Scholarship presentation follows SIUC Chancellor Austin Lane’s October 2025 visit announcing expanded admissions access, full-ride opportunities, and continued investment in Cook County South Suburban schools
RICHTON PARK / OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL — January 28, 2026 — Rich Township High School District 227 is pleased to announce that representatives from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) will visit the District’s Fine Arts & Communications (FAC) Campus on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to formally present the prestigious SIUC Chancellor’s Scholarship. The presentation will take place at 1:00 PM.
This scholarship presentation follows a significant milestone in the District’s college-access partnerships. On October 9, 2025, SIUC Chancellor Austin Lane and members of the SIUC leadership team visited Rich Township’s STEM Campus to tour facilities and meet with local education leaders. Superintendent Dr. Johnnie Thomas welcomed Chancellor Lane alongside superintendents and representatives from surrounding Cook County South Suburban school districts to learn more about expanded opportunities for students.
During that visit, SIUC announced two major commitments to Cook County South Suburban schools: on-site admissions for students with a 2.75 GPA or higher, helping streamline the admissions process and increase access to higher education; and the SIUC Chancellor’s Scholarship, a full-ride award valued at $108,000 (tuition, room, and board), with each participating district granted the opportunity to select one student to receive the scholarship. SIUC also continues to provide $1.6 million in scholarships to Cook County South Suburban schools, reinforcing the University’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success across the region.
“Our visit to Rich Township High School District 227 last fall was about more than conversation; it was about commitment. Returning to present a Chancellor’s Scholarship reflects Southern Illinois University’s belief in the talent of South Suburban students and our responsibility to remove barriers to higher education. This partnership is about access, opportunity, and investing in students who are ready to succeed.” said Austin Lane, Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The February 10 presentation represents the continuation of that partnership and SIUC’s investment in student success across Cook County South Suburban communities.
“Rich Township High School District 227 is committed to building strong postsecondary pathways and expanding access to college for our students,” said Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent. “We are grateful for SIUC’s partnership and their dedication to recognizing student achievement and supporting students through both admissions access and scholarship opportunities.”
Event Details
What: SIUC Chancellor’s Scholarship Presentation
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Where: Rich Township High School District 227 — Fine Arts & Communications (FAC) Campus | 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471
Who: SIUC representatives, District 227 leadership, staff, and students
About Rich Township High School District 227
Rich Township High School District 227 serves students across the Cook County South Suburban region through rigorous academics, college and career pathways, athletics and activities, and student supports designed to ensure every learner thrives.
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