Meet Aynur Namik, a 2023 Illini Dads scholarship recipient. Aynur was another of the 6 other students to be awarded this scholarship out of many qualified applicants. Read on to learn more about Aynur and her experience at the University of Illinois with the Illini Dads.

Major/minor: Integrative Biology Honors / EALC + Chemistry

Year of Graduation: 2023

Fun Fact: I can speak 4 languages

Favorite Campus Spot: The Natural History Building 

Tell Us About Yourself: I am from Algonquin, Illinois and love to cook, play frisbee, and learn new languages. I am a huge fan of the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family!

What activities are you involved in at the University of Illinois?

I am involved in the Pre-Dental Club, Food Assistance and Well-Being Program (FAWB), and the Champaign-Urbana Recreational Frisbee League. I also volunteer at the Crisis Nursery in Urbana. 

What are you hoping to gain from an education at the University of Illinois?

I hope to gain a strong sense of community with my professors and peers from different backgrounds. I have taken a wide variety of classes ranging from Korean to Biochemistry and it is amazing to learn from so many professionals who are experienced in diverse fields.

What has been your favorite experience so far at the University of Illinois?

Traveling to Southern Illinois for an Ecology lab course!

What are your plans for the future?

I am interested in becoming a dentist that will serve underrepresented populations in need.

Why did you decide to apply for the Illini Dads scholarship?

I initially heard about the Dad’s Scholarship as a junior via email, but applied in my senior year since I missed the deadline. My father is a blue-collar worker who has sacrificed so much to support my family. He has taught me about the importance of ambition and selflessness. I decided to showcase these qualities by applying for the Dads scholarship and helping decrease the burden of college tuition from my family.

How did the scholarship benefit you? Were there any specific areas that it helped?

This scholarship has helped tremendously with my rent and groceries. As a college student, it can be extremely difficult to balance academics, extracurriculars, work, and having a balanced diet! This scholarship has enabled me to focus strictly on my academics, extracurriculars, and purchasing fresh groceries to cook at home.

If you would like to learn more, click here. Applications for 2022-2023 scholarships are accepted between June 1st and November 21st. The Illini Dads is a nonprofit organization that donates lots of its funds towards banquets, grands, and activities that benefit the students, alumni and parents. They have gifted hundreds of thousands of dollars towards scholarships and grants to help students achieve their goals at the University of Illinois.