WIU Alumni Endow Scholarships for Justice and Music Students

Western Illinois University has announced two new endowed scholarships for students in criminal justice and music education. The funds were established by an alumnus and the children of WIU graduates to honor educators whose careers were defined by service.

The Dr. Clifford W. Van Meter Memorial Scholarship was created by his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Janet Van Meter. The five-figure gift permanently endows the fund to support students pursuing degrees in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA). Clifford Van Meter, who earned a master's degree from WIU, co-founded the university's Bachelor of Science program in Law Enforcement Administration and served as its first department chair.

Jamie Johnson, Director of the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, commented on the gift. "Dr. Van Meter's impact on the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration extends far beyond his role as our first department chair," Johnson said. "It is especially meaningful that this scholarship will carry his name forward and honor his lasting legacy."

Van Meter's career included service as a commanding officer of an Army military police unit, an assistant director of training for the St. Louis Police Department, and later as a professor of criminal justice at Grand Valley State University.

McCutchan Family Honors Musical Legacy

The second scholarship, the McCutchan Family Scholarship, was established by Marlin McCutchan, his daughter and son-in-law Janet and Bill Van Meter, and his son Jeff McCutchan. It honors Marlin and his mother, Doris Carter McCutchan, whose love of music inspired generations. The scholarship is permanently endowed through a six-figure investment and will support students studying music education at WIU.

Doris McCutchan was a self-taught musician who played piano and organ for her church for more than 50 years. Her son Marlin earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from WIU before completing a Doctor of Education at the University of Illinois. He taught for over four decades, including seven years at WIU's K-12 laboratory school.

Supporting Future Educators

Rich Cangro, Director of Music Education at WIU, emphasized the scholarship's importance for cultivating teachers. "I appreciate Marlin's dedication and belief that effective classroom music teachers need to be cultivated and supported," Cangro stated. "They have contact with most every student in elementary grades, where foundational learning and lifelong love for music begins."

Tammy Killian, Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, noted the lasting impact of the gift. "The McCutchan Family Scholarship will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our Music Education students," Killian said. "This gift will ensure that talented students can pursue their degrees, develop as musicians and educators and carry forward the same passion for music."

Endowed for Lasting Support

As endowed funds, both scholarships will provide financial support for students in perpetuity. The university's announcement did not specify application deadlines or award amounts for the new scholarships.

The gifts contribute to WIU's "For the W" fundraising campaign. The university's Office of Advancement can be contacted for further information.