Emily Zimmerman of Cary awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Emily Zimmerman, a resident of Cary and clinical laboratory science major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Leona Stanford Vollintine Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Although she already had an interest in the medical field, Zimmerman said she developed a love of microscopes during her high school biology class.

It was a meeting with a UIS Admissions Counselor that turned her onto a career in clinical laboratory science. “He told me about the CLS major and my potential career choices after I graduated,” said Zimmerman. “This ultimately sealed the deal for what college I would attend after high school.”

Zimmerman is now actively involved on campus in the Clinical Laboratory Science Club.

She counts the Prairie Star 5K as one of her college highlights because the CLS Club ran as a group. “We are like a family due to the very few number of clinical lab science majors at UIS,” she said.

“I plan to continue being active in the club to help get the word out about CLS Club to other UIS students, even local high school students who may attend UIS once they graduate,” said Zimmerman.

The Leona Stafford Vollintine Scholarship was established to award full-time students pursuing a program of study leading to a career that promotes and assists the general public welfare.

To qualify for the Leona Stafford Vollintine Scholarship, students must be enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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.

Melissa Van of Lincoln awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Melissa Van, a resident of Lincoln and business administration major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Richard and Charlene Osborne Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Van is a first-generation Vietnamese-American college student. She said her degree is incredibly important to both her and her family.

Van chose to major in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in psychology. She hopes to use her degree and experience for a career in advertising. “I want to be able to find innovative ways to appeal to consumers,” she said, “whether it is advertising for a movie, product or anything.”

Van puts her marketing skills to use as the marketing coordinator for the UIS Student Activities Committee and activities coordinator for the Asian Student Organization. She also serves as the vice president of the UIS Garden Club and is a member of the Legacy Dance Team, the Vietnamese Student Association and the CAP Scholars Honors Program.

The Richard and Charlene Osborne Scholarship was established by the Osbornes. Richard Osborne earned his MBA from UIS and is currently the senior managing director of Madison Industries, a private equity firm in Chicago.

To qualify for the Richard and Charlene Osborne Scholarship, students must be in good academic standing and be seeking a degree in the College of Business and Management.

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.

Ella Snyder of Maroa awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Ella Snyder, a resident of Maroa and pre-nursing major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Memorial Health System Pre-Nursing Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Snyder said choosing her career is following in the footsteps of both her mother and step-father, who are nurses.

Snyder also said health care was always at the forefront of her childhood memories, because her brother received a heart transplant at a young age.

“I am constantly being taught lessons in nursing in everyday events,” she said.

Snyder said she chose UIS after touring a number of college nursing programs. “I instantly fell in love,” she said. “The college has an excellent nursing program that is affiliated with UIC and I didn’t have to change locations after two years. It was the perfect college for me to earn a BSN in nursing.”

To apply for the Memorial Health System Pre-Nursing Scholarship, UIS students must be a freshman or sophomore enrolled in the pre-nursing pathway whose intent is to enroll in the UIS College of Nursing and earn a BSN degree.

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.

Mariah Rodriguez of Joliet awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Mariah Rodriguez, a resident of Joliet and social work major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Manny Velasco Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

 Rodriguez said participating in mission trips while she was in high school ignited her passion for helping others and led her to seek a degree in social work.

“Knowing I was helping other people gave me an amazing feeling that I wanted to feel for the rest of my life,” she said.

Rodriguez said her intended degree in social work and minor in psychology will put her on a path for working directly with children, whether it’s in a hospital or foster care setting.

On campus, she continued her community service as a member of Christian Student Fellowship, where she is active in mission trips. This school year alone, she will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, Houston, Texas and Haiti for community service. She is active in Leadership for Life and is also a member of the UIS Women’s Soccer Team, which she calls her second family.

“UIS has been an amazing experience and I can’t wait for the next few years,” she said.

The Manny Velasco Scholarship was established to honor the former UIS tennis coach. Velasco coached the Prairie Stars Tennis Team for 33 years before his retirement.

To qualify for the Manny Velasco Scholarship, student athletes must be in good academic standing with the University and have a demonstrated financial need.

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.

Levi Reed of Woodhull awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Levi Reed, a resident of Woodhull and environmental studies major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Mary and Nelson Howarth Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Reed, who transferred to UIS from Black Hawk East Community College, said the ENS program had the perfect combination of social and natural sciences.

During his first year at UIS, Reed worked as an assistant at the university’s Geographic Information Systems Laboratory. During that time he created a road map for the Emiquon Natural Wildlife Refuge that is still being used today.

“It is one of the greatest experiences I’ve had at UIS,” he said.

Reed is on track to graduate in 2018 and is looking forward to working for a government agency such as the DNR or EPA and continuing his education with a graduate degree.

The Mary and Nelson Howarth Scholarship was established to honor Nelson Howard, a respected Springfield attorney and three-term mayor who was instrumental in convincing the Illinois General Assembly to establish UIS. Howarth later taught a course in municipal law and administration at the university.

To qualify for the Mary and Nelson Howarth Scholarship, students must be in good academic standing and seeking a major in public administration, public affairs reporting, environmental studies, political science or history.

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 Terrazas of Berwyn awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Crystal Terrazas, a resident of Berwyn and double major in legal studies and political science at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Lee Humphrey Dodd Memorial Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Terrazas, who plans to continue her education in law school, said she found her passion for practicing law while participating in middle school debates.

“During one project, I was the only one defending a side of the argument, to help those that couldn’t help themselves,” she said. “That’s when I realized that is exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life; to protect those that can’t protect themselves.”

On campus Terrazas’ leadership helped establish the Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority on campus. She has also served as a resident assistant, a member of OLAS (Organization of Latin American Students), and Model United Nations.

As part of Model United Nations, Terrazas traveled to New York as part of the UIS Delegation, and received the “Outstanding Delegation” award, the highest recognition awarded by the national organization.

She credits her internships with the Atteberry Law Office and political campaigns for Ann Callis and Sen. Dick Durbin with preparing her for law school and her career.

Currently she is working with the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, helping people who are unable to afford legal services.

Terrazas is on track to graduate in 2018 and will attend law school. After that, she plans to open her own law firm concentrating in immigration rights, family law and women’s rights.

“My internship, organizations and classes have shown me that many people are unable to fight or defend themselves,” she said. “I want to be someone that can do that.”

The Lee Humphrey Dodd Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life of Dodd, a Springfield-area attorney who became the first woman to be named first assistant state’s attorney.

To qualify for the Lee Humphrey Dodd Memorial Scholarship, students must be a legal studies or criminal justice major with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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.

Robert Ndaye Muange of Beardstown awarded dual scholarships at University of Illinois Springfield

Robert Ndaye Muange, a resident of Beardstown and accountancy major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Pam McClelland Accountancy Scholarship and the Michael and Pamela Luenz Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Muange, a married father of three, attends classes full-time while also working as a teacher’s aid in the Beardstown Community Unit School District.

He said he is able to balance it all thanks to his instructors at UIS. “I have encountered tremendous and experienced teachers at UIS who know me personally and care,” said Muange. “I am very comfortable approaching them and getting what I need to understand the courses.”

After graduation, Muange plans to take the CPA exam and begin work on his master’s degree.

He said he was inspired by his father. “My father was an accountant,” said Muange. “I am following in his footsteps.”

Muange eventually plans to pursue a Ph.D.

The Pamela McClelland Accountancy Scholarship was established by retired KEB partner and UIS alumnae Pamela McClelland. McClelland, a non-traditional student, graduated with highest honors and won the Elijah Watts Sells Award for ranking in the top five percent nationally on the CPA exam. McClelland has also been honored as a UIS Distinguished Alumni and recognized for outstanding advocate leadership by the University of Illinois Foundation.

To qualify for the Pamela McClelland Accountancy Scholarship, students must be a junior or senior seeking an accountancy degree, who have a demonstrated financial need.

The Michael F. and Pamela M. Luenz Scholarship was established by UIS alumni Michael Luenz, who earned a BA in management in 1980.

To qualify for the Michael and Pamela Luenz Scholarship, undergraduate students must be enrolled in the College of Business and Management and demonstrate a financial need.

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.

Rece Finck of Hopedale receives a $20,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Rece Finck, a senior at Olympia High School in Stanford, Illinois, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $20,000 Capital Scholars Honors 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 Olympia High School, Finck plays baseball and is a member of the Student Council, Bank Board, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a Freshmen Mentor.

At UIS, Finck will play baseball for the Prairie Stars as he pursues a degree with an emphasis in sports management. He also plans to seek a master’s degree upon graduation.

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 $20,000 Capital Scholars Honors 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 3.0.

 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/.

Joanna Zepeda of Joliet receives a $38,000 UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship

Joanna Zepeda of Joliet, a senior at Joliet Central High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $38,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship for tuition over 4 years. At UIS, she plans to major in biology with a focus in pre-medicine.

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 Joliet Central, she plays on the softball team and is a member of Key Club and the math team.

Following graduation from UIS, she plans to attend medical school and practice medicine as a pediatrician.

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 $38,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship, the student must earn a 27 to a 29 on their ACT or a minimum of 1280 SAT and hold a minimum high school GPA of 4.0.

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/.

Daniel Jones of Glen Carbon admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Daniel Jones of Glen Carbon, a senior at Fr. Michael J. McGivney High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At McGivney, he is a member of the varsity soccer, basketball and cross country teams. He is also a student leader in the school's house communities and student retreat programs.

“UIS offers my first choice in majors, exercise science,” said Jones. “After visiting 5 other universities, UIS seemed like the best choice of colleges for me because of its size, facilities, community and programs.”

Following graduation, he plans to pursue a career related to his degree and serve in the Illinois Air National Guard.

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.

Preston Reynolds of Springfield receives a $22,000 UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship

Preston Reynolds of Springfield, a senior at Rochester High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $22,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship for tuition over 4 years. At UIS, he plans to major in computer science.

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 Rochester High, he is a member of the marching band, concert band and the school musical. He is also part of the Big Buddy Program, where he mentors younger students, and his church youth group.

“I chose UIS because it's a great size (I'll get to know my professors) and it has a respected Computer Science program,” he said.

Following graduation, he plans to obtain a job in the computer science field.

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 $22,000 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 3.5.

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/.

Diego Prats of Dwight receives a $24,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Diego Alejandro Prats, a senior at Dwight Township High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $24,000 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 Dwight Township High School, Prats is involved in band, Scholastic Bowl and the Spanish Club.

He plans to major in global studies at UIS.

“I chose UIS as a result of its extensive courses, study abroad programs, affordability and networking opportunities,” said Prats, who hopes to someday work for the government in an embassy or as a diplomat.

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 $24,000 over four years, students must earn a 27 to a 29 on their ACT or a minimum of 1280 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/.

Sam Geraci of Steger earns a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Sam Geraci, a resident of Steger and communication major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Luedke Family Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Geraci, a baseball fanatic, chose to pursue a communication degree with dreams of working for a professional sports team.

“My dream is to work for one of the major professional teams in Chicago,” said Geraci, who is also a UIS baseball player.

Geraci transferred to UIS from Parkland Community College in Champaign, where he also played baseball.

“Baseball is a big part of my life and helped lead me to UIS,” said Geraci.

“I was recruited by Coach Ramirez and fell in love once I laid eyes on the campus. The scholarship will help my family in more ways than can be known,” he said.

The Luedke Family Scholarship is awarded to students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better.

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.

Lanie Hicks of Tinley Park awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Lanie Hicks, a resident of Tinley Park and business administration major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Kent Weber Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Hicks said she chose to pursue a career in business administration in order to follow in her father’s footsteps and hopefully someday, take over the family insurance business.

As a UIS basketball player, Hicks also dreams of playing in the NCAA Tournament.

“I visited UIS with two of my previous teammates from high school. Coach Kost offered us all three a spot,” she said. “We felt like this was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up, so we all committed to play basketball together for the next four years.”

Despite an ankle injury last year, Hicks doesn’t let anything slow her down. She worked hard to come back and play this season, volunteers with the UIS Necessary Steps Mentoring Program and works hard to maintain a GPA above a 3.6.

To be eligible for the Kent Weber Scholarship, students must meet high academic standards and be studying business or management.

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.

Samantha Morin of Lake in the Hills awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Samantha Morin, a resident of Lake in the Hills and psychology major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Droegkamp Family Scholarship for Global Studies for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Morin is majoring in psychology with the intent of getting a graduate degree to become an occupational therapist. “I have always enjoyed working with children, especially those with special needs,” she said.

Morin is currently studying autism and is working as a registered behavior technician at the Autism Clinic in Springfield and as a Campus Recreation Facility Lead at TRAC.

On campus she maintains a busy schedule as captain of the UIS women’s soccer team and as secretary of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Psy Chi Honor Society, and the Capitol Scholars Honors program at UIS.

“Even after three years, I am still sure that UIS was the right decision for me,” she said.

Morin spent two weeks this past summer studying abroad in Malta and Italy thanks to the scholarship she received. “That experience is one that I will never forget,” she said.

The Droegkamp Family Scholarship for Global Studies Experience is awarded to students seeking to study abroad.

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.

Alexis Hogan Hobson of White Hall awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Alexis Hogan Hobson, a resident of White Hall and biology, pre-med major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Daniel A. and Carolyn Schnirring Dungan Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Hobson said she chose biology and pre-med because it will equip her to enter medical school after graduation, where she hopes to specialize in family medicine or psychiatry.

Hobson also has a passion for singing. She was involved in high school chorus before coming to UIS and is now involved in the chorus on campus.

“Singing is one of my greatest passions and I’m so blessed and grateful to be able to pursue singing along with my education and other hobbies,” she said.

That passion for music is what made her eligible for the Daniel A. and Carolyn Schnirring Dungan Scholarship, which is awarded to an undergraduate student who is involved in Visual Arts or the music program at UIS.

Inspired by their own children, the Dungans believe a strong education requires students to balance both academics and arts.

“A scholarship sets students on a path,” said Carolyn. “That’s what is really important to us, that these kids get the opportunity for an education.”

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.

Joseph Bacidore of LeMoille awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Joseph Bacidore, a resident of LeMoille and mathematics major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Kellner Family Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Bacidore said he had dreamed of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics since he was in high school. But, the location of his hometown was far away from any university campus.

“The UIS online program is allowing me to obtain the education I desired without the need for excessive driving or boarding costs,” said Bacidore, who hopes to someday teach trigonometry or calculus at a junior college.

“I hope to use my knowledge in mathematics to impart those lessons to other students in hopes that they will develop a passion for the subject,” he said.

The Kellner Family Scholarship was established by Bill and Julie Kellner to recognize the Kellner Foodservice and food-distribution company, which was started in 1916, by Bill’s grandfather, Maurice Kellner. Besides monetary support for scholarships, the Kellner family also provides generous volunteer support to the university on advisory boards and committees.

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.

Hannah Markey of Carthage awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Hannah Markey, a resident of Carthage and social work major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Horace Mann Companies Endowed Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Markey said she has always had a strong desire to help people.

“My natural gifts encourage me to use them in my future career as a social worker,” she said.

Markey came to UIS from John Wood Community College, where she was active in the Student Government Association, Student Life, TRIO support services, Phi Theta Kappa honor society and Campus Crusade.

At UIS, she has continued her campus involvement with the Catholic Student Organization, Christian Student Fellowship and Social Work Club.

Markey plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduation, and would like to work with the geriatric population in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

She is on track to graduate in December 2017.

The Horace Mann Companies Endowed Scholarship is awarded to students with financial need in the College of Education and Human Services.

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 McKinnie of Morrisonville awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Abigail McKinnie, a resident of Morrisonville and visual arts major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the J. Porter and Alyce V. Coble Family Scholarship for History for the 2017-2018 academic year.

McKinnie said that when she chose to major in visual arts, she met with skepticism from people close to her. But after a successful college career that includes a semester at the esteemed Art Institute of Chicago, McKinnie is on track to graduate in 2018 and hopes to use her degree and talents to make a business more successful.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to combine and transform various ideas into work that potentially holds the power to widen perspectives, spark imaginations and create communities,” she said. “I believe my experience, especially with graphic design, makes me a valuable addition to any company or organization. I can now confidently assess the effectiveness of a brand’s identity and make improvements to further the company’s success.”

The J. Porter and Alyce V. Coble Family Scholarship for History was established to assist a deserving student majoring in visual arts at UIS.

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.

Daniel Masters of Dunlap awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Daniel Masters, a resident of Dunlap and business administration and management major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Joe Wilkins Veterans Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Masters said his leadership skills led him to a degree in management.

“I have always been a natural leader and I really enjoy working with others, motivating and empowering them,” he said.

Currently Masters uses those leadership skills as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force where he works full-time as a military technician, all while attending classes full-time at UIS.

His drive to succeed propelled him to the top of the class as an honor graduate during basic training and as a Schoolhouse Leader during tech school.

“From there I continued to actively pursue leadership roles where I could positively impact the other airman and people around me,” said Masters.

Masters plans to commission as a United States Air Force Officer upon graduation.

“UIS has had a tremendous impact on my leadership skills as well as my life,” he said. “The ideas learned in class have led me to initiate programs and improvements in my unit.”

Masters said his education and eventual degree will honor both his mother, who was tragically killed by an impaired driver in 2015, as well as his father.

“My pursuit of education honors my mother’s career and efforts as a school teacher while my service honors my father’s commitment to the military,” he said.

The Joe Wilkins Veterans Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Joseph Wilkins, whose life was changed because of a scholarship he received as a student. Wilkins went on to a distinguished career as a decorated U.S. Air Force Captain, and UIS professor emeritus.

To qualify for the Joe Wilkins Veterans Scholarship, students must be in good academic standing and have served in the United States military.

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.

Christal Loyola of Round Lake Heights awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Christal Loyola, a resident of Round Lake Heights and computer science major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Treat Family Women in IT Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Loyola said she grew up with a passion for computers and technology.

“What I love the most about technology is it always improves or opens the door for improvement, especially in the field of health care,” she said.

Loyola said she chose UIS’s online computer science degree after learning about it while attending a local community college.

“I feel like my online experience at UIS has been the best educational experience I’ve ever had,” she said.

After graduation, Loyola plans to seek a position as a software engineer, systems analyst or administrator facilitating functionality and efficiency in the field of health care. She also plans to return to UIS’ online program for her master’s degree.

“I’ve never felt as cared for or connected with my teachers and classes like I do as UIS,” she said.

The Treat Family Women in IT Scholarship was established by Shellie Treat and her husband. Shellie Treat is the Assistant Director of Network Services at UIS and oversees the System Support team. Treat says in her IT career there haven’t been many women working alongside her. Treat hopes to close that gap and that this scholarship provides some encouragement.

To qualify for the Treat Family Women in IT Scholarship, female students must be enrolled in the Computer Science Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

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.

Nouriath Lawani of Rushville awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Nouriath Lawani, a resident of Rushville and accounting major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Lawani’s family immigrated to the United States from Ajegunle in Benin, West Africa when she was beginning high school.

The family settled in Rushville. “It was very hard to adjust to the new environment and connect with my peers due to the language barrier,” said Lawani, who spoke mainly French. “But over the course of time, and with a lot of hard work, I learned to adjust and get back on track to achieving my goals,” she said.

Lawani comes to UIS from Lincoln Land Community College, with an associate’s degree in accounting.

She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accountancy at UIS and hopes to someday work as an auditor.

Her plans also include pursuing a master’s degree and Certified Public Accountant certification. “With a degree in accounting I can easily find a job and earn a decent wage to support my family and do what I love the most,” she said.

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.

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.