McLEAN COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE
News from the Illinois Wesleyan University Associates Board • 2019 Impact Report
THE
LEADERSHIP GIFT
Through Byron Tucci’s lead gift and membership in the Illinois Wesleyan Associates, IWU is making strides in keeping bright and talented local high school students, who may have otherwise considered continuing their education elsewhere, here in their community. Announced in February 2018, the McLean County Scholarship guarantees at least $27,000 in annual scholarships–or $108,000 over four years–to admitted students graduating from a McLean County high school. The scholarship is funded by the Associates, a group of local business and community leaders committed to local education.
“This is a great University,” Tucci said. “These students will have great professors and one-on-one attention, and when they graduate, they’re going to have great credentials to show the world.” Byron Tucci ‘66 IWU Board of Trustees
A native and lifelong resident of Bloomington, Illinois, Tucci put his Illinois Wesleyan education to use locally. He served as a financial adviser in the Bloomington-Normal community for the duration of his professional career. Tucci is hoping the McLean County Scholarship will encourage local high school students to seek education here in their community.
“I thought we would do pretty well, but I didn’t think we’d be doing this well, this fast,” he said of the McLean County Scholarship’s early success. “I’m thrilled with it, but we need to keep it going.”
Dear Friends,
DEAR FRIENDS
For more than 65 years, the Illinois Wesleyan Associates have been committed to private higher education and local McLean County students. In 2018, we launched our boldest initiative yet. With nearly half of Illinois high school graduates seeking higher education out of state, Illinois Wesleyan and the Associates created the McLean County Scholarship in 2018.
The scholarship offers admitted McLean County high school students at least $27,000 in annual scholarships ($108,000 over four years).
Through the scholarship, IWU and the Associates are reminding local students in no uncertain terms: We want you! I encourage you to learn more about the McLean County Scholarship and see how it’s already impacting local students by visiting www.iwu.edu/associates. All the best,
Willie Brown President, Illinois Wesleyan Associates
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