It is fitting that the Illinois College alumna, who dedicated so much of her life to giving to others, leaves a legacy that will help
generations of students.

Henry passed in November of 2021 and the Alice May Henry ’52 Endowed Scholarship Fund was later established through a $400,000 estate gift to permanently “provide financial assistance annually to students pursuing studies in the fields of art, culture,
peace justice or the environment.”

After graduating from Illinois College with a degree in political science, Henry went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from the Brown School of Social Work in St. Louis. She dedicated her career to mentoring others with her wisdom and kindness as a social worker supervisor for the El Dorado County Department of Human Services in Placerville, California.

Henry’s life reflected the tenets of the liberal arts education she received at Illinois College. She remained curious about different areas of study throughout her life, welcoming new experiences and opportunities for growth. She illustrated her love of learning as a member in the Historical Society, serving as a docent for the museums in Placerville and for the Wakamatsu Center and through her involvement in the Nature Conservancy and the Shakespeare Club. She volunteered at Sierra Wildlife Rescue and was an accomplished pianist who helped bring classical musicians to her community.

Alice Henry once said, "Sometimes I enter the library and it’s like a book is calling me from its shelf. I find so many unexpected treasures that way.” Similarly, the scholarship established in her name will allow countless students at Illinois College to find unexpected treasures through an education made possible through her generosity.

If you are interested in adding Illinois College to your estate plans and joining the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society, contact Stephanie Chipman today to learn about the deferred or estate gift options that meet your philanthropic goals. If you have already included Illinois College in your estate plans, please notify us so that we can thank you and, with your permission, acknowledge your commitment through the Sturtevant Society.