Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality

RPTH Student Resources
Undergraduate Scholarships

FALL SCHOLARSHIPS

Entering Student Scholarship (May 1)
Criteria
  • Must be a new student or transfer student to Western Illinois Univeristy the academic year the award is made
  • Must have declared RPTH as their major 
  • Evidence of involvement in the field of recreation.
  • Evidence of involvement in departmental, college, and/or university-wide activities and organizations.
  • Application is due May 1. Please click here to start the application process or go to WIU's Scholarship Portal.
Application: Application >>> (Applications due by May 1)

Award: $250
 
Charlene G. Callison Scholarship
  • RPTA major with a minor in Hospitality Management 
  • Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Enrolled full-time
  • Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
  • Must have completed, or be enrolled in HM 200: Food Service Principles and Application
  • Must show emphasis in Hospitality industry through work experience. For example: extensive work experience through high school and university years, documented research and/or event expeirence, attendance at the National Restaurant Show and completion or enrollment in RPTA 367 or 467 or RPTA 450 Travel Course.
Application: The RPTH Department contacts students who are eligible and provides them with application instructions

Award: The scholarship is applied to the student's university account 1/2 fall and 1/2 spring unless the student is graduating mid-year. The amount will be based on the annual interest rate on the endowment. 
Richard S. Westgate Professional Service Award (Early September)
Criteria
  • RPTH undergraduate
  • 2.5 Overall GPA
  • 3.0 Major GPA
  • Senior standing with at least two full semesters completed at WIU
  • Evidence of professional involvement in department, college, and/or university-wide activities and organizations
Application: The RPTH Department contacts students who are eligible and provides them with application instructions

Award: $500
Department Scholar (Mid September)
Criteria
  • Must have approved graduation application on file in Registrar’s Office for December graduation
  • Must have completed 30 hours of coursework from WIU not counting current term
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher for all WIU work
Application: The RPTH Department selects the recipient based on eligibility

Award: Recognition
College Scholar | Cecile A. Christison Sterrett Award (Mid September)
Criteria
  • RPTH Department nominates an RPTA student
  • Must have approved graduation application on file in Registrar’s Office for December graduation
  • Must have completed 30 hours of coursework from WIU not counting current term
  • Must have cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher
  • Student must complete Student Information Sheet and obtain two letters of reference from faculty
Application: The RPTH Department contacts the student who is nominated and provides them with application instructions

Award: Varies
RPTH Student Travel Award - Presenting and Attending (Ongoing)
Criteria are available on the application depending on the award
  • Must be an RPTA undergraduate/graduate student
  • Student must be in good academic standing
  • Criteria are fully explained depending on the award for which a student is applying
Application:  Apply Here  (Applications ongoing)

Presenting Award: $250
 
Attending Award Maximum:  $100
Rezab Spring Internship Recognition Award
Criteria
  • Must be completing an internship during Spring Semester
  • One award given to RPTA student for spring internship
Application: Deadline for spring applications is Dec. 1. Contact intern coordinator

Award: $500

SPRING SCHOLARSHIPS

Entering Student Scholarship (May 1)
Criteria
  • Must be a new student or transfer student to Western Illinois Univeristy the academic year the award is made
  • Must have declared RPTA as their major 
  • Evidence of involvement in the field of recreation.
  • Evidence of involvement in departmental, college, and/or university-wide activities and organizations.
  • Application is due May 1. Please click here to start the application process or go to WIU's Scholarship Portal.
Application :  Application >>>  (Applications due by May 1)

Award : $250
Department Scholar (Early February)
Criteria
  • Must have approved graduation application on file in Registrar’s office for December graduation
  • Must have completed 30 hours of coursework from WIU not counting current term
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher for all WIU work
Application: The RPTH Department selects the recipient based on eligibility

Award: Recognition
College Scholar | Cecile A. Christison Sterrett Award (Early February)
Criteria
  • RPTH Department nominates an RPTA student
  • Must have approved graduation application on file in Registrar’s office for December graduation
  • Must have completed 30 hours of coursework from WIU not counting current term
  • Must have cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher
  • Student must complete Student Information Sheet and obtain two letters of reference from faculty
Application: The RPTH Department contacts the student who is nominated and provides them with application instructions

Award: Varies
RPTH Student Travel Awards - Presenting & Attending (Ongoing)
Criteria are available on the application depending on the award
  • Must be an RPTA undergraduate/graduate student
  • Student must be in good academic standing
  • Criteria are fully explained depending on the award for which a student is applying
Application: Apply Here (Applications ongoing)

Presenting Award: $250
 
Attending Award Maximum: $100
Frank D. Lupton Outdoor Recreation Consortium Scholarship
Application: These awards are given to selected students participating in the Outdoor Recreation Consortium course. 
 
For more information, please contact the instructor of RPTA 478. Apply through the WIU Scholarship Portal - Deadline for application Feb. 1

Award: $250
Outdoor Leadership Minor Scholarship
Criteria
  • Must be an RPTA major
  • Must show evidence of leadership
  • Evidence of involvement in extra-curricular activities in RPTH, COEHS, the University or professional organizations
  • A minimum of 2 semesters at WIU with a minimum of 30 hours earned by the end of the spring semester prior to Outdoor Leadership minor enrollment
  • Financial need will be a determining factor in the final selection
Application:  This  award is given to students participating in the Outdoor Leadership Minor.
 
Contact the Outdoor Leadership Minor Advisor. Apply through the WIU Scholarship Portal - Deadline for application Feb. 1

Award: Amount of award varies based upon available funds. Past awards have ranged from $200 to $1,000
Anita Magafas Non-traditional Student Award (mid February)
Criteria
  • Deadline for applications (Friday before spring break). Presented at the PDC Awards.
  • RPTA major
  • Nontraditional student 25 years or older, who has worked/is working full-time job or who is a parent working part-time/studying part-time
  • Senior standing with at least one semester completed at WIU
  • Financial need will be a determining factor in the final selection
Application: The RPTH Department will contact eligible students with instructions regarding how to apply

Award: $100
Rezab Summer or Fall Internship Recognition Award
Criteria
  • Must be completing an internship during Summer or Fall Semester
  • One award given to RPTA student for summer or fall internship
Application: Deadline for application May 1. Contact intern coordinator

Award: $500
Julie Clayton Hospitality Student Scholarship Application Form

Criteria: Be a junior, senior or fifth year student majoring in RPTA - Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management Option at Western Illinois University.  Have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of Hospitality courses.  Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or above. Be a full time student during the scholarship period.

To be eligible, transfer students must: Have completed at least 9 of the required 12 semester hours at Western Illinois University.  Have attained a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or above at Western Illinois University. Be a junior, senior, or fifth year student. Be a full time student during the scholarship period. The student must demonstrate evidence of involvement in the field of hospitality management and involvement in departmental, college, and/or university-wide activities and organizations.

The final selection of the recipient for the JULIE CLAYTON HOSPITALITY STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP will be determined by the Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality Department Scholarship Committee. This scholarship is to be awarded annually and may be renewed for the length of continuous enrollment. To receive annual renewal, the student must continue to demonstrate leadership, scholarship, and service as a full time RPTA - Tourism, Hospitality and Event Option major at Western Illinois University, maintain a 2.8 or better cumulative grade point average, and comply with application and documentation requirements.

Application: Apply Here (Applications due by March 15)
Dan and Sheryl Yoder Study Abroad Scholarship
Criteria
  • Undergraduate or Graduate Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality students
  • Must be pursuing a Study Abroad opportunity in Spain only
  • 3.0 GPA or above
  • Applicant must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours
  • Transfer students may apply
  • Financial need is a consideration
  • Applicants must submit a one-page minimum essay answering the following questions:.
    1. Why have you chosen to pursue a study abroad opportunity?
    2. What do you believe will be the benefits you will gain from the experience?
Application: Apply Here (Applications due by March 15)

Award: Award is to be applied directly to the recipient’s student account. Two awards to be provided, $500 each

Selection Process: Recipients will be selected by the RPTH Scholarship Committee, with decisions made in the spring term for the upcoming Study Abroad experience in Spain.
Dan and Sheryl Yoder Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality Scholarship
Criteria
  • Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration major
  • 3.0 GPA or above
  • Applicant must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours
  • Transfer students may apply
  • Applicants must submit a one-page minimum essay answering the following questions:
    1. What led you to your decision of a career in recreation, park and tourism administration?
    2. How will you give back to others through your personal life and career?
Application: Apply Here (Applications due by March 15)

Award: Award is to be applied directly to the recipient’s student account, separated equally between the fall and spring semesters.
Award amount will be determined by the annual interest rate on the endowment. In any year in which there are no qualified applicants, income may be accumulated or reinvested in the endowment at the discretion of the administrator of the fund.
Illinois Park District Internship Scholarship
Criteria
  • Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration major completing their required internship at any Illinois Park District or municipal park and recreation department in Illinois.
  • 3.0 or above GPA
  • Transfer students may apply
Application: Apply Here (Applications due by March 15)

Award: Amount awarded will be based on the interest earned on the endowment. Award is to be applied in the semester during which the internship is being completed. Award should be applied directly to the recipient’s university account.
Award amount will be determined by the annual interest rate on the endowment. In any year in which there are no qualified applicants, income may be accumulated or reinvested in the endowment at the discretion of the administrator of the fund.