Transferring Illinois Valley Community College students Nathan Hansen of LaSalle, Melanie Kaminski of Marseilles, Ethan Askeland of Granville and Bria Frey of Ottawa will attend Northern Illinois University this fall with the support of scholarships created by William and Dian Taylor of Winnetka.

Hansen and Kaminski were awarded STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) scholarships and Askeland and Frey received accountancy scholarships. Each student will receive $10,000 in their junior year, renewable in their senior year, to use for educational expenses.

As an IVCC tutor, Hansen deepened his understanding of physics by explaining its principles to classmates. As a taekwondo instructor in the community, he adopted a leadership role and became involved in organizing events. He hopes to pursue a career as an engineer in the national space program.

Kaminski’s interest in mechanical engineering was reinforced after she saw the impact her 3D models made on preschoolers. While attending IVCC, she worked in her family’s print shop, where she could troubleshoot mechanical issues. She is currently working with a local civil engineering firm on roadway projects while pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at NIU.

Always at ease with numbers, Askeland enjoyed mastering complicated equations and statistics and his summer internship with an investment firm will further strengthen those skills. Beyond academics, he has dedicated many community service hours managing a youth soccer club and working at a local YMCA. In the future, he hopes to work with non-profit organizations.

Frey's love of numbers began early, learning alongside her mother as she managed business billing. She later gained hands-on business experience as a restaurant manager and developed marketing skills through her involvement with a community group. Her commitment to community service also led her to help senior citizens with technology needs. The Taylors are alumni of both IVCC and NIU.  For more information on IVCC scholarships, contact IVCC Foundation Executive Director Tracy Beattie at 815-224-0550.