When he died, Willett was 29 and worked at a subsidiary of Cantor Fitzgerald on the 101st floor of the north tower. After his death, his parents – Ron and Lucille Willett of Walnut Shade, Mo. – established a scholarship for students majoring in economics at MU. They announced at John Charles’ memorial service that all gifts would go toward this scholarship, and many friends contributed to the fund.
“With this scholarship, the Willetts have turned the tragedy of their son’s death into hope and support for MU students who are struggling to pursue their dreams,” said MU Chancellor Brady Deaton. “This generosity means so much to MU and to the students who benefit from it.”
Lucille said her son was interested in politics, and she wonders where his career could have led. When John Charles was 23 years old, then Gov. Mel Carnahan appointed him treasurer of Taney County, the youngest such treasurer in Missouri.
“John Charles knew what these students are going through,” Ron said. “He paid for his education with grants and loans, and was still working to pay off loans when he was killed.”
The John Charles Willett Memorial Scholarship provides one or more annual awards to students who demonstrate financial need. It also encourages recipients to participate in a mentoring program for other students, especially minority students, both while at MU and after completing their degrees.
Samantha Dalton, a recipient of the scholarship, wrote in a thank-you letter to the scholarship’s donors that she was “honored to be receiving a scholarship in memorial of someone who did so much for the world.”Labels: education online, financial aid, free college, free education, scholarship, student loans, study abroad |
