Emma Mott of Cave-In-Rock awarded a $24,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Emma Mott of Cave-In-Rock, a senior at Hardin County High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2021 and awarded a $24,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. She plans to major in criminology and criminal justice at UIS. 

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

At Hardin County High School, she has been involved in 4-H, Drama Club, National Honor Society, Academic Challenge (ACES) and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She has played varsity basketball for three years and volleyball for one year.

“I am choosing UIS because of small class size (student to professor ratio), and internship/government connection opportunities within the state's capital,” she said.

Following graduation, she wants to work for the FBI in the forensics field.

All undergraduate first year students are automatically eligible for Lincoln Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are automatically applied upon admission and are based solely on high school GPA. In order to receive $24,000 over four years, the student must have an unweighted GPA of 3.60-3.79. UIS is not requiring students to submit ACT/SAT scores for the 2021-24 academic 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 uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/. 

Students may apply for admission to UIS at uis.edu/apply. Contact the UIS Office of Admission at admissions@uis.edu or 217-206-4847 with questions.

Isabelle Segal of Plymouth, Minnesota awarded an $8,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Isabelle Segal of Plymouth, Minnesota, a senior at Saint Louis Park High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2021 and awarded an $8,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. She plans to major in criminology and criminal justice and play on the UIS Prairie Star’s Women’s Golf team. 

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

At Saint Louis Park High School, she plays golf and basketball.

“I am coming to UIS because I have the opportunity to play college golf and study criminal justice,” she said.

Following graduation from UIS, she would like to work for the FBI.

All undergraduate first year students are automatically eligible for Lincoln Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are automatically applied upon admission and are based solely on high school GPA. In order to receive $8,000 over four years, the student must have an unweighted GPA of 3.20-3.39. UIS is not requiring students to submit ACT/SAT scores for the 2021-22 academic year.

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 at uis.edu/apply. Contact the UIS Office of Admission at admissions@uis.edu or 217-206-4847 with questions.

Emma West of Pawnee awarded a $6,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Emma West of Pawnee, a senior at Pawnee High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2021 and awarded a $6,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. She plans to major in criminology and criminal justice and be a part of the UIS Prairie Stars cross country and track teams.

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

At Pawnee High School, she ran track and cross country. She has also been involved with FFA, SADD, yearbook, Interact, principal's advisory committee and has been part of two school productions and band.

Following graduation, she plans to enter the law enforcement field and become a police officer.

All undergraduate first year students are automatically eligible for Lincoln Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are automatically applied upon admission and are based solely on high school GPA. In order to receive $6,000 over four years, the student must have an unweighted GPA of 3.0-3.25. UIS is not requiring students to submit ACT/SAT scores for the 2021-22 academic year.

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 at uis.edu/apply. Contact the UIS Office of Admission at admissions@uis.edu or 217-206-4847 with questions.

Alice Abegunde of Homewood awarded a $10,000 University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Alice Abegunde of Homewood, a senior at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2020 and awarded a $10,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. At UIS, she plans to major in criminology and criminal justice.

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 Homewood-Flossmoor High School, she is a member of the mock trial team, student government, National Honor Society and leads the Friends of Rachel Club.

Following graduation from UIS, she plans on becoming a homicide detective. Her long-term goal is to open a school.

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 18-20 on their ACT or a minimum 940 SAT score 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 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/.

Jeanette Jones of Chicago awarded an $8,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Jeanette Jones of Chicago, a senior at Perspectives Leadership Academy, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2020 and awarded an $8,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. At UIS, she plans to major in criminology and criminal justice.

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 Perspectives Leadership Academy, she is a member of the step team, volleyball team, yearbook and digital photography club.

“I chose UIS based on the many different courses for each major,” she said.

Following graduation from UIS, she plan on starting her career and hopes to one day open her own law firm.

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 $8,000 over four years, students must earn an 18-20 on their ACT or a minimum 940 SAT score and hold a minimum high school GPA of 3.26 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/.

Ashton Rigg of Bluffs awarded an $8,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Ashton Rigg of Bluffs, a senior at Bluffs High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2020 and awarded an $8,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years.

At UIS, he plans to major in criminology and criminal justice.

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.

He chose UIS because “it has the program for which I am interested,” he said.

Following graduation, he plans a career in law enforcement.

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 $8,000 over four years, students must earn an 18-20 on their ACT or a minimum 940 SAT score and hold a minimum high school GPA of 3.26 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/.

Marissa Daws of Louisville receives a $16,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Marissa Daws of Louisville, a senior at North Clay 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 criminology and criminal justice 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.

Daws says she chose UIS because she loves the city of Springfield and feels UIS is a great place to continue her education.

“Originally, I wanted to visit the university primarily for the reason that it was close to family, but once I stepped onto campus, I knew that I belonged there,” she said. “I am beyond ecstatic to continue my education in such a wonderful environment and I am looking forward to spending the next four years of my life at UIS!”

Following graduation from UIS, she plans to stay in Springfield or a surrounding city and work for a business related to her major.

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/.

Jacqueline Guzman of Waukegan receives a $14,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Jacqueline Guzman of Waukegan, a 2018 graduate of Waukegan High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield 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 UIS, she plans to major in criminology and criminal justice. She would like to become a criminal investigator or social worker following graduation.

She says she chose UIS because it’s “known for the criminal justice program.”

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 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/.

Blake Jones of Lincoln receives a $22,000 UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship

Blake Jones of Lincoln, a senior at Lincoln Community 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.

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 Lincoln Community High, he is a member of the cross country, track and soccer teams. He plans to major in criminology and criminal justice at UIS and compete on the UIS Prairie Stars cross country and track and field teams.

“I decided to go to UIS because I wanted to be a part of the up and coming cross country and track and field program, with lots of young talent, and to achieve academic success and obtain a degree in criminal justice,” he said.

Following graduation from UIS, he plans to build a solid resume to eventually work for the FBI specializing in Counterterrorism.

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/.

Vanessa Lomeli of Chicago admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Vanessa Lomeli of Chicago, a senior at Gurdon S Hubbard High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2018 term.

At Hubbard High, she is a member of the cross county/track and field teams. She is also a member of Metzli Youth Leadership, Sign Language Club, Well Club, Art Club and Key Club.

At UIS, she plans to major in criminology and criminal justice.

“I chose UIS because I believe that UIS is very supportive and helps their students,” she said. “It is also a medium school, which is perfect for me.”

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.

UIS student awarded police scholarship to pursue criminal justice dreams

University of Illinois Springfield student Graciela Popoca, from Chicago, has been awarded a $2,000 Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) Dream Scholarship.

Popoca is a freshman at UIS pursuing a degree in criminology and criminal justice.

She said she chose UIS because she liked the smaller class size and opportunity to interact more with her professors.

Popoca is also a member of the Leadership for Life team and cannot wait to become involved in the community.

“I think what appealed to me from the campus was the number of clubs/organizations I could join, once I settled in,” she said. “I’m looking forward to volunteering in many organizations and hopefully getting a job on campus.”

As a student at Thomas Kelly High School, Popoca attended the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy and served as an intern with the Englewood Police Department.

“The program helped me develop confidence, leadership and responsibility,” she said. “I plan to become a detective,” Popoca added that she wants to focus on abuse cases. “Everything I went through motivated me to pursue a career that will allow me to help women who are going through physical and mental abuse in their marriages.”

Popoca is one of 27 students nationwide to earn the LEEP scholarship, which encourages their pursuit of law enforcement/public safety careers.

“The LEEP scholarship helped me pay for my tuition at UIS. Without the scholarship it would have been difficult for me to attend a school far away from home,” said Popoca, who also received Key Club, Monterrey Security and Logan Scholarships.

“Once I get my bachelor’s degree and become a police officer, I will make a difference in the world,” she said.

Salvador Ruiz of Woodstock receives a UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Scholarship

Salvador Ruiz of Woodstock, a senior at Woodstock High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $20,000 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, he will major in criminology and criminal justice and wants join the U.S. Army as an active duty soldier following graduation.

“I chose UIS because the university is small, very neat and organized,” said Ruiz.

At Woodstock High School, Ruiz plays varsity soccer and is a member of the police explorers and Latinos Unidos con Honor Americanos.

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 Program Scholarship, the student must earn a 24 to a 26 on their ACT or a minimum of 1290 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/.

Greg Belizaire of Montgomery admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Greg Belizaire, of Montgomery, a senior at Yorkville High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2017 term.

At Yorkville High School, he is involved as a basketball manager and played football. He enjoys writing and had an original piece of poetry nominated for the Literary Festival.

Belizaire said he chose UIS because of its location. “It’s in the capitol and his home to many government jobs. I plan on becoming a federal agent so the opportunities and potential internships are amazing.”

He plans to seek a degree in criminology and criminal justice and hopes to become a federal agent.

The University of Illinois Springfield is one of three campuses of the world-class University of Illinois. More than 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, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.

Michelle Ruiz of Belvidere admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Michelle Ruiz, a senior at Belvidere High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2017 term.

At Belvidere High School, she is involved in soccer, poms and dance team. At UIS, she plans to major in criminal justice.

Ruiz said she chose UIS because of its size and proximity to home.

“It’s a good school with good programs and I like that it’s not as big as other universities. It’s also a good distance from home, so I can find my independence, but at the same time not too far.”

Upon graduation, she would like to further her education in law school and has plans to someday run her own law firm.

The University of Illinois Springfield is one of three campuses of the world-class University of Illinois. More than 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, contact the Office of Admissions at 888/977-4847 or go online at www.uis.edu/admissions.