Category Archives: Scholarship Recipient

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

SIU Day of Giving: Open the door of opportunity at College of Science

Leave a comment

 

siu day of giving: open the door to opportunity at College of Science

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

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Meet SIU Scholarship Recipient – Areaj Mubarak

Leave a comment

SIU Scholarship Recipient Areaj MubarakAreaj 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.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Meet SIU Scholarship Recipient – James Cabahug

Leave a comment

SIU Scholarship Recipient James CabahugJames 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.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Students to Donors: Thanks

Leave a comment
Alex McVicker, SIU pre-med student, visits with donor, Mary Rendleman.
Alex McVicker, SIU pre-med student, visits with donor, Mary Rendleman.

Some of SIU’s best and brightest students attended SIU’s third annual SIU Academic Scholarship Brunch Oct. 29 at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. More than 375 students came dressed in their finest for the early-morning event to say thanks to their donors.

SIU staff welcomed the students and the 116 donors who traveled to attend the scholarship brunch from locales such as California, Florida, Illinois, Texas and North Carolina. Vice Chancellor Jim Salmo kicked off the program by introducing Interim Chancellor Brad Colwell and Roger Tedrick, president of the SIU Foundation, who both gave a warm welcome to the 500 attendees.

Donors Marsha and Gary Bertrand, longtime supporters of SIU, then addressed the room by sharing their story of how they were raised in a modest, small Illinois farming community, and how SIU provided Marsha Bertrand with the foundation necessary to become successful writer. The couple shared their commitment to supporting young people in similar circumstances through gifts to SIU.

Avona Greene, a third-year SIU health care management major with a 4.0 grade point average, spoke on behalf of all the student recipients. Her speech eloquently described how the scholarships she received influenced her educational experience at SIU, and how important it is to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

“This is probably the most enthusiastically attended event on campus,” Salmo said. “Scholarship donors enjoy meeting their student recipients, hearing about their goals and establishing a relationship. Each student has a unique story to tell – and the donors have an impact on that story. It’s a great connection.”

Alex McVicker, a senior in the SIU pre-med program, attended the brunch as a recipient of the Dr. David and Mary G. Rendleman Pre-Med Scholarship. The scholarship’s surviving benefactor, Mary Rendleman, was not able to attend the brunch, so McVicker decided to say thanks in person after the event.

Arriving at Rendleman’s Carbondale home after the program, McVicker brought Rendleman a card and flowers.

“I just wanted to express my thanks to her in person,” McVicker said. “This is the fourth year I have received this scholarship, and I never had the opportunity to meet her face to face. I wanted to let her know how much this opportunity has meant to me.”

Rendleman was similarly touched by McVicker’s visit.

“Meeting Alex and hearing about her plans was so refreshing,” Rendleman said. “Alex is a promising young woman who has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She also has a desire to someday serve as a physician in rural Illinois, which is exactly the type of student Dr. Rendleman envisioned when he created this scholarship. The way she delivered her thanks made me feel wonderful. I won’t ever forget her appreciation.”

The scholarship brunch was a wonderful opportunity for scholarship recipients to meet the generous donors who have helped them pay for their college education. Recipients were able to see that the names on their scholarships are people just like themselves who have a love of education – and a love for SIU, too.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Meet SIU Scholarship Recipient – Shatoyria Jangjirawat

Leave a comment

Meet SIU Scholarship Recipient Shatoyria JangjirawatShatoyria 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.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Meet SIU Scholarship Recipient – Drewnard Woods

Leave a comment

Drewnard J. Woods SIU Scholarship Recipient - Nosotti and Snyder International Business Scholarship Recipient
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.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Hard Work Pays Off

Leave a comment

Dave Baer - SIU Scholarship Donor

By Rebecca Renshaw

Thomas Edison once quipped, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Fortunately for SIU, 1971 alumnus Dave Baer never missed an opportunity to work.

In fact, he started early. Whether he was cutting other people’s grass or shining shoes, Baer closely followed his mother’s advice as she instilled a work ethic in him that few others could emulate.

Baer’s strong work ethic enabled him to come to SIU in the mid-1960s fully equipped to pay his own way. Upon leaving the military, he arrived on campus not certain which direction he wanted his career to take. He recalls walking by a building with a huge banner strung across the front welcoming students to learn more about what is now known as the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Curious, he stepped inside and met the dean, who helped pave the way for his entrance into the brand-new program.

“It was a great fit,” Baer says. “I already had many friends who were in law enforcement – and, coming fresh out of the military, it just felt comfortable.”

While at SIU, Baer met the love of his life, Cheryl, at the university’s bowling alley. Together, they shared more than 37 years of marriage – and also an abiding connection to the university that brought them together.

As one of the first graduates from SIU’s Administration of Justice program, Baer went on to a fulfilling 37-year career with Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, as its chief of police. His memorable achievements include working with the FBI to provide valuable information on a 9/11 attack collaborator who was later sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Perhaps Baer’s most notable achievement was his work with several state legislators to help get a law passed for private Illinois universities to create their own police departments, making Bradley the first private Illinois university to do so. Baer also served as a president of the Illinois Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and as the secretary for the Peoria County Association of Chiefs of Police. He is also a lifelong member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Eta Chapter, at SIU.

After the passing of his wife and his mother, Baer retired from his position with Bradley. With time to reflect on his life and what is most important to him, he remembered the positive influence SIU had upon his life. He and Cheryl had always spoken of starting a scholarship fund but had never gotten around to doing so.

Baer realized the time was right.

“While my wife and I both received an outstanding education at SIU, my mother – who was one of the brightest women with an intelligent mind – never had the opportunity to go to college, he says. “So I wanted to help enable a young person to have that chance. My mother raised me to work hard and to give back to others. That’s why I felt so strongly about including her name in the $25,000 scholarship.”

Its full title is the David A. Baer, Cheryl A. Walker Baer and Naomi D. Baer Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship supports students in the criminal justice and criminology program.

The SIU Foundation invited Baer to visit the campus and see firsthand the impact of his efforts. He met with Heather Duban and Beryl Span, the two recipients of this first-ever scholarship for the program.

Duban, a sophomore from Robinson, Illinois, hopes to graduate from SIU in three years with dual majors in psychology and criminal justice. She plans to go to graduate school and eventually do research in criminology as a career. She says the scholarship helps her stay on track.

“With the likelihood of the state being unable to assist me with a grant, Dave’s gift means that I can focus more on schoolwork than worry about finding the money to attend school,” Duban says. “It’s people like Mr. Baer who make me want to give back to my school when I am able to do so.”

Span, a junior from south Chicago, is majoring in criminal justice and minoring in sociology.

“When I received an email from my professor telling me I won the scholarship, I was so excited and happy,” says Span, who hopes to go into police work and ultimately become an FBI agent. “This scholarship has given me an opportunity to continue my higher education. If it wasn’t for this scholarship, I would not have had enough money to attend SIU.”

As a first-generation college student, Span takes her study seriously. She has a 3.8 GPA and also works on campus. She appreciates having the opportunity to meet with her scholarship benefactor during his visit to campus.

“I liked it when he said you have to have a good sense of humor about this type of work,” she says. “It’s serious, but it helps if you can lighten the mood every once in a while.”

Baer has plans to establish three more endowed scholarships in the near future. One scholarship will go to the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice and the other two will go to the Department of Sociology in honor of Baer’s wife.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Meet SIU Scholarship Recipient – Amanda Neuhouser

Leave a comment

SIU scholarship recipient, Amanda Neuhouser Amanda Neuhouser received the Foote Scholarship in the College of Mass Communication & Media Arts. Neuhouser is a senior from Bloomington, Illinois, specializing in cinema production.

Why did you choose SIU? I chose SIU for their known cinema program and their in-state tuition.

How did you feel when you received notification that you received the scholarship? I was shocked and overjoyed when I received notification about the scholarship. It was such a blessing for my family.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? My scholarship has lessened the financial burden on my family. It has also allowed for me to spend more towards purchasing equipment that I can use for my freelance work. By investing in myself and my tools, I have gained skills and connections before graduating.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? My childhood dream was my inspiration for my career choice, I never gave it up.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I am most proud of receiving two awards from Girls Impact The World Film Festival at Harvard University two years in a row before the age of 21.

Do you have a message you would like shared with your donor? I am truly grateful that you have invested in me and my ambitions as I push myself to grow more as a filmmaker. I have found myself growing more attached to documentarian activist works and blessing me with finances towards school allows me to use the finances I win from filmmaking awards to invest back into my work.

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