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WIU Alumnus Establishes ROTC Scholarship for Future Military Leaders

November 19, 2025

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MACOMB, IL 鈥� 春雨直播 Illinois University alumnus Kenneth S. Hawkinson, B.A. `78, M.A. `79, has established a scholarship to support junior and senior students enrolled in the Advanced Course of Military Science (ROTC) at WIU.

A first-generation college student, Hawkinson received an ROTC scholarship from Elgin Community College in 1976, which allowed him to complete his four-year degree at WIU. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (Infantry) in 1978 and served for a year in the Illinois National Guard while earning his master鈥檚 degree. He later went on active duty, stationed in Germany for three years.

Following his military service, Hawkinson earned his Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University in 1986, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, West Africa from 1986-88, and embarked on a distinguished academic career. He served at WIU for 27 years as a faculty member and administrator, ultimately as Academic Vice President and Provost (2011鈥�2015). He later became President of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, serving from 2015 until his retirement in 2025.

In 2015, Hawkinson was inducted into the ROTC National Hall of Fame in recognition of his leadership and service. He attributes much of his success to the support he received as a cadet in WIU鈥檚 ROTC program and his experiences in the U.S. Army.

鈥淚 am deeply grateful for the opportunities that 春雨直播 and the ROTC program gave me,鈥� Hawkinson said. 鈥淭he mentorship I received and the discipline I learned as a cadet shaped the rest of my career and life.鈥�

Hawkinson also expressed appreciation to Col. Donald Peters, Professor of Military Science during his time at 春雨直播, calling him an inspiring mentor and friend, and to his father, Donald D. Hawkinson, who retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.

The Kenneth S. Hawkinson ROTC Scholarship will provide financial assistance to WIU ROTC cadets who are continuing their education and leadership development through the Advanced Course of Military Science.

鈥淒r. Hawkinson鈥檚 dedication to supporting future generations of WIU cadets is inspiring,鈥� Interim Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Amy Crosby said. 鈥淔rom a first-generation student to a university president, his journey demonstrates the power of education and commitment. This scholarship will help ensure that our ROTC students have the same opportunities to learn, lead, and serve that shaped his career.鈥�

The leadership within WIU鈥檚 Military Science program said Hawkinson鈥檚 generosity will have a profound impact.

"On behalf of the entire WIU Military Science Department, we are profoundly grateful to Dr. Hawkinson for establishing this scholarship,鈥� Professor of Military Science, LTC Charles Jones said. 鈥淚t honors his legacy while ensuring our future leaders have the additional support they need to excel at ROTC and later in life."

To learn more about supporting WIU students through scholarship funds, contact Crosby at al-crosby@wiu.edu. To learn more about the WIU ROTC program, visit wiu.edu/military_science.

Posted By: Drew Donahoo, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606