EIU, SIU, U of I Work Together to Keep Top Illinois Students in Illinois

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Published on September 14 2017 10:45 am
Last Updated on September 14 2017 10:47 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Eastern Illinois University, the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University partnered this week in an effort to keep southern Illinois students in Illinois.

The inaugural Salute to Illinois Scholars college fair was held Tuesday in Mt. Vernon.

About 170 high-achieving high school students from across southern Illinois, selected based on such qualifications as high ACT scores and grade point averages, attended the event with their parents. All three U of I campuses participated, as did the SIU campuses in Carbondale and Edwardsville, and EIU. Students were encouraged to apply at all six campuses.

Students also got some first-hand perspective during discussions with current students at the universities and their presidents.

EIU President David Glassman said, "The Salute to Illinois Scholars event in Mt. Vernon was an excellent opportunity for all involved, and allowed us to connect with Illinois' best and brightest students and their families. The event sent a clear message that there is an amazing depth and variety of unique opportunities available for students to pursue an affordable, quality college education in their home state."

Students had their application fees waived in honor of their high school achievements and attendance at the event, and also received certificates of achievement during a luncheon emceed by Barbara Wilson, executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs for the U of I system.