EIU Department of
World Languages and Cultures

Scholarships for 

World Language Majors  

Students majoring in World Languages are eligible for a variety of scholarships awarded on a yearly basis. These include:

William Gene and Brigitte Johanna Brown Scholarship

The scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student. The recipient must be a declared major in either Engineering or World Languages. The scholarship will be awarded to an Engineering student in even-numbered fiscal years and to a World Language student in odd-numbered fiscal years. World Language Student requirements: The student must be of at least sophomore status. Preference will be give to Teacher Certification candidates and students participating in Study Abroad. The student must have a 3.0 GPA.

Ruth Carman Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Ruth Carman, former professor of World languages at Eastern from 1914 to 1953. This award is presented annually to an outstanding student in World Languages.

Dr. Luis F. Clay-Méndez Scholarship

The Department of World Languages established a fund to endow a scholarship for Spanish students in memory of Dr. Luis Clay-Méndez, distinguished professor of Spanish. The recipient must have a declared major in Spanish with teacher certification. Applicants must provide a written statement of why they are deserving of the award and how they exemplify the qualities and attributes of Dr. Clay-Méndez, such as positive attitude, outgoing spirit and willingness to go beyond average expectations. 

Richard L. Crouse Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1997 by family and friends of Richard Crouse, this scholarship is awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in Spanish. The recipient must have a keen interest in Spanish, which should be demonstrated by extra-curricular activities and classroom excellence and enthusiasm. The award must be used to cover academic costs, which includes study abroad programs whose primary purpose is to improve proficiency in Spanish.

Bobbie King Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1966 by Mr. and Mrs. Karl King, of Charleston, in memory of their daughter. This award is presented annually to a junior or senior demonstrating outstanding achievement in the study of World Languages.

Geraldina Ortiz-Muñiz Spanish Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Dr. Geraldina Ortiz-Muñiz, Professor of Spanish at Eastern from 1962 to 1992. This award is presented annually to two outstanding Spanish majors. 

Marion Railsback Webb World Languages Scholarship

The scholarship will be awarded to a full-time freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, majoring in World Languages at Eastern Illinois University. The recipient must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial need is not a consideration.

Don and Pam Sundheim Study Abroad Scholarship

Upon their retirement from the university in June 2005, Don and Pam Sundheim established these scholarships to support Eastern Illinois University students majoring in any World Language who wish to study their target language abroad at some time during their junior or senior year.

Study Abroad Scholarship

In addition to the scholarship funds listed above, the department also accepts applications for scholarship funds specifically for study abroad. These funds are available through the generosity of our alumni. Depending on availability of funds, one or several awards of $500 will be distributed. At the discretion of the scholarship committee, these awards may be made separately or in addition to other awards. Preference will be given to students who have not previously had the opportunity to study abroad.

For more information and to apply, see EIU Scholarships.