September 09, 2025
SIU’s Simon Institute announces 2025 student scholarship recipients
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is providing scholarships to SIU students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to public service.
The scholarships are possible through the generosity of donors and friends of the institute, said John Shaw, institute director.
”These scholarships are an important way for the institute to reward and encourage students who make such a consequential contribution to our work,” Shaw said. “When Paul Simon established the institute nearly 30 years ago, he wanted it to provide inspiring opportunities for SIU students and to encourage them to consider careers in public service.”
The recipients are:
Will Feuer (Peggy Ramsey Botterman and Mark R. Botterman Scholarship)
Feuer, of Sherman, Illinois, is a junior double majoring in political science and pre-law. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and competes on SIU’s men’s club rugby team. He participated in the institute’s Ambassadors Club and is a member of the University Honors Program. He plans to continue his education at the SIU Simmons Law School with a goal of becoming an attorney and judge. The Bottermans, both SIU alumni, have long supported the institute and higher education in Illinois.
Ryann Clark (David Yepsen Director’s Award)
Ryann Clark, of Christopher, Illinois, is a senior political science major with a specialization in pre-law and a minor in pre-professional English, Clark is president of the institute’s Ambassadors Club. She is also involved in the pre-law association, pre-law scholars, the pre-law plus program, mock trial team and the University Honors Program. After graduation, Clark plans to continue her education at the SIU Simmons Law School with the goal of becoming an attorney. The scholarship is named for the institute’s third director, David Yepsen, who retired in 2016.
Justyce Petty and Journey Short (Mike Lawrence Scholarship)
Petty and Short are receiving scholarships honoring the institute’s second director, Mike Lawrence, a respected journalist who mentored generations of students and emphasized ethical leadership.
Petty, of Knoxville, Illinois, is a double major in political science, with a specialization in pre-law and criminology, and she is pursuing a minor in forensic science. At SIU, she is president of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and University Honors Program. A previous recipient of the institute’s Vince Demuzio Governmental Internship, Petty plans to attend law school and is exploring the possibility of pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice.
Short, of Chicago, is majoring in journalism with a minor in Africana studies and is active in Hope Chicago and the Africana Studies Club. Short is also a recipient of the institute’s Gene Callahan Internship, where she served as a co-staffer for Illinois State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur. After graduation, she plans to apply for a fellowship or pursue law school.
Madison Bevis and Olivia Larrison, Barbara Brown Memorial Scholarship
Bevis, of Du Quoin, Illinois, is a double major in economics and paralegal studies and is an active member of the Organization of Paralegal Students. After graduation, Bevis plans to continue her education at the SIU Simmons Law School.
Larrison is a senior from Metropolis, Illinois, who is majoring in forestry with double minors in recreation leadership and environmental studies. She is active in the SIU Sustainability Council, the Society of American Foresters, the Tree Campus Higher Education Committee and the University Honors Program. A two-time Barbara Brown Scholarship recipient, Larrison plans to pursue a career as a wilderness EMT or environmental educator after graduation.
The scholarship commemorates the late Barbara Brown, a political science professor and advocate for civic education and women in leadership.
Yasir Aldihaimawi, Edwin D. Phillips Debate Team Scholarship
Yasir Aldihaimawi, of Belvidere, Illinois, a second-year undergraduate in political science, is involved in the institute’s Ambassadors Club, the SIU Mock Trial and Sigma Chi fraternity. He is a student employee at the institute and a Vince Demuzio Governmental Internship recipient. Aldihaimawi plans to earn a law degree and represent the unrepresented. The scholarship honors the memory of Edwin D. Phillips, an SIU alumnus who credited debate for shaping his career in law and public affairs.
Ashlyn Polydor, Jeanne Hurley Simon Memorial Scholarship
Ashlyn Polydor, of Chicago, Illinois, is a freshman at SIU majoring in criminal justice. The Jeanne Hurley Simon Memorial Scholarship is awarded to assist undergraduate women who are seeking careers in public service and to honor the contributions of Jeanne Hurley Simon, an attorney, legislator, advocate for literacy and the late wife of former U.S. Senator and institute founder Paul Simon. Polydor is majoring in criminal justice and is an active member of the criminology and criminal justice club. She plans to continue her education after graduation in graduate school or entering the police academy.
Phillip Hartke, Matt Baughman Scholarship
Hartke, of Tolono, Illinois, is a senior who is a double major in industrial management and applied engineering. He is active in Tau Kappa Epsilon, the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics Ambassadors, Undergraduate Student Government, College Republicans and Salukis for Suicide Prevention. Hartke plans to attend law school or pursue a career in program management in private industry after graduation. The scholarship honors Matt Baughman, the institute’s former associate director who helped lead its development and champion student opportunities in public service.