WANTED: Students dedicated to a lifetime of learning

Lillis Scholarship Application

In love with ideas, Lillis scholars enjoy pursuing intellectual endeavors to discover how they can improve the world. Thriving on knowledge exploration, they possess a natural passion for academic rigor and a commitment to classroom excellence. Two Lillis scholarships are awarded every year – any incoming first-year student can apply and will be considered. Recipients often go on to post-graduate fellowships and scholarships. Lillis scholars currently calling Puget Sound home find themselves engaged in a wide range of academic pursuits, including biochemistry, voice performance, psychology, history, and computer science. They also study abroad, conduct independent research, pursue internships, and present at professional conferences. The award was established through a generous gift made by the Lillis Foundation of Castle Rock, Colorado.

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Becoming a Lillis Scholar

Selection Process

Selection for the Lillis Scholarship is highly competitive. Only two Lillis Scholarships will be awarded to first-year students entering the university each fall.

Successful candidates will demonstrate outstanding levels of academic achievement in high school and show considerable promise of excellence throughout their undergraduate years. Academic performance in high school, measured by grade point average, rigor of high school curriculum, and performance on standardized exams, and written work, will be considered when selecting candidates for the Lillis Scholarship. Successful candidates will also show a passionate interest in ideas, the potential for serious academic work (such as research) and a commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence. Lillis Scholars will be well positioned for candidacy for competitive undergraduate and post-graduate fellowships and scholarships, such as the Rhodes Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, or the Watson Fellowship.

Applicants must submit a completed admission application and the scholarship application by December 1. 10 finalists will interview virtually in late February and be invited to campus for one of our admitted student events on March 29, April 5, April 13, or April 19. Two Lillis Scholarships will be awarded.

Scope of Award

The Lillis Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, standard double room, and standard medium meal plan for up to four years of undergraduate education at the University of Puget Sound. First-year recipients may renew the award for up to three additional years of undergraduate study. Renewal criteria include submission of a renewal application, full-time enrollment each semester, maintenance of a minimum 3.75 cumulative grade point average, and demonstration of preparation for pursuit of a competitive scholarship or fellowship.

Lillis Scholars work closely with the Lillis Faculty Advisor and the Director of Fellowships & Scholarships throughout their four years at Puget Sound.

Important Dates

Date Event / Due Date
December 1 Admission applications & Lillis Scholarship due to University of Puget Sound
February Finalists notified

Late February

 Finalists interviewed virtually
March 15 Lillis Scholarship awardees and alternates notified

About the Lillis Scholars Program

Lillis scholars pursue a wide range of majors and academic activities. Current Lillis Scholars major in politics & government, biochemistry, voice performance, psychology, history, computer science, English, and more. Lillis scholars have studied abroad, conducted independent research, completed internships, presented at professional conferences, applied for (and received) national fellowships and scholarships, and pursued other academic projects as directed by their passion for ideas.

Dr. Gwendolyn Lillis and Dr. Charles Lillis, parents of alumna Jessica Baker Isaacs ’05, value education highly. They are both the first generation in their families to attend college, and they credit their education to their success in life. They believe that a good education is a life-changing investment, and through the establishment of this scholarship they hope to provide promising and outstanding students with the opportunity to receive that education. In addition to the scholars program at Puget Sound, they support educational achievement at all levels of education and ability and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.

Recipients of the Lillis Scholarship enter into the academically challenging and rewarding education that the University of Puget Sound offers. They will be given the chance to further cultivate their passion for ideas and commitment to achievement. In addition, they will be well positioned for candidacy for competitive undergraduate and postgraduate fellowships and scholarships, such as the Rhodes Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, or the Watson Fellowship.

FAQ

Lillis Scholarship applicants are passionate about ideas and have engaged these ideas in and outside of the classroom. This can be demonstrated through research, projects, academic programs, classes, writing, academic performance in high school, and more. Lillis Scholars are excited by academic discussions and passionate about learning.

Applicants for first-year admission can apply to be considered for the Lillis Foundation Scholarship, the Matelich Scholarship, or both. 

To be considered for the Lillis Scholarship, candidates must submit a complete application for admission to Puget Sound and a complete Lillis Scholarship application by Dec. 1. Applicants will be notified of their finalist status in February.

Yes, you can apply test-optional instead of submitting SAT or ACT scores for your admission application. However, standardized test scores are required for Lillis Scholarship consideration, even if you have applied as a Test-Optional Candidate. Please be assured that if you elect to be reviewed under our test-optional policy, your scores will be used solely by the scholarship committee and will not be factored into the evaluation of your admission application.

Two Lillis scholarships are awarded each year. We receive approximately 250-300 applications. 

Finalists will interview with the Lillis Scholarship Committee, a committee made up of members of the faculty and the Director of Fellowships & Scholarships. Finalists will stay overnight on campus with current students. They will attend classes and meet with members of the Puget Sound community (faculty, staff, and students).

In rare cases, the Lillis Scholarship Selection Committee can arrange an alternate interview date. However, it is preferred that finalists interview on the designated interview day.