Local students receive Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship
Illinois College is proud to announce the 2025-2026 recipients of the Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship, awarded annually to students entering IC directly from high school. This year’s scholarship supports 11 students from communities across Greene, Morgan, and Scott counties.
The 2025-2026 recipients are:
- Isaac Anderson '26 of Jacksonville, IL
- Justine Gaive Agsalda '26 of Jacksonville, IL
- Aurora Baker '27 of Carrollton, IL
- Daxton Baptist '26 of Jacksonville, IL
- Dagan Cordes '29 of Carrollton, IL
- Meryn Davis '26 of Jacksonville, IL
- Hunter Gillis '27 of Jacksonville, IL
- Tiffany Hill '27 of Meredosia, IL
- Sara Ralston '26 of White Hall, IL
- Anthony Seymour '29 of White Hall, IL
- Lizzie Watson '27 of South Jacksonville, IL
The Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship was established through a generous $2.35 million gift from the estate of Howard and Vera Million. Howard Million, a lifelong resident of the region and founder of the former Roodhouse Savings and Loan Association, was dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students in rural Illinois. His legacy continues to impact the lives of students who demonstrate academic promise and a commitment to their communities.
Programs like Hilltop Direct further strengthen Illinois College’s commitment to expanding access for local students by providing automatic admission to qualifying graduates from area high schools. Paired with scholarships such as the Million Endowed Scholarship, initiatives like these help ensure that local students have clear, affordable pathways to pursue a college degree close to home.
The Million Endowed Scholarship and others like it fuel Illinois College’s Advantage Plus program, which provides a more personalized education at a state-school price. The program also includes key benefits like a commitment to graduating in four years (a full year faster than the national average for public universities!) and fewer hidden fees. These guarantees translate into real savings, faster entry into the workforce, and a stronger return on investment for students and families.
Illinois College remains committed to providing transformative educational experiences, combining rigorous academics with financial support to prepare students for success in their careers and communities. Innovative majors such as nursing, which uses cutting-edge virtual reality technology in brand new clinical labs, and the College’s hybrid computer science program with classes created in collaboration with Google, ensure students Graduate READY for personal and professional success.