Scholarships
The Dunham Scholarships are based upon academic excellence and financial need. Students pursuing degrees in all fields of study are considered. Special consideration is given to students who have displayed extraordinary character and outstanding initiative in overcoming personal obstacles to achieve their educational goals. Beginning in 2010, a total of six scholarships will be awarded, providing up to $30,000 per student for up to four years of study.
Click here to view the 2009 Dunham Scholarship Recipients in the Beacon News
Dunham Scholarship Fund
The Dunham Fund annually allocates funding for the Dunham Scholarship Fund within the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. Beginning in 2010, a total of six scholarships will be awarded, providing up to $30,000 per student for up to four years of study. Administered for the Dunham Fund by the Community Foundation, the Scholarship Fund will award these scholarships to students residing in the Fund’s service area and having attended one of the following schools:
Aurora Central Catholic High School
Aurora Christian School
Batavia Senior High School
East Aurora High School
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Marmion Academy
Metea Valley High School
Mooseheart High School
Rosary High School
Waubonsie Valley High School
West Aurora High School
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Scholarship Committee will evaluate the scholarship applicants and award two Dunham Scholarships based on excellence in academic performance; two based on great financial need; and two based on the students' ability to overcome personal obstacles to achieve their educational goals regardless of financial need. All students should have demonstrated leadership, community service and a strong work ethic. For the first year, up to $7,500 will be available per student. In subsequent years, up to $10,000 will be available per student per year, the total of the four years not to exceed $30,000. Eligibility for renewal of this award is limited to students attending an accredited school, college or university on a full-time basis and maintaining a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 point scale as evidenced by submission of a copy of their college transcript.
High school seniors at the listed schools interested in Dunham Scholarships do not apply directly to the Dunham Fund, but must complete the Community Foundation Scholarship Application and Financial Information Form, indicating their interest in the Dunham Scholarship by selecting the appropriate option on the application. Applications may be obtained from the Community Foundation in December of each year.
2009 Dunham Scholarship Recipients
A total of $150,000 in Dunham Scholarships for the 2009-2010 college academic year was awarded to the following high school graduates:
Estefania Barrera, West Aurora High School, attending University of Illinois - Chicago
Thandeka Dumas, East Aurora High School, attending Waubonsee Community College
Kristina Falk, West Aurora High School, attending Northwestern University
Nikki Falk, West Aurora High School, attending University of Illinois - Urbana
Michael Gladis, Batavia High School, attending Bradley University
Daniel Jimenez, Aurora Christian High School, attending Waubonsee Community College
Yesenia Magana, East Aurora High School, attending Northwestern University
Marco Martinez, West Aurora High School, attending Loyola University
Emilio Ortiz, East Aurora High School, attending Purdue University
Lisa Ann Partipilo, West Aurora High School, attending Northern Illinois University
Sonya Steder, Aurora Central Catholic High School, attending Benedictine University
George Sterling, West Aurora High School, attending Marquette University
Lisette Soto, East Aurora High School, attending Waubonsee Community College
Velin Tchalakov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, attending University of Southern California
Mykle Warren, West Aurora High School, attending Waubonsee Community College
A total of $60,000 in additional scholarships was awarded for the second year of college to previous 2008 Dunham Scholarship recipients:
Maritza Gomez, East Aurora High School graduate, currently attending University of Chicago
Kristen Hartman, Aurora Central Catholic High School graduate, currently attending Northern Illinois University
Jasmine Partida, East Aurora High School graduate, currently attending University of Chicago
Esmeralda Rosales, West Aurora High School graduate, currently attending University of Illinois - Urbana
Samantha Tyner, West Aurora High School graduate, currently attending Augustana
Janely Villa, East Aurora High School graduate, currently attending University of Chicago
Click here to view the 2009 Dunham Scholarship Recipients in the Beacon News.