Kacey Tillery of Franklin awarded a $38,000 UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship

Kacey Tillery of Franklin, a senior at Franklin High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2020 and awarded a $38,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship for tuition over 4 years. At UIS, she plans to major in accountancy.

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 Franklin High School, she plays on the volleyball team and is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, FFA, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club and 4-H.

“I chose UIS because I like that it is big enough to offer the opportunities that a large university will offer, yet small enough to feel like a small college and have a supportive community,” she said.

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 or above.

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 uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

Students may apply for admission to UIS free of charge for the summer and fall 2020 terms. Apply online at uis.edu/admissions/applytoday/.

Delainee Gibson of Clarksville, Tennessee awarded a $32,000 UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship

Delainee Gibson of Clarksville, Tennessee, a senior at West Creek High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2020 and awarded a $32,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship for tuition over 4 years.

At UIS, she plans to major in accountancy and play on the UIS Prairie Stars volleyball team.

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 West Creek High School, she is a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Math Club and SHH. She also plays on the volleyball and basketball teams.

“I’m choosing UIS because of the good environment and volleyball,” she said.

Following graduation from UIS, she plans to become a CPA.

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 $32,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program 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 3.76 or above.

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 uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/.

Students may apply for admission to UIS free of charge for the summer and fall 2020 terms. Apply online at uis.edu/admissions/applytoday/.

Fatima Velasco of Waukegan receives a $16,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Fatima Velasco of Waukegan, a recent graduate of Waukegan High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for fall semester 2019 and awarded a $16,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. She plans to major in accountancy at UIS.

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 Waukegan High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society; student council; plant/environmental club; The Thirsty Elephant, a literary magazine; and New Global Citizens, which conducted fundraisers to donate to charity.

“UIS offered me a good amount of financial aid,” she said. “It’s also in my state of residency, which was something I wanted. It’s accessible, welcoming and willing to help all of its students. I know I will be part of a good program for my career.”

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 $16,000 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 4.0 or above.

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/.

Diamon Winters-Taylor of Springfield receives a $10,000 scholarship from UIS

Diamon Winters-Taylor of Springfield, a senior at Springfield High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for fall semester 2019 and awarded a $10,000 Lincoln Merit 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, Winters-Taylor plans to major in accountancy.

She chose UIS because “it’s in my hometown and I love the campus,” she said.

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 an 18 to a 20 on their ACT or a minimum of 940 SAT and hold a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 or above.

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/.

Andrew Bowman of Carlyle receives a $16,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Andrew Bowman of Carlyle, a senior at Carlyle High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 and awarded a $16,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. He plans to major in accountancy.

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 Carlyle High, he is a member of the National Honor Society, science club, band and scholar bowl. He also plays varsity soccer.

“I decided to come to UIS because it is a good college with the degree program I want to pursue,” he said. “It's close to home and offers a variety of scholarships that make it affordable.”

Following graduation from UIS, he would like to join the FBI.

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 $16,000 over four years, students 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 or above.

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/.

Andrew Sweetalla of Appleton receives a $6,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Andrew Sweetalla of Appleton, Wisconsin, a senior at Appleton East High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 and awarded a $6,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. He will play on the UIS Prairie Stars baseball team and major in accountancy.

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 Appleton East, he plays baseball and is involved in student council and other volunteer groups.

“I am choosing UIS because it felt like home when I stepped onto campus,” he said. “I’m coming to play baseball and after my visit, I knew that UIS would be my new home.”

Following graduation from UIS, he plans to become a certified public accountant (CPA).

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 $6,000 over four years, students must earn an 18 to a 20 on their ACT or a minimum of 940 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/.

Clinton Griffin of Girard awarded dual scholarships at the University of Illinois Springfield

Clinton Griffin, a resident of Girard and accountancy major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Joy Kimler CPA Accountancy Scholarship and the Michael and Pamela Luenz Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Griffin, the youngest of five children, whose parents are deceased, decided early on he would not let anything stop him on his journey to higher education.

He enlisted in the United States Army after high school, and received his associate’s degree at a community college before coming to UIS.

“The professors in the accountancy department seem to care deeply about their students’ success with the program,” said Griffin. “I have witnessed many instances where they have gone above and beyond to explain something in many different ways, so that everyone understands it.”

Griffin said that in grade school teachers told him he had a natural talent for working with numbers.

“When you love numbers, they should be in your everyday life,” Griffin said. “What better way to have numbers all around you every day than to work in the accountancy field.”

Griffin plans to continue his education at UIS and obtain his accountancy master’s degree and become a certified CPA. His goal is to work for the Office of the Illinois Auditor General someday.

He is working full time while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.

“These scholarships have helped me by giving me the ability to work fewer hours and focus more on my studies,” said Griffin. The Joy Kimler CPA Accountancy Scholarship was established to benefit accounting majors who plan to complete the 150-semester hour education requirement to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination.

Michael F. and Pamela M. Luenz have generously supported many educational causes at UIS. The scholarship that bears their name was created for the College of Business and Management, where Michael is an alumnus.

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, 2019.

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

Alyssa Pavlacic of St. Charles receives a $38,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Alyssa Pavlacic of St. Charles, Missouri, a senior at Saint Charles West High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 and awarded a $38,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship for tuition over 4 years. She plans to major in accountancy and will play on the UIS Prairie Stars women’s soccer team.

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 Saint Charles West, she is a member of the varsity soccer, swimming and cross country teams. She also plays in the orchestra and is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society, Science Club, Friends of Rachel Club and Game Enthusiast Club.

“I am choosing UIS because it is a smaller school and has an accounting program with a good reputation and accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB),” she said. “Small schools work better for me because you can get to know your professors and get more attention from them if needed. I like going to teachers with questions to clarify my understanding of topics, and I feel that smaller schools’ teachers are more reachable.”

Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in international public accounting and obtain her CPA license.

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 or above.

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/.

Nicholas Barnhill of Belvidere receives a $14,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Nicholas Barnhill of Belvidere, a senior at Belvidere High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 and awarded a $14,000 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 Belvidere High, he’s involved in an environmental club called SRES.

He plans to major in accountancy at UIS and says he chose the school because “UIS is a central location for jobs and activities to participate in.”

Following graduation, he plans to start a full-time job.

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 $14,000 over four years, students 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/.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daniel Kelly of Peoria receives a scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Daniel Kelly, a resident of Peoria and student at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Leona Stanford Vollintine Scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Kelly is pursuing a double major in accountancy and business administration. He takes classes through the UIS Peoria Center, where he said the students work as a “team.”

“If we have a tough teacher or subject, everyone pitches in to help study and get through the class,” said Kelly. “Most are non-traditional students and are more willing to help others because of the hardships they’ve encountered.”

Kelly has had his fair share of hardships. His retail career was cut short through a company downsizing, which forced him to focus on finishing his degree. “I wanted to finish college with a degree that guaranteed a sustainable income for our future,” he said.

While taking classes, Kelly also works at a local bank as a mortgage reporting specialist.

He said he can picture himself using his degree at the bank, but that he’s also considering a career with a major accounting firm upon graduation.

“The best advice I got from my Intermediate Accounting II professor was to stop trying to figure it out,” said Kelly. “He told me, you can’t possibly know what the next 40 years hold, so instead of trying to figure that out, plan the next four months and go from there.”

Kelly also serves on the UIS Student Government Association as a senator representing the Peoria Center, and was recently elected as Speaker of the Senate in the SGA.

“I have noticed that the students here have a bond that cannot be broken,” said Kelly.

The Leona Sandford Vollintine Scholarship is awarded to students who meet GPA requirements and are enrolled in the College of Business. Candidates must demonstrate academic and personal achievement.

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/.

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

Dylan Foord of Sycamore admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Dylan Foord of Sycamore, a senior at Sycamore High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2017 term.

In high school, he was on DeKalb-Sycamore co-op boys swim team. At UIS, he plans to major in accountancy.

“I chose UIS because the school size is smaller compared to other schools, which I liked a lot,” he said. “I also chose UIS because it looks like a fun environment and offers a good education.”

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.

Justin Vivar of Chicago receives a scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Justin Vivar, a senior at Taft High School in Chicago, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $22,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship for tuition over 4 years.

The scholarship is awarded based on GPA and ACT scores and can be renewed for a total of four years, if the student maintains a college GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Vivar will major in accountancy and play baseball for the UIS Prairie Stars, a NCAA Division II team in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. He played baseball in high school and chose UIS to continue playing the sport that he loves.

“I loved the program and what they have going for them, and what they have planned for the future,” said Vivar. “I believe I’m going to have a special four years in this baseball program.”

Following graduation from UIS, he plans to continue his baseball career or possibly work in the accounting 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.

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/.