Scholarships

Special Education Scholarships

Calvin & Avon Bingham Scholarship

Recipients of this scholarship must demonstrate 1) unmet financial need, 2) making satisfactory academic progress, and 3) meet one of the following criteria: a) Diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum b) Have a major that specializes in working with children diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum or special education.

Calvin and Avon Bingham’s combined time as educators spanned four decades and totaled more than sixty years. They have a grandson who is diagnosed with autism and they have witnessed firsthand the impact a quality educational experience can have on individuals like their grandson. In honor of their service and examples, this scholarship is being offered to help students with financial need and a desire to dedicate their life to the noble calling as an educator.

Arya M. Heravi Scholarship

This scholarship is for students admitted to the Special Education major and who demonstrate financial need.

The Arya M. Heravi Endowed Scholarship was established by his loving father, Dr. Mehdi Heravi, and stands as a lasting tribute to the integrity and life of Arya M. Heravi. After his education at USU and the American School of International Service, Dr. Heravi served as Vice President and Provost at the University of Iran. Years later, following the Iranian Revolution, he devoted himself to philanthropy, giving support to academic programs and charities, including an orphanage in Iran several organizations related to cerebral palsy.

Mehdi Heravi Special Education Scholarship

This scholarship is for students admitted to the Special Education major with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and who demonstrate financial need.

After his education at USU and the American School of International Service, Dr. Heravi served as Vice President and Provost at the University of Iran. Years later, following the Iranian Revolution, he devoted himself to philanthropy, giving support to academic programs and charities, including an orphanage in Iran several organizations related to cerebral palsy.

Mathhew David Hillyard Endowment Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is for serious special education majors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must be permanent residents in the immediate intermountain region of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.

The Matthew David Hillyard Scholarship Fund was established by USU alums Senator Lyle Hillyard and Mrs. Alice Hillyard in honor of their son, Matthew David Hillyard. Matt was born March 1, 1975 in Logan, where he lived throughout his life, but his influence reached far beyond Cache Valley. Everyone Matt met was considered his friend, and his giant heart easily attracted countless people to him.  In memory of Matt’s loving spirit, this scholarship supports students pursuing special education degrees at USU.

Donald F. and Anne C. Kline Scholarship

This scholarship is for an upper division or graduate student in Special Education who demonstrates academic achievement and has financial need.

The Donald F. Kline Scholarship Endowment Fund was established by family and friends in memory of Donald F. Kline. Donald served as a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Special Education in the College of Education at Utah State University. He was experienced in education from the perspective of the classroom, the university, the state board of education, and the US Office of Education.

Joseph Steven Meyrick Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a Special Education major, who has a disability or someone with a disability in his/her family and also has financial need. Students applying for this scholarship should address this criteria in their statement of need.

Stan and Judith Meyrick are proud to be USU graduates — Stan from the College of Business and Judith from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.   The College of Education and Human Services became a focus for Stan and Judith when they were deciding on a memorial to their son. Steven's special education teachers had such a positive impact on his life — they made school fun as well as educational for Steven. With these memories in mind, the Meyricks chose to establish a scholarship to be awarded to an aspiring special education teacher each year.

B. Richard Springer Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a Special Education major, who has junior level standing and demonstrates academic achievement with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

After graduating from USU with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, “Rick” Springer spent over 28 years serving the state of Utah as a Rehabilitation Counselor.  He counseled and cared for family, friends and many others.  This scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to Rick Springer’s life. 

Thomas A. and Kathleen Stewart Scholarship

This scholarship is for special education majors who demonstrate financial need, display leadership skills and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference will be given to students who desire to teach.

Thomas and Kathleen Stewart are both proud Aggie alums. Kathleen graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, and Tom’s degree was in Physical Education.  Tom eventually became assistant coach under Rod Tueller at USU and Kathy taught at the Child Development Center on campus.  While serving on the College of Education and Human Services Advancement Board, Kathleen recognized the need for scholarships and so in her great desire to help the students she and her husband created Scholarship Endowment

Leon G. and Faye Sonne Stucki Scholarship Endowment

Established by Leon G. and Faye Sonne Stucki; awards are made to students who have junior class standing with a declared major in Special Education and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Mr. & Mrs. Stucki were members of the original group that organized the Bonneville School at U.S.U. for the Handicapped and which affiliated with the Bridgerland Applied Technology Center as the Cache Adult Skill Center..

Undergraduate Special Education Major Scholarship

Upper class Special Education majors are eligible for this award. Students will answer essay questions that address their experiences working with people with disabilities, and distinguishing academic achievements and how the scholarship will help the recipient achieve his/her goals.

The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling has developed this scholarship to encourage our students to accomplish their dream of being that special educator that makes the difference in the lives of students with disabilities.

Anthony LaPray Scholarship

The SPER Anthony LaPray Scholarship will be made to undergraduate students who have junior class standing with a declared major in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling and a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Students will answer essay questions that address their experiences working with people with disabilities, and distinguishing academic achievements and how the scholarship will help the recipient achieve his/her goals.

Dr. LaPray graduated from USU with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology.  His with Anna LaPray was also a graduate of USU’s Elementary Education Department.  Dr. LaPray was a practicing psychologist for over 37 year, developing a cognitive behavior approach to parenting that he outlined in his book, “Help! For Parents:  Through the First Twelve years. 

Burr and Jean Eldredge Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be majoring in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.  In addition, applicants must demonstrate initiative and creativity in teaching. 

The Burr & Jean Eldredge Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of their lifelong service in educating children both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Eldredge taught and coached at Roosevelt Junior High School. Together, the two often spent their summers in Logan where Burr attended coaching clinics and career development programs, and Jean continued her education. Jean earned her Master of Education degree at USU. Both taught in Roosevelt until retirement in 1987.

Carol Del Fante Aggie Family Scholarship

Upper class Special Education majors are eligible for this award. Must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and be admitted into the Special Education major.

With this endowment, Carol Del Fante's family honors her life, which exemplified hope, gratitude, and joy regardless of life's challenges.  Her life's motto was to seek light, even in the most challenging circumstances. In her late 40s, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and retired early from her job as a teacher's aide. This challenge forced a course adjustment but did not deter her.  Carol continued to teach and uplift her own children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.

Harriet & Waldemar Rasmussen Scholarship

Awarded to a student majoring in Special Education who desires to pursue a career in special education and also demonstrates financial need.

Scholarship established by Harriet Richards and Waldemar Rasmussen to aid in funding students pursuing careers in special education.  Mr. Wallie Rasmussen and Mrs. Harriet Richards Rasmussen have a generous history of giving to many areas around the state at various institutions of higher learning.  Harriet and Wallie have chosen to start a new endowed scholarship in the area of Special Education and rehabilitation for several reasons. First, they are hoping to fill a gap in funding for educators pursuing careers in special education. Secondly, they wanted to give to a program that has provided countless opportunities for their daughter, who has spent a career in the field.

Donald E. and Peggy P. Francis Scholarship

Applicant must be a special education major, demonstrate financial need and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Donand Peggy Francis who wereboth lifetime Aggies. They were both proponents of education and lifelong learning. This scholarship is set up to help students pursuing degrees in education.