Scholarships and Tuition Waiver Opportunities for Members
-
Gamma Phi Circus Scholarships
Thanks to generous gifts from our donors, Gamma Phi Circus is pleased to be able to offer two scholarships this year. These scholarships are open to all returning Gamma Phi Circus student members in good standing who will be full members of circus in Spring 2026.
Melvin and CKathy Wheeler Scholarship 2025-2026
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Gamma Phi Circus Student Scholarship 2025-2026
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Application Criteria:
- Must be a returning member of the Gamma Phi Circus in good standing
- Must be a full member of Gamma Phi Circus in Spring 2026
- Must be an undergraduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Must demonstrate adherence to CIRCUS values
-
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit application materials through the application form shared on Microsoft Teams by Sunday, November 30, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by the review committee which will include Marcus Alouan, Ivan Stoinev, Rainie Themer Bosquet, and other faculty-staff of Illinois State University.
Application Materials
- Application form
- General resume - similiar to one you would give an employer. It should include academic information and might include service work. You may incorporate your involvement in Gamma Phi Circus.
- CIRCUS Values Essay - Please select on of the CIRCUS (Committment, Integrity, Respect, Courage, Unity, and Service) and write about what this value has meant to you during your time with the Gamma Phi Circus. Eassy should be approximately one page in length.
Selection Criteria
- Quality of essay
- Quality of resume and application
- Adherence to CIRCUS values inside and outside of the gym
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
-
Tuition Waivers
Gamma Phi Circus is happy to offer eleven $1000 tuition waivers and five $500 tuition waivers to our members. Undergraduate returning members in good standing will have the opportunity to apply for tuition waivers in the Spring semester. If any funds remain, new members will then be given the opportunity to submit their applications. All waivers are subject to availability. Application information and the application form will be distributed to Gamma Phi Circus members at the beginning of Spring semester each year at practice and will be available for download on the Gamma Phi Circus Microsoft Teams page.
Process for application 2026
The complete applicaton packet, including the application form, essay, and resume should be submitted electronically through the tuition waiver form on the Gamma Phi Circus Microsoft Teams page or paper applications should be returned to Marcus Alouan no later than TBD. Applications will then be reviewed by the review committee which will include Marcus Alouan, Ivan Stoinev, Rainie Themer Bosquet, and other faculty/staff of Illinois State University.
Application includes
- A general resume similiar to one you would give to an employer. It should include academic information and might include service work. In addition, you may incorporate your involvement in the Gamma Phi Circus, including leadership positions, camp, and service work.
- An essay, approximately one page in length, discussing how you have grown as a leader in the Gamma Phi Circus. This can include examples of how you contribute as a leader. This does not mean you have to be a member of Executive Board, an Act Captain, or a Commitee Chair. The essay can also address what you have learned about leadership from your time in Gamma Phi Circus.
- Completed application form.
Selection Criteria
- Quality of essay
- Quality of resume and application
- Adherence to CIRCUS values inside and outside of the gym
- CIRCUS values = Committment, Integrity, Respect, Courage, Unity, and Service