By Rebecca Renshaw

Dave Whitfield, a graduate student from Cairo, Illinois, and a Morris Library student employee, was awarded the Jeanne Hurley scholarship in May 2017. Whitfield said the scholarship has him leaning toward pursuing a master’s degree in library science after he receives his doctorate in communication studies.

Morris Library administers the endowment, created to celebrate the life and longstanding commitment to libraries and education of Jeanne Hurley Simon, wife of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon. The endowment provides up to three scholarships each year to Morris Library student employees, and the goal is fostering the development of ethnic, racial, cultural and gender diversity.

Whitfield said he thoroughly enjoys his job at the information desk, especially when he gets to help community patrons and those with disabilities.

“I was a medic in the Air Force from 1990 until 1998,” he said. “In that timeframe, my work revolved around helping people. Now, 10 years later, I’m still helping people, but just in a different environment.

“Working in the library is so fulfilling because people often don’t have the vocabulary to ask how to find the things they know little about yet. It forces me to become a good listener and to establish a positive connection with people who are trying to find something in the library. If I can make them feel welcome and comfortable, we will always end up finding out what they need,” he added.

Whitfield hopes more individuals will give to Morris Library.

“This place is transformative,” he said. “When donors give to this great library, they are opening the doors of opportunity to everyone – students, faculty, alumni and the entire community. It’s just a great place of expanding minds and forging relationships.”

For more information about Morris Library’s fundraising goals, visit www.foreversiu.org/colleges-units/morris-library.

By Rebecca Renshaw

When Sarah Dintelmann from Belleville was asked why she chose to enroll in SIU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, she said it was one of the easiest decisions she ever had to make.

“SIU’s College of Agricultural Sciences has one of the strongest programs in the entire state of Illinois. When I visited last year, I was impressed by the number of opportunities and just how friendly the faculty were to me.”

A crop, soil, and environmental management and agribusiness economics double major, Dintelmann wants to ultimately end up in agricultural research and marketing.

“I really enjoy the research aspect and am looking forward to getting as much experience as I can while doing my undergraduate studies,” she said.

Dintelmann keeps busy as a recruiter for the Agbassadors and also serves as the vice president of the agronomy society. A member of the honors program, she is also involved with the Alpha Gamma Delta international women’s fraternity. Dintelmann was the recipient of the Harold and Nora Kuehn Plant and Soil Science Scholarship.

Earlier this year, the SIU Foundation launched Forever SIU: The Campaign for Students. The three-year campaign set a $75 million fundraising goal. Most of the money received through the campaign will go toward student scholarships.

For more information about the initiatives for the College of Agricultural Sciences, visit http://foreversiu.org/colleges-units/agricultural-sciences.php

By Jeff Wilson

Lindsey Eigsti has a plan.

The senior from Shelbyville is majoring in human nutrition and dietetics. She’s applying to graduate school. She wants to become a dietitian and work to improve people’s health.

“Preventative health care is so important,” Eigsti said. “I want to tackle huge health problems and promote positive change.”

Eigsti is a legacy student. A handful of her family members attended SIU. So, when she received a full-tuition scholarship to become a Saluki, she was ecstatic.

“(The scholarship) opened a lot of doors for me. It made coming to SIU more feasible,” she said “I fell in love with campus.”

Before receiving her scholarship, junior college was a likely route. She expressed her gratitude toward the philanthropists who are willing to lend students a helping hand.

“Donations change people’s lives,” she said. “It’s so nice to have people out there who make education more accessible. Any amount can help.”

She has also received three other scholarships, which have allowed her to focus on academics and other opportunities. She works as an undergraduate intern with University Housing’s nutrition team. The group offers counseling to students with dietary issues and focuses on promoting healthy eating habits on campus.

When she’s not studying or working, she prefers to be outdoors. As someone who enjoys hiking, fishing and camping, Eigsti said she’s enjoyed her time in Southern Illinois.

Human nutrition and dietetics is a growing program within the College of Agricultural Sciences. It lends itself to careers in a number of fields, including public health, business, education, marketing, restaurants, fitness and more.

SIU’s program has been a near perfect fit for Eigsti.

“The professors are awesome. I’ve really been able to build relationships with them,” she said. “They make the program feel like it’s tailored to me.”

For more information about College of Agricultural Sciences fundraising goals, visit http://foreversiu.org/colleges-units/agricultural-sciences.php.

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Stella Uzoewulu is a freshman pre-medicine student specializing in physiology with plans of becoming a pediatrician.

Why did you choose SIU? I came to Southern Illinois University because it had an amazing science and research program. I knew that SIU would be able to prepare me for medical school and for life after college.

How did you feel when you received notification that you received the scholarship? I felt incredibly honored to receive this scholarship because any money that can help me further my education is greatly appreciated by me and my family.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? Growing up in a low income, single parent household, I was always taught from an early age that money was important and but always scarce. This scholarship shows me that through hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals. With this scholarship, my mother now has one less thing to worry about and can relax a little. It has also enabled me to remain at SIU and has further encouraged me to never give up on my goals for the future.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? I want to become a pediatrician because I know that children in low income families don’t always receive medical care. I want to work with these children in low income areas and give them access the care they need.

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor? I would love to thank everyone who has made this scholarship possible. It is an honor to be given this scholarship. My family and I are very grateful.

Hear more from scholarship donors and recipients from our SIU Academic Scholarship Brunch in this video.

Hannah Dhom is a senior studying civil engineering with an environmental specialization. 

Why did you choose SIU? I chose SIU because of close proximity to family and home. It is a beautiful location with numerous academic opportunities.

How did you feel when you received notification that you received the scholarship? I was overwhelmed with joy! I may have done some dancing after opening and reading the contents of the envelope. Then I called my mom with the great news!

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? It means more than any dollar amount. This scholarship means continuing a dream I have long awaited to reach and surpass. And with the help of such generosity, I am now just over a year within reach of that dream!

What inspired you to choose your area of study? Music has been the thing I have devoted my life to. I have been studying since I was 8 and put in hard work for 10 years. I had been unsure of my major until halfway through my senior year. I had been told by professors at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp that music could be a possible career choice for me. During my freshman session at the academy, I outperformed 57 other percussionists and was awarded the top spot.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? It’s a pretty simple answer. I love math and the environment!

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor?
Joan and Roy,

I am beyond thrilled that I got to meet the two wonderful people who personally created the scholarship I received. One of the greatest impacts of my college career was an unexpected contribution from two people I had never known. Receiving this scholarship is one of the kindest, most endearing acts I have ever experienced! A huge heartfelt thanks is always sent your way.

Yours truly,
Hannah Dhom

Hear more from scholarship donors and recipients from our SIU Academic Scholarship Brunch in this video.

Luke Shaffer is a freshman from Michigan studying music education.

Why did you choose SIU? I had a wide college search of universities in the Midwest. I wanted a public 4-year university with my program of study, Division I sports programs and a marching band. Part of me wanted to move states, and still have a campus I could call home. When I visited SIU as a guest of the Marching Salukis for a football game, I instantly saw myself as a Saluki. I loved campus, including the music buildings Altgeld Hall and Shryock Auditorium. I also liked that SIU is a big enough school to be Division I, but not so big that it seemingly swallows me. Being from Michigan, I don’t think of myself as an Illinoisan but I am, without a doubt, a Saluki.

How did you feel when you received notification that you received the scholarship? I was very relieved. Money was an issue for me going to school. I’m very glad I got the assistance I needed. Even though I still need to budget and watch my finances carefully, the scholarship gives me the boost I need to be able to have a zero balance every semester.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? It means I’m able to go to college. I’m not sure I would be at a Division I school like I wanted if I had not received this scholarship. Without my college degree, I could not be able to pursue my goal of being a music educator.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? Music has been the thing I have devoted my life to. I have been studying since I was 8 and put in hard work for 10 years. I had been unsure of my major until halfway through my senior year. I had been told by professors at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp that music could be a possible career choice for me. During my freshman session at the academy, I outperformed 57 other percussionists and was awarded the top spot.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I’m most proud of my acceptance letter from SIU School of Music. I had put my whole life into music and in that letter saw the possibility of making music for the rest of my life. The letter was the doorway from “before college” to get to “after college”.

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor? Thank you so much for not only creating the scholarship to help college students in need but also for choosing me to receive it. It warms my heart to know that somebody believes in me and thinks that what I’m pursuing is worthwhile.

Hear more from scholarship donors and recipients from our SIU Academic Scholarship Brunch in this video.

Amanda Neuhouser is a senior from Bloomington, Illinois, specializing in cinema production. Her work can be viewed at www.neufilm.net and www.vimeo.com/neuhouser.

What experiences, personality traits led you to videography? I was practically born with a camera in my hand. Photography is the first hobby I remember having. After taking my first editing class as a 12-year-old, I sought ways to make films. By middle school, I dreamed of being a famous YouTuber but developed that dream to the wider scope of filmmaking. In college, I’ve found joy in producing videos stylized as short documentaries, telling the stories of businesses and individuals. Combining both short-media content and filmmaking, I find videography to be the best of both worlds.

As a videographer, what opportunities have been presented to you that other students may not have? I’m constantly surprised by what opportunities arise each year. Just last semester, I was given the chance to board a Cessna aircraft and film aerial shots of Southern Illinois. My first gig as a freshman was filming a home football game on the field with a packed stadium, and at that point, I thought I had walked into a movie. Through different gigs and events, I’ve managed to film in every building on campus and speak with multiple department heads and students. I’ve gotten free passes to black tie events, I met Malcolm X’s daughter and gained access to areas of campus most students don’t. Best of all, holding a camera leads to countless interactions with people. The camera has an ability to create unexpected relationships. Being a videographer for SIU the past 3 ½ years has been the highlight of my college experience.

What about SIU makes for good film? Are there people, places or events on campus that lend themselves to film more than others? SIU students make for great filming because they each have personal stories to tell. Many students are doing outstanding work in their field, each with their own passions and side projects. I’ve found so much success interviewing these individuals for Student Spotlights on SIU’s social media platforms and find joy in walking in their shoes. They’re the ones that make the filming process interesting because I never know where they might take me. I even filmed a coal mining rescue team practice in a pitch black maze. I was pumped about the helmets with headlights we got to wear.

What has surprised you while learning about videography and film? I’ve been surprised by how open strangers can become when they see a camera. It’s as if you’re already acquaintances, but only in the right setting. There’s a distinction between private space and the mindset someone has at a public event, and I love it when people come up to interact with me. I’m also surprised how often people freeze up as soon as you put a microphone on them for an interview. I’ve learned tricks to help get their mind off the camera and have a normal conversation.

Where do you hope videography will take you? I hope videography will continue to be a lifelong side job, giving me the ability to pick and choose gigs. While it has been incredibly beneficial learning to tell a story in less than two minutes, I want to do more long-form narration in my career.

What have you learned about SIU while filming for the Day of Giving? I learned about what goes into producing an advertisement that is meant to be representative of an entire university. Almost all the departments we worked with were willing and excited to be involved in a project designed to benefit students. I learned the women I worked for were bosses at what they do, and I’d do well to be as strong and assertive as they are. The process gave me a new-found appreciation for how all the gears turn at SIU.

Why would you like to see donors support Movie Camera Movement (MCM)? What does MCM offer students that is valuable? I would like donors to support Movie Camera Movement (MCM), a student-run filmmaking organization, because I’ve personally been involved with it for a few years. First, there are two things I don’t doubt. Films make a huge impact in shaping the minds of young adults, and when it comes to budget cuts, humanities and arts are at the top of the list. MCM is one of the fastest-growing student organizations on campus and is open to all majors. MCM cultivates a diverse and rich environment for anyone to share their voice.

View the full-length SIU Day of Giving Video:

Support students like Amanda Neuhouser on SIU Day of Giving, March 1: https://siuday.siu.edu/