The Illini Drumline Scholarship
Illini Drumline Scholarship
Established 2001
Online Nomination now available here
Dear Friend of the Illini Drumline,
The University of Illinois Marching Band provides a voluntary student activity
which contributes greatly to a positive image of the University, and
is an important factor in the educational and social growth of its members.
The Marching Illini Drumline Scholarship is intended to support this activity
by providing financial assistance to a member of the Drumline
of the Marching Illini.
This scholarship was established by alumni and supporters of the Marching
Illini Drumline to show support for the positive impact this activity has
on the student's on-campus and post-graduate life.
We have all enjoyed the excitement of the Marching Illini Drumline, and
many of us are also proud to have marched in this elite section. This activity
provides a special combination of the scholastic challenges of a top-rank
University, together with demanding drumming, close camaraderie, fun social
events, and on occasion some good football.
Many of us have used the excellent academic background from U of I and the
teamwork skills from the drumline to establish successful careers. It is
now an appropriate time to give something back to the University, and especially
to the current and future students who commit to the Illini Drumline. To
achieve this goal, a scholarship has been established in order to provide
money for college costs to a deserving member of the University of Illinois
Marching Illini Drumline. The structure of this scholarship is described
below.
All contributions are be allocated to the Marching Illini Drumline Scholarship
fund which is managed by the University of Illinois Foundation. The Foundation
actively manages the Endowment Fund (with over $500 Million in assets) to
produce earnings that support designated U of I programs, faculty, or students.
All contributions are tax-deductable charitable contributions (Tax ID #37-6006007).
More detailed information on the Foundation and the Endowment Pool is available
at the Foundation's
website.
As of Fall 2008, the Illini Drumline Scholarship
fund has a balance of approximately $17,500, which supports an annual
award of approx. $600. The long-term objective is
to grow this fund by donations and fundraisers such as the Illini Drumline
Clinic in order to award larger scholarships and more scholarships.
Your support will help a deserving student meet the ever-increasing costs
of the best University education in the United States. And it will substantially
reward their commitment to the Marching Illini Drumline. Donations can be
made very easily on-line.
Please contact Dale Hallerberg if you have any questions.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dale Hallerberg
15 Old Barrington Road
Lake Barrington, IL 60010
hallerberg@illinoisalumni.org
Applying:
Applicants for the Marching Illini Drumline Scholarship will
be asked to support their application with information relevant to the following
criterion:
a. The recipient(s) should be in the percussion section of the Marching
Illini.
b. The recipient(s) should have a minimum of two previous seasons' experience
in the percussion section of the Marching Illini.
c. The recipient(s) should have demonstrated strong leadership and initiative
for the Marching Illini Drumline.
d. The recipient(s) should have demonstrated academic merit.
e. The recipient(s) financial need may be considered.
Potential applicants should contact the Director of the Marching Illini.
Selection process:
At the beginning of the school year, the Division of Bands will prepare
a list of those students which meet the first two requirements of the scholarship,
and request further information relative to academic merit and financial
need. In October, the scholarship committee will review this information
and determine the recipient. A student should only receive the scholarship
once. At the discretion of the Director of the School of Music or designee, the scholarship committee will be composed of the Director of the Marching Illini, an alumnus of the Marching Illini Drumline and another alumnus or advocate of the Marching Illini Drumline.
Amount:
The scholarship amount will depend on the amount of donations and the return
on investment of the UI Foundation Endowment Fund. As an example, with a
$10,000 base, and the year 2000 payout of 4.7%, the recipient would receive
approximately $470.
Past recipients of the Marching Illini Drumline Scholarship:
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2009 -- Michael Stein
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2009 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Illini Drumline is pleased to announce their seventh annual scholarship award, given for the 2009 Marching Band season to Michael Stein, Senior in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The award was announced during Homecoming weekend in Champaign where Michael accepted, saying: "It is truly an honor to receive this award. I came to Illinois four years ago because I knew I had to be on this line. Every year the group amazes me with their devotion to precision and creating something new. I love to see the band and the drumline pressing forward each week, learning new shows, visuals, and warm-ups or something fun to give to the fans. The drumline was an excellent way to transition into college and has introduced me to a group that has become some of my best friends. I look forward to returning to campus after I have graduated to see traditions carried on and excellence from the drumline each game. Thank you."The scholarship value is $600. The Illini Drumline Scholarship is funded by donations from alumni and friends, as well as by proceeds from the annual Illini Drumline Clinic. The scholarship is one way in which alumni and friends of the Marching Illini Drumline show their support for the University and recognize the tremendous benefits, both scholastic and social, of membership in the Illini Drumline. |
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2008 -- Joe Mroczek
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2008 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Illini Drumline is pleased to announce their sixth annual scholarship award, given for the 2008 Marching Band season to Joe Mroczek, Senior in Accounting at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The award was announced during Homecoming weekend in Champaign where Joe was applauded for his "... innovative leadership for the Illini Drumline."; Joe accepted the award, saying: "I want to thank the Illini Drumline Boosters for giving me this award. I've seen some of my peers receive this same honor, and these were all people I looked up to and respected. I'm glad I can be a part of the Illini Drumline, an organization that has taught me so much in the my college experience. It's not only showed me how talented musicians from all over can come together and put on something incredible, but it's also taught me how to better work with a team and become an effective leader. Everybody I've performed with has been great, they've taught me so much, and I'll always be appreciative. This award is something I'm very proud of, and thank you again!"Drumline alumnus Dale Hallerberg (Eng '82), summed up the choice of Joe by stating: "Joe Mroczek is a great drummer and a great leader for the Illini Drumline. He has implemented new ideas for the organization which are effectively improving the drumline and the performer's experience in the drumline. Joe is a wonderful asset to the Illini Drumline, the Marching Illini, and the University of Illinois." The scholarship value is $600. The Illini Drumline Scholarship is funded by donations from alumni and friends, as well as by proceeds from the annual Illini Drumline Clinic. The scholarship is one way in which alumni and friends of the Marching Illini Drumline show their support for the University and recognize the tremendous benefits, both scholastic and social, of membership in the Illini Drumline. |
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2007 -- Brandon Catt
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2007 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Illini Drumline is pleased to announce their fifth annual scholarship award, given for the 2007 Marching Band season to Brandon Catt, Senior in Choral & General Music Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The award was announced during Homecoming weekend in Champaign where Brandon was thanked for his "...creativity and strong leadership for the Illini Drumline." Brandon accepted the award, saying: "I want to sincerely thank the Illini Drumline Boosters for awarding me with the 2007 Illini Drumline Scholarship. Their generosity will greatly assist me as I complete my degree in Education and begin my career as a teacher. This organization's dedication to the growth and advancement of the members of the Illini Drumline is fantastic and refreshing -- creating opportunities to help students participate in the world-class Marching Illini and learn ideals such as teamwork, perseverance, dedication, pride, leadership, and friendship. As a future music educator, I understand the importance of music in the lives of students and I want to say "Thank you so very much!"Drumline alumnus Dale Hallerberg (Eng '82), summed up the choice of Brandon by stating: "Brandon Catt took ownership of the idea that the Illini Drumline should have the best cymbal section in any college marching band -- and he absolutely achieved that goal. Showing great leadership, he created a mentality of excellence which resulted in outstanding performances which set new trends for musical and visual impact. Best of all, Brandon's efforts will have a lasting impact on the excitement and quality of the Illini Drumline. The scholarship value is $500. The Illini Drumline Scholarship is funded by donations from alumni and friends, as well as by proceeds from the annual Illini Drumline Clinic. The scholarship is one way in which alumni and friends of the Marching Illini Drumline show their support for the University and recognize the tremendous benefits, both scholastic and social, of membership in the Illini Drumline. |
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2006 -- Andy Dittrich
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2006 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Illini Drumline is pleased to announce their fourth annual scholarship award, given for the 2006 Marching Band season to Andrew Dittrich, Senior in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The award was announced during Homecoming weekend in Champaign where Andy was lauded for his "...steadfast dedication to the Illini Drumline." Andy accepted by saying, "The Illini Drumline has provided me with a memorable and valuable experience I can carry with me through the rest of my life. I've made some of my best friends through the drumline and the Marching Illini, and without it, I feel like I would be lost in this large University setting. It has been exciting to see the line grow and improve, and I can only hope that I have been a contributor to that progress. It is an honor to be given this award." Drumline alumnus Dale Hallerberg (Eng 82), summed up the choice of Andrew by stating: "Andy is a great drummer and a wonderful young man. His efforts to benefit the drumline have ranged widely: From writing good press about the Illini Drumline on the DCI website, to developing clinic training materials for the Illini Drumline Clinic. His hard work and persistence resulted in a ProMark drumstick sponsorship for the Illini Drumline which has been a tremendous benefit. The Drumline has indeed been lucky to have him as a member." The scholarship value is $500. |
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2005 -- Justin Ahlberg
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2005 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Illini Drumline is pleased to announce their third annual scholarship award, given for the 2005 Marching Band season to Justin Ahlberg, Junior in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The award was announced during Homecoming weekend in Champaign where Justin was thanked for his "...irreplaceable contributions to the Marching Illini Drumline." Justin accepted by saying, "The Illini Drumline is more than just a section in the world famous Marching Illini. We work hard together and bond as very close friends. Some of my best friends, experiences, and memories have come in the past 3 years being a part of this organization. I experience no prouder moment than when I wear the blue and orange uniform worn by so many in the past. My life has been changed for the better because I have been part of the tradition that is the Illini Drumline." Drumline alumnus Dale Hallerberg (Eng '82), summed up the choice of Justin by stating: "Justin Ahlberg has shown a level of dedication which sets the standard for all members of the Illini Drumline. He has worked very hard to the benefit of the drumline and the band as a whole. He is a true credit to his family, the Marching Illini, the University, and the Illini Drumline." The scholarship value is $500. |
| 2004 -- No scholarship was awarded | |
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2003 -- Ben Belzer
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2002 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Illini Drumline is pleased to announce their second annual scholarship award, given for the 2003 Marching Band season to Ben Belzer, Senior in Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The award was announced during Homecoming weekend in Champaign where Ben was thanked for his "...total commitment to the success of the Marching Illini Drumline." As a high school student Ben was accepted at several Universities. As Ben tells it, "My choice of the University of Illinois was sealed when I saw the Illini Drumline warm-up for the Marching Band Festival. I told my dad I had made up my mind; not only would I be at a great institution, but I would be in the best drumline in the Big-Ten." Ironically, Ben did not make the drumline his freshman year, and although he was dissapointed, he worked hard on his skills, tried out the next year for bass drum, and achieved his goal of performing with the Illini Drumline and the Marching Illini. For his Junior and Senior years he has played snare drum and was the section leader for the 2003 season. "The drumline has been my entire extracurricular life at the university, and almost every one of my friends has stemmed from the drumline. To this day I am completely honored and blessed that I've been able to be a part of this group for these four years. I will never forget the experiences I've had." Drumline alumnus Dale Hallerberg (Eng '82), summed up the Foundation's choice of Ben by stating: "Ben Belzer has been totally committed to rehearsing and performing at the highest level, and has shown excellent leadership, especially this year as section leader. Ben is truly a great representative of the Drumline, the Band, and the University." Mr. Hallerberg emphasized that the scholarship is a great way for alumni and friends of the Marching Illini Drumline to show their support for the University and to recognize the tremendous benefits, both scholastic and social, of membership in the Marching Illini. The scholarship value is $500. |
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2002 -- Jeremy McGinnis
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2002 SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Illini Drumline is pleased to announce their first scholarship award, given for the 2002 Marching Band season to Jeremy McGinnis, Senior in Philosophy at the University of Illinois Urbana campus. The award was announced by Marching Illini Drumline Section Leader Ben Collins, who thanked Jeremy for "being a great contributor to the success of the Marching Illini Drumline." In thanks, Jeremy responded: "I consider it a great mark of distinction to be the first-ever recipient of the Marching Illini Drumline Scholarship. Being named to receive this special honor was the perfect way to cap off my career in the Illini Drumline." He continued: "To be in the 'best band in the land', participate in the world's greatest college drumline, and receive this scholarship are all tremendous privileges." Illini Drumline alumnus Russ Weber (LAS '80), summed up the choice of Jeremy by stating: "Jeremy McGinnis has shown an exemplary level of commitment and dedication to the Marching Illini Drumline throughout his 4 years in the Marching Band. He's a credit to the University and to the drumline." Mr. Weber emphasized that the scholarship is a great way for alumni and friends of the Marching Illini Drumline to show their support for the University and to recognize the tremendous benefits, both scholastic and social, of membership in the Marching Illini. The scholarship value is $500. |
Donors:
Many alumni, friends, and family have generously contributed to the Marching
Illini Drumline Scholarship Fund. Please help us with any donation you feel
comfortable giving.
Please e-mail us with any questions regarding this page.