UIS students thank donors at Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the 19th annual Scholarship Luncheon on October 28, 2015.

“It’s an opportunity for donors or individuals who support scholarship activities at the institution to meet the students who are beneficiaries of that support,” said Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement.

Former UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen and his wife Carolyn returned to campus to meet the recipients of the endowed scholarship in their name.

“The importance of financial aid, you just can’t overstate it,” said Ringeisen. “We love having a scholarship.”

UIS student Kyla Randle of Chicago was this year’s recipient of the Ringeisen Scholarship. She says it would have been difficult to continue her education without the support.

“I received a scholarship at a time I really needed it, so it really made me realize that I’m here for a reason and I’m here to pursue an education,” she said.

The event often brings students and donors together for the first time. That was the case with Sally Pancrazio and scholarship recipient Greg Irwin. The James J. Pancrozio Scholarship is named in honor of Sally’s late husband who was a UIS faculty member.

“Once my husband passed away, this was a way to honor him and the fact that he was a founding faculty member and also co-authored the proposal that started the Human Development Counseling Department,” she said.

Irwin, who is majoring in Human Development Counseling, wants to become a family marriage counselor and help people. He promises to pay it forward.

“I’m trying to help other people in the community and in the world and this allows me to better myself at that, so I can help other people,” he said.