Susan Silver graduated from the University of Illinois in 1988 with a B.A. in economics and became one of Chicago’s leading real estate brokers. Ross Erlebacher studied computer science at Illinois, finishing with an M.S. in 1989. He is a successful technology consultant. Susan and Ross married in 1992. The Susan Silver and Ross Erlebacher Scholarship was established to help students attending the University who may have unmet financial needs or may be members of under-represented groups. 

Please read eligibility for this scholarship before you apply.

Eligibility: A currently declared Economics student who has completed at least one full-time semester at UIUC with unmet financial need, who demonstrates that the funds would go to support general education attainment, alleviate some financial burden, and/or provide funding assistance towards an additional academic experience. Preference shall be given to underrepresented students.

Application: Submit the online scholarship application, a résumé/CV, and two essays. In the first essay (100-500 words), describe why you chose Economics as your major and how you use it in your everyday life/activities? In the second essay (100-500 words) explain how the financial support from the scholarship will aid you in advancing your education.


Click here for information on all available scholarships.

Recipients
Spring 2024 Nonso Osamor & Kasha Ward
Spring 2023 Jennifer Labak & Omar Ramirez
2020-2023 David Peng
2019 Miranda MacNaughton & Byung Kweon Yoo
2014 Valeria Marin