New scholarship honors longtime advisor, supports KNR students – Illinois State University News
The School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR) has launched the Daphyne Walker Advising Scholarship, honoring the retirement of longtime advisor Daphyne Walker ’90, M.S. ’94, who will conclude her career in December 2025 after more than 20 years of service to Illinois State University.
Throughout her career, Walker has been a dedicated advocate for students, mentoring, supporting, and empowering thousands of Redbirds. Often going beyond her formal responsibilities, she has worked tirelessly to ensure students have the resources and encouragement needed to thrive.
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to KNR students who face unexpected barriers, particularly those with registration holds that prevent them from continuing their education. Identified by academic advisors, these students are often academically strong and highly motivated but lack the financial means to stay enrolled. The scholarship is designed to provide timely support at the exact moment students need it most.
To launch this new scholarship and celebrate Walker’s retirement, a group of donors have pledged a dollar-for-dollar match. Every donation to the fund will be doubled up to $3,300—doubling the impact for future KNR students.
Walker is a two-time Illinois State alumna and an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, the Black Colleagues Association, and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Her impact extends beyond titles—she is best known for her compassion and commitment to helping students succeed.
“I love what I do, and I will miss interacting with students and my colleagues.“
The Daphyne Walker Advising Scholarship ensures that her legacy of removing obstacles and supporting students continues long after her retirement.
