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The Dennis Shannon Scholarship for Leadership and Excellence in Accounting honors Dennis Shannon.
A scholarship has been established for Moraine Valley Community College students in honor of an alumnus who devoted countless years to the college as well as his profession.
Created by the Chicago South Chapter of the Illinois Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Society, the Dennis Shannon Scholarship for Leadership and Excellence in Accounting honors Dennis Shannon, a longtime member and officer of the organization, and a volunteer at the college for more than 20 years.
“I’m so honored,” said Shannon, who graduated from Moraine Valley in 1977 and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Governors State University. “I’ve been involved with this group since 1981, and this is the first time they’ve done something like this.”
Shannon was so touched by the organization’s gesture he decided to match the scholarship.
“Now two students will earn scholarships,” he said. “It makes me feel good to do this. I’m committed to Moraine Valley. It’s my hope this helps motivate students to keep going.” The first scholarships are being awarded for fall 2019.
The reasons were many for creating the scholarship in Shannon’s name. Joe Skibinski, MBA, CPA and Chicago South CPA Society president, said Shannon’s continued enthusiastic engagement with the group and its members over nearly 40 years was a large factor for creating the scholarship.
“He is a booster both locally and with the mothership downtown,” Skibinski said. “He actively recruits for our chapter and is the first to approach a prospective new member at our meetings in an effort to get them immediately engaged.”
Shannon’s leadership skills also played a significant role.
“Over the years, he has exhibited extraordinary leadership by example, not needing to take authority nor accolades for his efforts. He also has maintained the highest of personal and professional ethical standards,” Skibinski added. “With Dennis as a graduate of Moraine Valley as well as on the board and ardent booster of the Moraine Valley Foundation, we thought it was a natural fit to make an effort to supplement his good work with our scholarship.”
Kristy McGreal, executive director of the Moraine Valley Foundation, is delighted to add this scholarship to the list of those providing much-needed financial assistance for students.
“We are so excited to see one of our board members and a Moraine Valley alumnus be recognized like this,” she said. “Dennis has been a faithful supporter and advocate since graduating from Moraine Valley. Starting this scholarship is a wonderful way to recognize Dennis for his many years of service and his passion for furthering his profession.”
