WIU Foundation - Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund

The Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund was started in honor of two WIU alumni who were killed in the line of duty, Captain Derek Dobogai and Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baldwin.

Dobogai graduated from Western in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration, was a member of the Leatherneck cross-country team and track and field team. He was also a member of WIU’s Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC), and while at Western, was ranked as the No. 14 Army ROTC cadet in the nation among more than 4,000 cadets. Dobogai earned the “Lieutenant of the Year” award for the 25th Infantry Division and had recently been selected to join the U.S. Army Special Forces unit known as the Green Berets.

Baldwin earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from WIU in 1993. He also held a master’s degree in military art and science from the School of Advanced Military Studies and a master’s degree in adult education from Kansas State University. While at Western, Baldwin was a member of ROTC and the Delta Upsilon International Fraternity. Baldwin’s military awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge; and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.

The Fallen Soldiers Scholarship is awarded annually to WIU students who have served at least one year active duty (for purposes other than training) or have served active duty in support of a combat mission in the U.S. Armed Forces, including reserve and guard forces.

The WIU Foundation inspires and motivates alumni, friends, faculty, and staff to make an impact on the University through financial support. We help prospective donors envision the direct, meaningful differences they can make in the lives of students and the University community. Private support enables Western Illinois University to enhance educational opportunities for its students and advance its mission of empowering students, faculty, and staff to lead dynamic and diverse communities. Private support from alumni, faculty and staff, businesses, foundations, and friends has become a necessary part of University operations. Over the years, the WIU Foundation has provided millions of dollars in gifts, grants, and endowment-generated earnings in support of the University. The effect of these gifts is clearly visible in every aspect of university life, every day, on both campuses. The WIU Foundation’s fundraising efforts are focused on Western’s commitment to providing accessible, high quality educational programs and financial support for our students.