(EFFINGHAM, Illinois – June 13, 2026) Three exceptional students have been named recipients of the 2026 Bruce V. Penwell, Jr. Nursing Scholarship. Hallie Lowis, Leo Niemerg and Abigail Tomlin will each receive support to pursue their nursing degrees. This scholarship recognizes their dedication to the nursing profession and their commitment to serving their communities.
- Hallie Lowis graduated from Taylorville High School in 2024 and will be a junior pursuing her nursing degree at Illinois State University.
- Leo Niemerg, a graduate of St. Anthony High School in Effingham, will be a senior at Quincy University this fall.
- Abigail Tomlin, a 2024 graduate of Shelbyville High School, will be a junior at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville pursuing her nursing degrees.
Congratulations to all the recipients for their hard work and dedication to their education.
The Bruce V. Penwell, Jr. Nursing Scholarship provides scholarships to residents of Effingham, Shelby, and Christian counties in Illinois who are pursuing nursing degrees. Bruce Penwell, Jr. was born in Pana, IL, graduated from Beecher City High School, and attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He worked in sales and marketing in the animal health industry and maintained a lifelong interest in the people and rural areas of Illinois.
Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation manages more than 200 funds for the immediate and long-term benefit of communities in Southeastern Illinois. For more information, contact Alex Pleasant, President/CEO of Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, at 217.342.4988 or alex@southeasternillinois.org.