A U.S. Navy veteran has established an endowed scholarship to help veterans pursue their education at Illinois Valley Community College.

The William F. Hunt Family Scholarship will be sustained by a $10,000 endowment to ensure that scholarship support will continue to grow and provide lasting opportunities for students who have served in the military.

William F. “Bill” Hunt’s own military service and longstanding leadership and advocacy for higher education inspired him to create a scholarship to help fellow veterans achieve academic and career goals.

Hunt is currently a member of the IVCC Board of Trustees and has served on the IVCC Foundation Board, where he helped advance the Foundation's mission of expanding educational opportunities.

“Being on the Board at IVCC, I have witnessed the positive impact a scholarship can provide a student and after spending many years in the Navy, I have a strong belief in teamwork and making a difference in someone’s life,” Hunt said.

"This generous endowment will make a meaningful difference in the lives of veteran students, helping reduce financial barriers while honoring Bill's remarkable legacy of service to both our country and IVCC,” said Tracy Beattie, executive director of the IVCC Foundation. “The William F. Hunt Family Scholarship reflects the Hunt family's deep commitment to education, service, and supporting those who have served our nation.”

For more information about establishing a scholarship or supporting the IVCC Foundation, please contact the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation at 815-224-0550 or Tracy_Beattie@ivcc.edu.