By Ava Steffens

First-year law student Jodie Housley is a scholarship recipient and nontraditional student whose 17-year career in public education led her to SIU.

Between the small class sizes, the active alumni network, and the connections and extra emphasis on professional development offered through the program, she knew SIU was the right fit.

“I really like how we were welcomed as first-year law students,” she said. “It made SIU feel like home before the semester even started.”

Housley received the Al H. and James Chesser scholarship, which is awarded to first-year SIU Simmons Law School students. She adds that receiving the scholarship was the catalyst that helped her move across the country to start her journey as a Saluki.

She worked in Washington public education for 17 years, teaching eighth-grade history and English. She also served as president of her teachers’ union, where she discovered her passion for justice by working with district administrators to resolve student-teacher disputes.

“I had a soft spot for it in my heart,” she said. “I began to look into law schools, and SIU just really seemed to fit what I wanted.”

She shares that within her first few days in Carbondale, she experienced heat exhaustion while on a hike with her dog. Although she considers herself an outdoorsy person, she was admittedly unprepared for the Southern Illinois heat, especially as someone who is “from the Pacific Northwest, where the hottest day is 75 degrees.”

“A few days later, I got a phone call from Layla Murphy, who is the director of Admissions with the law school, asking me if I was alright,” she said. “At that point, I had not even met anyone there yet. I just thought it was a special thing to do, and that it meant that Southern Illinois has a really caring community.”

Housley highlights that SIU’s tight-knit community, especially within the law school, was another feature of the university that stuck with her, along with the natural landscape of Southern Illinois.

“It is one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever been to. I love the way it is laid out, between the trees, walking path, and the benches along the lake.”

She adds that attending law school has been a dream of hers for a long time, and that the path involved plenty of “twists and turns.” As someone who considers herself to be a lifelong learner, she said receiving her scholarship felt like being in the right place at the right time.

When she first received the email notification about the scholarship, she was in disbelief.

“It took me a while to process it at first,” she said. “I immediately grabbed my dog and went for a walk on the beach right by my house. I took it as a sign that this was exactly what I was supposed to do, and where I was supposed to be.”

Housley adds that the scholarship “fueled her fire” to pursue law at SIU and was a significant part of her decision to commit. With the scholarship, she did not have to borrow money, allowing her to cover moving and living expenses.

“Law school is hard, especially with financial stress on top of it,” she said. “I just have a higher level of comfort, safety, and relaxation that I would not have had without that scholarship.”

In the future, Housley hopes to return to SIU and share her experiences in the public sector through a speaker session or luncheon. Many law school graduates remain connected to SIU by returning to share their experiences with current students.

“I have never been motivated by money. Ever since I can remember, I have wanted people to be treated fairly and equitably. And that is what will help me continue my public service path, especially when I am not burdened with student loan debt.”

As one of only 21 universities nationwide, out of 4,000, recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both R1 Research and Opportunity University status, SIU is dedicated to advancing discovery and expanding access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.

When you give to programs like SIU Simmons Law School, you empower students from all backgrounds to pursue their passion, overcome barriers and become part of the next generation of leaders. Your support changes lives. Make a gift today to help shape a brighter future at siuf.org/give.

By Ava Steffens

As a scholarship recipient, Lydia Phelps takes deep pride in representing Southern Illinois University and the region she calls home.

Originally from Marion, Illinois, Phelps began studying Agribusiness Economics at SIU three years ago. She is also pursuing a pre-law minor. Now a senior, because of enrolling with extra credit, Phelps says she has “thoroughly loved her program.”

After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in agricultural economic law, a path that she is deeply passionate about.

“I’m currently looking at multiple law schools, but SIU is definitely at the top of the list,” Phelps said.

When deciding which college to attend, Phelps recalls being on the fence about attending SIU. She credits her high school guidance counselor for inspiring her to begin her Saluki journey.

“SIU was the only school that made that transition from high school to college very personal,” she said. “They worked with me on my specific needs and made me feel like I was part of their family.”

The proximity of SIU to her hometown also allows Phelps to be close to her family and remain involved in her younger sister’s life. Her family inspired her to pursue a career in agriculture, as they own a vineyard. They also work with local wineries such as Clad and Cordon Vineyard, about 10 miles south of Marion in Creal Springs.

While staying connected to her family and inspired by their work in the local agriculture industry, coming to SIU gave Phelps the space to form new connections and find a tight-knit group of friends in her major and through other organizations.

“Being a College of Ag student means you have a family,” she said. “We go to class together, live in Steagall Hall together, are in Greek life together, participate in the same organizations, and we all go out every Wednesday night for line dancing and dinner.”

Phelps describes her experience as Undergraduate Student Government president as “phenomenal.”

“The outreach, advocacy, and connections with administration and alumni have truly set me up for success beyond SIU and will make it that much easier to continue serving

SIU as an alumna,” she said. “It’s been so special to be a voice for students and be able to experience parts of campus that I otherwise wouldn’t get to see.”

Although Phelps has received multiple scholarships because of her campus involvement, college is a costly investment. Concerned about taking out a large loan, she said she felt relieved when she received her scholarships.

“When you’re applying to college and looking at the large price tag associated with it, a lot of worry and anxiety come with that,” she said. “I have nothing but gratitude knowing that a collective group of people were willing to contribute to my scholarship fund and helped pay my way.”

Phelps credits the scholarship with making her college experience more enriching by removing financial stress and motivating her to get more involved on campus. She said they elevated her professional path, helped her form lifelong friendships, and allowed her to make a lasting impact on the SIU community.

Phelps is a recipient of the Southern 150 Scholars Excellence Award, given to SIU students whose hometowns are located south of Interstate 64. Recipients must have a grade-point average of at least 3.5.

As one of 21 universities nationwide recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both Research 1 and Opportunity University status, SIU is dedicated to expanding access to higher education for students from all backgrounds. When you make a gift, you help students like Phelps pursue their dreams, overcome barriers, and make a difference on campus. Make a gift today at siuf.org/give.

By Ava Steffens

The William C. Hill Zoology Scholarship lifted a major financial burden for Southern Illinois University zoology student Michelle Montano, allowing her to focus on her studies and gain hands-on research experience. Now, she says the award has inspired her to “change someone’s life the way hers was.”

A fourth-year zoology and pre-veterinary student, Montano transferred from Harper College, a two-year college located in northern Illinois, to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, inspired by her deep love for animals — especially cats. SIU’s vibrant campus and array of academic programs made her decision easy. The university’s affordability and beautiful campus sealed her choice.

“Thompson Woods was gorgeous when I first visited,” she said. “Everything here felt convenient and welcoming, and it just felt right.”

Since arriving at SIU, Montano has embraced every opportunity to grow academically and personally. She has found community through Zeta Theta Omega, a dynamic co-ed panhellenic organization for students passionate about zoology, and she participates in Hispanic and Latin-centered RSOs. Through these groups, she’s developed strong friendships and a sense of belonging on campus.

“It’s what I really needed socially, and meeting people here has helped me feel a lot more comfortable,” she said. “I think SIU does a really good job of pushing diversity further and helping unify its student body.”

Her professors’ encouragement and support have also been transformative, inspiring her to make the most of every opportunity SIU offers.

“They will always talk to me about how I can do better, and always bring up tutoring hours,” she said. “I think it’s just positive overall here at SIU.”

Receiving the William C. Hill Zoology Scholarship made her experience even more rewarding. Before being awarded the scholarship, she faced financial challenges, but her determination never wavered. She still remembers the moment she found out.

“At first, I didn’t believe that I received it,” she said. “Then I realized it was real, and I was so excited. I remember calling my mom, especially since I was struggling with finding a job at the time.”

The impact extended beyond her own life. Montano says the scholarship not only helped her focus more on school instead of making ends meet, but also eased the strain on her mother, who works three jobs while supporting her younger brother.

“It allows me to have my own money and independence,” she said. “I felt so much more relaxed, and it gave me more motivation to focus on my classes. When we found out, my mom felt so relieved. She could focus on my younger brother, who has autism, and it lifted a burden for everyone.”

She adds that pursuing a career as a veterinarian can be a process that is both extremely expensive, time-consuming, and competitive. This is especially true when applying to veterinary schools. Montano recalled a moment when she almost reconsidered her goal because of the costs.

“Over the summer, I almost didn’t apply to vet school,” she said. “But hearing about the scholarship opened my eyes. I realized I had a chance if I saved my money to afford it.”

The scholarship awarded to Montano was established by William C. Hill, a 1942 SIU zoology graduate whose education laid the foundation for a distinguished career in public service. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Hill taught biology and general science before joining the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1948. He advanced through several leadership roles and retired in 1984 as director of the FDA’s San Francisco District, overseeing operations across much of the western United States and Pacific territories. Grateful for the opportunities his SIU education provided, Hill created the William C. Hill Zoology Scholarship to help future Salukis pursue their own dreams.

“Kindness goes a long way,” Montano said. “When I’m able, I want to change someone’s life the way donors changed mine.”

After Montano graduates from SIU next May, she plans to pursue her dream of attending veterinary school and specializing in zoological medicine, working with exotic animals in zoos or conservatories. Her lifelong passion for caring for cats continues to inspire her, and she is also considering a secondary focus in feline sciences, studying rare diseases in kittens. SIU’s zoology program and hands-on research opportunities — supported by facilities such as University Farms — help students like Montano gain real-world experience while pursuing their passions.

As one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both R1 Research and Opportunity University status, SIU is committed to advancing discovery and expanding access to higher education.

Scholarships like the one Montano received are a powerful part of that mission, helping students overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams.

If you are inspired by stories like Michelle Montano’s and believe in the power of accessible, high-quality education, consider supporting or establishing a scholarship through the SIU Foundation. Your generosity can change the lives of future students and help them discover their passion. To make a gift online, visit siuf.org/give.