Sophia Eckhardt of Vandalia awarded a $36,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Sophia Eckhardt of Vandalia, a recent graduate of Vandalia Community High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2021 and awarded a $36,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program scholarship. She plans to major in psychology at UIS.

The scholarship can be renewed for a total of four years if the student maintains college GPA requirements.

At Vandalia Community High School, she played volleyball and was a member of scholar bowl, student council, National Honor Society and interact. She was also a class officer.

She says she chose UIS for the “reputation and proximity.”

Capital Scholars Honors Program scholarships are competitive and are based on high school GPA. UIS is not requiring students to submit ACT/SAT scores for the 2021-24 academic years.

The 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. 

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.

Cynthia Santizo of Chicago awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Cynthia Santizo of Chicago, a senior at Disney II Magnet 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 psychology.

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 Disney II Magnet High School, she is a member of the soccer, tennis and volleyball teams. She is also a senior advisor on the student council and a member of the Spanish Club.

“I chose UIS because it’s a great school that actually considers a student’s grades over the four years and my GPA as well,” she said. “In addition, this school is great and has awesome opportunities overall.”

Following graduation from UIS, she plans to continue studying and find an internship at a clinic or elsewhere to gain experience.

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/.

Leigha Watkins of Quincy admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Leigha Watkins of Quincy, a senior at Quincy Senior High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 classes. She plans to major in psychology.

At Quincy High, she is a member of the choir.

“I am choosing UIS because it’s close to home and has great opportunities,” she said.

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

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

Elizabeth Krasnican of Streator receives a $20,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Elizabeth Krasnican of Streator, a senior at Streator Township High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 and awarded a $20,000 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.

Krasnican said she chose UIS because of its location and size.

“It is a small community that focuses on the students and provides the opportunity for one on one education,” she said. “I also like that the school is focused on clubs rather than football and “big sports."

In high school Krasnican is involved in band, German Club and National Honor Society.

At UIS, she plans to major in psychology and has plans to pursue a career in the field of social work or sociology upon graduation.

“I would like to help people and be a voice for those who feel as if they don’t have one.”

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 $20,000 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 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/.

Nicole Cowin of Kilbourne awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Nicole Cowin, a resident of Kilbourne and psychology major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the James L. Lundquist Memorial Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Cowin, who grew up in a small town, said she chose UIS for the size of the campus and student body.

“The University of Illinois Springfield has really helped me find my place and I have made some amazing connections with the staff that will last a lifetime,” she said.

During the summer of 2018, Cowin studied abroad in Japan.

“The opportunity helped broadened my cultural horizon and helped me see the world differently and how others live,” she said.

Cowin is majoring in psychology, and would like to use her degree to help children with disabilities.

She plans to continue her education pursuits with a master’s degree and hopes to someday have her own equine therapy practice.

“I would love to bring my two loves together, helping people and horses,” said Cowin. “It would be my dream career.”

The James L. Lundquist Memorial Scholarship was established to honor former A.G. Edwards vice-president of investments and financial consultant James Lundquist. The scholarship supports students who are studying 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, 2019.

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

Amanda Greenley of Manteno awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Amanda Greenley, a resident of Manteno and psychology major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Polly Roesch Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Greenley, a freshman, said she decided to pursue a career in psychiatry while she was a high school student.

She said her personal experience as a child of a military family with multiple moves, parents who divorced while she was in middle school and the challenges of growing up led her to want to help others.

“There is a lack of understanding about the study of psychology and its benefits. Getting help is perceived as a sign of weakness. I want to be a part of the movement that changes that perception.”

Greenley plans to continue her education at medical school to become a medical doctor of psychiatry.

She is interested in working in the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI.

The Polly Roesch Music Scholarship was established to honor the life of the former civic leader.

Students receiving the scholarship must participate in music groups and programs while attending classes 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, 2019.

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

Keyana Diaz of Waukegan receives a $14,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Keyana Diaz of Waukegan, a senior at Waukegan High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 and awarded a $14,000 Lincoln Merit Scholarship for tuition over four years. She plans to major in psychology 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, Diaz earned a varsity letter on the track and field team her freshman year and was involved in theatre productions starting her sophomore year.

“I am choosing UIS because it is a very diverse and exciting community,” she said. “I want to make a difference in the school through their psychology and biology departments.”

Diaz is still exploring career options, however she says her main goal is “to make a difference in people's lives” following graduation.

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 an 18 to a 20 on their ACT or a minimum of 940 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/.

Maxine Touchette of Chicago receives a $20,000 scholarship from the University of Illinois Springfield

Maxine Touchette of Chicago, a senior at William H. Taft High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 and awarded a $20,000 Lincoln Scholarship for tuition over four years. She plans to major in psychology 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 Taft High School, she is on the track and field, gymnastics and soccer teams.

She says she chose UIS because “it’s the best school for me.”

She plans to pursue a Ph.D. following graduation from UIS.

All incoming UIS freshmen are eligible to apply for Lincoln Merit Scholarships. The amount awarded is based upon the incoming student’s ACT or SAT score. To receive $20,000 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 4.0 or greater.

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/.

Brittany Liggins of Chicago admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Brittany Liggins of Chicago, a senior at Perspectives Leadership Academy, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2019 classes. She plans to major in psychology at UIS.

At Perspectives Leadership Academy, she is part of the debate team. She says she chose UIS because of the “educational advantages.”

Following graduation, she plans to become a psychologist.

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.

Madelyn Laughlin of Athens receives a $32,000 UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship

Madelyn Laughlin of Athens, a senior at Athens Community High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $32,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans 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 Athens High, she is a member of the National Honor Society, leadership committee, WYSE team and the math team. She also plays soccer and basketball.

Laughlin will major in psychology at UIS and would like to pursue a career involving legal studies and psychology.

“UIS feels like the best academic choice to continue my education with a challenging and innovative curriculum,” 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 $32,000 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 3.75 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/.

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.

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.

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.

Alison Haesele of Minier awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

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

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

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

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

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

Haesele also credits her UIS professors for unique learning opportunities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel Salla of Topeka admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield

Daniel Salla of Topeka, a recent graduate of Midwest Central High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield for the fall 2017 term.

At UIS, he will major in psychology. Following graduation, he plans to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist.

He says he chose UIS because “it’s a relatively small campus that's local to where I live and offers the program I was looking for.”

At Midwest Central High School, he was involved in the Environmental Science Club.

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.

Alexander Chan of Hillingdon, UK receives a UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship

Kwok Wing Alexander Chan, a student at Langley Grammar School in Berkshire, United Kingdom, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $32,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans 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, Chan will major in Psychology and will be a member of the UIS Men’s Tennis Team.

He hopes to someday have a career in sports psychology and coach tennis. “It’s a small, friendly university with great opportunities and a great tennis team,” said Chan.

At Langley Grammar School, Chan was a member of the tennis team, sports leaders and athletics team. He also played in a rock band.

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 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 3.75.

Ryan DeBois of Maple Grove receives UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship

Ryan DeBois of Maple Grove, Minnesota, a senior at Maple Grove Senior High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $34,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans 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, DeBois will major in Psychology. His future plans include graduate school and a possible career in the FBI.

“I chose UIS for the great atmosphere,” he said.

At Maple Grove Senior High School, DeBois is involved in soccer and the Link Crew leadership and mentoring program.

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 $34,000 Capital Scholars Honors Program Deans Scholarship, the student must earn a 30 to a 31 on their ACT or a minimum of 1390 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/.

Gianni Perkins of Springfield receives a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Gianni Perkins of Springfield, a senior at Springfield High School, has been admitted to the University of Illinois Springfield and awarded a $13,000 Lincoln Scholarship for tuition over 4 years.

At UIS, she plans to major in psychology. In high school, she played basketball, was on the track team and was a member of the Spanish Club.

“I chose UIS because it is close to home,” she said. “I heard great things about the campus and its programs.”

Following graduation from UIS, she plans to become a clinical psychologist working with children or families.

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. In order to receive $13,000 over four years, students must earn a 21 on their ACT and hold a 3.75 GPA.

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/.