A Lasting Tribute at Lincoln Land Community College

The Shannon Lionberger and Michael Hart Endowed Scholarship for the Arts and Business

In Development — First Award Targeted for Spring 2027

The Shannon Lionberger and Michael Hart Endowed Scholarship for the Arts and Business is being developed by Major (Ret.) Michael P. Hart in memory of his late wife, Shannon.

Shannon earned her Bachelor of Arts in studio art from MacMurray College and her associate degree in occupational therapy assisting from Lincoln Land Community College, preparing her for work as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Her life brought together creativity, compassion, education, and a commitment to helping others.

The scholarship is intended to honor that legacy through recurring financial support and recognition for LLCC students developing their own creative futures.

An Annual Award & a Year of Artistic Recognition

The intended scholarship will provide an annual financial award of approximately $500 that the recipient can receive and use as cash or a cash equivalent, together with the opportunity to have one piece of their artwork displayed on campus for the following year.

The purpose is to put usable financial support into the student’s hands while recognizing their creative achievement and giving the campus community an opportunity to experience their work.

The current draft identifies LLCC’s Humanities, Art, Communication and English wing as the proposed display location, in a space recognizing both Shannon and the scholarship recipient. Final exhibition arrangements are being developed with the college.

Connecting Creativity with a Sustainable Career

The scholarship is designed to support students pursuing art while encouraging practical development in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, financial literacy, and professional practice.

Creative talent deserves both recognition and opportunities to grow. This initiative seeks to help emerging artists prepare to make a living, share emotion and experience through their work, and contribute to their communities.

It also forms part of Michael’s broader collaboration with LLCC around arts education, professional development, and opportunities that connect classroom learning with creative careers.

Current Status & First Award

The endowment and scholarship criteria agreements are being developed with the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation.

The first award is targeted for Spring 2027. Michael intends to provide separate funding for the inaugural award while the permanent endowment begins supporting future annual awards.

Final arrangements must preserve the intended cash or cash-equivalent benefit to the recipient. Payment procedures, eligibility requirements, application information, and the year-long artwork-display opportunity will be confirmed before the scholarship is finalized.

The proposed framework provides for selection by the Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. Students would apply annually, and previous recipients could be considered again.

Confirmed details will be published here as the remaining arrangements are completed.

In Shannon’s Memory

Shannon’s artistic life was accompanied by a deep concern for others. Through her artwork, her care for people, and her love of learning, she brought something personal and generous to the lives around her.

This scholarship will keep that spirit connected to a college that was part of her journey—recognizing another student’s creativity each year and helping that student carry their work into the world.

Major (Ret.) Michael P. Hart
Founder, Hart Legacy Press, LLC
https://mph-author.com

Learn more about Lincoln Land Community College →

Major (Ret.) Michael P. Hart
Founder, Hart Legacy Press, LLC
https://mph-author.com