May 30, 2007

Four students win Pulliam scholarships

by Kathy Dillard

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Four students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have won the 2007 Roscoe Pulliam Scholarship valued at $1,000 each.

Recipients must be closely related to an SIUC alumnus or alumna who is a current member of the SIU Alumni Association.

This year's winners and hometowns are:

• Amy Nicole Phegley, Mount Carmel.

Phegley is a sophomore majoring in exercise science and has been a dean's list student throughout her career at Southern. She is also an active member of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, the Student Athlete Advisory Council, and the Pre-health Professions Association. Phegley is a member of the SIU Cross Country and Track Teams.

Phegley was valedictorian of the 2006 Mount Carmel High School class where she was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Society of High School Scholars and the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Phegley has also received the Presidential Education Award, the United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, and the United States Army Scholar Athlete Award. She is an Illinois State Scholar and All American Scholar. She has volunteered her service at many community activities including the Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. She was also a physical therapy volunteer at the Wabash General Hospital and a mentor at North Intermediate Center for Education.

• Andy Kastler, Waterloo

Kastler is a senior in Radio-Television with a concentration in television production. He has been on the dean's list from 2005 to 2007. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Honor Society and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Kastler was an undergraduate assistant executive producer at SIUC's award winning alt.news 26:46, a monthly news magazine television program. He participated in the production of WSIU's Scholastic Hi-Q.

Kastler has contributed to the success of numerous programs at SIUC and has been an intricate part of the success of his fellow students. He produced several segments for alt.news 26:46 including those featuring musician McChris and comedian Representative Richard Martin. He was key grip, creating shadow effects with lights and maneuvering camera cranes, dollies and platforms on direction from the cinematographer, for the senior thesis of fellow student, John Milus and Kenfolks music video, Open Late. Kastler was actively involved in the construction and adaptation of the set of River Region Evening Edition, selected as the best student newscast by the Broadcast Education Association. Kastler was also a judge at the National High School Emmys and San Francisco Regional Emmys in 2007.

• Jamie Brooke Nash, Cobden

Nash is a junior in social science with a concentration in history. She has been on the dean's list from 2004 to 2007. As an active member of the University community, Nash has participated in the Saluki Volunteer Corps, the Little Egypt Search and Rescue Team, Beautify Southern Illinois Campaign, Operation Santa Claus, and Bald Knob Cross of Peace. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Society, and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society.

Nash, a 2004 graduate of Cobden High School, is a three-time recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and was named the SIUC Student Employee of the Year and State of Illinois Student Employee of the Year in 2006. In addition to her work in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Nash is a dispatcher and assistant secretary for the Union County Sheriff's Office and E-911 Communications.

• Jennifer Blair, Makanda

Blair is a senior majoring in English education and transfer student from John A. Logan College in Carterville. Blair was on the JALC president's list for six semesters and has received many other honors and awards including the JALC President's Distinguished Service Award, All-Illinois Academic Team, JALC graduation speaker, and Student Ambassador. She has continued her success at SIUC as a member of the dean's list, Leadership Council, SIUC Honors Program, and Phi Theta Kappa. In addition to her academic achievements, Blair works in the Bursar's Office on campus and is involved in the Union Hill Christian Church.

Blair is a 2004 graduate of Carbondale Community High School. She was an Illinois State Scholar and member of the National Honor Society and Student Senate. Blair received the John Phillip Sousa Award and was a two-time recipient of the Betty Fladeland Women's History Award.