Wilbur and William Cummings Memorial Scholarship

Wilbur and William Cummings Memorial Scholarship

Supporting future medical professionals from Belvidere.

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

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

- Be a graduate of or current senior at a high school in Belvidere, IL.
- Intend to enroll in a program related to medical sciences, such as medical or dental school, dental hygiene, nursing, or other health care-related programs.
- Demonstrate a history of community and civic service to Boone County.
- Demonstrate academic achievement and self-motivation.
- Demonstrate financial need.

Specifications

This scholarship may be renewable for up to four years as long as criteria are met.

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.

Scholarship Background and Intent

Wilbur R. Cummings’ Bio:

September 29, 1922 – July 8, 2005

Wilbur Cummings was born in Rockford, Illinois and was a lifelong resident of Caledonia, Illinois. He was a member of the Caledonia Congregational Church, a trustee for Caledonia Township for 36 years, former Malta Township Treasurer. He served the North Boone Fire Department, Belvidere Police and Fire Commission, and the Belvidere Moose Lodge. Wilbur worked with his brother for 27 years at the Belford Theater.

In 1953, Wilbur lost his arm in a farming accident. He was treated by a doctor in nearby Caledonia. His brother, William fervently believed having a doctor close by saved Wilbur’s life. Together, the two brothers made it their mission to, upon their deaths, provide scholarship opportunties for young men and women interested in pursing the medical field.

William D. Cummings’ Bio:

September 29, 1922 – September 19, 2010

William Cummings was born on September 29, 1922 in Rockford, Illinois, and was a lifelong resident of Caledonia, Illinois. He was a member of the Caledonia Congregational Church, former assistant chief of the North Boone District 3 Fire Department, a Republican precinct committeeman, and a member of the Belvidere Moose Lodge. William and his brother, Wilbur, worked for 27 years at the Belford Theater.

When Wilbur lost his arm in 1953 and was treated by a doctor in Caledonia, William was convinced that the locality of the doctor saved his brother’s life. The generosity of William and Wilbur will live on together as this scholarship, in their memory, provides financial resources for those eager to serve in the medical field.