Juliann Gustafson

Juliann Gustafson Memorial Scholarship

To support Northern Illinois students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare through their future career in veterinary medicine.

Winter Scholarship - Closed Closed This scholarship is part of the Winter application cycle. The application is open December 1st to February 1st every year. How to Apply

Scholarship Background and Intent

Flowers from Juli's garden

Juliann Gustafson passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024.  Born January 1, 1969, in Geneva, IL, the daughter of Russell C. and Jacqueline (Conley) Peterson. Graduate of Rockford Lutheran High School and Blackhawk Technical College. Juli married Ron Gustafson on October 2, 1993. She worked for Farmers Insurance.  

Juli fought a courageous twenty-year-long battle with myelofibrosis and related chronic conditions. Throughout these years she was tolerant, patient, and composed. Juli was most content when watching Tom Selleck (any format) and spending time with family, including Conley (“You are truly my joy and my heart”), Ron, dogs Enzo and Daphne, and extended family. She spent many years grooming a beautiful flower garden including stargazer lilies (her favorite) that will continue to provide joy for many years. Watching birds congregate in her fountain gave her great joy as well. No matter how tired, uncomfortable, or stressed Juli may have been she enjoyed grooving to her 80s rock, punk rock, new wave, and dance-rock with sounds of clapping and dancing emanating from the room. She was sharp-witted, organized, and selfless, including her last days. Juli knew her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and did not fear, in fact, she looked forward to meeting her Heavenly Father.

Survived by her husband, Ron; son, Conley; mother Jacqueline Peterson; sisters, Sharon (Paul) McKenzie and Marcy (Michael) Bozeman; father-in-law, Ronald (Debbie); mother-in-law, Marlyn Gustafson; brothers-in-law, Matt (Michelle) Gustafson, Brian Gustafson, and Tim (Liz) Gustafson; sister-in-law, Heather (Michael) Wagaman; and many nieces and nephews.

Eligibility Criteria

Every CFNIL scholarship has a unique intent, often reflecting the background of the donor or person in whose memory the fund was created. CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to predetermine which scholarships you should apply for. Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Because our scholarships were created to support students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations, we encourage every scholarship seeker (high school graduating seniors and older) to apply!

Specifications

Preference will be given to applicants intending to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Written Prompt

Each CFNIL scholarship is created with a specific purpose in mind. As you complete the application, the system automatically matches you with every scholarship for which you are eligible and will present you with a specific written prompt for each. You're encouraged to craft a unique response to each prompt to show the reviewers why you're the best candidate for that scholarship.