Paul Duarte-Noe of Pana awarded two University of Illinois Springfield scholarships

Paul Duarte-Noe, a resident of Pana and global studies major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Martha Schiebel Harrison and James L. Lundquist Memorial Scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Duarte-Noe said he has always had a passion for exploring different cultures and studying new languages.

As a high school student, he served as a student ambassador to Ashikaga, Japan. He began studying Japanese in community college and continued that path at UIS. He is currently studying abroad in Saitama, Japan.

“I am enrolled in Saitama’s renowned intensive language program, at the end of which, I plan to be certified to work in Japan,” said Duarte-Noe. “I am also volunteering for a non-profit organization called Ashinaga, which provides educational support and emotional care for orphans in Japan who have lost one or more parents due to disaster, illness or suicide.” He hopes to intern with the organization, early next year.

On the UIS campus, Duarte-Noe is involved with the International Student Association and the Asian Student Organization and works with immigration specialists as a student worker for the Office of International Student Services.

“My goal for my career is to work for the U.S. consulate in Japan,” he said.

Martha Schiebel Harrison, a UIS alumnae, and former deputy director for the Office of Public Affairs at the Illinois Department of Transportation, established a scholarship to help young people who dream of a better education. Harrison immigrated to the United States from Germany, in order to obtain a high school education.

The James L. Lundquist Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Mr. Lundquist, a long-time supporter of UIS, and former vice president of investments for A.G. Edwards.

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.

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/.