Beatrice (Bea) Stankus was a lifelong resident of DeKalb, IL. She received her education in the DeKalb school system. After graduating high school, she began a career with the Commonwealth Edison Company, which lasted until her retirement over 40 years later. Bea's enthusiasm and energy did not end with her retirement. She filled her days by collecting and refinishing the antiques she loved, which tastefully decorated her home.  

Bea was active in St. Mary's Church and the Kishwaukee Hospital Auxiliary. She valued education and continually encouraged her friends and their children to pursue higher education. "Education is a Life-Long Process," was her motto. Her savvy business sense enabled her to build an estate that could provide educational opportunities for the young people of DeKalb through the DeKalb Education Foundation.

The Beatrice Stankus Fund was established at the DeKalb County Community Foundation in 2000. This Fund is a memorial to Beatrice Stankus and provides scholarship support for graduating DeKalb High School seniors. The DeKalb Education Foundation selects the award (DEF).