Sarah Towery was a determined, independent young woman who liked to stand on her own, even as a child. At 24-years of age, she was a full-time office manager at an engineering firm, part-time student, and just five classes shy of a business degree and international relations minor from UIS. Tragically however, in 1999, Ms. Towery and her boyfriend were killed by a drunk driver in a head-on collision. The driver was also killed. In May of 2000, Sarah's degree was conferred upon her posthumously. The Sarah B. Towery Scholarship was established in 1999 by her parents to honor her memory. The annual award seeks to assist a student who demonstrates the same drive and vitality that Sarah exhibited in her lifetime. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. While no other criteria is required, preference is given to those students who are attending UIS part-time while working full-time.