The IDEA Center plays a key role in advancing Culver-Stockton’s experiential learning mission by providing students with access to modern classroom spaces, breakout rooms, and an executive conference room designed to foster teamwork and real-world problem solving. United State Bank’s ongoing partnership helps ensure students have the resources they need to turn ideas into action.

“United State Bank has been a consistent and valued partner in our efforts to provide meaningful, applied learning experiences,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, C-SC president. “Their continued support allows us to expand opportunities for students to innovate, collaborate, and build the skills they will carry into their careers and communities.”

As a primary sponsor of the IDEA Center, United State Bank’s investment directly contributes to student-led projects, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial initiatives that benefit both the campus and the surrounding region.

The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center serves as a gathering place for students, faculty, and staff to work together on projects that support the Canton community, the tri-state area, and beyond. Additional information about the center is available at .

Chad Porter, CEO and President of the Bank of Monticello, presented the check to 91ֱ�� President Dr. Lauren Schellenberger. The donation will directly benefit the Student Scholarship Fund, which helps ensure that students have access to the transformative educational experience offered at C-SC.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Bank of Monticello for their continued investment in our students’ futures,” said Dr. Schellenberger. “This contribution to the Student Scholarship Fund helps ease the financial burden for our students and empowers them to focus on academic success, leadership development, and personal growth. It’s a meaningful partnership that directly impacts lives.”

Contributions like this one from the Bank of Monticello help bridge the gap between financial need and academic opportunity.

Learn more about the C-SC’s scholarship funds at /admissions/scholarships-grants/.

Horner and his family are well-known members of the Canton community. He owns the Shelter Insurance Agency located in downtown Canton, and his wife, Kristy, is a retired elementary school teacher. Their son, Drew, graduated from 91ֱ�� in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

“Having the support of dedicated community members like Richard and Kristy Horner makes a lasting difference for our students,” said Carla Boren, director of advancement for planned and leadership giving. “Their generosity is a testament to the value of local partnerships and the deep connections 91ֱ�� shares with the Canton community.”

91ֱ��’s Day of Giving, held annually on March 19, encourages alumni, parents, friends, and community members to support the College’s purpose, which is to prepare students to be bold, think big, and create change. Contributions from local partners like Horner help provide scholarships, campus improvements, and expanded experiential learning opportunities for students, which is a cornerstone of C-SC’s curriculum.

“Support from community partners like Richard Horner ensures our students have access to scholarships, mentoring, and hands-on learning experiences that equip them for success beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, 91ֱ�� President. “Because of this investment, and ones like it, Wildcats can pursue internships, conduct research, and engage in real-world projects—opportunities that not only enrich their academic journey but also truly transform their lives.”

For more information about giving opportunities at 91ֱ��, contact Boren at (573) 288-6000, ext. 6463, or via email at cboren@culver.edu.

Michelle’s expertise extends beyond annual giving; she has a proven track record in planning and leading Giving Days, which significantly boosted alumni participation and annual giving goals. Her grant writing and collaboration skills have been instrumental in securing over $4 million in funding. This includes grants from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) which supports the university’s health science facilities, established  St. Clare’s food and hygiene pantry, and funding for various academic programs and projects.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle back to The Hill,” stated President Lauren Schellenberger. “Her extensive experience in fundraising, coupled with her deep connection to our institution, make her an invaluable addition to our team.”

Michelle’s return to C-SC marks an exciting chapter for the College’s advancement efforts, and her leadership is expected to drive continued growth and success in engaging alumni and securing vital support for the college’s mission.

For more information about Culver-Stockton visit culver.edu. To give online visit .

Photo Caption: Bank of Monticello representatives from left to right: Nelson Carter ’00, loan officer, President and CEO Chad Porter, Jared Howard ’12, IT officer and accountant.

The IDEA (Innovation, Design, & Experiential Activities) Center is located at the heart of the C-SC campus and serves as a physical space for collaboration, innovation, and learning. The Center, which includes a classroom space, breakout rooms, and an executive conference room, provides a great environment for students, faculty, and staff to form creative partnerships for the betterment of the Canton community, region, and beyond.

Pictured left to right: Randy Trenhaile, Chief Lending Executive Officer, Carolyn Schaller, Senior Vice President, C-SC President Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, Kayla Merrell, Mortgage Loan Officer, Luke Rothweiler, Senior Vice President

Primo’s in Canton, owned by C-SC alumni couple Jarrod ’00 and Brenna Leonard ’02 Phillips, and Tiramisu in Quincy, co-owned by Roberto Stellino and alumnus Ilija Cucuk ’03, will be open for lunch and dinner. Hebrews XI, co-owned by siblings Jordan and Shalise Steidinger, supporters of the college, will participate as well. Primo’s serving hours are 11am – 9pm, Tiramisu hours are 11am-1:30pm and 4:30-9pm. Hebrews hours are 5:30am-7pm. This event offers alumni and community members a unique opportunity to get involved and support students. Phillips will be participating for the fourth year in a row and shared, “We are proud to partner with Culver-Stockton to help provide students the same opportunity that Brenna and I were fortunate enough to have.” He added, “Any amount of help we can provide to the College and its students allows us to pay back a tiny bit of what we received during our time on “the Hill.”’

Come Dine with Us is a vital part of the annual Day of Giving campaign, which runs from noon on Tuesday, March 19 through noon on Wednesday, March 20. The 24 Hours of Giving will be promoted primarily online through social media and the College’s giving platform, . To learn more about the event, explore ways to give, and hear stories of Wildcats, visit .

New this year, customers who purchase a drink from Electric Fountain Brewing Coffee Bar in Quincy or Hebrews XI Coffee (Taylor or Palmyra, Missouri) during March 13-17 will receive a special sticker on their cups. When scanned, they will be invited to make a gift to the Student Scholarship Fund and enter into a drawing for prizes, including gift cards, coffee, and C-SC promotional items.

Over 90% of students at 91ֱ�� receive a student scholarship to offset their tuition, and the college is setting aside 24 hours to raise monies for the student scholarship funds. “We are inviting people to connect during dining and on social media, tell their story, and invest in the next generation of Wildcats,” said Adam Duesterhaus, Vice President for Advancement.

Supporters can learn more about the events and follow along with the C-SC Wildcat stories on the College’s Facebook page at . For more information, contact Adam Duesterhaus, Vice President for Advancement, at aduesterhaus@culver.edu.

Attached photo: left to right: Tiramisu co-owner Ilija Cucuk ’03, Primo’s owners Jarrod ’00 and Brenna ’02 Phillips, and LaBinnah owner Arif Dagin ’10.

91ֱ�� recently received a grant from MFA Oil, headquartered in Columbia, MO. Company representatives presented C-SC Advancement professionals with $1,000 and a certificate of recognition this fall. The grant was awarded to the Wildcat Shotgun Sports team, and the funds will be used to purchase a new electric clay thrower.

A participating school of the “School Spirit Program,” 91ֱ�� was presented with a check from United State Bank in Canton, MO. When USB customers select “credit” when using their C-SC school spirit debit card, United State Bank donates to the Student Scholarship Fund. Senior Vice President Carolyn Schaller (class of 2003) said, “This program is a great way for bank members to show their support to the College!” This donation will be deposited into the Student Scholarship Fund, which impacts more than 90% of C-SC students at the college.

The College extends its warmest thanks to MFA Oil, United State Bank, and all of its community partners.

The College shared that significant efforts have been made in recent years to increase available support for first-generation students and those with substantial financial needs. Dr. Alissa Burger, Director of Student Success at C-SC, works with students each day to assist them in achieving their educational goals and recognizes the vital role scholarship dollars play in student success. She said, “College students will always have barriers to overcome, but removing a financial barrier will drastically reduce emotional stress to aid in their successes in and out of the classroom.”

91ֱ��’s President, Dr. Douglas B. Palmer, recognizes the impact of this significant donation and is directing the institution’s effort to support students of promise. He shared, “Our first-generation students usually require additional financial resources to complete their education, and this generous gift will help us bridge the gap for those individuals.” Palmer clarified that this gift will be added to the existing endowment for first-generation students and will be distributed immediately.