John N. Stevens Memorial Scholarship

Available for Heartland Community College Students

The John N. Stevens Memorial Scholarship was established by the Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotary Club in honor of Rotarian and community leader John N. Stevens.

Scholarship Guidelines

The Scholarship will be awarded to a candidate who plans to attend Heartland Community college for a minimum of 12 hours per semester and who has selected a field of study in line with a definite career goal. The scholarship will pay tuition for 12 hours of study for two consecutive semesters. With proof of a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a minimum accumulation of 21 hours of credit, recipients may apply to renew their scholarship award for an additional two semesters.

Application Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to do required high school coursework
• Demonstrated strong work ethic
• Evidence of community service involvement
• Current status of high school student or non-traditional student
• Submission of a brief essay from the applicant explaining why the candidate believes he/she posses the character traits which will enable and encourage them to embrace public service oriented efforts and which outlines his/her career plans.

Application Deadline: June 4, 2004

Open Application Form

The John N. Stevens Memorial Scholarship was established in 2001 by the Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotary Club in honor of longtime Rotarian and community leader, John N. Stevens. John Stevens was the epitome of a true Rotarian. John lived his life in accord with the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self".

John Stevens returned to his hometown community, Bloomington, after graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law and immediately began to fulfill his dream of helping to make a difference in the lives of people he interacted with as well as a difference in the local community and the world. John was engaged in the private practice of law from 1983 until his death in November, 2000. In addition to helping his clients, John helped the community by volunteering his time and talents to assist various community organizations including the McLean County Historical Society, The Illinois Shakespeare Society, Second Presbyterian Church and BroMenn Hospital. John did not just join an organization, but rather he actively participated in the organizations as evidenced by the many years he served as a trustee, board director, executive officer and president of various organizations. John also contributed greatly to the community of McLean County by serving as a member of the McLean County Board from 1989 until the time of his death.

John will always hold a special place in the hearts of Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotarians because it was John's enormous assistance and guidance that enabled the Sunrise Rotary Club to grow and become chartered in 1990. John graciously and enthusiastically served as a cosponsor of the developing Sunrise club. As a past president of his own club, Bloomington Rotary Club, and as an Assistant District Governor and chairman of various district committees, John provided a wealth of knowledge about Rotary and eagerly shared that knowledge with his colleagues. John never considered his community involvements and volunteer work as a chore, but rather considered them an opportunity to serve the public.

The Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotary Club desires to honor and recognize John's life by awarding this scholarship to a student who shares John's commitment to life-long learning and his commitment to serving others and the public in a quest to truly make a difference in the lives of others and the community.