Created by lifelong Aurorans William and Ruth Hilgen, this fund provides scholarships to students graduating from Marmion Academy or Rosary High School.
William Hilgen (1899-1993) founded and operated Bill’s Hat Shop in Aurora from 1923 until his retirement in 1972.
He was a charter member of St. Rita of Cascia Church, a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club, and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose #400.
Ruth Hilgen (1912-1995) was a graduate of West Aurora High School and Burnham Beauty School in Chicago.
She was employed at the Pollywise Beauty Shop in the Fox Promenade in Aurora and also the Leland Hotel Beauty Shop.
She was a member of New England Congregational Church.
This fund was created in 1982 and established as an endowment in 1994.