Margaretmary Emefiele, a junior from Chicago majoring in political science, has been awarded the Jerome Mileur Internship by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

The internship will send at least one student each spring to Springfield to gain experience working in state government. Priority is given to students majoring in political science, history and journalism. Students who have reached junior status are eligible.

Emefiele said she wants to do public policy analysis dealing with health care issues in a state agency. These agencies are now involved in implementing new federal health care legislation, and, trying to manage rising costs in the state’s Medicaid health care program. Dr. Linda Baker, a visiting professor at the Paul Simon Institute, will serve as her mentor in Springfield.

Emefiele is a native of Nigeria who moved to the U.S. at the age of 11. During a study abroad trip to Ghana, she visited Parliament and says: “I realized even more that governance is what I wanted to participate in for a lifetime. Although I support grassroots movements, lobbying and such, decisions that impact lives are ultimately made by people who hold higher positions within institutions.”

After completing her Mileur Internship, she hopes to attend graduate school to earn degrees in public administration as well as diplomacy and international relations.

Jerry Mileur is a southern Illinois native who holds two degrees from SIU Carbondale. A lifelong educator with a passion for teaching, politics and baseball, Mileur retired as chairman of the political science department and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He also owned a minor league baseball team for many years.

Mileur serves on the Institute’s Board of Counselors and is the author of books on the St. Louis Cardinals. He also endowed the Morton-Kenney Lecture Series at SIU Carbondale.

Lauren V. Connor, a senior from Maywood, has been awarded the first Alexander Lane Internship by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU Carbondale.

Connor, who is majoring in theater with a minor in political science, will receive a $6,000 stipend to work for the Legislative Black Caucus at the Illinois Legislature in Springfield during the spring semester.

State Senator Toi Hutchinson, the chairs of the Legislative Black Caucuses, congratulated Conner on the award during a visit to the Institute. Conner will work under Hutchinson and other leaders. Her mentor during the program will be Dr. Linda Baker, visiting professor at the Institute, who works in Springfield during sessions.

Lane is the first black male student to graduate from SIU Carbondale and the internship was created to honor him. He was born a slave in pre-Civil War Mississippi, moved to southern Illinois as a child and used an opportunity for an education to change his life story. After graduating in the late 1800s, he proceeded to graduate from Rush Medical School and become a doctor in Chicago.

Later, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives where he became one of the first African Americans to serve in that chamber. He is buried in Carbondale.

“Lauren is an impressive person,” said Matt Baughman, the Institute’s associate director who spearheaded creation of the internship. “She will get this program off to a good start and what she learns will benefit her community.”

In her letter of application, Connor said “I have always had the desire to use theater and performance art as a vehicle for social change and justice. I personally feel that both theater and political science are closely related in their attempt to better mankind by empowering people to be the change they want to see in the world.”

She said the arts have a positive impact on the education of children and “one of my career goals is to create an entertainment company that focuses on expanding arts programming for at-risk youth. Using my knowledge of the political and legislative process, I will be more equipped to work with the legislative, cultural and technical details” of that goal.

The endowment fund to honor Lane and finance the annual stipend is accepting continued donations. More than $125,000 in gifts and pledges have been raised to date toward an initial goal of $150,000.

“Lane’s perseverance in overcoming barriers and achieving his goals serves as an inspiration to today’s students,” said Lane biographer Pam Smoot, an assistant professor at SIU. “We are grateful for the support in helping tell the story and to those who have made contributions to send a student looking for opportunity to serve an internship in the Illinois General Assembly in Lane’s name.”

By Andrea Hahn

First Scholars — These Southern Illinois University Carbondale freshman who are participating in the First Scholars program for the 2012-2013 academic year met recently with program benefactors, Eric and Deb Suder of The Suder Foundation. Pictured from left are: front row — Sarah Menckowski, Jacqueline Lopez, Christina Gilroy (SIU Carbondale First Scholars program coordinator), Eric Suder, Deb Suder, Lindsie Lafferty and Rachel Berry; second row — Alexander Schneider, Kelsy Hanley, Annette Torres, Ilcen Lopez, Jazmine Garcia, and Camille Kelly; third row — Ashley Tobin, Steven Ta, Holly Conner, Khadijah Daniels, and Amanda Novak; and back row – Kelsey Becker, Abel Aguilar, Jason Howell, Janeesha Hammond-Bryant, and Pedro Razo. (Photo by Russell D. Bailey)

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Students in the First Scholars program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently met their scholarship benefactors when Eric and Deb Suder visited campus.

First Scholars is a grant program backed by The Suder Foundation that provides scholarships and a support system for first-generation students. First-generation students are those whose parents (or grandparents, or great-grandparents) do not have college degrees or certificates, and who completed less than two years of school after high school.

The Suders themselves were on campus recently to meet the students currently enrolled in the First Scholars program. This is the second year for SIU Carbondale students in the program, and the third year the grant has been in place. The first year of the grant was to plan and implement the support system for students.

According to The Suder Foundation, first-generation students may face a variety of challenges once they enroll in a university. These challenges can include students having limited access to information about the college experience; a limited knowledge of time management, college finances, budget management, and the bureaucratic operations of higher education; doubts on their academic and motivational abilities, and difficulty balancing family, work and school responsibilities.

The program provides much more than financial assistance to students. Program coordinator Christina Gilroy said program goals center on helping students feel connected to the University and to the academic community, while simultaneously encouraging them to develop into community leaders who will “pay it forward.” Students work closely with a peer mentor, participate in community service projects, and join registered student organizations to help them be involved in the college experience.

Gilroy said the Suders’ visit was inspiring for the students.

“I think some of them were intimidated at first at the idea of meeting people who seemed so remote to them,” she said. “But once they met them, they were enthusiastic about how down-to-earth the Suders are. The students are grateful for the assistance that the Suders are providing for them — not just financially, but also in anticipating and providing for some of the challenges unique to first-generation students.”

The Suders were on campus in late October. Eric Suder has said that SIU Carbondale’s mission and the goals of First Scholars Program mesh well.

For more information about the program at SIU Carbondale, visit firstscholars.siu.edu/. To learn more about The Suder Foundation, visit www.firstscholars.org/.

The First Scholars for 2012-2013 listed by hometown are:

ILLINOIS

Antioch: Kelsey Becker

Aurora: Rachel Berry

Blue Island: Victoria Manna

Brighton: Lindsie Lafferty

Calumet City: Taylor Townsend

Carpentersville: Steven Ta

Chester: Britney Schroeder

Chicago: Jazmine Garcia, Janeesha Hammond-Bryant, Camille Kelly, Jacqueline Lopez, Amanda Novak, Asurca Rodriguez, Annette Torres, Alexus Travis

Chicago Heights: Alejandra Esparza

Chrisman: Amanda Ingram

Christopher: Sarah Menckowski

Cutler: Amie Conway

Elk Grove: Abel Aguilar

Evanston: Khadijah Daniels

Fults: Aaron Mueller

Grayslake: Damian Zieminski

Gurnee: Kaitlyn Griffin

Ingleside: Cody Hepner

Manito: Sarah Lohman

Mineral: Amber Blackert

Mount Vernon: Ashley Tobin

Norridge: Nicole Kmiotek

Oak Lawn: Pedro Razo

Pekin: Holly Conner

Rockford: Ryan Fernandes

St. Joseph: Cody Dees

Vandalia: Cameron Keppler

Rolling Meadows: Kelsy Hanley

St. Joseph: Cody Dees

Yorkville: Ilcen Lopez

INDIANA

North Vernon: Alexander Schneider

MISSOURI

Festus: Jason Howell

Marcia L. Bullard, a 1974 journalism graduate who was elected to the SIU Foundation Board of Directors last year, will be the keynote speaker for SIU Carbondale’s fall 2012 commencement.

The ceremony will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, in the SIU Arena. Students earning bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and law degrees will participate in the ceremony.

Commencement ceremonies are open to the public, and tickets are not required.

More information about the ceremony is available at commencement.siu.edu/.

Bullard is the retired president and CEO of USA Weekend, and a founding editor of the national newspaper, USA Today, starting in 1982. She moved to USA Weekend in 1985, and during that time oversaw its expansion to 23 million circulation in more than 600 newspapers, including the New York Daily News, the Denver Post, Chicago Sun-Times, and Los Angeles Daily News. She is a two-time recipient of Gannett Co. Inc.’s top executive award, the President’s Ring.

A media executive and consultant based in Washington, D.C., Bullard is board chair of America’s Charities, a national non-profit federation that helps charities raise funds needed to accomplish their work. She is also on the board of directors of Points of Light Foundation and Heart of America.

A Springfield native, Bullard earned the University’s Distinguished Service Award in 1999.

Bullard serves on the SIU Carbondale School of Journalism Advisory Board, She co-founded the Marcia Bullard-Laura Hardy Endowed Scholarship Fund for female students in journalism or art, and earned the School of Journalism’s Alumnus of the Year Award in 1987. In 1997, she earned the Distinguished Alumni Award from the SIU Alumni Association.

In addition to her bachelor’s degree in journalism, Bullard earned an MBA from The George Washington University.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Rita Cheng named James G. Salmo as vice chancellor for development and alumni relations.

In his new role, Salmo also will serve as CEO of the SIU Foundation.

Salmo is vice president for college advancement at Rhode Island College in Providence, R.I., which has an enrollment of 9,000 students. Salmo also serves as executive director of the Rhode Island College Foundation.

His appointment, effective Nov. 28, requires SIU Board of Trustees approval, followed by formal endorsement by the SIU Foundation Board.

“Jim will bring significant experience in fundraising, management and leadership to the position, along with a demonstrated ability to hire and develop staff,” Cheng said. “I am excited that he will be joining us.”

A St. Louis native, Salmo is familiar with SIU Carbondale and the region. His father is a Herrin native, and early in his career, Salmo spent three years as director of annual giving at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

“I also have family friends who graduated from SIU who have nothing but positive things to say,” he noted. “Knowing that is a plus; in this position, you have to know how alumni feel.”

Salmo also noted that SIU is “one of those great institutions” with strong research, teaching and athletics.

“The University offers a really strong balance,” he said.

Salmo has served in his current position at Rhode Island College since 2010. He is responsible for developing and implementing all fund-raising strategies for capital, annual and deferred giving, and provides overall guidance and director to the college’s alumni relations program.

From 2003 to 2010, Salmo served as associate vice chancellor for development-health sciences at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was responsible for providing executive leadership and strategic direction for all health-care related fundraising programs at the university.

Among his previous positions, Salmo servied as vice president for advancement at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy (1997-2003); director of development for Whitfield School in St. Louis (1996-1997); and director of development for the University of Missouri School of Law (1991-1995).

Salmo earned a master’s degree in media/communication from Webster University in 1985 and a bachelor’s degree in theater from Saint Louis University in 1981.

By Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale announced the winners of this year’s Windgate Foundation Scholarships.

The Windgate Foundation Scholarships originate with the Windgate Charitable Foundation, located in Siloam Springs, Ark., which pledged $500,000 to the School of Art and Design if the school could match the money. Several fundraising efforts that were already in place, along with a specific direct mail campaign, helped the school match the challenge gift. The inaugural scholarships were awarded in 2010. The funds will also support faculty and student projects.

This year’s scholarship recipients for the Windgate Charitable Foundation Educational Opportunity Scholarship are:

• Nicholas Daunis, senior, Carbondale

• Hattie Phillips, senior, Norris City

• Roscoe Ward, senior, Champaign

• Daniel Widolff, senior, West Brooklyn

This scholarship goes to current art or design majors who have demonstrated a combination of talent, effort and financial need. Successful applicants include a statement of goals and an artist portfolio.

This year’s scholarship recipients for the Windgate Charitable Foundation Undergraduate Research Grant Scholarship are:

• Dylan Bettis, senior, Downs

• Shana Loconsole, senior, Plainfield

This scholarship is meant to offset research expenses, including materials, or the cost of study at a specialized institution other than SIU Carbondale. Eligible institutions include discipline-specific schools such as the Pilchuck Glass School, or other specialized art programs and research opportunities such as those offered at the Smithsonian Institution. Successful applicants include a resume or curriculum vitae and a statement about what they hope to achieve while visiting the other art school or research site.

By Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A graduate of Victor J. Andrew High School is the recipient of a Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Academic Scholarship.

T.J. Jannak, (Jan-eck), the son of Anna and Tanes Jannak of Tinley Park, is one of 25 graduating high school seniors selected as 2012 SIU Carbondale Chancellor Academic Scholars. An Illinois State Scholar and member of the National Honor Society, Jannak earned academic excellence awards and was in the top 20 percent of his class each of his four years in high school. He was also involved with his school’s choir, musicals, and plays, and German club, and a member of the German Honor Society. He was also on the varsity swimming and water polo teams.

Jannak plans to major in business.

The competitive scholarships, the most prestigious and most comprehensive that the University awards each year, cover tuition, fees, and room and board for four years at the University. The award is renewable for all for years as long as the student maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The scholarship is worth approximately $80,000.

Each scholarship is based on information that includes ACT or SAT scores and class rank provided at admission. Candidates also go through an interview process. The applicants show leadership roles in their community and participate in numerous activities. Successful applicants will be those viewed as becoming effective leaders who will continue to excel in the classroom along with showing exceptional leadership skills both on campus and throughout the community. There were almost 250 applications received, with 100 scholarship semifinalists invited to interviews in February.

A list of the 24 other 2012 Chancellor Academic Scholars is available at news.siu.edu/2012/05/051712par12087.html.

By Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Exceptional efforts in the classroom and their communities are among the characteristics of each of the 24 graduating high school seniors selected as Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Academic Scholars.

The Chancellor Academic Scholar designation is a major achievement for these students. The competitive scholarships, the most prestigious and most comprehensive that the University awards each year, cover tuition, fees, and room and board for four years at the University.

Each scholarship is based on information that includes ACT or SAT scores and class rank provided at the time of admission. Candidates also go through an interview process. The applicants show leadership roles in their community and participate in numerous activities. Successful applicants will be those viewed as becoming effective leaders who will continue to excel in the classroom along with showing exceptional leadership skills both on campus and throughout the community.

There were almost 250 applications received, with 100 scholarship semifinalists invited to interviews in February.

The award is renewable for all four years as long as students maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The scholarship is worth approximately $80,000.

The award recipients provide the biographical information. Scholarship winners, by hometown are:

Illinois

Alton

Eric’el Johnson, Alton High School, is the daughter of Heather Campbell Johnson. She is an Illinois State Scholar, member of the National Honor Society, president of the school’s Minority Excellence Club, and vice president of the school’s Power of Peers leadership group. She earned Rotary Student of the Month honors, and is a Yale Book Club Award and Young Achievers Award recipient. She plans to major in engineering.

Belleville

Austin Pavlak, Belleville West High School, is the son of Thomas and Christine Pavlak. He is an Illinois State Scholar, member of the National Honor Society, participated in Boys’ State, and is an Eagle Scout. He is also a Young Achiever of the Year recipient. A scholar athlete, Pavlak was the boys volleyball team captain and an all-conference boys volleyball team selection. He plans to major in engineering.

Carbondale

Kaid Koester, Carbondale Community High School, is the son of Dan and Lori Koester of Carbondale and Rebecca and Greg Mitchell of Findlay. He is a member of the National Honor Society, an all-state academic team selection, and member of the student council and the school’s newspaper staff. He is an all-state selection in football, and a state qualifier in the discus in track. He plans to major in civil engineering.

Carterville

Sidney Brothers, Carterville High School, is the daughter of Bob and Amy Brothers. She is an Illinois State Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, a 2012 Carterville High School Wendy’s High School Heisman Award recipient, and a Prairie State Achievement Award winner in mathematics and writing. She is also a member of the National Beta Club, FCA, student government, and played varsity basketball. She plans to major in pre-physical therapy.

Carterville

Morgan Dillard, Carterville High School, is the daughter of Brad and Kathy Dillard. She is a member of the National Honor Society, student government, Beta Club, and is senior class president. She is a member of Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE), where she was the top individual scorer in regional competition with a first place in biology and third place in English. She is also involved with the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Operation Teen Safe Driving, and a member of the Carterville Marching Lions band. She is also involved with the Heartland River Band, River-to-River Band, and “Southern Illinois Kids Got Talent” variety show. She was also the 2011 Homecoming queen. She plans to major in biology/pre-medicine.

Carterville

Blake Christopher Jerrells, Carterville High School, is the son of Aaron and Heather Jerrells. He is an Illinois State Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and a high honors student. He is also a Prairie State Scholar in reading, science and writing. He is involved with the Beta Club and played football, basketball and track. He plans to major in computer engineering.

Columbia

Daniel Schmidt, Columbia High School, is the son of Tom and Jenny Schmidt. He is an Illinois State Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and Key Club. He earned a Sophia and Elmer Oerter Scholarship. His numerous high school activities include scholar bowl, Beta club, chess club, dance club, Key Club, and Spanish club. He plans to major in equine science.

Cowden

Brittany Travis, Cowden-Herrick High School, is the daughter of Rick and Kim Travis. She is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and is class vice president. She is on the honor roll, and participated in WYSE, scholastic bowl, foreign language club, yearbook, volleyball and cheerleading. She plans to major in business.

Farmer City

James Tobin, Blue Ridge High School, is the son of Paul and Peggy Tobin. He is an Illinois State Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and school valedictorian. A member of the student council and Key Club, Tobin is the Illinois FFA vice president, and District IV FFA Star in Agribusiness. He plans to major in agricultural education.

Herrin

Elizabeth Gillespie, Herrin High School, is the daughter of Kevin and Eleanor Gillespie. She is an Illinois State Scholar, member of the National Honor Society, and a school ambassador for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) service organization. Among other activities Gillespie is a member of the WYSE team, FBLA, the school’s math and scholar bowl teams, yearbook editor, and track team. She plans to major in business and interior design.

Heyworth

Cameron Stengel, Heyworth High School, is the son of Chad and Jacque Stengel. He is an Illinois State Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and is on his school’s high honor roll. He is a member of his school’s WYSE team, and Spanish club, and participated in the 4-H program. He played football throughout high school, and participated in the school’s basketball, track and baseball teams. He plans to major in pre-medicine.

Jacksonville

Taylor Ingram, Jacksonville High School, is the daughter of Kelly and Michelle Ingram. She is a National Honor Society member, and member of the National Art Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. She is involved with the school’s scholastic bowl team, the school newspaper, participated in cross country, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She plans to major in journalism.

Jacksonville

Holden Jones, Jacksonville High School, is the son of Terry and Marcy Jones. He is an Illinois State Scholar, member of the National Honor Society, and two-time President’s Volunteer Award recipient. He is the school’s student government president, National English Honor Society treasurer, and involved with the National Art Honor Society, science and geography clubs, speech team, and student director of the freshman mentor program. He is founder and president of the school’s film club, and involved in school plays, band and choirs. He is also involved with numerous activities at his church. He plans to major in cinema.

Makanda

Steven Michael Blair, Carbondale Community High School, is the son of Michael and Karla Blair. He is a National Merit Finalist, Illinois State Scholar, member of the National Honor Society, WYSE, and the school’s math team. He earned second in technology concepts in the FBLA national competition; was part of a team that was first in the St. Louis VEX Robotics Competition, and fourth in computer science in the WYSE state competition. He is a featured soloist with the high school marching band, and participates with the concert and jazz bands. He plans to study electrical and computer engineering.

Marion

Dylan Carrico, Marion High School, is the son of Jeff and Amy Carrico. He is member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and National Society of High School Scholar. Among Carrico’s activities, he is president of the school’s Spanish club, scholar bowl captain, and FBLA member. A 2009 Illinois Youth Volunteer of the Year, he is an active volunteer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Marion VA Medical Center. He is a 2012 President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient. He played football, and was active in his church youth group. He plans to major in business and pre-law.

Murphysboro

Christopher Wheetley, Agape Christian High School, is the son of Karen Wheetley. He is a member of the school’s student council, math team, Beta Club, and choir. He participated in junior varsity and varsity basketball. He plans to major in political science and speech communication.

Rockton

Tanner Rehnberg, Hononegah High School, is the son of Michael and Susanne Rehnberg. An honor roll student each semester in high school, he is an Illinois State Scholar, two-time National Honor Society recipient, and two-time Advanced Placement Scholar. An accomplished baseball and basketball player, Rehnberg was a first-team all-conference baseball selection. He plans to major in biological sciences.

Roscoe

Rachel Slick, Hononegah High School, is the daughter of John and Jodie Slick. An Illinois State Scholar and member of the National Honor Society, she is a Chicago Tribune Illinois High School All-State Academic Team finalist, and was in the top 15 percent nationwide on the national Spanish exam. She is part of the Hononegah Gifted and Talented Program, along with an Illinois All-State musician. She played three years of high school varsity soccer. She plans to major in Spanish.

South Beloit

Meagan Rottman, South Beloit High School, is the daughter of Ed and April Rottman. An Illinois State Scholar, she is captain of the school’s scholastic bowl sectional squad, and two-time scholastic bowl MVP. She is a member of the student council, a student ambassador at her school, captain of the volleyball team, and participates in track and softball. She plans to major in civil engineering.

Sterling

Sawyer David Schrader, Sterling High School, is the son of Robert and Sheila Schrader. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, he earned academic all-conference honors in golf and tennis, and is a member of the science club, Explorers, and Service Learning. He is also a member of his school’s peer jury, and is an all-conference selection in golf and tennis. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Vandalia

Zach Ehrat, Vandalia Community High School, is the son of Todd and Kathy Ehrat. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, he ranks in the top 10 in his graduating class. He is involved in his school’s scholar bowl, along with math and science clubs. He plans to major in cinema and photography.

Zion

Mustafa “M.J.” Abdullah, Jr., New Tech High at Zion-Benton East High School, is the son of Mustafa Abdullah, Sr. of North Chicago and Sharrie King of Zion. An Illinois State Scholar and member of the National Honor Society, he was the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) National High School Student of the Year for 2010-2011, and vice president of The Brotherhood of Extraordinary Young Men at his school. He plans to major in business.

Indiana

Evansville

Liz Biever, Kolbe Academy, is the daughter of Richard and Mary Biever. She is president of the Vanderburgh County, Ind., FFA chapter, president of the Energetics and Tech 4-H Clubs, and one of two delegates from Indiana selected for the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. She plays first violin strings ensemble for school, and is an Indiana State Fair 4-H demonstration contest champion in the natural resources division, and attained master gardener status with the Purdue University Master Gardener program. She plans to study agriculture and agribusiness economics.

Tennessee

Memphis

ShaKyla McBee, White Station High School, is the daughter of Charley Mae McBee. She is a National Honor Society member and a Coca-Cola Scholars semifinalist, and a Ventures scholar. Her numerous school activities include being a member of the student council, Latin Club, and choral group. She plans to major in physiology with a minor in Africana Studies.