SIU Carbondale awards 39 Chancellor’s and Provost’s Scholarships for 2022-2023

SIU Carbondale Chancellor Scholarship Program recipients – Chancellor Austin Lane (front step left), LaShonda Stewart, Chancellor’s Scholars program director (front step right) and Constantinos Tsatsoulis, vice chancellor for research and graduate school dean (behind Lane and Stewart) stand with the 2022 SIU Chancellor’s Scholarship program recipients. (Photos by Russell Bailey)

September 16, 2022

SIU Carbondale awards 39 Chancellor’s and Provost’s Scholarships for 2022-2023

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Exceptional efforts in the classroom and in their communities helped this year’s Chancellor’s and Provost’s scholars at Southern Illinois University Carbondale stand out from their peers.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship, SIU’s most prestigious first-year award, covers tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board for four years. The 28 students this year were selected from a pool of 468 applicants,

The Provost’s Scholarship, SIU’s most prestigious transfer student award, covers tuition and fees for two years. The 11 recipients were among 138 applicants.

The selections were based on students’ academic credentials, an essay and a virtual interview. The applicants also have a record of leadership in their communities and participation in numerous extracurricular activities. All scholars are welcomed as members of the Chancellor’s Scholars Program, where they are involved in campus leadership and service to SIU and the Carbondale community and participate in a variety of enrichment opportunities.

The 2022-2023 scholars, listed by hometown, are as follows.

ILLINOIS

Albion

Max Fieber is the son of Lisa Fieber and the late Samuel Fieber. A May 2022 graduate of Edwards County High School and Illinois State Scholar, he was salutatorian and class president. He was a member of Future Business Leaders of America and participated in numerous archery competitions throughout middle school and high school. He is a sixth-generation farmer and fifth generation oil producer. He plans to major in mechanical engineering with a possible double major in electrical engineering.

Alton

Morgan Ruden is the daughter of Eric and Elisa Ruden. She graduated from Southwestern Illinois College in May 2022 with an associate degree in sign language interpretation and was recognized on the dean’s list each semester. She graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 2020 where she was a National Honor Society member. Ruden plans to major in English with a focus on professional writing.

Aurora

Cristian Lopez is the son of Araceli Barraza and Federico Lopez. He graduated at the top of his class at Waubonsee Community College and East Aurora High School. He earned dean’s list and president’s list honors at Waubonsee and the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes public high school graduates who attained high proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. He participated in marching band and pep band in high school and continued to practice his trumpet while at Waubonsee. He has earned many automotive technical training honors and is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master student certified. He is majoring in automotive technology with a concentration in diagnostics. 

Belleville

Ellie Mueller, a fourth-generation Saluki, is the daughter of Bob and Amy Jo Mueller. A May 2022 graduate of Belleville Township High School East, Mueller was an Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member. She was a member of the Beta Chi Phi (science), Rho Kappa (social studies) and English honor societies. She was the front ensemble sergeant of the Belleville East Marching Lancers band and a member of the concert jazz orchestra. Mueller participated in the Illinois Music Education Association District Concert Band Festival for percussion and the all-state festival on jazz vibraphone. Mueller plans to major in nursing and study music.

Belleville

Delaney Redden is the daughter of Krysta Hahn of Belleville and Mark Redden of Smithton. A May 2022 graduate of Belleville West Township High School, she was a member of the school’s National English Honor Society, Spanish club, student council, and Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy. She plans to major in sociology.

Bethalto

Katelyn Michelle Hallstead is the daughter of the Chris and Garrett Braun and the last Warren Hallstead, all of Bethalto. A May 2022 graduate of Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto, she was an Illinois State Scholar and silver medallion recipient, in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Hallstead earned academic all-conference honors and was a three-sport athlete in softball, volleyball, and cross country. She plans to major in radiologic sciences with a focus on radiation therapy.

Bloomington

Penny Bordewick is the daughter of Lacey and Andrew Bordewick. A May 2022 graduate of Central Catholic High School, Bordewick was an Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society recipient. She was student council president and member of the school’s math honors organization, Mu Alpha Theta. She is a Presidential Student Service Award bronze status recipient and received a good citizen award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteers with Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership for the Illinois central-south region, and for the World Leadership Congress. Bordewick participated in cross-country and track and field, drama club, concert band and concert choir, and was part of the school’s student ambassadors’ program. She plans to major in history education.

Bloomington

Sri Jaladi is the daughter of Mamatha and Nageswara Jaladi. A May 2022 graduate of Normal Community High School, she was on the high school honor roll, a National Honor Society member and in the Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society for mathematics. She was also on the school’s future health professionals club, Future Business Leaders of America, St. Jude club board representative and French club board member. Jaladi was a youth representative to the McLean County Indian Association and a youth volunteer to the Ekal Vidyalaya nonprofit organization. She plans to major in physiology with a minor in chemistry and follow a pre-medicine track.

Bloomington

Marisa Schaafsma is the daughter of Melanie Fata of Normal and David Schaafsma of Bloomington. A May 2022 graduate of Normal Community High School, Schaafsma was an Illinois State Scholar and honor roll recipient; a member of the art club, Tri-M Music Honors Society and National Art Honors Society. She placed first division in multiple solo ensemble performances and performed in the Illinois Music Education Association festival. She spent much of her time working at a local animal hospital and spent seven years completing a junior zookeeper program at Miller Park Zoo, which earned her an educational experience in Costa Rica. She is planning to major in zoology.

Cicero

Paulina Reynoso is the daughter of Cristina and Alberto Reynoso. She graduated in 2020 with an associate degree from Triton College where she was a Phi Theta Kappa recipient and received the Presidential Award of Excellence. She graduated summa cum laude from J.S. Sterling Morton East High School in 2018 and received the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes public high school graduates who attained high proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. Active in her church, Reynoso was recognized as a national high school scholar. She plans to major in dental hygiene.

Cobden

Leslie Morales is the daughter of Azalia Amezquita. A May 2022 graduate of Cobden High School, Morales participated in numerous activities, earning high honors all four years in school. She was named the school’s outstanding senior and was involved with the Spanish Club, and Beta, math, and science clubs. She was also involved with the English as a second language, family and consumer sciences, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes clubs. Morales also competed in track. She plans to major in health care management.

DeKalb

Brogan Long is the son of Mandy and Carl Long. A June 2022 graduate of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Long was co-head of a diversity, equity and inclusion advocacy organization, a residential student leader, and co-founder of the first high school chapter in Illinois of the American Civil Liberties Union. He also worked within the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act Coalition, and organization that lobbied for comprehensive and inclusive sexual health education in Illinois. He is majoring in political science and seeking to double major in Chinese.

Energy

Kaelin Natland is the daughter of Jennifer and Chad Shoemake of Herrin. A May 2022 graduate of Carterville High School, she was on the honor roll all four years and a member of the school’s National Honor Society. She was a member of the student leadership council, foreign language club and a volunteer-based organization, Interact club. She was also an Educators Rising council member. Natland was a two-time Illinois Drill Team Association (IDTA) Rising Star recipient and captain of the school’s dance team. She danced competitively on the regional, national and world level with Arabesque Dance Studio, where she also taught as a competition coach and choreographer. She plans to be a double major in English education and psychology.

Galatia

Brooke Jordan is the daughter of Shelly and Joey Heflin of Galatia and the late Aaron Jordan of Carmi. She is a May 2022 graduate of Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) and a May 2021 graduate of Galatia High School. While at SIC, Jordan maintained honors and was on the college’s president’s list in both fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. In high school, she participated in scholar bowl, FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, beta club and cheerleading. She plans to major in criminology and criminal justice with a minor in political science.

Galesburg

Caleb A. Oxley is the son of Amy and Weston Oxley. A May 2022 graduate of Galesburg High School, he was an Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society member and graduated in the top 5% in his class. He also received a Principal Scholarship Award and AP Scholar with Honors Award. Oxley was in the school’s marching band, ran varsity cross-country, played varsity tennis and was a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteered regularly for student ministries at his church. He also played trumpet for the high school band. He plans to major in cinema.

Herrin

Brenna Gusewelle is the daughter of Jill and Mark Gusewelle. A May 2022 graduate and Illinois State Scholar of Herrin High School, Gusewelle was National Honor Society treasurer and nominated for the Southern Illinois Society of High School Achievement. She was president of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America and treasurer of Health Occupations Students of America chapters. She participated in student government and track, was co-captain of the girl’s golf team and an all-Williamson County girls golf team selection. She plans to major in psychology.

Illiopolis

Beth Alma Stacey is the daughter of Carol and Jed Stacey. A May 2022 graduate, Illinois State Scholar and class valedictorian of Sangamon Valley High School, Stacey was on the school’s high honor roll all four years. Stacey served as the publication’s editor, vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America club, and National Honor Society president. She was color guard team captain, played volleyball and participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Leaders in Action, the principal’s advisory council and book club. She is majoring in communication disorders and sciences and is a member of the Marching Salukis color guard.

Jonesboro

Jessica Cates is the daughter of Jacqueline Cates of Thebes and Tracy Cates of Anna. A nontraditional student, Cates graduated in May 2022 from Shawnee Community College with an associate degree in arts and science after earning her G.E.D. from Shawnee Adult Educational Services in 2019. She maintained a 4.0 was a member of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. While at Shawnee, she spent time mentoring peers enrolled in the Shawnee Adult Educational Services with a goal of encouraging each of them to keep moving forward to realize their potential. A first-generation college student, Cates plans to major in social work.

Kankakee

Benjamin Morgan II is the son of Jaclyn and Benjamin Morgan Sr. A May 2022 graduate and Illinois State Scholar at Herscher High School, Morgan was the school’s National Honor Society president and captained the math team and academic challenge team. He was captain for the school’s track and cross-country teams and an all-state track high jump competitor. Morgan was also a dual enrollment student at Kankakee Community College his senior year. He plans to major in finance.

Macomb

Gracie Murphy is the daughter of Wendy Murphy and Robert and Andrea Lawrence, all of Macomb. A May 2021 graduate of Macomb High School, Murphy served as the Illinois Association FFA state secretary for 2021-22. In high school, she was a member of the school’s National Honor Society, the McDonough County CEO Program, the Macomb Youth Leadership Organization; the high school’s FFA chapter president and Section 11 FFA president. She was also part of the National FFA Organization, varsity and competitive cheerleading team, math team and Spanish club. She also received the Illinois Farm Bureau Top Ten Section President Award. Murphy is majoring in agricultural education and systems with a focus on agricultural education.

Makanda

Elli Oploh is the daughter of Kimberly Oploh. A home-schooled student, Oploh has been involved in swimming and flying. She plans to major in aviation technologies and aviation flight.

Marion

Jake Bruce is the son of Jill and Jason Bruce. A May 2022 graduate with honors from Marion High School, Bruce played football where he was an all-conference selection his last two years. He also earned all-conference awards in track and field as a junior. He plans to major in aviation technologies and aviation flight.

Marion

Leia Bryant is the daughter of Amanda and Joshua Sowers. A 2022 graduate of Southeastern Illinois College and 2021 graduate of Carrier Mills-Stonefort High School, Bryant while at SIC was student government treasurer and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Circle K president. She was a 2021-22 Illinois All-Academic Scholars and Easton/NFCA All-American Scholar and member of the softball team. In high school, Bryant was class valedictorian, president of the school’s National Honor Society, and a member of State Sen. Dale Fowler’s Youth Advisory Council and Saline County CEO. She plans to major in secondary education with the prospect of becoming a high school English teacher.

Mount Prospect

Born and raised in Nigeria, Comfort Adeyeye, is the daughter of David and Abigail Adeyeye. A member of the Junior Engineering Technological Society (JETS) club, she is a presidential scholar at Harold Washington College and president of her high school’s scramble club. She plans to major in radiologic sciences with a concentration in sonography.

Murphysboro

Daleece Moore is the daughter of Dacia Moore of Marion. A May 2022 graduate of John A. Logan College with an associate degree in elementary education, Moore graduated from Marion High School in 2020. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society each of the two years she attended John A. Logan College and earned president’s list and provost’s list academic honors. She plans to major in elementary education.

Murphysboro

Lucas Morefield is the son of Rita Morefield and Mark Morefield of Murphysboro. He is a December 2018 graduate of John A. Logan College, where he received an award for Outstanding Mathematics Student for 2017-2018. He has passed three actuarial examinations from the Society of Actuaries. He plans to major in mathematics.

Pocahontas

Kelsey Knebel is the daughter of Jeremy and Kim Knebel. A 2020 Highland High School graduate, Knebel was in the top 1% in the school’s vocational department for several years, FFA vice president, student council member, National Honor Society member, and an ambassador. She graduated with an associate degree in agriculture business from Kaskaskia College in May 2022. She was president of the college’s agriculture club, collegiate Farm Bureau and became a member of the Madison County Farm Bureau. She plans to study agriculture education.

Springfield

Day Starr-Fleming graduated from Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in May 2022 and is the child of Angela Starr and Paul Fleming, both of Springfield. An Illinois State Scholar, Starr-Fleming earned several scholastic art and writing awards while in high school. Starr-Fleming photographs and identifies fungal growths, along with digital art, plays drums and piano, and sells handmade polymer clay jewelry. Starr-Fleming plans to major in biological sciences with an interest in mycology, the study of fungi.

Sugar Grove

Liam Richardson is the son of Gretchen Cross of Sugar Grove and Michael Richardson of Plainfield. A May 2022 graduate of Waubonsee Community College, he placed first in the Skills USA national competition in Atlanta to represent Illinois in automotive service technology and placed first in the nation. He recently achieved Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master certification. A graduate of Kaneland High School, Richardson achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his troop. He also worked full time at his local Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealership over the summer. He plans to major in automotive technology.

Troy

Kamryn Fandrey is the daughter of Aimee Alvstad of Troy and Scott Fandrey of Alton. A May 2022 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School, she was an Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, graduating in the top 5% of her class. She received a silver medallion and was a student council member. Coming from an U.S. Air Force family, she was born outside of Tokyo and has lived all over the world. Fandrey participated in groups, including Students for Soldiers and Students Against Destructive Decisions, founded a mental health awareness club and was president of the school’s breast cancer awareness club. She played varsity basketball all four years in school and was first team all-conference. She plans to major in radiologic sciences with a focus on radiation therapy.

Villa Park

John Swastek is the son of Kathy and Tom Swastek. A May 2022 graduate of Willowbrook High School, Swastek was an Illinois State Scholar and member of the school’s National Honor Society. He was also part of the English, World Language and Social Studies honor societies. An Eagle Scout, Swastek played football and baseball in high school and participated in Student Ambassadors and other leadership programs. He plans to major in aviation management and flight.

Vienna

Ayden Rademaker is the son of Sheba and Ryan Rademaker. A May 2022 graduate of Vienna High School, Rademaker was an Illinois State Scholar, four-year honor student and class salutatorian. He was recognized by the Illinois Principals Association as an outstanding student and school citizen, the Beta Club, and a member of Illinois State Sen. Dale Fowler’s Youth Advisory Council. He participated in the school’s student council, scholar bowl and played baseball. A certified nursing assistant program member, Rademaker plans to major in nursing, with a minor in nurse management. 

INDIANA

Brownsburg

Hannah Connolly is the daughter of Jennifer and David Connolly. A home-schooled student, Connolly was an Advanced Placement scholar with honors and a competitive swimmer at both sectional and state levels. She will compete on the Saluki women’s swim team. She plans to major in political science and enroll in the University Honors program. 

GEORGIA

Johns Creek

Suhas Dantuluri is the son of Sridevi and Vijay Dantuluri of Johns Creek, Georgia. A May 2022 graduate of Northview High School, he was an adviser and alumnus of the 3DE (Education for Every Dimension of Life) education model by Junior Achievement. He was president of his local American Red Cross chapter and member of the 3DE advisory board, where his work involved improving the educational model on a local and national level. He was also on boards that work against teen dating violence and domestic violence, and was a national and state competitor for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). He competed in long-distance running events for the high school’s varsity track team. He plans to major in biomedical science. 

OHIO

Leipsic

Grace V. Douglas is the daughter of Patricia and Brian Douglas of Leipsic, Ohio. A May 2022 graduate with performance honors from Leipsic High School, she was president of her school’s National Honor Society, was class president for two years and earned honor roll status throughout high school. Douglas attended both the Buckeye Girls State and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference and was active in school organizations and community theater. She participated marching band, choir, Spanish club and Future Business Leaders of America. Douglas’ high school career was split between Leipsic High School, Millstream Career Center, the University of Findlay and Ohio Northern University. She plans to major in musical theater and take music theory/composition and radio/sound production courses. 

MISSOURI

Jackson

Camilla Heu is the daughter of Kim and Benjie Heu of Jackson. A May 2022 graduate of Jackson High School, Heu was a member of the school’s National Honor Society: co-founder and vice president of Club Med, and art club co-president. She was also involved with the school’s Cool Kids Against Bullying club, interact club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Spanish club. She was a Class 5A cheerleading state champion and two-time recipient of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA) all-state award. She plans to major in business management.

Saint Charles

Lydia Holterman is the daughter of Kelley Holterman of Saint Charles, Missouri, and Mark Holterman of O’Fallon, Missouri. A 2022 graduate of Saint Charles High School, Holterman was a National Honor Society selection and graduated summa cum laude, earning the George Washington Carver Award and the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy in French. She was student council president and International Thespian Troupe 1171 president. She was heavily involved in Key Club as a member and social media manager. As a senior, Holterman worked as a Superleader and regularly visited a local elementary school and serve as a character role model for students. She plans to major in theater and radio, television, and digital media and is a member of the spirit teams.

St. Louis

Santonio Resonno Jr. is the son of Corrie and Santonio Resonno of St. Louis. Resonno graduated from Ritenour High School and earned an associate degree in June 2022 from St. Louis Community College. While in high school, Resonno received the school’s academic achievement award for having the highest GPA in his graduating class. He played boys varsity volleyball and was a teen volunteer at the St. Louis Zoo. He plans to major in zoology and specialize in wildlife biology and conservation. 

WISCONSIN

Lomira

Josie Boelter is the daughter of Julie and David Boelter. A May 2022 graduate of Mayville High School, she was senior class president, four-year student council member, a member of the school’s National Honor Society, and participated in several clubs during high school, including FFA, and science, math, and Spanish clubs. Boelter played soccer all four years; basketball for three years and volleyball for two years. She was a Wisconsin Flyway Conference Academic Excellence Top Ten Scholar. Boelter attained her private pilot’s license in August 2022 and did mission work in Belize. She plans to major in aviation management and flight.