Sidney R. Steele Student Summer Award

Sidney R. Steele Student Summer Award
Dr. Sidney Steele began his life in Toledo, Ohio. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Toledo and later his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Ohio State University. As an adult, Dr. Steele married Harriett Nelms in 1944 and had two children, Janet and Harvey. Prior to coming to Eastern Illinois University to teach, he worked briefly for the Girdler Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Sidney Steele was a professor in the Chemistry Department teaching analytical chemistry for 28 years and served as department chair from 1967-1977. Following retirement, he returned to EIU and taught chemistry part-time.
In 1997, Dr. Steele established the Sidney R. Steele Graduate Summer Award. Dr. Steele expressed the importance of continuing education in the summer semester and having unique learning experiences. At the time of its origination, the award design was different than all others within the Chemistry Department. Since 2003, 8 students have been selected as recipients of the Sidney R. Steele Student Summer Award and have been awarded over $14,000. Dr. Sidney Steele passed away on November 24, 2007; however, his legacy and passion for education continue to live on through this scholarship.