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SIU scholarship fundraiser expected to finish on par

By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

Friday, May 16, 2008 11:28 PM CDT

CARBONDALE - Courtney Streiker is probably happy the scholarship she received to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale wasn't based on golfing ability.

The freshman, who is from Breese and studies chemistry, was one of 10 scholarship winners who decided to take part in the Presidential Scholarship Golf Scramble at Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center Friday. The event raises money for the scholarship, which pays for tuition, fees and room and board.

Streiker was one of 20 students to receive the scholarship, which was initiated by late SIU President James Walker.

"I practiced a little bit, but it wasn't pretty," Streiker said before hitting the course.

The scholarships are given to students from Illinois with a minimum ACT composite score of 29, at least a 3.75 grade point average and evidence of leadership qualities.

The benefit raised $35,000 last year. Although it will be months before a final figure is known, officials said they expected the benefit to do just as well if not better this year.

Randy Johnson, general manager of 710 Book Store in Carbondale, said the event is extremely important because it attracts some of the brightest students in the state.

"It's really a great event, because all of the money goes straight to the scholarships," Johnson said.

SIU President Glenn Poshard stressed the importance of donors such as 710 because their support of the scholarship helps recruit students to SIUC.

"We can't compete for these kinds of students without this kind of support," Poshard said.

For some of the students, receiving the scholarship is what made them decide to attend SIUC.

Jordan Kabat, a sophomore in civil engineering from Waltonville, said he wasn't sure if SIUC was the school for him, but when he found out he was awarded such a massive scholarship, the decision became a whole lot easier. Kabat said when he received the notification he was thrilled, but his mother was even more excited.

"I was pretty excited," Kabat said. "My mom started crying."

Some students said they had similar reactions when they found out they would receive the scholarship.

Streiker said she and her mom were in tears; Lee Peck, a sophomore in mechanical engineering from Sparta, said he "hooted and hollered" when he got the call.

"It made life a lot easier," Peck said.

Peck said he is so appreciative of the award that after he graduates and makes his way in the professional world, he wants to do for a new generation of students what donors have done for him.

"I can't wait until I can come back and give back to the university that took care of me," Peck said.

Poshard said he is happy the scholarships were able to bring the students to SIUC, because the university will benefit from it in the long run.

"These kids are important to the continued success of the university," Poshard said. "We're all just really proud of them."

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804