Graduate computer science major Bhavyanshu Parasher says he chose the University of Illinois Springfield because of its outstanding cyber security courses. At UIS, Parasher works as a student web associate for the UIS Office of Web Services, is vice president of the UIS Computer Science Club and recently helped to redesign the UIS Computer Science Department website.
Patricia Mubirigi is using her personal experience to help fellow students make better decisions when choosing classes. At the University of Illinois Springfield, Mubirigi is a peer adviser and intern for the Office of Advising Services, Information, and Support (OASIS).
University of Illinois Springfield political science major Yaw Kesse has a passion for public service. Kesse has spent the summer interning at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in Springfield where he works in the Bureau of Collections. He credits UIS for the internship opportunity saying it has helped prepare him for his future career.
Justin Brown is making the most out of his summer by interning at Horace Mann’s Security Operations Center in Springfield. He helps monitor, review and take action on abnormal web or email traffic that might be coming through the network. On campus, Brown is a member of the Computer Science Club and the Christian Student Fellowship (CSF).
Payton Roberts loves volunteering with children on and off campus. At UIS, she is the volunteer coordinator for the Lee Elementary Homework Club. She and other UIS students travel to the school weekly to help kids with their homework and teach them about different cultures from around the world.
Growing up in India, Saiprasad Bhosle never expected that he would play more cricket in the United States than he did at home. However, as the captain of the University of Illinois Springfield Cricket Club intramural sports team he’s getting that chance. He recently led the team to its first national victory in the American College Cricket Tournament.
Shane Graham is not your typical college student. At 25, the U.S. Army veteran has found a passion for acting at the University of Illinois Springfield. The communication major plays three roles in UIS Theatre’s spring production of “Almost, Maine”.
Like most graduate students, Francisco Solano planned to finish his MBA at the University of Illinois Springfield in two years. However, his plans were changed by a military deployment. A year and a half into his education, while in the middle of a Graduate Public Service (GPSI) internship with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Solano got the opportunity to deploy for a year with the with the U.S. Army.
The University of Illinois Springfield is helping Alex Skarr grow his academic and musical talents. He is a member of the UIS Choir and sings without accompaniment in the acapella group.
Hometown: Chicago, IL Major: Liberal Studies Future Plans: Work in law enforcement Daniel Owusu-Bempah says his road to a college education hasn’t always been an easy one, but the University of Illinois Springfield liberal studies major is now only a few months away from graduation. At age 24, Owusu-Bempah considers himself to be a non-traditional… Daniel Owusu-Bempah ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Los Molinos, California Major: Psychology Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree It has always been Ashti Dawson’s goal to earn a bachelor’s degree, but being a member of the Army National Guard and a single mother has always come first. Now, 14 years after she took her first college class, she’s one semester away… Ashti Dawson ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Springfield, IL Majors: Computer Science & Legal Studies Future Plans: Work as a software developer Austin Mehmet has learned many lessons about leadership at the University of Illinois Springfield as president of the Student Government Association (SGA). The computer science and legal studies major has learned about time management, teamwork and how to delegate… Austin Mehmet ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Wildwood, Mo Major: Psychology Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree in Psychology University of Illinois Springfield volleyball player Ashley Beaton represents NCAA Division II athletes on a national level as the student representative for the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Beaton applied for the position after being a member of the UIS Student-Athlete Advisory… Ashley Beaton ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: McLeansboro, IL Majors: Political Science & Legal Studies Future Plans: Attend to Law School As an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Springfield, Marc Cox has started a full-time career in state government working for the Illinois Senate Republicans. He’s completed four internships as an undergraduate student at UIS. Most recently, he interned… Marc Cox ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Decatur, IL Major: English Future Plans: Become a writer Like many other outgoing University of Illinois Springfield students, English major Raven Wilson thrives on leadership. On campus, she works as a tutor at The Learning Hub and sings in the gospel choir. Nothing holds her back, including her blindness. She recently helped start a… Raven Wilson ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Edinburg, IL Major: Social Work Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree in social work Audrey LeVault says being a resident assistant (RA) at the University of Illinois Springfield is teaching her valuable leadership skills and preparing her for a future career in social work. LeVault is a member of the Capital Scholars Honors Program,… Audrey LeVault ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Springfield, IL Major: Political Science Future Plans: Become a lawyer and run for public office It’s fair to say that Nathan Hoffman is busier that your typical college undergraduate. At 21, the University of Illinois Springfield political science major is managing a state representative’s political campaign and representing UIS students, as student trustee, on… Nathan Hoffman ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Chatham, IL Major: English M.A. Future Plans: Become a college English professor Courtney Cox loves to express her creativity through the written word. The graduate English major is focusing on digital publishing at the University of Illinois Springfield. Cox is the managing editor of “The Alchemist Review”, the literary journal on campus, and “Uproot”,… Courtney Cox ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Mt. Zion, IL Major: Criminology & Criminal Justice Future Plans: Become a manager at a major sporting goods store Megan Boerwinkle loves to lift weights and workout. At the University of Illinois Springfield, she’s helping others get fit as a group exercise instructor and personal trainer. Boerwinkle, a criminology & criminal justice major, has… Megan Boerwinkle ‘17 Read More »
Hometown: Chicago Major: Political Science Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree and seek political office Will Newton didn’t know what to expect when he left home to attend the University of Illinois Springfield. Now, the Chicago native is helping other students make the transition as a Student Ambassador for UIS Admissions. Newton answers phone calls… Will Newton ‘17 Read More »