Shawnee College gala raises nearly $32,000 for scholarships

An annual scholarship gala hosted by Shawnee Community College near Ullin on May 4 raised approximately $32,000 for student scholarships.

The gala attended by over 250 guests included numerous presentations and awards which celebrated student success.

A keynote address was delivered by author and motivational  speaker Chris Gardner. 

A long-time investment and financial advisor, Gardner is the author of a book titled “The Pursuit of Happyness.”

Proceeds from the nearly sold-out event, sponsored by the Shawnee Community College Saints Foundation, will contribute to student scholarships.

“The educational dreams of our students should be recognized as obtainable,” Shawnee Community College president Dr. Peggy Bradford said.  

“The students in our region need to understand that this college and the many faculty, staff and community members represented at this event believe that they can and will be the community leaders of tomorrow.  

“We are so grateful to the many local community partners that are choosing to help our students succeed and are grateful to our speaker for helping us to inspire this generation of students to succeed.”

The foundation voiced appreciation to “the many corporate sponsors” who work with it “to generously provide the many scholarship opportunities we offer to students at Shawnee College.”  

Sponsors for this year’s event included: Ullico Inc., Russ Kreuter, Edward Jones financial advisor, Legence Bank, Southern Bank, City National Bank, Farnsworth Group, Banterra Bank, First National Bank Cairo and State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis.