(EFFINGHAM, Illinois – June 21, 2025) The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to announce that six Effingham County nursing students have been named recipients of the 2025 Roy Robson and Roma Jackson Nursing Scholarship.
Pictured L to R: Row 1, Sara Zumbahlen, Frances Verdeyen, Madison Splechter; Row 2, Makaylee Splechter, Anna Thies, Birgen Schlanser
A total of $12,000 has been awarded to the following students:
Birgen Schlanser is a 2025 graduate of Beecher City High School. She will be attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Birgen received a $3,000 scholarship award.
Madison Splechter is a 2023 graduate of Altamont High School. She will be attending Liberty University. Madison received a $1,000 scholarship award.
Makaylee Splechter is a 2025 graduate of Altamont High School. She will be attending Liberty University. Makaylee received a $1,000 scholarship award.
Anna Thies is a 2025 graduate of Effingham High School. She will be attending Eastern Illinois University. Anna received a $3,000 scholarship award.
Frances Waldhoff-Verdeyen is a 2025 graduate of Dieterich High School. She will be attending Eastern Illinois University. Frances received a $1,000 scholarship award.
Sara Zumbahlen is a 2025 graduate of Teutopolis High School. She will be attending Eastern Illinois University. Sara received a $4,000 scholarship award.
The scholarship is available to graduates and current seniors of high schools in Effingham County who plan to pursue a degree in nursing. It was established by Roy Robson and Roma Jackson in memory of their sister, Mary, who was diabetic and required considerable nursing care. Roy and Roma saw first-hand the need for good care and provided a bequest establishing a permanent endowment for nursing scholarships.
Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation manages more than 250 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.
