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Mr. & Mrs. William P. Hilgen Scholarship Endowment Fund

Established 1982

William Hilgen
William Hilgen
Ruth Hilgen
Ruth Hilgen

Created by lifelong Aurorans William and Ruth Hilgen, this fund provides scholarships to students graduating from Marmion Academy or Rosary High School.

William Hilgen (1899-1993) founded and operated Bill’s Hat Shop in Aurora from 1923 until his retirement in 1972.

He was a charter member of St. Rita of Cascia Church, a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club, and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose #400.

Ruth Hilgen (1912-1995) was a graduate of West Aurora High School and Burnham Beauty School in Chicago.

She was employed at the Pollywise Beauty Shop in the Fox Promenade in Aurora and also the Leland Hotel Beauty Shop.

She was a member of New England Congregational Church.

This fund was created in 1982 and established as an endowment in 1994.

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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