Students honored during 2009 Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield honored more than 100 scholarship donors and their recipients during the 2009 Scholarship Luncheon on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby.

Nearly $200,000 in funds for scholarships come from donors who make an annual commitment to help UIS students pay for their education.

"For many of them it's the very first time that they will meet. For some of these students and donors they will form lifetime relationships," said Vicki Megginson, Associate Chancellor 0f Development.

UIS students apply for scholarships online through the Office of Financial Aid. The campus has a uniform application system that only requires a student to apply once. The information they submit is then matched with eligible scholarships.

"To get somebody to help me is very honorable. Ultimately I want to achieve my bachelor's degree in mathematical science, so I’m going to use that to teach," said Simon Wilson, UIS junior and scholarship recipient.

"I really appreciate what they've done for us and getting a scholarship really helps a student get through college and not having to worry about your finances and being able to concentrate on your academics," said Ivy Ingram, UIS senior and scholarship recipient.

For a full list of scholarship winners click here.

Alpha Phi Sigma honor society to hold inductions

Induction ceremonies for four new members of the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma at the University of Illinois at Springfield, the national criminal justice honor society, will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, in the Public Affairs Center restaurant on the UIS campus. A dinner will accompany the induction ceremonies.

Alpha Phi Sigma, the only national honor society for criminal justice majors, recognizes the academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one-third of the total hours required for graduation and must maintain specified grade-point averages overall and in the major.

Students being inducted are Ashley Douglas, Kaila McKenzie, Leslie Ochoa and Joe Sawyer. Leanne Brecklin, associate professor of Criminal Justice at UIS, serves as chapter adviser.

The ceremony will also honor 12 members who are graduating this academic year: Joe Dattoli, Ashley Douglas, Michelle Edwards, Karen Harrold, Jon Hartwig, Shane Hibbs, Jennifer Lamb, Anthony Mikels, Audra O’Brien, Howard Purdue, Nicole Reynolds and Samantha Wood.

UIS’ Criminal Justice department is housed within the College of Public Affairs and Administration and offers the baccalaureate degree and undergraduate minor.

U of I Alumni Association to hold annual awards dinner

The University of Illinois Alumni Association's Office of UIS Alumni Relations will honor alumni and friends at the annual Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday, November 7, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in downtown Springfield.

Raju L. Indukuri, owner and president of Reachnet International, Inc., in Fremont, California, will receive the University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding success and national or international distinction in one's business, profession, or life's work.

Shelley Hoffman, retired director of corporate affairs for Wiley Office Furniture in Springfield, will receive the University of Illinois Distinguished Service Award for extraordinary commitment, dedication, and service to the advancement of the University.

Barbara Dickerman, community activist and volunteer leader in Springfield for more than 50 years, will receive the University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award for significant contributions of leadership or service to improve the lives of others and the welfare of humanity.

University of Illinois Alumni Loyalty Awards will be presented to Susan Blocker, coordinator, Surbanes-Oxley Information Technology at Caterpillar; Bruce Bullard, director, Office of the Auditor General; Ronda Guyton, deputy, Peoria County Sheriff's Office; Barbara Lestikow, educational consultant, retired school teacher and principal for Springfield School District #186; and Donovan Pepper, manager, State and Local Government Relations, Walgreens. This award recognizes consistent demonstration of exceptional loyalty, commitment, dedication, and service to the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Reservations are $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Contact the UIS Office of Alumni Relations at 217/206-7395.