Department Scholarships
Computer Science and Information Systems
Application instructions and annual award amounts for each of
these scholarships are available on the Endowed
Scholarships for Current Students page.
The Father Richard Shonka O.S.B. Memorial Scholarship
Fr. Richard was born in Linwood, Nebraska in 1904. He professed
monastic vows in 1925, and was ordained in 1929. In 1931 he earned
a masters degree in mathematics at the University of Chicago.
When the Abbey undertook its Chinese mission in 1936, Fr. Richard
volunteered for assignment at the Priory in Kaifeng, China. He
became severely ill while in China, and in 1938 returned to Nebraska
to convalesce. He later returned to Lisle and resumed his teaching
of mathematics.
Instrumental in establishing the University's first computer
center in 1970, Fr. Richard published a handbook for his
classes entitled "Introduction to Programming with BASIC".
His energy, good humor and genuine concern for those he taught
were recognized by the conferral of Illinois Benedictine College's
Distinguished Educator Award in 1972. His teaching career ended
in 1987, and he passed away in 1990 at the age of 87.
This scholarship is awarded to a Computer Science or Computer
Information Systems major with a minimum 3.25 gpa.
The Dana Corporation/Charles J. McNamara Memorial Scholarship
Charles J. McNamara served as President of the Dana Corporation
Engine Components Group, and, prior to that, as Vice President
and General Manager of the Victor Reinz Division of Dana Corporation.
He was a graduate of the Benedictine University Institute for
Management Program.
In his 35-year career with Dana Corporation, Chuck held a number
of management positions, both within the Victor Reinz Division
and in other Dana divisions. He advanced to Dana's Strategic Business
Council due to his business acumen and his ability to use the
"Dana Style" of participative management in his dealing
with people.
Chuck was a fervent supporter of Benedictine University and its
academic mission.
This scholarship is awarded to a Computer Science or Computer
Information Systems major who has demonstrated above average academic
achievement, character and leadership.
The Louis R. Chase Memorial Scholarship
L.R. (Dick) Chase became the Director of Placement at Illinois
Benedictine College in 1973. Dick had recently retired after 30
years with Johnson & Johnson, where he had been Sales Order
Service Manager. In 1947 Dick designed an IBM electronic data
processing system for Johnson and Johnson. He later assisted the
company in other computer systems, plant planning and cost analysis
projects.
In 1975 Dick was named Vice-president for Finance at Illinois
Benedictine College.
This scholarship is awarded to a Computer Science or Computer
Information Systems major with a minimum 3.0 gpa who has been
active in extracurricular activities.
The Raize Software Inc. Scholarship
The Raize Software Inc. Scholarship in Computer Science was established
by donations from Mr. Ray Konopka, a computer science graduate
from the class o 1989. It is named after his company, Raize Software,
a local business, which has customers worldwide. Mr. Konopka attributes
much of his success to what he learned here and wants to help
students whose circumstances are similar to those he faced when
he was a student.
The Raize Scholarship focuses on supporting students with demonstrated
knowledge and capabilities in computer science, who also intend
to start a career in this field. In the past, Mr. Konopka has
been impressed with scholarship awardees and has at times offered
them employment opportunities.
This scholarship is awarded to a full-time Computer Science major
who will be a senior in the next academic year, with a minimum
GPA of 3.0.
Application instructions and annual award amounts for each
of these scholarships are available on the Endowed
Scholarships for Current Students page.
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