Named Springfield's Copley First Citizen in 2003, Ethel Gingold has been known as a champion for equality, justice, and civil rights. She cared deeply education, and about the University of Illinois Springfield in particular, so it's hardly surprising that she created a scholarship at UIS. She wanted to help students with financial need who maintained a 3.5 grade point average. Always on the side of those who face struggles, Ethel added one more request: that preference be given to a student who has had to overcome a challenge while pursuing a degree.