By Ava Steffens

Anna Stearns, a second-year law student at SIU Simmons Law School, says that receiving the David C. Johnson Scholarship “changed everything for her.”

Originally from Granite City, Illinois, near St. Louis, Stearns is grateful for SIU’s accessibility and supportive environment close to home. After earning her forensic science degree at Lewis University, she chose SIU for its local connection, community, and the opportunity to pursue her ambitions.

“I kind of grew up in this area, and I’m very proud of it,” she said. “I also knew law school would be challenging, so I wanted to pick somewhere where I had the ability to go home and come back in a day.”

Driven by a lifelong passion for law and justice, Stearns is excited to pursue a career in criminal law, where she hopes to make a meaningful difference and advocate for fairness in her community.

“I remember in seventh grade, we took a 100-question career test, and I crossed my fingers that I would get a lawyer as a result,” said Sterns. “It came back as that, and that was all the confirmation that I needed. Being a lawyer is always what I wanted to do.”

Stearns enthusiastically pursued her passion all the way to Capitol Hill, where she completed a rewarding summer internship opportunity. During her time in Washington, D.C, she actively participated in hearings, summarized bills, and helped brainstorm thoughtful suggestions to help move important legislation forward. Additionally, she volunteered for Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign, which helped her gain firsthand experience in public service and legislative work.

Stearns credits SIU School of Law professor Sheila Simon, who is also the former lieutenant governor of Illinois, for inspiring her to shape her academic journey. Simon’s encouragement and support motivated Stearns to work harder, seek out new opportunities, and pursue the resources she needed to succeed.

“She changed my life in ways that I could never have expected,” Stearns said. “She’s also one of the reasons why I got my scholarship.”

While Stearns has enjoyed her time as a Saluki, she recognizes that law school is a demanding journey academically and financially. While a legal career offers a strong return on investment, it can also be time-consuming. Despite its challenges, she continues to approach these hurdles with optimism.

“I remember having a moment during my sophomore year of college where I realized that I had three years of law school to complete, and I would have thousands of dollars in loans,” she said. “I was worried about putting myself into so much debt for something that may not even be reciprocated even ten years later.”

Stearns shares that rising interest rates and student loans made finances a constant concern, sometimes even turning simple grocery trips into moments of worry. The thought of loan interest doubling future costs weighed heavily on her mind. Receiving the scholarship notification instantly lifted a significant burden off her shoulders.

“It was such a huge sense of relief. We did a rough estimate, and the amount of money in the award is going to save me seven years of loans.” The scholarship allowed Stearns to focus on her studies and plan for life after graduation without the weight of financial stress. Stearns looks forward to pursuing a career in criminal law, driven by a passion for justice and making a positive impact on her community.

“I’ve always led my life through passion, and I wanted to do something that I enjoyed,” she said. “Being a lawyer can be hard; they often have long hours and not a lot of work-life balance.”

The David C. Johnson Scholarship was established by Ronald E. and Michelle A. Osman in honor of Professor David C. Johnson, a member of the founding faculty at SIU School of Law. Johnson taught law for four decades, specializing in tax law, estate planning, and property law, and served five years as associate dean. The scholarship provides financial assistance to second- and third-year law students and supports first-generation college students pursuing their degrees at SIU Simmons Law School.

“I hope the donors will be proud and prideful of who received it, because I appreciate them a lot,” Stearns said. “It’s a big kindness, and my objective in life is to pass that on.”

Since arriving at SIU Simmons Law School, the support Stearns has received has made a lasting impact on her journey. She has built lifelong friendships, connected with inspiring professors and mentors, and benefited from a vibrant alumni network that opens doors to incredible opportunities. She is deeply grateful for the generosity of donors who make scholarships like hers possible. As one of only 21 universities nationwide, out of nearly 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 passionate students like Stearns to pursue their dreams, overcome financial 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

Rebecca VanLuvender, from a small town near Mount Vernon, Illinois, said receiving the Southern at 150 Scholars Excellence Award was what opened the door to her future as a Saluki.

Now a senior studying architecture, she has her full tuition covered by the scholarship. This award is reserved for SIU students from communities south of Interstate 64 who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, maintaining a GPA of at least 3.5.

Through weekly studio class sessions, VanLuvender has built strong connections within her major. These sessions, filled with engaging projects — whether working independently or collaborating in groups — have made the design classes enjoyable and played a key role in her growth as both an aspiring architect and a proud Saluki.

“They are four-hour blocks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” she said. “They give us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in our studio projects. It is wonderful to work with the same people, and the program has a good structure.”

VanLuvender is also actively involved with Alpha Rho Chi, the professional architecture fraternity, which provides her with valuable opportunities for social and professional networking and connections with alumni. Thanks to the supportive community of Alpha Rho Chi, dedicated professors and an enriching studio culture, she enjoys a vibrant campus life while staying just 45 minutes from her family.

VanLuvender also served as a residential assistant (RA) in her second year at SIU, which allowed her to explore new aspects of campus life and build meaningful connections with incoming students.

“I come from a very large, blended family,” she said. “When I became an RA, I had nobody else in the room, so living completely alone for the first time was a challenging transition.”

While growing up with many siblings was rewarding, VanLuvender said it also made the financial side of attending college feel overwhelming. Receiving the scholarship made it possible for her to pursue her education without financial barriers.

“I remember my financial aid advisor called me while I was at soccer practice during my senior year of high school, and I told my mom the good news as soon as I got home,” she recalled. “It was exciting and exhilarating because the scholarship was life-changing.”

She says that she was first torn between committing to community college or to SIU, but receiving the scholarship sealed the deal. She is the first in her family to attend college and credits SIU with opening doors to opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.

“I hadn’t understood how much donations impact people until I was one of those impacted,” she said. “Being in the shoes of someone who receives those donations has changed my perspective.”

VanLuvender is currently participating in an architecture internship that will give her a head start toward the master’s degree she plans to pursue. Her goal is to earn her architect’s license and design commercial buildings, working for a firm that specializes in community spaces.

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. Gifts help students like VanLuvender pursue their dreams, overcome barriers and make a difference on campus. Make a gift today at siuf.org/give.

By Ava Steffens

Sofia Potter, a first-year law student and scholarship recipient from Cedar Falls, Iowa, plans to blend her economic background with her passion for justice.

After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, she chose SIU for law school, noting that Carbondale’s small-town charm reminded her of both her undergraduate community and her hometown.

The tight-knit community at SIU Simmons Law School immediately caught Potter’s attention as she explored postgraduate opportunities. With more than 300 students, the school offers small class sizes that provide hands-on experience and ensure students receive support throughout every step of their educational journey.

Potter received the Charter Class Campaign for Excellence Scholarship, a merit-based award established by members of the law school’s first graduating class in 1976. The scholarship supports a select group of students who maintain at least a 3.5 GPA, continuing the Charter Class’s long tradition of leading by example and supporting Simmons Law School.

“When I found out I got it, it gave me the biggest boost of confidence,” she said. “The scholarship donors know I am going to bring something valuable to the school and they want to show me that.”

When Potter learned she had received the scholarship, she immediately called her mother to share the good news, relieved to ease both her parents’ stress along with her own. After a challenging application year, she emphasized the pride and sense of relief she felt upon receiving the award.

“The application process can be especially difficult during election years,” she said. “It was a challenge to get into schools, let alone get a scholarship.”

In addition to financial aid, Potter said the mentorship program has been one of the most meaningful aspects of her SIU experience. As a Taylor Mattis Fellow, she is paired with a second- or third-year tutor, which provides her with valuable guidance and support during her first year.

“My mentor, Danielle Watkins, is always so open to answer any questions that I have about anything related to classes and just about life in graduate school,” said Potter. “It has made my transition into law school much easier.”

Transitioning to a new town, state, and lifestyle can challenge any student. Potter said that the jump from her math-based undergraduate studies into the language-driven field of law pushed her to change the “way her brain was wired.”

“I learned how to transfer logical thinking techniques and pattern recognition skills,” she said. “I view everything as an equation.”

The scholarship allowed Potter to step away from work and still cover the costs of books, rent, groceries, and other expenses. Recognizing that someone valued her potential as a future lawyer, she dedicated more time and energy to her studies and strengthened her relationships with her friends, family, and significant other.

She said choosing a law program in her home state would have forced her to take on significant debt.

“That would have been terrible for me to start my life off with, and my parents did not want that for me,” she said. “Oftentimes, it’s the price tag on law school that makes it so inaccessible to so many people.”

SIU stands among just 21 universities nationwide, out of 4,000, recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both R1 Research and Opportunity University status. The university actively advances discovery and expands access to higher education. Scholarships like the one Potter received play a vital role in this mission, helping students from all majors overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams.

“If you’re on the fence about giving to that scholarship fund, just know that the payoff of your donation is so much bigger than any number that you can write in an amount box on a check,” she said.

If Potter’s story inspires you and you believe in the power of accessible, high-quality education, consider supporting or establishing a scholarship through the SIU Foundation. Your generosity can transform the lives of future students and help them discover their passion. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of SIU’s student body. To make a gift online, visit siuf.org/give. To learn more about SIU Simmons Law School and its mission, visit https://law.siu.edu/.