Southeast Missouri State University has established the Walter B. Wildman III Endowed Scholarship for Civic Engagement to honor the life of a Southeast graduate and community leader. The scholarship fund is being established by Wildman’s wife, family, and friends.
“I have been so touched by the many personal stories, kind notes, and social media posts sharing how Walt impacted people’s lives. I know Walt would have been honored to know that he was remembered so fondly and that he made such a difference,” said Wildman’s wife, Norma Wildman. “We wanted to give our friends and family a way to put these feelings of gratitude into action, and we thought this would be a great opportunity to support SEMO and the next generation of community leaders.”
The scholarship will go to a junior or senior at Southeast with financial need. Applicants will submit an essay with their application that expresses how they are working to bridge divides across differing views in public service and/or community engagement roles. It is open to students from all academic majors who demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement.
Walter B. Wildman III was an U.S. Air Force veteran who graduated from Southeast in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and business. Wildman used his education to start a successful career. He held various executive positions at the Regional Commerce and Growth Association, Habitat for Humanity, I-66 Transamerica Highway Project, Empower Missouri, Boy Scouts of America, and Easter Seals Society. He also stayed heavily involved in community work, acting as a voice for inclusion, equity, and opportunity.
Throughout his career and his volunteer positions, Wildman worked to advocate for and with the marginalized in the region. He dedicated his time and talents to support economic development, affordable housing, youth development, veteran services, empowerment of individuals with disabilities, pet adoption, and chronic disease treatment and prevention.
Wildman also stayed close with Southeast. He regularly connected with students and families, co-leading the SEMO Vets Corps, mentoring students as chapter advisor of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and serving two terms at the Southeast Alumni Board President.
Wildman was a leader in civic engagement throughout his life and his career. The scholarship has been established to honor his life and legacy by making college more attainable for emerging student leaders who want to make a difference in their communities.
The Walter B. Wildman III Endowed Scholarship for Civic Engagement is currently accepting donations and will be highlighted as part of Southeast’s 2023 Giving Day and Sesquicentennial Celebration on March 22, 2023. Learn more on the Walter B. Wildman III Endowed Scholarship for Civic Engagement page online.