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/

Andrea Meado is a SIU College of Science graduate student from Pearland, Texas.She is specializing in geology.

Why did you choose SIU? SIU provided an excellent opportunity to work on exciting research projects while taking classes and teaching labs.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? Geology allows me to do exciting field work all over the world and scientific research in the lab. I get to solve puzzles of Earth’s dynamic geologic history and find the challenge very rewarding.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I am most proud of earning my Master of Science degree in geology from SIU and my bachelor’s degree back home in Houston.

Why should someone consider donating to SIU College of Science? Donations help to continuously improve the quality of education at SIU. Modern equipment in specialized science labs keep students up to date with the advancing field and prepare them for the work force.

Have you received any scholarships as a student? Yes, several as an undergrad and grad student.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? Scholarships I have received help me with tuition, student fees, field work, research and presenting at conferences. All of these develop my skills as a scientist and qualify me for a career as a geologist.

How has SIU College of Science inspired you? I enjoy the variety of students I meet in 100-level geology courses. These students are usually non-science majors so it is nice to see them getting excited about the Earth.

Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Donations will help many students over years to come. Investments in education lead to high quality students that are prepared for careers upon graduation.

If you had $1,000 to donate to SIU College of Science, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would put a $1,000 scholarship towards a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship for STEM majors. Senior research projects can lead to an undergraduate thesis and give the student an advantage when applying for graduate school or broadening their skills.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU? I tell people about the forest on campus and the nice running trail around Campus Lake.

You can support SIU College of Science during SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 1: https://siuday.siu.edu/giving-day/1003/department/1382

Areaj Mubarak received the Jackson County Alumni Scholarship. Mubarak is a freshman specializing in biomedical science with plans of becoming a physician assistant.

Why did you choose SIU? I chose to go to SIU because I wanted to be a part of a very diverse student population. Not only would I belong to a university that holds a wide spectrum of qualities, I also knew I would be involved in one of the greatest research universities in the nation. This would greatly benefit me since I belong in the College of Science– an area that expects quite a bit of research! As I study farther into the semester, I realize that I didn’t make a mistake coming to SIU– I really do belong here.

How did you feel when you received notification that you received the scholarship? When I was notified about being awarded the scholarship, I was ecstatic. Alongside benefiting me financially, the scholarship award itself really ignites motivation to be great.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? The scholarship is an opportunity to thrive in reaching my goals. My ideal future is to become a medical professional without borders or a physician assistant specializing in emergency medicine.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? Ever since I was a child, I’ve been passionate about helping others and volunteering in any way possible. To have my career be all about helping people, especially at a dire time, fulfills my vision of being able to give back to the community in the greatest way possible— having a solution to a problem.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I’m most proud of the business I was able to run as a young entrepreneur. I ran a business called “Areaj’s Cool Jewelz”, selling hand-crafted jewelry, recycled art, and an assortment of hand-painted fridge magnets. Although the business rooted from an AT project in my 4th grade year, I was able to make it more than what it was. I made business cards, I promoted my business to my teachers, friends, and family, and I sold my products every Saturday at the Farmer’s Market. A little while later, I was invited to be a part of a Biz-Kids episode, where I was able to promote my small business even more, and learn so much more about running a business, and being smart with money.

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor?
I am beyond grateful for the scholarship. Due to your generosity, I am able to focus on what’s most important—learning. I promise to work to my greatest potential and eventually give back in the future; both as a medical professional, and maybe even a donor!

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

James Cabahug is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering.

Why did you choose SIU? Prior to coming to SIU, I wanted to look for a school that was both far away and had excellent opportunities for engineering. Being a first generation college student in my family, I was determined to strive for high grades with full potential. By the first few weeks of my first year at SIU, I was glad that I chose this university, which gave me greater motivation to learn.

How did you feel when you received notification that you received the scholarship? I was proud and spread the word to my family. When they found out about the news, my parents felt extremely proud of me. They told me all the hard work pays off especially in college. I want to give thanks to the donor for my scholarship, because I feel blessed that I am not only doing well in college but I’m also receiving greater opportunities.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? The scholarship reminded me not to give up in college classes and to achieve my dreams. I worked and studied hard in all my classes. Understanding what I have learned enables me to help others in need and to form a study group.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? In high school, I excelled in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering. I chose engineering because it uses applied science and mathematics to solve problems at a higher level. During my junior year of high school, I designed a mousetrap powered car that moves with fast velocity, and that inspired me to study engineering. Engineering is based on problem-solving with a hands-on approach.

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor? Thank you so much for your generous donation to SIU College of Engineering. I am glad that I made the decision to study and challenge myself in college since not every individual has this special opportunity after high school.

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

Shatoyria Jangjirawat received the Kenneth J. and Jacqueline M. Hull/Illinois CPA Society Accounting Scholarship in the College of Business.

Why did you choose SIU? I had numerous networks before arriving on campus and it was also close to home.

How did you feel when you received the scholarship? I was very excited and surprised.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? It has lifted a financial burden off me and allowed me to focus more on studies and the next steps toward graduate school.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? I love accounting and the numerous opportunities in the field.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I am most proud of being awarded the Deloitte and Touche Outstanding Junior in Accounting.

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor? Thank you so very much! Your generosity does not go unnoticed. I hope one day to be just as supportive of students’ goals. Once again, I sincerely appreciate everything.

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

Drewnard J. Woods received the Nosotti and Snyder International Business Scholarship in the SIU College of Business. Woods is a sophomore from Chicago, Illinois, specializing in business management.

Why did you choose SIU? I’m very outdoorsy and enjoy going on adventures with my friends. After doing research online, and after my school visit, I knew that southern Illinois would have a lot of these things to offer.

How did you feel when you received notification that you received the scholarship? I felt very excited. Going to school and working two jobs to try to make ends meet can be very frustrating at times, and that extra money helped out in a big way.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? What this scholarship meant to me was to keep on pushing through even when times get hard. I have desire and passion for the career I plan to take on, and with that I know I can succeed.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? My family owns a few businesses. Growing up and watching my father handle them all motivated me to be just like him, if not better.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? My proudest achievement was having the courage to enlist in the United States Air Force and serving our great country!

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor? I am honored to be the recipient of the Nosotti and Snyder International Business Scholarship. Thanks to your generous support, I am the first in my family to attend college.

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