UIS students connect with donors at Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the annual Scholarship Luncheon on October 29, 2014. Over 275 people attended the celebration in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby. For many of the donors it was their first time meeting the students they support.

“I think it’s such a great idea and so unique to UIS to bring the donors and the recipients together,” said Kathryn Eisenhart, a scholarship donor and UIS emeritus associate professor of Legal Studies.

Senior Political Science major Gloria Dandridge would not have been able to attend UIS without the support of a scholarship.

“It has made a huge difference. This is the first semester that I didn’t have to take out student loans,” said Dandridge. “I was able to buy books and pay for classes and everything.”

Donors Micah and Peggy Bartlett know how a quality education can benefit a person for a lifetime. Micah earned his degree in accounting from UIS. Now he’s decided to give back to his alma mater.

“I was a recipient of scholarships when I was a student,” said Micah. “For us, this is a wonderful way to pay it forward and support education.”

Scholarships have made it possible for Shyleen Studley to earn her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. She’ll be eligible to graduate next year thanks to the support.

“I didn’t even think college was a possibility,” said Studley. “Now I’m graduating next year and it’s overwhelming to see how far I’ve come.”

Both Dandridge and Studley are thankful for the help they’ve received and hope to one day pay it forward.

“It just inspires me to be able to give back when I get in the position to do so,” said Dandridge. “I’m grateful.”