New SIC scholarship honors Richard Edward Dunk Jr.

Southeastern Illinois College has announced the first recipient of the Richard Edward Dunk Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is being awarded to a diesel or welding student who exhibits academic excellence and responsibility. The first recipient is Dorothy Clucas of Harrisburg.

Clucas, originally from DeKalb, Illinois, is in her second year of the welding program at SIC. Clucas also is a mother of two, and says she spent much of her life in the hospitality industry, but decided it was time for a change.

"I was looking through the programs offered at SIC and saw welding. I had a welder in my garage, so I played around with it, and thought, 'This might be something I would enjoy,'" Clucas said.

Having worked as a coal miner and eventually a supervisor in the mines for nearly 40 years, Dunk understood the importance of CTE and the opportunities it can provide. According to his daughter, Angie Dunk, he also believed in the mission and values of SIC.

The Richard Edward Dunk Jr. Memorial Scholarship seeks to combine those two aspects of Richard's life to reward a deserving student at the college.

"The family of Richard Dunk is honored to award this scholarship to Dorothy," Angie Dunk said.