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The Rotary Club of Joliet is proud to offer the Dr. Paul Morimoto Higher Education Scholarship, supporting undergraduate students pursuing healthcare‑related fields of study at Joliet Junior College, the University of St. Francis, or Lewis University.

Each scholarship is awarded directly to the recipient’s institution in the form of a tuition‑only check. The 2026 award amount is $2,618.97 per student, with three scholarships available.


About the Scholarship

The Morimoto Scholarship empowers future healthcare professionals who demonstrate academic commitment, service to others, and strong personal character. Applicants must complete a short essay reflecting on:

  • Their volunteer and community service experience
  • Their chosen healthcare field
  • Future academic and professional goals
  • How they embody Rotary’s guiding principle: “Service Above Self”

Honoring Dr. Paul Morimoto

This scholarship is made possible through a generous gift from the family of Dr. Paul Morimoto—a devoted Rotarian for 39 years, a respected Joliet ophthalmologist, and the 2013 Sehring Medal of Excellence recipient from Silver Cross Hospital. His legacy of compassion, leadership, and service lives on through this annual award.


Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be an undergraduate student at Joliet Junior College, University of St. Francis, or Lewis University
  • Be enrolled in a healthcare‑related field of study

How to Apply

  1. Submit your online application by noon on April 10, 2026.
  2. Email your transcript to Diane Cepela at gdcepel@gmail.com by the same deadline.

Important: Applications without transcripts received by the deadline will be removed from the applicant pool.

👉 Click here to apply for the Dr. Paul Morimoto Higher Education Scholarship