The Southeastern Illinois College Foundation has announced the creation of a new scholarship for Hardin County. The Dave Wiman Memorial Scholarship was established by his family to facilitate the education of deserving students who would like to pursue their goals and dreams in higher education.
"The SIC Foundation is honored to share in keeping the memory of Dave Wiman through this scholarship," says Adriana Armstrong, SIC Foundation Institutional Advancement controller/accountant and lifelong Hardin County resident. "As a Hardin County graduate, I especially appreciate the positive impact this scholarship will provide to Hardin County students for years to come."
The scholarship will be awarded to a student graduating from Hardin County High School who demonstrates financial need and exhibits the characteristics of good citizenship. The student must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to a student who demonstrates participation in community service projects. The amount of the annual scholarship award is $500.
"We wanted to create this scholarship in memory of my dad," says Bob Wiman. "He was passionate about education and Hardin County. We wanted to do something that will help kids in remembrance of him."
Dave Wiman had a long career in the education sector including being a coach at Shawneetown High School and a guidance counselor at Southeastern Illinois College. He retired from Hardin County K-12 School after serving as its principal for many years. Following retirement, he began devoting much of his time to the Harrisburg Elks where he was a member for more than 50 years.
"When you walk into that building, you can feel his presence," says Mark Adams, treasurer of the Harrisburg Elks Lodge #1058. "Everyone always talks about Dave. You can talk to anyone at the Harrisburg #1058 and they will tell you how very important that man was to the lodge."
The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks is a national organization that was founded in 1868. The Elks are involved with many programs that help veterans, homeless individuals, disabled and underprivileged children, and provide scholarships for high school students. Harrisburg's lodge alone has worked to get grants to help our veterans, children's care programs and Heaven's Kitchen. Wiman played an active role in these causes and served many years as an officer at the Lodge including the treasurer position that Adams now holds.
In honor of their beloved longtime member and his lasting impact on their organization, the Harrisburg Elks are contributing some of their fundraising proceeds to the David Wiman Memorial Scholarship. Recently the lodge held its first Dave Wiman Memorial Jeep Run. The family-friendly event featured a scenic ride through southeastern Illinois and included food, entertainment, raffles, and other activities throughout the day. The event was a success and they plan to make it an annual event. Other scholarship fundraisers are currently being planned by the lodge and the Wiman family.
For more information about this scholarship, contact Adriana Armstrong at SIC: a.armstrong@sic.edu or 618-252-5400 ext. 2104.
