Western Illinois University
Scholarship Office
Sherman Hall 308
THE ROBERT LANG BLAKSLEE MEMORIAL FUND
FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
HISTORY:
Robert Lang Blakslee was born the first son, and fourth of five children, of Kathryn and Edward Blakslee on
October 23, 1954. Following a seizure at age two, it was discovered by Mayo Clinic that Bob had epilepsy and mental retardation, which was found to be a a congenital abnormality of the microscopic anatomy of the brain, with abnormal collections of nerve cells in areas not normally possessed of them.
As was common in the time of Bob’s life, there were no options for his public education. Bobbo, as he was affectionately know by his family, spent time in private schools and residence homes. He never progressed educationally more than learning a few words, mainly names of family members. In between his frequent headaches and seizures, Bobbo was a very happy boy. He is remembered today by looking at pictures of a youth who always wore a smile, was loving, and was inquisitive of the world around him.
Robert Lang Blakslee’s life was taken prematurely from our family at the age of 16; however, the effect that he had on the entire Blakslee family will never be forgotten. Together we share the belief that all God’s children are a blessing. We believe in volunteering our time and money to help others less fortunate. Bob’s sister, Jeri, chose a career in Special Education after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Illinois University.
Furthermore, it is in honor of our son and brother, Robert Lang Blakslee, that our family provides this scholarship. We thank you, the scholar, and wish you the greatest success in your schooling and future career path.
This information was submitted by the members of the Blakslee family - Kathryn Lang Blakslee Reynolds, Sally
Blakslee Schindel, Majorie (Jeri) Blakslee McGuire and William Edward Blakslee. Three members of the
Blakslee family are graduates of Western Illinois University. They are Sally Blakslee Schindel (1972), Marjorie
Blakslee McGuire (1974) and Joshua John McGuire (2000).
CRITERIA:
1.The purpose of this scholarship fund is to financially assist students majoring in special education at
Western Illinois University. Applications will be available at the University Scholarship Office.
2.To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be declared a special education major (intending to qualify for certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist) and accepted into the Teacher Education Program
(TEP).
3.This scholarship is renewable and in order to retain the award students must maintain a 3.0 for all education courses and cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better.
APPLICATIONS: Applications will be available in the University Scholarship Office (Sherman Hall 308) the
COEHS Advising Center, Horrabin Hall 91), and the Special Education Department Office (Horrabin Hall 69B).
SELECTION PROCESS: The application and selection process will be coordinated through the Foundation
Scholarship Office.
INQUIRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO: Director of University Scholarship Activities, Sherman Hall 308
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: The process begins with the start of the spring semester. Completed applications must be received in the Scholarship Office by May 12.
IS THIS SCHOLARSHIP RENEWABLE? Yes, until graduation.

Western Illinois University
Scholarship Office
Sherman Hall 308
APPLICATION FORM
Applicant’s Full Name:
Local address:
Address City State Zip
Cell Phone Number:
Student ID Number:
Major:
Minor:
Cumulative GPA: Total Semester Hours Completed:
Do you intend to qualify for certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist I? Yes No
Have you been accepted into the Teacher Education Program (TEP)? Yes No
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On a separate sheet of paper please briefly explain why you are interested in pursuing a career in Special
Education.
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For Office Use Only:
1. Verification of intention to qualify for certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist.
2.
3.
Verification of acceptance in the TEP.
Verification of a declared major in Special Education.
4.
5.
Verification of a 3.0 or better GPA in all education courses.
Verification of a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better.
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RETURN THIS APPLICATION FORM AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO:
Scholarship Office, Sherman Hall 308, Western Illinois University by:
Deadline Date May 12