A new scholarship has been established with the Southeastern Illinois College Foundation. This is an annual gift valued at $40,000. The Graves-Absher scholarship is being given by Gordon and Linda (Absher) Graves who both have strong feelings for the importance of a good education.
“Gordon comes from a family of educators,” said Linda Graves. “His grandparents, parents, two brothers, and his four children have all taught. As for me, I retired after 30 years in education. I truly have a love for students and am aware of the challenges they face today.”
A recipient will be chosen by an appointed committee at Southeastern. Funds from this scholarship will pay for tuition, fees, required course supplies, and books for a Harrisburg High School student with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) who enrolls at SIC and upon graduation then transfers to a regionally accredited senior institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.
“We wanted to encourage local graduates to attend SIC,” said Gordon Graves. “The community is fortunate to have such a fine college.”
The recipient is required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and good citizenship throughout the duration of the scholarship. Upon graduation at SIC and acceptance into a senior institution, the funds remaining after paid expenses at Southeastern will then be distributed equally between their junior and senior year paid directly to the senior institution for tuition, fees, required course materials, and books.
“Gordon and I want to help the community by offering an opportunity to students who might not be able to go to college or to students who would be saddled with a huge debt after graduation,” said Linda Graves. “It is our hope that the student who is awarded this scholarship realizes that it takes hard work to achieve a dream, and hope the winner is willing to put in the time and effort required to complete their education.”
President of SIC, Dr. Jonah Rice said, “Southeastern Illinois College is so very fortunate to have such a generous gift as the Graves-Absher Scholarship. This type of giving demonstrates a commitment from the donors to support our local high school students at Harrisburg High School, our local college, and the region. This scholarship serves as an example that beginning at Southeastern can lead to success at a four-year institution with significant cost savings. It’s an investment in the future for which we are forever grateful.”
The application deadline for scholarships is Feb. 29. All scholarship forms – including both printable and online applications – are available on the SIC website at www.sic.edu/scholarships. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid office at 618-252-5400 ext. 4110 or[email protected]. For more information about the Graves-Absher scholarship, contact Sky Fowler at 618-252-5400 ext. 2482.
Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg with an extension center in Carmi was founded in 1960 and ranks sixth in the state for degree and certificate completion, offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs. At $99 per credit hour, SIC boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the region, offering online classes, dual credit for local high schools, accelerated courses, night classes and community education opportunities. With 4,500 full or part-time students per year and more than 250 employees, SIC is a top employer in Southern Illinois.
