Hometown: Hyderabad, India Major: Management Information Systems Future Plans: Work in the IT industry Nikhil Reddy Gudur chose UIS because he wanted to earn a University of Illinois degree. Now, the graduate Management Information Systems major is a leader on campus. He is president of the Indian Student Organization and was elected internal vice president… Nikhil Reddy Gudur ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Springfield, IL Major: History Future Plans: Work in the public history field As a University of Illinois Springfield graduate student, James Welt led efforts to have the Strawbridge-Shepherd House listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He spent more than 200 hours researching and writing a proposal, which was submitted and approved by… James Welt ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Romeoville, IL Major: Social Work Future Plans: Work in a school setting Senior social work major Nick Nasuta has learned what it means to be involved on the UIS campus. For the past 3 years, Nick has been the captain of the cheerleading team. His sophomore year, Nick was the Vice President of Alternative… Nick Nasuta ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Homewood, IL Major: Criminal Justice Future Plans: Career in law enforcement As an undergrad at the University of Illinois Springfield, Mike Chmielewski has been leaving a legacy with the many leadership opportunities he had. He is a resident assistant (RA) for UIS Residence Life, the internal VP for the Student Government Association, and helps… Mike Chmielewski ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Dolton, IL Major: Communication Future Plans: Career in TV broadcasting Communication and theatre major Kayla Ross is a busy undergrad at UIS. She spent time as a cheerleader and is now the captain of the UIS Dancing Stars. She also worked backstage in the UIS production of Awake and Sing. Ross was the Princess… Kayla Ross ’15 Read More »
Hometown: Pecatonica, IL Major: Chemistry Future Plans: Career in Public Health University of Illinois senior Michael Rosenberger honed his leadership skills gained through many campus activities and his work as a medical scribe for Scribe America at surrounding central Illinois hospitals. While at UIS, Rosenberger was the founding Vice President of the UIS Men’s Club… Michael Rosenberger ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Leland, IL Major: Double major in Sociology & Anthropology and Global Studies Future Plans: Work abroad with non-profit organizations Shelby Bedford has worked with multiple organizations on campus and has organized and led the annual yellow ribbon event to honor our veterans. She is employed at Transition Services as a student success ambassador, where… Shelby Bedford ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Carlyle, IL Majors: Political Science & Legal Studies Future Plans: Attend law school or become a park ranger As a freshman, Joseph McGee set a goal of becoming president of the Student Government Association at the University of Illinois Springfield by his senior year. Thanks to his hard work and the opportunities available to… Joseph McGee ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Coal City, IL Major: Biology Future Plans: Become a librarian Emma Norris never envisioned herself in a leadership position, but that changed when she came to the University of Illinois Springfield. She now works as an instruction assistant at Brookens Library and was recently elected secretary of the Biology Club. “Our school provides so… Emma Norris ’15 Read More »
Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL Major: Biology Future Plans: Become a doctor The University of Illinois Springfield is preparing Afua Amoabin for her future by strengthening her leadership skills. The biology major is president of the African Student Association, secretary of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at UIS, and a member of the International Student Association and… Afua Amoabin ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Springfield, IL Major: Business Administration Future Plans: Grow his business Tyler Gansky knew there was a demand for a food delivery service in Springfield, so he took matters into his own hands. The University of Illinois Springfield business administration major started his own business called Abe’s Takeout. He hired his own employees and contracted… Tyler Gansky ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Aurora, IL Majors: Business Administration & Management Future Plans: Work in the business field Kerry Portillo-Lopez is president of the Organization of Latin American Students at the University of Illinois Springfield. The group encourages leadership among Latin American students and raises awareness of their history and culture. Each year, Kerry volunteers her time to… Kerry Portillo-Lopez ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Algonquin, IL Majors: Political Science & Global Studies Future Plans: Pursue a master’s degree and work for the U.S. State Department Riley Quinlan loves politics! At the University of Illinois Springfield, he’s been given the opportunity to learn hands-on in the state capital. He’s involved with the Student Government Association, Model Illinois Government, Model… Riley Quinlan ‘15 Read More »
Hometown: Elgin, Illinois Majors: Political Science & Legal Studies Future Plans: Attend Law School Michelle Tuma loves to apply what she’s learning in the classroom. At the University of Illinois Springfield, she’s been given that opportunity. The political science and legal studies major is an intern with the Illinois Innocence Project where she’s working to… Michelle Tuma ’15 Read More »
Hometown: Minonk, IL Future Plans: Obtain a master’s degree in political science Marc Reiter has always had a passion for politics. The political science major at the University of Illinois Springfield is now president of the College Democrats on campus. He’s also president of the Amnesty International group, a senator on the Student Government Association,… Marc Reiter ‘15 Read More »
Major: Communication Hometown: Bloomington, IL Future Plans: Attend law school or obtain a job in the marketing field Natalie To has made it her mission to boost school spirit at the University of Illinois Springfield. The communication major started the Spirit Team to encourage more students to attend UIS Athletics events. She’s also involved with… Natalie To ‘15 Read More »
Major: Human Services Hometown: Quincy, Illinois Future Plans: Manage a hospital or certify daycare programs Maddy Barnes has learned many lessons about life and leadership while attending the University of Illinois Springfield. She chose UIS because of the personal attention provided by faculty and the NCAA Division II athletics program. Living on campus, she joined… Maddy Barnes ’15 Read More »
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey Major: Liberal and Integrative Studies Graduate student Zehra Özkan Shahidi is working to bring an international perspective to the University of Illinois Springfield. She a graduate assistant for the UIS Office of International Student Services, president of International Student Association, president of Global Sisterhood, vice president of the Association of Graduate Employees,… Zehra Özkan Shahidi ’15 Read More »
Major: Political Science & Legal Studies Career Plans: Working in the field of corporate or constitutional law Andrea Carlson lives and breathes politics. For the University of Illinois Springfield political science and legal studies major, it’s not only a future career, but a passion. Carlson is a member of the College Republicans, Pre-Law Society, and… Andrea Carlson ’15 Read More »