a student at Marion High School, receives a surprise visit from Chancellor Austin A. Lane, other university officials and Grey Dawg to congratulate him on receiving the Chancellor’s Scholarship

Jake Bruce, a student at Marion High School, receives a surprise visit from Chancellor Austin A. Lane, other university officials and Grey Dawg to congratulate him on receiving the Chancellor’s Scholarship. (Photo by Jaclyn Durcholz)

February 16, 2022

SIU Carbondale awards Chancellor’s Scholarships to high achieving local students

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Seven high achieving high school seniors from throughout the region are receiving Southern Illinois University Carbondale 2022 Chancellor’s Scholarships, which covers tuition, mandatory fees, room and board for four years.

“These high-achieving students are being named Chancellor’s Scholars because of their hard work and their ability to imagine a better future,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “I am excited to award our university’s highest honor to students in our own backyard and encourage them to get a first-class education close to home. I congratulate all Chancellor’s Scholars on this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing them in the fall.”

Six recipients received surprise personal visits from university officials and Grey Dawg.

SIU will award 35 Chancellor’s Scholarships this year. All 35 winners were recognized in a virtual meeting Tuesday afternoon with Lane, university officials and Grey Dawg.

More than 450 high school students competed this year in a selection process that included a scholarship application and essay, with finalists participating in a personal interview. Selected students demonstrate high academic achievement, a strong record of leadership in their communities and participate in numerous extracurricular activities. As in prior years, scholarship recipients will come from throughout Illinois and the United States.

The award is renewable for three years, contingent upon the students maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA and completing 20 hours of community service and campus leadership activities per year.

Southern Illinois students who have received Chancellor’s Scholarships include, by hometown, name, and high school:

  • Anna: Alexandria Little, Anna-Jonesboro Community High School.
  • Cobden: Leslie Morales, Cobden High School.
  • Energy: Kaelin Rowland, Carterville High School.
  • Herrin: Brenna Gusewelle, Herrin High School.
  • Makanda: Elli Oploh, home school.
  • Marion: Jake Bruce, Marion High School.
  • Vienna: Ayden Rademaker, Vienna High School.

SIU Carbondale offers various scholarships to high achieving high school seniors and transfer students. For more information on the university’s academic scholarships and financial aid, contact Amber Rivers, academic scholarship coordinator, Financial Aid Office at scholarships@siu.edu or 618-453-4628.