Ella Brownlee receives ICCTA Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship

A Heartland Community College student has received statewide recognition for a commitment to community service. 

Ella Brownlee has been named the recipient of the Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship established by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). 

Brownlee is the 2025 recipient of the state award, which provides a $500 scholarship to an Illinois community college student for extraordinary commitment to volunteer service. 

Brownlee, who received an Associate in Arts degree in May from Heartland, previously completed her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate and worked as a CNA and Home Healthcare Provider. She served as the Executive Director of Heartland’s Student Leaders in Community Engagement (SLiCE) where she organized multiple community service events, including a drive for the college food pantry. Brownlee served as trip leader during Heartland’s 2025 Alternative Spring Break trip to Memphis, TN, where students engaged in volunteer work for the Living Land and Waters Project. 

In April, Brownlee was also recognized in a national effort for college civic engagement by being named to the ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll. 

“During her short time at Heartland, Ella’s record of leadership has been extraordinary,” said Sarah Diel-Hunt, Heartland Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services. “She has become a servant leader on campus, raising awareness and advocating for student engagement in service.” 

Students enrolled at ICCTA member colleges are eligible to participate in the Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship competition. Each college may submit one entry per academic year. 

Fitting with the legacy of long-time Heartland Community College Trustee Gregg Chadwick, the scholarship supports students who are dedicated to the enrichment of others.

 “Gregg Chadwick was a true servant leader in that he was quiet, steady, kind, and a friend,” said Jon Looney, ICCTA president. “In this spirit, ICCTA established the Gregg Chadwick Student Service Scholarship to honor his longtime and heartfelt legacy of public service.”