Heartland Dental Awards EIU $20K for Regional Student Scholarships
May-03-2018Donation provides ongoing support to EIU’s thriving Community Ambassador Scholarship program
Leaders from Heartland Dental in Effingham, together with representatives of Eastern Illinois University, came together May 1 to further support the university’s Community Ambassador Scholarship program, which encourages local high school graduates to stay in the area by continuing their academic careers at EIU. A ceremonial check presentation was held at Heartland Dental’s Effingham Support Office May 1, with representatives from both Heartland Dental and EIU in attendance to celebrate Heartland Dental’s $20,000 gift.
“Heartland Dental and our stakeholders know all too well the role EIU plays in providing our region with qualified graduates who can contribute to our local communities,” said Heartland Dental President and CEO Pat Bauer. “Heartland Dental is one of myriad regional businesses who benefit from EIU’s students, programs and services. We’re exceptionally pleased to support the university’s efforts to entice even more local students to capitalize on this wonderful educational resource in east central Illinois’ own backyard.”
Dr. David Glassman, president of Eastern Illinois University, was unable to attend the presentation, but celebrated Heartland Dental’s commitment to the university and for creating future scholarship opportunities in the region.
“Heartland Dental is an amazing partner, and their willingness to step up with such a generous gift speaks to the confidence they have in EIU’s ability to best serve our regional student populations,” said Glassman in a statement. “I’d like to thank Heartland Dental for their partnership, and share my assurance that their gift will have a dramatic impact on our ability to create additional opportunities for student success while adding to the economic growth of the region.”
A recent independent study by a regional economic development organization confirms that assurance, indicating EIU adds $503.5 million in economic output to the State of Illinois while contributing $461.8 million in economic output to the region alone on an annual basis.
In all, more than 20 EIU partners have contributed in excess of $100,000 to EIU’s Community Ambassador Scholarship program.
For more information on the EIU Community Ambassador Scholarship or the EIU application process, contact Molly Button at mmbutton@eiu.edu or (217) 581-2299; contact the Office of Admissions at (877) 581-BEIU(2348), admissions@eiu.edu, or find more contact information online at www.eiu.edu/admissions.php.
CAPTION: Celebrating the EIU/Heartland Dental partnership supporting the university’s Community Ambassador Scholarship program are, from left, Adam Lueken, corporate communications lead; Ashley Buehnerkemper, director, corporate communications and brand management; Teresa Fredericks, video strategist; John Pantazis, EVP, general counsel and secretary; Pat Bauer, president and CEO; Lauren Harris, regional marketing strategist; Paul McCann, EIU vice president for business affairs; Samantha Neal, patient communication strategist; Travis Franklin, EVP, CFO; Craig Kabbes, EVP, technology and patient marketing; Brittany William, recruitment marketing strategist; Katie Thielsen, manager, talent attraction and employer branding; Jeff Jenkins, regional marketing strategist; Christi Donsbach, EIU director of development, and Kevin Dunahee, video strategist. All in the photo are Heartland Dental employees unless otherwise noted.
