Behind every scholarship is a story of perseverance, hope, sacrifice, and determination.​

These heartfelt stories from Foundation Scholarship recipients reflect resilience, ambition, family sacrifice, and the determination to build a brighter future. Whether overcoming personal hardships or becoming the first in their family to attend college, each student shares a deep appreciation for the donors whose generosity has helped open doors and create opportunity. Their journeys are powerful reminders of the life-changing impact of giving.

This Is What Changing Lives Looks Like

Those stories don't end at graduation. Prairie State College alumni are proof of where a single opportunity can lead — and how far its impact can reach. Each of these graduates found something here that went far beyond a degree: the confidence to dream bigger, the support to push through, and a community that believed in them when it mattered most. Today, they are nurses, accountants, educators, and leaders — and many have come full circle, giving back as donors, mentors, and advocates for the next generation of Prairie State College students.

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Discover the inspiring story of Cheron Ricks, a Prairie State College alumna who successfully balanced the demands of full-time motherhood and a full-time career to earn her accounting degree. Driven by a desire to show her children the power of education, she completed her studies with the dedicated support of the college administration. Today, she serves as a senior accountant at the institution, celebrated for achieving her dreams and motivating her children to pursue their own futures.

Meet Steven Lara, a proud Prairie State College alumnus who successfully channeled his education into a rewarding career as an emergency department registered nurse at a Level 2 trauma center. He credits the college for drilling in the clinical confidence and holistic care principles required to handle everything from pediatrics to high-stakes trauma situations on the front lines. Extremely grateful for his journey, Steven emphasizes that multiple foundation scholarships provided the critical financial and personal support he needed to turn his academic training into impactful, life-saving work.

Discover the inspiring story of Maria and Steve Desmond, two Prairie State College alumni who transformed their educational beginnings into a lifelong mission of giving back. From Maria’s determination as an Italian immigrant to Steve’s academic turnaround after serving two tours in Vietnam, the college fostered the foundational confidence they needed to achieve long-term success. Having advanced to successful professional careers—including Steve returning as an accounting instructor—they now proudly support the institution with the time and means to provide current students with those same life-changing opportunities.​

​A Prairie State College alumna, Dr. Danielle Coleman shares how her journey returning to school in her 30s opened standard-setting career opportunities in nursing. Inspired by her grandfather’s teaching legacy, she ultimately transitioned into nursing education to become an associate professor and director at her alma mater. Today, she and a dedicated team of fellow alumni instructors use their firsthand experience to passionately guide and empower the next generation of nurses.

Discover the inspiring story of Marisela Zambrano, a Prairie State College alumna who highlights the exceptional personal and academic support that made the college feel like home. The solid educational foundation she built there successfully prepared her for her career as the director of business development at Illiana Financial Credit Union. Driven by the meaningful, individualized attention she received as a student, she now proudly gives back to her community by serving on the board of the Prairie State College Foundation.