Annual Scholarship Luncheon recognizes donors

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the annual Scholarship Luncheon on October 24, 2012.

“When you give a scholarship you give time, you give talent, and time in allowing students to fully develop and reach their potential,” said UIS Vice Chancellor for Development Jeff Lorber.

Nearly 300 people attended the celebration in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby. For many of the donors it was their first time meeting the students they support.

“It’s wonderful because you really get to experience their joy and their appreciation and you get to see that it is a real person and you get to find out about their life and how it’s helping them,” said Julie Staley, a scholarship donor.

This year’s athletic scholarship from the Staley Foundation supported freshmen UIS soccer player Dylan Hoschar. He says without the scholarship he would not have been able to attend UIS. He calls the scholarship a “dream come true.”

“Getting an education at the University of Illinois Springfield, this is a great school, so I want to get a degree here, hopefully a master’s, if not farther,” said Hoschar.

Glen and Lola Garrison attended the Scholarship Luncheon for the first time this year and were impressed by their recipient Jinger Sanders.

“Meeting and talking with them it’s just so surreal. It feels like I’ve known them forever,” said Sanders. “I’m just happy to be able to thank them in person.”

UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch updated the audience about UIS’ growth and the latest developments on campus before thanking donors for their support.

“I’m deeply grateful to each of you who believes in the future of UIS, in the importance of a university education, and the education of your particular student,” said Koch.