarship Fund, above and beyond seating requirements, will help support the $4 million annual bill for the fully-funded scholarships of the athletic department.
REDBIRD PRIORITY SEATING
Redbird Priority Seating is any contribution associated with the minimum seat requirements for a season ticket purchase to volleyball, football, men's basketball, and women's basketball. This contribution is not tax-deductible and may not count toward a matching gift program. This amount is subject to change yearly based on seating minimums and the number of tickets a donor purchases.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Golf Hitting Facility
The Illinois State Men's and Women's Golf programs are currently putting the finishing touches on a new state-of-the-art performance lab. The facility will feature four heated hitting bays and two simulators plus feedback from launch monitors, multiple video angles, and dual force plates. The project will our golf teams to continue to enhance their game throughout the offseason and through all the weather the Midwest can offer.
ENDOWMENTS
Named after an avid and longtime Redbird supporter, the Janyth Aellig Endowed Scholarship was established in 1997, when Fred, husband of the late Janyth Aellig, funded the endowment with the help of more than fifty friends and family.
Named for the baseball coach who retired in 1988 after leading the Redbirds to more than 700 wins, the Duffy Bass Scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior Redbird baseball player who demonstrates the spirit of Coach Bass.
The Ramsin Benyamin Scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of Dr. Ramsin Benyamin, a valued Redbird team doctor and supporter. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the men's basketball team who showcases significant character, commitment to community service and high academic achievement within their chosen area of study.
This scholarship was established with an initial grant from the estate of the late L. Durwood Boone, whose playing skills inspired the start of the Redbird golf program in the 1930s. It was awarded to a Redbird golfer for the first time in 1995.
The Eric and Maria Boerngen Softball Heart of Services Scholarship Fund was established in 2021 by Eric and Maria Boerngen. It provides support for a softball student-athlete. The Boerngens were motivated to establish the scholarship due to their close ties with the softball program and their desire to give back. The award also recognizes ISU Softball and their outstanding track record of community service. The Boerngens are involved with the softball program through service opportunities. The recipients must meet the following criteria: Be an active member of the Redbird Softball Team and demonstrate a service-oriented mindset.
The Herschel Brock scholarship was established in 2008 by Jeff Brock. The scholarship honors his father Hershel. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Junior or Senior Illinois State Athlete
The Andrew C. Butler Endowed Scholarship was established in May 2015 from gifts in memory of Andy Butler. Andy attended his beloved Illinois State University, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Andy was an extremely successful salesperson and manager for Sprint. He was an avid sports fan, and loyal ISU Redbird supporter. He had a passion for connecting ISU alums and fans with Redbird Athletics, and enjoyed attending games with his fiancé Jamie. The endowment rotates to benefit a member of the Redbird men's basketball or football team.
The Collie scholarship was established in 2008 through funds raised by former players and coaches of Coach Collie. "Gentleman Jim" coached ISU men's basketball 1958-1970 achieving 209 coaching victories. Dr. Collie was elected to the ISU Hall of Fame in 1976. Much of today's Redbird basketball tradition traces directly to the Collie era. His players remember him as one who helped to positively mold all their lives. The scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior on the men's basketball team.
The proceeds from the Doug Collins Roast and Toast in 1990 established the scholarship in the name of Illinois State's all-time leading basketball scorer. It is presented annually to either a junior or senior men's basketball player who meets academic requirements and contributes significantly to his team.
In January 1995 the Helen Cushman Endowed Scholarship Fund was established with $5,600 from Nina Chesebro and the late Pat Chesebro to benefit Illinois State's intercollegiate women's golf program and to honor their close friend, Helen Cushman. The pair decided to establish the fund prior to Pat Chesebro's death in appreciation to Cushman, who had introduced them to the game of golf.
The Garret scholarship was established in 2008 by Robert and Laura Garrett. The scholarship is for women's basketball and volleyball, long-time loves of both Bob and Laura. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the women's basketball team or a member of the women's volleyball team.
Established in 1998, the Benoni Green Endowed Scholarship was funded by friends of the star Redbird tennis player. Green competed at Illinois State prior to World War II and his scholarship was presented for the first time in 1999.
The Stephen Heaton scholarship was established in March 2010 by Nancy Heaton and family in honor of her late husband Steve. This scholarship is for a baseball student-athlete studying in the college of business. Steve lettered in baseball beginning in 1965 until he graduated in 1968. He was an all-conference baseball player and was named to the All-National Tournament Baseball Team Midwest Regional two years in succession. Steve majored in Business Education earning dean's list distinction six of his eight semesters. Steve dedicated his life to teaching business and coaching baseball. His dedication and leadership inspired many students and players to pursue careers in education and coaching. Nancy is also a proud graduate earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Illinois State University.
The Payton Leon Helphinstine Men's and Women's Tennis Scholarship was established in September 2020. He graduated in 1957 with a bachelor's in Health Physical Education and a master's degree in Mathematics in 1964. He was a member of the men's tennis team. The scholarship is to benefit Illinois State men and women tennis players.
For more than three decades, Dr. Linda Herman contributed to the success of Redbird Athletics as a pioneering volleyball coach and award-winning administrator, including four terms as Illinois State's interim director of athletics. Proceeds from the 2005 Joe Warner Memorial Golf Classic initiated funding for the scholarship, which will be presented annually to a volleyball student-athlete.
The Jill Hutchison Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999, when the Redbird coaching legend retired from the women's basketball post. The award honoring the winningest coach in Illinois State history is given to a women's basketball player.
The Rollie & Mary Mercer Endowed Scholarship fund was established in October 2018. The endowment benefits a football student-athletes who is currently enrolled and in good academic standing. In addition, preference will be given to an offensive player (Tight End wearing #85, if applicable) that demonstrates a team-first attitude.
The Bill Mitze Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in August 2018. It benefits a football student-athlete majoring in education or displaying high academic achievement within their chosen area of study.
The Mounier scholarship was established in 2007 by James and Carole Mounier. Jim and Carole are proud Illinois State graduates who were active in Greek life-Sigma Nu and Delta Zeta. They both enjoy golf and believe the sport builds character and life success. The scholarship is awarded annually to a golf student-athlete.
The Northrip scholarship was established in 2009 by Nancy and Rob Northrip for female student-athletes majoring in education, with a preference for female gymnasts. Nancy lettered in gymnastics for the Redbirds and Rob was a Redbird cheerleader. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Junior female student-athlete.
Proceeds from the 1994 Doug Collins Chicago Golf Outing and a special announcement reception established the Will Robinson Scholarship. Robinson was the Redbird basketball coach from 1970 to 1975 and a pioneer among African-American college coaches. The scholarship also funds an internship with the Detroit Pistons, Robinson's employer until his death in 2008.
Funded in 2005 by a gift from the W.F. Ruebush Foundation, this scholarship honors the foundation's creator, Walton Ruebush, a 1932 Illinois State graduate who captained the Redbird football team. Mr. Ruebush, who died in 1991, began his professional life as a teacher and coach before becoming a leader in personal finance. The scholarship will be presented annually to a Redbird football player with at least a 3.2 grade point average.
The Dave & Doris Schertz Endowed Scholarship was established in 2020 to honor Dave Schertz, a four-year basketball letterman (1956-1959) and Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame member, and his wife, Doris. Dave was Illinois State's captain and most valuable player for three season. He was on the all-NAIA District 20 team as a senior in 1959, when the Redbirds compiled a 24-5-record, won the conference title, and reached the NAIA national tournament. He still ranks No. 2 in career rebounds and No. 17 in career scoring. Preference will be given to a Men's Basketball Student-Athlete displaying significant character, commitment to community service, and high academic achievement within their chosen area of study.
The Schuster Family scholarship for Redbird Baseball was established in 2007 by Robert and LaNita Schuster. The scholarship honors Andrew Schuster, a 4 year Redbird baseball letter winner, and Danielle Miller-Schuster, a "Redline Dancer" for the Redbirds. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Junior or Senior member of the Redbird Baseball team.
The Robert Seidl Scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of Dr. Robert Seidl, longtime Redbird team doctor and supporter. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the men's basketball team who showcases significant character, commitment to community service and high academic achievement within their chosen area of study.
The James R. Tague Endowed Scholarship was established in April 2015 following a generous gift from Jim's family in his memory/honor and benefits a Redbird football student-athlete. Jim was a standout on the Redbird football team and was inducted into the Illinois State Hall of Fame for his achievements on the gridiron in 1990. Jim was an extremely successful insurance salesperson and adviser, having his own agency for more than 50 years. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, and loyal ISU Redbird supporter.
The Weber scholarship was established in 2006 by Bob Weber in honor of his late wife Audrey, longtime Redbird fans and supporters. The Weber's became men's basketball season ticket holders in 1974, football season ticket holders in the mid-1980"s and became women's basketball season ticket holders in 2003. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the men's or women's basketball team.
Established in 1994 with proceeds from the first five D.A. Weibring Redbird Golf Classics, the scholarship -- named for the former Redbird golfer -- goes to a current Redbird golfer who meets specific eligibility criteria. After another successful classic in 1995, the endowment became the first at Illinois State to be fully funded.
Established in 1990 to honor the Redbird athletics director who led Illinois State's program into Division I status, the Milt Weisbecker Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior men's basketball player who meets specific academic standards.
The Zmudka Family Scholarship fund was established in 2018 by Robert and Irene Zmudka. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance for a Redbirds Student-Athlete, from any sport, with the following criteria: A child of a single parent family and GPA 3.0.
COACHES
CLUB
COACHES CLUB
Each sport has an enhancement fund designated for use by the head coach to be spent in a discretionary manner to improve their program. Many head coaches have created benefits specific to their program.
Planned Giving
Illinois State invites you to make a generational impact through thoughtful estate planning. An estate gift allows you to leave a legacy at Illinois State. Many planned gifts lead to substantial tax advantages and other unique benefits while still supporting Redbird student-athletes.
