Hiro Tongu "International Friendship" Scholarship

Hiro Tongu is a 2001 Western Illinois University management graduate. In addition to his many activities at WIU, which include WIU board of Trustees Student Representative, Student Orientation Team member, and the WIU Marching Band, Tongu was a Resident Assistant in Corbin Hall for four years. He was President of WIU’s International Friendship Club and was WIU’s 1999 Homecoming King. He also served as Associate Director of Finance & Administration of The Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH) and was a member of the National Board of Directors of The National Association of College and University Residence Halls, Inc. Tongu received the award for The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Outstanding Undergraduate Student Staff Member.

Tongu, who arrived at WIU from Japan in 1996, felt it was important to get involved to feel more at home. “I don’t get to go home very often,” he said. “So, I made Western my home away from home.” Tongu, a senior business management major, worked as an instructor of University 100 – Personal Growth in Higher Education, as an intern in the Office of Vice President for Student Services, as a summer camp counselor in Non-Credit Programs for WIU and as an intern/onsite coordinator of WIU leaderShape program.

Hiro wanted to start this scholarship in order to give back to a place that gave him a “Home” and a head start in his global career at Caterpillar Inc.

CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY:
• Has demonstrated significant involvement in campus life through participation in student affairs/activities or academic-related organizations
• Has worked to enhance the student experience from all over the world and make WIU a better place for students with global Western Pride
• Has contributed to the community through outreach
• Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• International student or a Non-International