2015-2016 Community Report

Graves-Absher Scholarship
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 or Carrier Mills-Stonefort 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
Linda (Absher) and Gordon Graves established a new scholarship
with the Southeastern Illinois College Foundation to encourage
graduates to attend SIC.
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 and Carrier
Mills-Stonefort High Schools, 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.”
SIC Nursing Programs Earn Top Rankings Again in 2015
Southeastern Illinois College’s nursing program has
exceeded expectations once again with superior pass rates
in both the Practical Nursing program (PN) and Associate
Degree in Nursing (ADN) program state pass rates for 2015.
SIC’s PN pass rate was tied for first place at 100 percent.
Average statewide pass rates for practical nursing was 88
percent. The national pass rate average was 82 percent.
The ADN pass rate was 92 percent, placing SIC in the top
quarter among all colleges in the State. The average state
pass rate was 86 percent. The national average was 85 percent.
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