First Graduating Class of Capital Scholars

By Melanie Cain

Back in the fall of 2001, UIS began the Capital Scholars Honors program and admitted approximately 100 students into that first class. After four fulfilling, productive, and fun-filled years, this class has now graduated from UIS and the students are moving on to some truly wonderful and exciting endeavors.

Jason Kennedy, from Decatur, graduated with a degree in Economics. He was a very active member of many student organizations at UIS. In the fall, he will be heading to George Washington University to pursue a master’s degree in International Affairs.

Jennifer Poss, from Crystal Lake, earned her Business Administration degree and a minor in International Studies at UIS. Beginning in the fall, she will spend a year in Ashikaga, Japan, teaching English to Japanese students. When she returns to this country, she hopes to do international relations work for a Japanese corporation.

Andrew Hollingsead earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Studies and served as the UIS student representative to the Board of Trustees. In the fall, he will be working for the Illinois House Republican staff as a part of the Illinois Legislative Staff Internship Program.

Gabrielle Wiegand, originally from Peoria, graduated from UIS with a bachelor’s degree in Political Studies and a minor in Communication. During the summer, she will be working for Serafin and Associates, a Chicago public relations firm. In the fall, she will return to UIS and begin work toward her master’s in Political Studies.

Phillip Reinhardt, from Albers, earned his degree in Computer Science. This summer, Phillip will continue in his position as an information technology specialist for the Infrastructure/Network Support Division at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville. In the fall, he will also be working towards his master’s in Computer Science from Webster University.

Christine Tabayoyong graduated with a degree in Visual Arts. Christine, from Woodridge, will be spending her summer teaching art classes to children at the River Forest Montessori School. She was also accepted into the Harrington Interior Design College in Chicago and will begin taking classes there in the fall.

Jason Stuebe, from Danville, earned his bachelor’s in Political Studies. Jason also served as the Student Government Association president during his junior year. In the fall, he will either be taking part in the Graduate Public Service Internship program working for the Department of Corrections or working as staff for the General Assembly as a part of the ILSIP program, all in the pursuit of a master’s in Public Administration at UIS.

Emily Angel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History. Emily is from Jerseyville and completed an Applied Study internship with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency during her time in Springfield. She is currently working for the National Park Service in Skagway, Alaska, at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.