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.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant must:
- Currently reside in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County.
- Enroll at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the upcoming school year.
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.
Scholarship Background and Intent
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.
Would you like to support the Juliann Gustafson Memorial Scholarship? You can make a donation directly to this fund, to help grow its impact and ability to provide educational resources for students in our community — forever!
