Black Hawk College Foundation | Student Scholarships

Scholarships to Empower BHC Students to Succeed

Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order. Updated: March 2022

Endowed Scholarships

Vickie L. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Created for female nursing students with financial need.

Lisa Bahnks Memorial Scholarship

Established by Mr. and Mrs. William Bahnks in memory of their daughter, Lisa, who was a 1977 graduate of Black Hawk College. Scholarship is awarded to a transfer student with a 3.0 GPA or higher in a health-related field.

Dr. Norbert Barwasser Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1985 to serve Black Hawk College students with academic promise.

Thomas Batell English/Philosophy Scholarship

Established by the English/Philosophy Department. Awarded to a full-time Black Hawk College freshman enrolled in a transfer program. Preference is given to students in English, philosophy and foreign languages. Recipients are selected by the academic department.

Byron Beck Scholarship

For students studying history or pre-law with a minimum 2.5 GPA and financial need. Student selection should eliminate students who are receiving a full tuition waiver.

Dorothy Beck Scholarship

For students with financial need studying humanities, languages, and journalism.

Earl H. Beling Memorial Scholarship

Established by Mrs. Earl H. Beling in memory of her husband. Mr. Beling is recognized as one of the founders of the community college which is now Black Hawk College. Awarded annually with preference to students studying a foreign language. Academic performance and financial need are considerations.

Black Hawk College Foundation Scholarship

Established by the Black Hawk College Foundation. Academic performance and financial need are considerations.

Black Hawk College Leaders in Business Scholarship

These scholarship funds were generated by Leadercast Quad Cities registrations and sponsorships. This scholarship is available to business majors or business transfer students with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Robert C. Bopp Memorial Scholarship

Jackie Bopp, wife of Robert C. Bopp, established this scholarship in memory of her husband. Originally established as an annual scholarship, generous contributions from various BHC employees, family and friends of Bob helped raise the fund principal to endow the scholarship in 2014. BHC students in any program who maintain a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a strong work ethic are eligible to receive this scholarship.

Lucy Brandicon/Leon Dombrock/Donna Figle O’Meara Memorial Music Scholarship

Established by friends and relatives of these three individuals. Miss Brandicon taught piano at Black Hawk College; Mr. Dombrock was the manager of the Black Hawk College Bookstore; and Ms. O’Meara was an instructor in the Music Department. The recipients of the combined scholarship are selected by the Music Department.

Doris E. Braner Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Braner family in honor of their mother, Doris, who worked in the Black Hawk College Bookstore for 11 years. Consideration given to widowed or divorced homemakers who demonstrate financial need. Scholarship is for books only.

Grant W. Brissman and Virginia M. Brissman Scholarship

Established in honor of the Brissman family. Awarded to students in vocational and career-focused programs who are current residents within Milan city limits.

Byron Carlson Scholarship

Alumnus Byron L. Carlson established the Byron Carlson Scholarship to recognize the efforts of transfer students who complete their program of study at Black Hawk College within three years, with preference given to those intending to transfer to St. Ambrose University or Western Illinois University (Macomb or Quad-Cities campus). Preference will be given to a graduate of Orion High School. GPA of 3.5 or greater.

Erskine Carter Truth in Journalism Scholarship

Bryonie, Miranda, and Cassandra Carter established the Erskine Carter Truth in Journalism Scholarship in memory of their father, Professor E.R. Erskine Carter, who retired from Black Hawk College’s English department in 2014. The family is grateful for the contributions Professor Carter’s friends, family, colleagues, and former students made towards this endowment. During Professor Carter’s time at BHC, one of his many passions was supervising the student newspaper, the Chieftain. Like with students in his English classes, Professor Carter challenged student reporters to think carefully and critically, and encouraged them to be bold and deliberate in their writing. Scholarships are to be awarded to students with a 3.5 GPA or greater majoring in English or journalism and/or pursuing an associate degree while participating extensively in journalism on campus.

John R. Cioe Memorial Scholarship

John R. Cioe was a Chicago police officer and training instructor, a lover of books, and an advocate of lifelong learning. It is the intention of his family that the award established in his memory will benefit adult learners enrolled in at least nine credit hours in a wide variety of academic disciplines.

Arthur B. Conelly Memorial Scholarship

Established by Tri-County Home Builders Association, Inc. Preference given to students majoring in pre-engineering, technical engineering, real estate or building trades.

Paula Cravero Memorial Scholarship

Established by family, faculty and friends in memory of Paula Cravero, professor of accounting in the Business Department. Awarded annually to career or transfer students who are majoring in accounting and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Cummings Family Memorial Scholarship

Established by Marilyn and the late Wayne Cummings. Scholarship is awarded to a career program major who has financial need and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Patty Decker Memorial Scholarship

Established by Mr. and Mrs. Wendell C. Cree in memory of their daughter, a graduate of the Black Hawk College nursing program. Preference given to students enrolled in the nursing program.

Joan Eastlund Scholarship

Professor Emerita Joan Eastlund established this scholarship which is open to students of any program, full- or part-time, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrating financial need.

Burton C. and Anna L. Foster Scholarship

Established by Burton (Black Hawk College professor emeritus) and Anna Foster in honor of their son, Clinton Foster. Preference is given to students with disabilities in an Allied Health program.

The Franklin Foundation Scholarship

Established by Steve and Tammy Franklin after Tammy pursued her nursing degree at Black Hawk College as a nontraditional student. Scholarships are for students in the Associate Degree Nursing program who demonstrate financial need.

Barbara E. Garst Memorial Scholarship

Established by Dr. Josephine Garst and friends. Miss Garst was a professor of English at Black Hawk College. Awarded annually to students graduating from Moline High School.

Cristina Greene Memorial Scholarship for International Students

Created by Sharon Cunningham and Brian Greene in memory of their mother, Cris Greene, who changed the lives of many students at Black Hawk College. Scholarships are limited to students in the international student program, with preference given to ESL students pursuing college-level courses. Students must demonstrate financial need and include a strong personal statement.

John R. Grotzinger Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of John Grotzinger, a professor in the Psychology/Sociology Department. Awarded to a graduating member of Psi Beta, a national honor society for community college students interested in psychology. Based on academic achievement, leadership and community service. Recipient selected by the academic department.

Martha Ann Grotzinger Memorial Scholarship

Established by family, faculty and friends. Martha Grotzinger was a professor in the Biology Department at Black Hawk College who had a deep concern and interest in the students. This award goes to a full-time female student enrolled in biological science or nursing; special preference to widows with children.

Mary and Louis Hampes Memorial Scholarship

Established by Dr. William Hampes in memory of his parents, Mary and Louis Hampes, to provide financial support for Black Hawk College students. Awarded to a full-time student of any major with a B average.

Hawk’s Hub Textbook Scholarship

Student must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Must show financial need, but not currently receiving financial aid. Will be awarded in the form of a Hawk’s Hub gift certificate.

Martin E. Hayes Physics/Engineering Scholarship

Established in memory of Martin E. Hayes, professor of physics and engineering at Black Hawk College. Awarded to students who have completed one year at Black Hawk College and are majoring in physics or engineering with intent to transfer to a four-year institution. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA.

Erwin Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Created in memory of Mr. Johnson who served as a professor and chair of the engineering-related technology department at Black Hawk College. Awarded to students demonstrating interest in engineering who have completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Lowell N. Johnson Foundation Scholarship

Awarded to students who have resided in Rock Island, Henry or Mercer counties for a minimum of three years. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA and show financial need.

Todd C. Harold Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Johnson family in memory of Todd Johnson, a Black Hawk College graduate and auxiliary police officer who was killed in a training accident. Two scholarships are awarded each year; one to a law enforcement major and the other award to a major in the paramedic program.

Carol and Esther Kalin Scholarship

Established upon the death of Anna Mae K. Erickson to create opportunities for Black Hawk College students.

Leaders Under 40 Alumni Scholarship

Created by Leaders Under 40 alumni. Scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate strong leadership skills. Must include a personal statement.

Krystel Leigh Madison Memorial Scholarship

Krystel Madison taught in Black Hawk College’s Optional Education program. This scholarship in her memory is for first-time college students coming out of the Optional Education program with a GED or diploma. Recipient selected by the academic department.

Barbara McChurch Memorial Scholarship

The Barbara McChurch Memorial Scholarship will be available to a full or part-time student enrolled in a transfer program with an education major. Recipient must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

E.S. (Bert) Metcalf Memorial Scholarship

Established by relatives and friends for the former Rock Island County Superintendent of Schools and supporter of Black Hawk College. Preference given to a sophomore or older part-time student. Scholarship is for books only.

Milan Area Rotary Scholarship

Established by the Milan Rotary Club. Students must be residents of one of the following: Blackhawk, Andalusia, Bowling, Edgington, Buffalo Prairie or Drury townships, or the portion of Rural Township and Mercer County within the Sherrard School District. Student must demonstrate financial need.

Karla Miley Endowed Scholarship

Established by Karla Miley for students majoring in social work, planning a career in social work, and planning to transfer into a BSW program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Preference is given to those students who have demonstrated academic success (minimum 3.0 GPA) at Black Hawk College and demonstrated financial need.

Douglas L. Mitton Memorial Law Enforcement Scholarship

Established by Mr. and Mrs. Floyd C. Mitton in memory of their son. Preference given to a law enforcement student.

Natural Science & Engineering Scholarship

Established by faculty in the Black Hawk College Natural Science and Engineering Department. Must be a major in either astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, engineering, geology, physics, pre-chiropractic, pre-dietetics, pre-engineering, pre-medicine, prepharmacy, pre-physical therapy or pre-veterinary medicine. Must be full time and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Robert E. Nuquist History Scholarship

Given by Dr. Robert E. Nuquist, a longtime professor of history and department chair. This scholarship is to benefit history majors of high academic standing, demonstrating financial need.

Nursing Faculty Endowed Scholarship

Established by the Black Hawk College nursing faculty. Students must be registered in the ADN program. Must have financial need, but not currently receiving other scholarships or grants.

Robert and Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation Athletic Scholarship

Established by alumni Robert and Blenda Ontiveros for minority student athletes.

Robert and Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation Entering Students Scholarship

Established by alumni Robert and Blenda Ontiveros for first-year minority students maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Robert and Blenda Ontiveros Family Foundation Scholarship

Established by alumni Robert and Blenda Ontiveros for Hispanic students maintaining a 3.0 GPA with emphasis given to students studying health care, sciences or technology.

Alan D. Perley Memorial Scholarship

Established through the generosity of loved ones, friends, family, and the BHC community in memory of alumnus Alan Perley. Alan was the son of Lucille and the late Roger Perley, both music faculty at Black Hawk College. The scholarship will be awarded to a full- or part-time student in the law enforcement/criminal justice program who maintains at least a C average. The recipient must live in district or in one of the approved contiguous counties of Iowa and have earned at least 14 college credits in the program. Recipient must demonstrate a history of volunteerism and giving back to the community.

Roger A. Perley Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Roger A. Perley, professor of music at Black Hawk College. Awarded to students who have completed 15 semester hours at Black Hawk College and are majoring in music in a transfer program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Recipient selected by the academic department.

Perlmutter Scholarship

Established by the late Dr. Harold and Evelyn Perlmutter. Awarded to high school seniors enrolling as science majors and who demonstrate financial need.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Students must be members of the Eta Kappa chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at the Quad-Cities Campus at the time of application and be returning the following semester enrolling in 12 credit hours. Must have a 3.75 cumulative GPA.

Puffer/Reid Scholarship

Established in honor of former college presidents Dr. Richard Puffer and Dr. Alban Reid. Given for excellent academic recognition.

Quad City’s Vintage Rods Scholarship

Established in 1984 by the Quad City’s Vintage Rods Club to support Black Hawk College students. Students must demonstrate academic success.

Quad-Cities Alumni Scholarship

Students who have completed at least nine semester hours at Black Hawk College, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and show financial need.

Elaine K. Saffield Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Elaine K. Saffield. Awarded annually to students demonstrating academic progress and financial need.

The Sedona Group Scholarship

Awarded to students in transfer/career programs with preference to computer science majors. Preference is also given to employees or dependents of employees at The Sedona Group.

Dr. Barbara Shellhouse and Wayne Shellhouse Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Dr. Shellhouse who taught in the Music Department of Black Hawk College for 30 years. Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in music, preferably vocal music. Recipients selected by the Music Department faculty.

Jeanne Tamisea Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Jeanne Tamisea who taught for many years in the Black Hawk College Art Department. Scholarships will support art majors. Recipients selected by the Art Department faculty.

Timothy VanHecke Class of 1978

Awarded to students whose course of study is business, business administration or economics. Students eligible for this scholarship must also be full time and have a GPA of at least 2.5.

Marian Walters Health Occupations Scholarship

Established in memory of Marian Walters, this scholarship is available to students enrolled in health-related programs.

Gertrude West Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Ms. West who taught in the Black Hawk College Speech Department. Students must show academic promise.

Jules Mueller Westmer Scholarship

Must be a graduate from Mercer County in top half of graduating class. Preference given to a graduate from Westmer High School. Must demonstrate financial need and be a full-time Black Hawk College student.

Robert & Dorothy White Scholarship

Established in honor of Dr. Robert and Dorothy White – Bob, a longtime professor, and Dorothy, an alumna of Black Hawk College. Given to students with academic promise.

Woman’s Club of East Moline Scholarship

Created by the Woman’s Club to support students enrolled in health related programs.

The Wray Family Scholarship

The Wray Family Scholarship is open to students enrolled in Career and Technical Education certificate or degree programs who are learning new skills. Preference will be given to a student trying to make a fresh start.

Annual Scholarships

Jason Blair Roberts Memorial Scholarship

The Jason Blair Roberts Memorial Scholarship celebrates the life of a man who was tragically lost too early and serves as an inspiration for area students who wish to continue their education after high school. The scholarship is open to minority students of an Iowa high school with financial need, a minimum 2.5 GPA, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities. Preference given to Iowa Quad Cities high school graduates.

William Butterworth Foundation Scholarship

The William Butterworth Foundation Scholarship recognizes students pursuing one of the organization’s major programming pillars—the arts. The scholarship will be open to full-time art students pursuing an associate degree, transfer degree or certificate. Recipient must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and reside in Rock Island County, Illinois, or Scott County, Iowa. Preference will be given to a nontraditional student intending to stay in the Quad-Cities community.

Sandie K. Cockerill Scholarship

Student must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend Black Hawk College for two full years.

Doris & Victor Day Foundation Healthcare Ladder Scholarship

The Doris & Victor Day Foundation provided grant funds for the Healthcare Ladder Scholarships. Graduates of the CNA program enrolled in the LPN program and graduates of the LPN program enrolled in the ADN program are eligible.

Joanna Dye Scholarship

Established with tribute gifts from colleagues, family and friends upon the retirement of Joanna Dye, director of financial aid. Joanna worked for Black Hawk College for 34 years. Awarded to student with Type I Diabetes. Preference to graduates of either Moline High School or United Township High School who were involved in sports or other activities. The scholarship is renewable.

EALgreen Scholarship

This is a need-based scholarship for students who will be unable to continue their studies without this financial support. The student should be pursuing a degree or recognized certificate program. The student must be in good academic standing.

Lane Evans Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to former or active military students with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to those students with financial need for tuition, fees and books.

Barbara D. Greim Ph.D. Scholarship for Foreign Language Students

For students majoring in foreign language studies with a minimum 3.0 GPA and enrolled full time. Preference given to those students with financial need if candidates are equally qualified.

Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary CNA Scholarship

The Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary, in conjunction with Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation, provides a partial scholarship for dual-credit Geneseo High School students enrolled in the Black Hawk College CNA program. Black Hawk College Foundation provides matching funds as well.

Henry County Independent Insurance Agents Association Scholarship

Awarded to students in good academic standing. Must show financial need.

Humanities, Languages, and Journalism Essay Contest

The Humanities, Languages, and Journalism Essay Contest is sponsored by the Foundations and made available through the Black Hawk College Humanities, Languages, and Journalism Department. A first place and a second place scholarship will be awarded. The top-scored essay will be selected as the college’s submission to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Paul Simon Student Essay Contest. The winner of the ICCTA essay contest receives a scholarship award.

Illinois Health Improvement Association Scholarship

Awarded to students pursuing a degree in a health-related field. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and show financial need.

International Student Association Scholarship

Given to our international students involved in the ISA organization. Recipients selected by the ISA advisor.

John Kidwell IMPACT Scholarship

Created by the IMPACT organization in honor of former college employee John Kidwell. Scholarship is for students in the Sustainable Energy/Engineering Program.

King’s Daughters Nursing Scholarship

Given in support of nursing students. Must demonstrate financial need and academic performance.

King’s Daughters Textbook Scholarship

To purchase student textbooks. Must demonstrate financial need and academic performance.

Dr. Keith Miller Honorary IMPACT Scholarship

Created by the IMPACT organization in honor of former college president Dr. Keith Miller. Awarded to students with good academic standing.

Rob Murphy Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been established by Rob Murphy’s family in his memory to support and encourage nontraditional students to continue to work toward their greatest goal, just as he did. Awarded to nontraditional students pursuing a new skill. Preference given those in the machinist program or to nontraditional students with financial need who do not qualify for financial aid. Scholarship given for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.

Bradley D. Padakis Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Padakis family and Moline Firefighters Local #581. Created in memory of Brad Padakis, a Black Hawk College graduate and a Moline firefighter paramedic. Preference given to those enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certificate or associate degree program with interest in becoming a career firefighter and 30 years old or younger.

Robert J. Perkins Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Robert J. Perkins by the Perkins family. Awarded to African-American students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference given to financial need only if candidates are equally qualified. Scholarship given for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.

Physical Therapist Assistant Scholarship

Created for students enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Must be a part-time student with financial need. Awarded for summer, fall and spring semesters. A written essay is required.

Larry Raasch Memorial Scholarship

Established by his sons in the memory of Larry Raasch, who believed in the power of education to uplift and empower individuals. Larry was a professor at BHC for over 30 years, teaching within Business Information Systems, which became the Office Careers department. He served as department chair prior to his retirement. Awarded annually to career or transfer students who are majoring in business, computer and engineering technology and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference given to those in financial need.

Ben & Carrie Smith Law Enforcement Scholarship

Ben and Carrie Smith created this scholarship in 2018 in honor of their many family members who have served, and are currently serving, in law enforcement. Eligible recipients can be a Black Hawk College GED graduate or high school graduate demonstrating need with a 3.0 GPA or greater. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a law enforcement program.

QC United

Proceeds from the annual QC United Golf Outing provide the resources for this scholarship, which is awarded to a student graduating from Rockridge, Rock Island, Davenport North or Davenport Central high schools.

BHC Foundation Scholarship Brochure

*Black Hawk College Foundation scholarships listed provide general descriptions and/or requirements of scholarship opportunities. None of the information provided for any scholarship implies a commitment by Black Hawk College Foundation to specific terms, requirements and/or the awarding of any scholarship.

Scholarships are subject to change. We reserve the right to make changes at any time and those changes are binding, regardless of whether updated online or not.