The Lillian and Julius Fisher Memorial Gerontology Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1994 to stand as a lasting tribute to Lillian and Julius Fisher. Julius is remembered by his family as a hard worker, a family man, who was there when needed, and loved to get on the floor to play with his grandchildren. Lillian was loved by people both in and outside the family. She was a very warm individual, who would help people in need and never had a bad word to say about anybody. She loved her family and would do anything for her kids. She had a playful side and was not above running around with her grandchildren. This scholarship recognizes the importance that they placed on education (though neither had the opportunity to go to college) and their belief that college allowed people to make a better life for themselves.

The Gerontological Educational Fund

This fund was established in 1993 with a generous donation from Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. These funds are used to support the educational mission of the Gerontology Program and to increase understanding of aging issues both on and off campus. These funds are used to purchase books and videos, underwrite the costs of panel presentations and special educational events, and to do educational outreach into the community.

The Senior Art Exhibition Fund

This fund was begun in 1996 to support the Annual Senior Art Exhibition, a juried fine arts show for artists 65 and above. The purpose of the exhibition is to educate the public and recognize the ongoing contributions of older citizens to the fine arts. The efforts of these artists demonstrate their continued productivity, vitality and involvement, and give us all hope and an appreciation for the potential in later life. This fund, along with donations from the National Art Shop and Studio 55, supports this annual event.

The Louis Henry and Seryl Ethel Fisher Community Service Scholarship

This scholarship for Gerontology and Psychology majors was established in 2000 in honor of two caring individuals who believed in making their corner of the world a bit better place. "Lou" and "Ethel" have been characterized as people with generous hearts that extend beyond family to include friends and the broader community. Lou Fisher died in 1999 after a prolonged illness, but Ethel Fisher carries on a tradition of community mindedness. Throughout their marriage of fifty years, they believed in helping those who were struggling or could not help themselves and exercised this value through donations to many charitable organizations. Ethel and Lou have always stressed the value of a good education and service to one's community. This scholarship helps support worthy students majoring in Gerontology or Psychology who are providing service to the community while fulfilling the requirements of their academic degree program.