2009 Illinois State Football Game Program

Illinois State University— Illinois’ first public university Renewed scholarship supports students in library program Vicki Hall ’90 was elated when she learned that she would be the first person in more than 20 years to receive the Eunice H. Speer Scholarship. Established in 1974 in recognition of Speer’s 30 years of service as a library science instructor, the scholarship was renewed in 2008 through a successful fundraiser.

The scholarship is intended for current or potential students interested in coursework required for the Library Information Specialist (LIS) endorsement. Hall, who is currently a librarian for five elementary schools in Springfield, applied the scholarship toward an online media and technology class.

“My school district doesn’t offer reimbursement for education, so everything I do comes out of my own pocket,” Hall said. “Receiving the scholarship relieved the burden of financing my classes.”

Hall was teaching a first grade class when she discovered that her true passion was sharing children’s books with her students. She followed her heart the following year by becoming a librarian for Little Flower Catholic School in Springfield.

“I love what I do,” she said. “I get to find out what they’re reading, or get them excited about reading.”

Hall returned to Illinois State soon after the College of Education began to offer the LIS coursework. She chose the program because of her undergraduate experience at Illinois State, the program’s affordability, and the University’s use of cutting-edge teaching methods.

“I loved getting an education at ISU,” she said. “When I graduated in 1990, I was very well prepared to set foot into my first classroom.”

Seated alongside other educators and librarians in LIS classes, Hall has broadened her knowledge base of More than one life can be changed when you journals, reviews, and literacy skills; tightened her bond to provide financial support that enables a student professional organizations; and has yet again found herself to complete an education and pursue prepared to tackle any challenges that may come her way.

“It’s an awesome program,” she said. “I learn just professional dreams. Make a difference today by as much from the people in my classes as I do from my contributing to a scholarship. Contact Executive instructors.” Part of Hall’s training also includes the use Director of Development Joy Hutchcraft at (309) of different instant messenger services, online databases, 438-8041 or by e-mailat jdhutch@ilstu.edu to online journals, and other resources that may exist outside find out what you can do. Donations can be the walls of her classroom. made online at www.alumni.ilstu.edu/giving.

“I wouldn’t have known about these resources without my instructors steering me in the right direction,” Hall said. “They teach you everything you need to know.”