Thomas Wicke ’71 attended Illinois State at a time of political unrest and uncertainty when students explored ideas and bonded over shared experiences.
“I was learning to be myself and socializing, but there were also these large events happening across the world that we were experiencing for the first time,” Wicke said. “My time at Illinois State gave me a well-rounded civil and societal experience.”
After graduation, Wicke continued to feel the impact Illinois State had not only on his life but on the lives of fellow Redbirds. “The connection people have with Illinois State is clear when you see the number of legacy students who enroll each fall,” Wicke said.
Those strong feelings about his alma mater ultimately inspired him to establish the Thomas Wicke Presidential Scholarship in 2020, which gives preference to psychology majors but is open to all students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. Wicke wanted to support students financially, but also get to know them and offer assistance to them throughout their college journeys.
“The reason this scholarship was so successful is found in the relationship I was able to develop with the students by staying in touch with them,” Wicke said. The first recipients of the scholarship were Aubrey Thimesch ’23 and Max Armas.
“I have been able to discover my interests and develop into my full, authentic self, academically and as a person,” Thimesch said. “Without this scholarship, none of this would have been able to have been achieved, and I think my life would be completely different than it is now.”
Scholarship support allowed Thimesch and Armas to explore life, make decisions, and change majors. Through it all, one constant remained: the financial support and encouragement they received from Wicke.
“Mr. Wicke has funded my presidential scholarship for the last four years, and for that, I am eternally grateful,” Armas said. “Soon, I will graduate and begin my career. Knowing that I’m not in debt will allow me to start post-college life on the right footing.”
To learn more about supporting Redbirds in the College of Arts and Sciences, contact Senior Director of Development Kate Childs at kachild1@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-7682.
