A Lasting Tribute at the University of Illinois Springfield

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

In Development — Goal of Beginning Awards No Later Than 2028

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

Its vision brings together two personal educational journeys: Shannon’s Bachelor of Arts in studio art from MacMurray College and Michael’s Master of Business Administration from UIS.

The scholarship reflects their connection to creativity, education, and the practical knowledge that helps people turn their abilities into meaningful work. For Michael, it is an opportunity to give back to his university while honoring Shannon’s creativity, compassion, and love of learning.

An Annual Award & a Year of Artistic Recognition

The intended scholarship will recognize a student artist each year through an annual financial award 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 providing an opportunity to share their work with the university community.

Both the financial award and the proposed year-long display opportunity are central to the scholarship’s vision. The award amount, payment method, exhibition location, and other arrangements remain under development with UIS.

Supporting Artists as They Build Their Futures

Artistic talent and business knowledge can strengthen one another. Students need opportunities to develop their craft, bring their work to an audience, and build sustainable professional lives.

This scholarship is intended to recognize their achievements while supporting the connection between arts education, entrepreneurship, business knowledge, and professional development.

The goal is to help emerging artists prepare to make a living, communicate emotion and experience through their work, and contribute to their communities through creativity.

Current Status & First Award

Michael is working with UIS Advancement, academic leadership, and the University of Illinois Foundation to develop the proposed permanent endowment and finalize the award framework.

The goal is to begin making awards no later than 2028, subject to completion of the final agreement and funding arrangements.

Final arrangements must preserve the intended cash or cash-equivalent benefit to the recipient. Eligibility and selection criteria, permitted uses, payment procedures, and the proposed artwork-display opportunity are still being developed.

UIS would administer recipient selection through its established processes. The confirmed first-award date, application information, and award details will be published here once the scholarship is finalized.

A Shared Purpose Across Two Institutions

The UIS initiative is being developed separately from the companion scholarship at Lincoln Land Community College, where the first award is targeted for Spring 2027.

Each institution will have its own agreement and selection process. Both initiatives share the same purpose: an annual financial award to a student artist, an opportunity to display one piece of their work for the following year, and encouragement as they build a sustainable creative future.

These efforts complement Michael’s broader collaboration with UIS and LLCC around education, practical experience, entrepreneurship, and professional opportunities for creative students.

In Shannon’s Memory

The intended permanent endowment will keep Shannon’s memory connected to education and opportunity for future generations.

For Michael, that legacy lives through the students who will carry their creativity into the world—the work they make, the emotions they share, and the lives they build.

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

Learn more about the University of Illinois Springfield →

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