2024 - ECC Celebrates First Cohort of Seigle Scholars Thanks to $500,000 Gift

On Tuesday, October 29, the Elgin Community College (ECC) Foundation honored the inaugural cohort of Seigle Scholars during a special reception held in the ECC Building E dining room, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. This first group of Seigle Scholars includes three outstanding students: Maria Salgado, Demettri Rohn, and Jonathan “Jonny” Buckheister, each celebrated for their dedication to their studies and their communities.

The new Seigle Scholar Program, established this fall through a $500,000 gift from former ECC Foundation Board Member and Secretary Robin Seigle and her husband Mark Seigle, provides a full-ride scholarship covering tuition, fees, labs, and books for up to 60 credits toward an associate degree at ECC.

“Giving back is what I know,” Mark Seigle said. “Our families raised us with that belief, and there’s no greater joy than helping others.”

Designed to support high-achieving high school graduates and first-year college students, the Seigle Scholar Program emphasizes community involvement and academic dedication, embodying the Seigle family’s commitment to empowering future leaders through education. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, enroll as full-time students, and demonstrate a strong commitment to serving their communities.

“At Elgin Community College, we often talk about how education has the power to not only transform lives but uplift entire families and communities,” said ECC Interim President Peggy Heinrich, EdD. “Through scholarships like the Seigle Scholar Program, these students have the opportunity to focus wholeheartedly on their academics, enabling them to achieve their goals and open doors that might otherwise seem out of reach.”

Meet the 2024-25 Seigle Scholars:

Jonathan “Jonny” Buckheister 

A graduate of Sycamore Community High School, Jonny is currently pursuing a degree in fire science. Inspired by a firefighter who supported his family during a traumatic fire, Jonny’s career goal is to give back to the community as a firefighter and advocate for the mental health of first responders. “I vividly remember a firefighter helping me down a ladder and assuring me that everything would be okay. That moment of hope drives me to become a firefighter and paramedic so I can be that source of strength for others,” he shared.

Demettri Rohn 

An alumnus of Harry D. Jacobs High School, Demettri is working toward a Fine Arts degree with the goal of building a career in theatrical arts. Passionate about both theater and community service, he believes in sharing the joy he finds in the arts with others. “My time volunteering has taught me empathy for others’ struggles, and I want to use my talents to give back to the community,” Demettri said.

Maria Salgado 

A graduate of Dundee-Crown High School, Maria is pursuing a degree in psychology and neuroscience. She is driven by a commitment to improving mental health care accessibility, especially within the Hispanic community. Her goal is to bring awareness and support to those in need, empowering individuals through mental health advocacy.

About Mark and Robin Seigle

Longtime residents of Elgin and Dundee, Mark and Robin Seigle’s connection to the area runs deep. As descendants of immigrants who helped shape the region, the Seigle family has a history of supporting the local economy and community institutions. Mark’s family business, Seigle’s Cabinet Center, has been a pillar of the community since the late 19th century. A proud ECC alumna, Robin was recognized as part of the Sensational 75 in celebration of ECC’s 75th anniversary in 2024.

How to Apply

The deadline to apply to the 2025 Seigle Scholar Program is March 31, 2025. For more information on application and eligibility requirements, visit elgin.edu/seiglescholar.