Metta Kongira of The Gambia, Africa awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Metta Kongira, a citizen of The Gambia, Africa and graduate student at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Robert Crowley Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year. 

Metta is pursuing a joint master’s degree in public health and human services with a concentration in child and family studies.

“My knowledge and skill will help me improve the health of people and communities,” she said.

Metta said she became familiar with UIS when faculty and students attended a study abroad program at her undergraduate college in The Gambia.

She said the diverse student population, learning facilities and scholarship opportunities motivated her to apply for graduate school at UIS.

She is involved on campus in the Public Health Club, is a registered member of the Illinois Public Health Association and serves as a graduate assistant in the UIS Public Health Department.

She is on track to graduate in December 2018. After that, she plans to pursue a global health Ph.D. program.

“I meet people at UIS that inspire me more to believe in myself and explore my potential,” she said.

The Robert Crowley Scholarship was established by a grateful alumnus who started the fund for three reasons: to provide scholarship opportunities for international students, to expand the university’s diversity and to help people learn about different cultures.

The scholarship honors Robert Crowley, a founding member of Sangamon State University and professor emeritus of human development counseling.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Ethan Howard of Prophetstown awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Ethan Howard, a resident of Prophetstown and business administration major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Staley Family Athletic Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Howard, a UIS baseball player, transferred to UIS from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was recruited to play baseball.

“Baseball at UIS has been one of the most positive experiences I could have hoped for in college,” he said.

Howard said he chose business administration because UIS had an excellent business program coupled with the potential for the degree. He said he plans to explore the field with different internship opportunities.

“I enjoy talking and working with others,” said Howard who hopes to own and manage his own business someday.

The Staley Family Athletic Scholarship is chosen by the UIS Director of Athletics.

To qualify, students must be a varsity athlete with a demonstrated financial nee
d, meeting academic requirements.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Ellie Held of Morrisonville awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Ellie Held, a resident of Morrisonville and social work major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Edith B. Terril Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Held transferred to UIS from Lincoln Land Community College, where she was, and still is a lifetime member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

She said she loves working with children and originally wanted to be a teacher, but found that social work was a better fit for her.

“I have a passion for helping others,” said Held. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives.” Held said she chose UIS because it was the perfect sized school for her.

“My favorite thing is how close knit it feels,” she said. “I love that the professors can work with us one-on-one.”

Held said she is on track to graduate in 2018 and is excited to join her sister in the ranks of UIS alumni.

The Edith B. Terril Scholarship was established by Joe Terril, a UIS alumni and business owner, in honor of his mother.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Alison Haesele of Minier awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Alison Haesele, a resident of Minier and elementary education & psychology major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Dennis D. and Susan J. Koch Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Haesele, a UIS softball player, is pursuing a double major in elementary education and psychology with a certificate in the CAST program for Child Advocacy Studies. Her goal is to become an elementary school teacher.

“I love children and their creative and imaginative minds, so teaching seems like the perfect career for me,” she said.

Haesele transferred to UIS from Illinois Central College, where she also played softball.

“Some of the best memories I have made at UIS were through softball,” she said.

Haesele also credits her UIS professors for unique learning opportunities.

“The amount of knowledge I have already received here and continue to receive from my classes just reassures me more that this was the best school for me.”

The Dennis D. and Susan J. Koch Scholarship was established by the current UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch and her husband Dennis to honor their parents and grandparents, whose lives were changed by the opportunity to attend a public Illinois university.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu. For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Lorinda Guariglia of Chillicothe awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Lorinda Guariglia, a resident of Chillicothe and social work major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year. 

Guariglia, a wife and mother of three, said that her experience while growing up and her innate gift of lending a listening ear and genuinely wanting to help others is what led her to pursue a career in social work.

“I am sensitive to the problems other people face and eagerly look for ways to help connect them with appropriate contacts or resources,” she said.

Guariglia also said that being a non-traditional student has had its challenges, but many opportunities as well, especially during her commute to Springfield a few times a week. “I enjoy the commute as it provides valuable time reflecting on my studies, quietness and discussing class material with a fellow classmate who rides with me,” said Guariglia.

Guariglia said she is looking forward to her field work this year with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Peoria.

To qualify for the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, full-time students must be members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for the scholarship renewal.

Guariglia was honored to be selected for the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship each semester for the past two years.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Breyanna Genenbacher of Camp Point awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Breyanna Genenbacher, a resident of Camp Point and chemistry education major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Ann. M and Raymond Pearson Capital Scholars Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Genenbacher, who also plays softball for UIS, said she became interested in teaching chemistry when she was a chemistry student in high school.

“I want to give students the love for chemistry that I have and hopefully make a difference in their lives,” she said.

Growing up in a small town, Genenbacher said she was looking for a college experience with a small-town feel.

During one campus visit, she was able to strike up a conversation with a UIS chemistry professor. “It made me realize UIS is where I belong,” she said.

She hopes to return to her hometown to teach high school chemistry after graduation.

To qualify for the Ann M. and Raymond Pearson Capital Scholars Scholarship, incoming freshman must also be part of the Capitol Scholars program. The Pearson scholarship is renewable for up to four years of each recipient’s full-time enrollment.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Crystal Castilla of McHenry awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Crystal Castilla, a resident of McHenry and nursing major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Elizabeth and Herbert Denniss Pre-Nursing Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Castilla, a first generation college student, said she helped care for her five siblings, which piqued her interest in nursing as a career, but it was a first-hand experience in the hospital which finalized her decision. “I remember being in a lot of pain and my nurses would tell me stories and have conversations with me to take my mind off the pain,” she said.

Castilla said that after graduation, she hopes to pursue graduate education in nursing and specialize as a pediatric nurse.

“I chose to become a nurse because it means that I will have a special role in society where I am able to help patients get through their most difficult times,” she said.

The Elizabeth and Herbert Denniss Pre-Nursing Scholarship was established by the Dennisses to support students in the pre-nursing program at UIS. Herbert is a retired Springfield police officer, and Elizabeth, one of Springfield’s first nurse practitioners, holds a nursing degree from Sangamon State University, when SSU offered the degree.

The Elizabeth and Herbert Denniss Pre-Nursing Scholarship is awarded to a first- or second-year UIS student who is preparing to enter the Springfield-based University of Illinois Chicago nursing degree program.

 For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Christian Brown of Peoria awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Christian Brown, a resident of Peoria and graduate student at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Joy Kimler Accountancy Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Brown, who graduated Summa Cum Laude from UIS in 2016, is continuing his education seeking a master’s degree in accountancy and is on the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 2018.

He is currently employed as an intern with the Illinois Office of the Auditor General and has worked at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services for the past five tax seasons.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with clients to help them understand their taxes,” he said. “I have helped several hundred people over the past five years. With my CPA, I plan to continue to help others maximize their finances.”

Brown hopes to sponsor his own UIS scholarship in the future.

The Joy Kimler Accountancy Scholarship was established 20 years ago to benefit accounting majors who plan to complete the 150-semester hour education requirement to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination.

To qualify for the Joy Kimler Accountancy Scholarship, accounting students must maintain a B average in their accounting courses and have a 3.3 GPA overall.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is Fe
bruary 15, 2018.

Nicole Barney of Billings, Montana awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Nicole Barney, a resident of Billings, Montana and mathematical science and secondary education major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the John W. Holtz Memorial Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Barney, a business owner and mother of three boys, said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher.

She plans to pursue a career as a middle school math teacher upon her graduation.

“I want to inspire passion for learning in my students that will reach across all disciplines,” she said.

“Math should not be separate from English, history or science. They are all interwoven into the fabric of life. I am not simply teaching multiplication tables, I am teaching students to solve life’s problems.”

Barney said she chose UIS’ online mathematical program because it was a leader in online math degrees.

“Although I’m taking classes online, I feel closely connected to my classmates as well as my professors,” she said.

Barney is on track to graduate in December 2018 and is looking forward to the classroom.

“Teaching is about more than imparting content know
ledge,” she said. “Teachers help students believe in themselves when no one else does.”

The John W. Holtz Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life of Mr. Holtz, who served as a professor of library instructional services and the Chair of the Library Program Department at UIS. Qualifying students must be an undergraduate who demonstrates a financial need and has an interest in history research and writing projects.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu. For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Ryan Jemar of Bourbonnais admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Ryan Jemar of Bourbonnais, a senior at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At UIS, he plans to major in business administration and play on the UIS Prairie Stars baseball team.

He currently plays baseball at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School.

“I am choosing UIS because of the great academics and athletics,” said Jemar.

Following graduation from UIS, he plans to pursue a career in healthcare administration.

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to be one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System. Over 5,000 students enroll each year at UIS seeking a U of I degree in the friendly learning environment of a smaller university. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University of Illinois Springfield, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.

Alexandra Thomsen of Normal receives a $10,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Alexandra Thomsen of Normal, a senior at Normal Community High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $10,000 Lincoln Scholarship for tuition over four years.

The scholarship is awarded based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores and can be renewed for a total of four years if the student maintains college GPA requirements.

At Normal Community, she runs track and cross country. She is also a member of the Epiphany Catholic Church Youth Group. She is an undecided major at UIS.

All incoming UIS freshmen are eligible to apply for Lincoln Merit Scholarships. The amount awarded is based upon the incoming student’s ACT or SAT score. To receive $10,000 over four years, students must earn a 21 to a 23 on their ACT or a minimum of 1060 SAT and hold a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or email finaid@uis.edu. For a full list of scholarship opportunities, visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

Paige Cates of Belleville receives a $10,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Paige Cates of Belleville, a senior at Belleville Township High School West, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $10,000 Lincoln Scholarship for tuition over four years.

The scholarship is awarded based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores and can be renewed for a total of four years if the student maintains college GPA requirements.

At UIS, she plans to major in business administration/marketing and play on the UIS Prairie Stars softball team. She played softball and volleyball in high school.

“I chose UIS to further my education and continue my softball career,” she said.

Following graduation, she plans to obtain her pilots license and fly for a major corporation.

All incoming UIS freshmen are eligible to apply for Lincoln Merit Scholarships. The amount awarded is based upon the incoming student’s ACT or SAT score. To receive $10,000 over four years, students must earn a 21 to a 23 on their ACT or a minimum of 1060 SAT and hold a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or email finaid@uis.edu. For a full list of scholarship opportunities, visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

Edith Chaidez of Beardstown awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Edith Chaidez, a resident of Beardstown and accounting major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Kerber, Eck, & Braeckel Accountancy Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Chaidez, the first-generation American in her family, graduated 6th out of 110 students from Beardstown High School.

She said college was important to reaching her goals. She plans to pursue a career as an accounting specialist and may also seek a master’s degree.

Chaidez transferred from Lincoln Land Community College with high honors after earning her with her Associate’s Degree in business administration. She was active in the Phi Kappa Theta Honor Society and served as President of the LLCC Student Government.

To qualify for the Kerber, Eck, and Braeckel Accountancy Scholarship, students must be Illinois residents enrolled full-time and be a junior or senior who demonstrates financial need and maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The Kerber, Eck, & Braeckel Accountancy Scholarship honors the mid-sized firm (KEB) of certified public accountants and management consultants, which was founded in 1931. KEB now has eight office in three Midwestern states and provides a full range of accounting, tax and management consulting services to a diverse base of clients.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu.

For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018.

If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Abigail Fritzgerald of Decatur awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Abigail Fritzgerald, a resident of Decatur and a counseling student at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Malcom and Amy Levin Scholarship in Memory of Cynthia S. Levin for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Fritzgerald, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, worked for six years before returning to the classroom to pursue a master’s degree in human development counseling.

Fritzgerald said the classes at UIS challenged her to demonstrate more compassion to herself and others.

“In the multi-cultural counseling class I was challenged to face my own prejudices and privileges. I walked away from that experience wanting to show others the beauty of truly listening to people’s hardships,” she said.

Fritzgerald is on track to graduate in December 2018.

She plans to pursue becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in trauma, grief, human trafficking and LGBTQ.

When she’s not attending classes or studying, Fritzgerald leads Set Free, an anti-human trafficking group in Decatur.

“We’ve done numerous presentations to inform the community about the issues of human trafficking and how to report it,” she said.

The Malcolm and Amy Levin Scholarship in Memory of Cynthia S. Levin was designed to honor the life of Cynthia Levin, who was the executive director of the Dana-Thomas House Foundation in Springfield. Levin passed away in 1996 at the age of 42.

The scholarship is awarded to graduate students pursuing a degree in liberal arts and sciences. Preference is given to non-traditional females over the age of 30 who have had their education interrupted. One requirement is that applicants be actively engaged in serving their community.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or finaid@uis.edu. For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

The deadline to apply for institutional scholarships is February 15, 2018. If you are interested in creating a scholarship, please contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or giftinfo@uis.edu.

Miguel Valente of Chicago admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Miguel Valente of Chicago, a senior at Hubbard High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At Hubbard, he is a member of the JROTC Drum and Bugle Corps, Students Working in Technology (SWIT), computer club, student council and is the senior class officer. At UIS, he plans to major in political science.

“I chose UIS for its political science program, support system, and student organizations being offered that will truly help me to succeed after college,” he said.

Following graduation, he plans to continue his service in the Illinois Army National Guard and run for the mayor of Chicago in 2023.

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to be one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System. Nearly 5,000 students enroll each year at UIS seeking a U of I degree in the friendly learning environment of a smaller university. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University of Illinois Springfield, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.

Carson Vance of Roselle receives a UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship

Carson Vance of Roselle, a senior at Lake Park High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $24,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship for tuition over 4 years.

The scholarship is awarded based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores and can be renewed for a total of four years if the student maintains college GPA requirements.

At UIS, she plans to major in biology and play on the UIS Prairie Stars women’s basketball team. She also played basketball at Lake Park High School.

“There are an abundant amount of great opportunities at UIS for me both academically and athletic wise for women's basketball,” she said.

Following graduation, she plans to continue her education and become a physician assistant.

The CAP Honors Program is a selective undergraduate program combining high standards and emphasis on excellence with a small residential college model, enrolling only about 100 first-year students each year.

The program brings together intellectually strong students with talented, dedicated faculty to create a unique academic environment within the greater UIS community.

Capital Scholar Honors students participate in an interdisciplinary core curriculum designed to prepare students for their major and provide leadership opportunities.

In order to receive a $24,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship, the student must earn a 24 to a 26 on their ACT or a minimum of 1160 SAT and hold a minimum high school GPA of 3.75.

For more information on scholarships, contact the UIS Office of Financial Assistance at 217/206-6724 or email finaid@uis.edu. For a full list of scholarship opportunities visit www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

Sable Mann of Taylorville admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Sable Mann of Taylorville, a senior at Taylorville High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At Taylorville High School, she performs with the madrigals group and was part of the spring musical. She also plays on the softball team and was a member of the student council for two years. She has also participated in SkillsUSA.

At UIS, she plans to major in pre-nursing and hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing and work for a doctor’s office.

“I love what UIS has to offer and the diversity,” she said.

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to be one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System. Nearly 5,000 students enroll each year at UIS seeking a U of I degree in the friendly learning environment of a smaller university. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University of Illinois Springfield, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.

Elizabeth Elliott of Sugar Grove admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Elizabeth Elliott of Sugar Grove, a senior at Kaneland High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At Kaneland, she is a cheerleader, sings in the choir and is part of the staff of the Kaneland Krier, the student newspaper.

She says she chose UIS because “it will be the best fit for me.”

She plans to major in psychology at UIS and wants to become a child life specialist following graduation.

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to be one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System. Nearly 5,000 students enroll each year at UIS seeking a U of I degree in the friendly learning environment of a smaller university. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University of Illinois Springfield, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.

Kayleen Holly of Springfield admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Kayleen Holly of Springfield, a senior at Lanphier High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At Lanphier, she plays tennis and is part of the band and jazz band. She is also a member of the Drama Club. At UIS, she plans to major in social work.

“I'm choosing UIS because I think the courses and atmosphere are really great,” she said.

Following graduation from UIS, she plans to become a social worker.

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to be one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System. Nearly 5,000 students enroll each year at UIS seeking a U of I degree in the friendly learning environment of a smaller university. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University of Illinois Springfield, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.

Teddy Beauchem of Chana awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Teddy Beauchem, a resident of Chana and biology/pre-med major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Mabel and Harvey Lynn Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Beauchem, a first generation college student, said she chose UIS because of the similarities to her hometown.

“I definitely benefitted a lot from living in a small town, making friends, which ultimately led to my decision,” she said. While in high school, Beauchem was active in 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA.) She is currently participating in the collegiate 4H program. She said that horses have always been a part of her life, which made veterinary medicine the perfect fit for her future.

“I have always said I could not imagine my life without a career based around them, which is why my goal is to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine general practice and dentistry,” said Beauchem.

Beauchem understands the path to her future has approximately eight years of higher education schooling. The scholarship will hold her accountable.

“This scholarship proves that I will not be able to use money as an excuse to give up when things get hard,” she said.

The Mabel and Harvey Lynn scholarship award was established in honor of the parents and in-laws of Dr. Robert Lynn and former UIS Chancellor, Dr. Naomi Lynn. Lynn was the first Hispanic woman president of an American public university, and served during the transition of the university from Sangamon State to the University of Illinois.

To qualify for the Mabel and Harvey Lynn scholarship, freshmen or sophomore students must be enrolled full-time and be in good academic standing.

Freddy Sermeno of Chicago admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Freddy Orlando Sermeno, III of Chicago, a senior at Roberto Clemente Community Academy, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At Roberto Clemente Community Academy, he is involved in archery, rowing, the Clemente Steel Drum Band, Drill Team, Aspen Challenge Team, Junior Cadet Leadership Camp (JCLC,) Junior ROTC, and has served in a Cisco internship.

“UIS offers all of the things I could ever ask for in a college, university and more,” said Sermeno.

Sermeno plans to pursue a degree in computer science and would like to seek a master’s degree afterward.

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to be one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System. Nearly 5,000 students enroll each year at UIS seeking a U of I degree in the friendly learning environment of a smaller university. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University of Illinois Springfield, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.

Colton Smith of Matherville admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Colton Smith of Matherville, a senior at Sherrard High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At Sherrard High School, he is part of the student government, Drama Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). He plans to major in political science at UIS.

“I’m choosing UIS because of the political opportunity, and the change that I want to see and make in the world,” he said.

Following graduation from UIS, he plans to run for political office.

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to be one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System. Nearly 5,000 students enroll each year at UIS seeking a U of I degree in the friendly learning environment of a smaller university. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

For more information on the University of Illinois Springfield, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.