02.08.18

Durbin Announces Spring 2018 Recipient Of The Ed Greelegs Scholarship Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced Angie Hines, a college senior from the Southside of Chicago, as the second recipient of the Ed Greelegs Scholarship Program.  This scholarship, open to students from Illinois or those studying in Illinois, is an opportunity for the students to receive financial assistance while obtaining a first-hand experience in Senator Durbin’s Washington, D.C. office.  The program was created in honor of Durbin’s former Chief of Staff who passed away in March 2017 due to complications with Parkinson’s disease.  

“Ed knew everybody in Washington by name and everybody knew Ed.  From Teddy Kennedy to the elevator operator, and the men and women who cleaned our office and polished the floor.  Even as parts of his memory were failing, his passion for politics never changed.  Ed is at peace now, but his influence remains with the lives he touched,” said Durbin.  “I’m excited to continue this scholarship program in Ed’s name and honor, to carry on his love of politics to the next generation by making the incredible experience of a Washington, D.C. internship possible for any Illinois student interested, no matter their background.  Angie is a talented, inspiring, smart young woman and her future in politics is very bright.”

“It is an honor and blessing to be the Spring 2018 Ed Greelegs Scholarship recipient; I feel like I make my family and community proud every day when I step into the office,” said Angie.  “Being a part of the Senator’s education policy team and attending hearings and briefings has been an eye opener for me and has made me even more passionate about educational equality.  I am elated to have the opportunity to intern alongside such great people and have a staff supportive of my growth and success.  Most importantly, I am grateful that I can be an inspiration to young, black girls from the Southside of Chicago.  It lets them know that you can do anything you set your mind to, regardless of the barriers you will face in today’s society.”

Photos of Durbin with Angie Hines are available here.

Angie Hines was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and spent most of her life in three communities: Roseland, Englewood, and Grand Crossing.  She is currently in her final semester of college at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where she studies Political Science and English.  On campus, she is involved with the Black Student Union, and has held the positions of Trustee, Historian, and Vice President collectively for the past three years. This past semester, she served as Senior Class Representative with Student Congress.

In the Holland, Michigan, community, Angie is a tutor for a non-profit program called CASA and a volunteer mentor with her church’s Rock Youth Ministry.  Her interest in politics stemmed from her passion for justice and equality. She plans to study Public Policy in graduate school and work in education policy. She will be the first in her immediate family to receive a bachelor’s degree.

In order to be eligible for the Ed Greelegs Scholarship Program, students must be a resident of Illinois or be enrolled in an accredited college or university in Illinois; must demonstrate financial need; must not be receiving outside financial aid for their internship; and must have demonstrated an interest in public service and the legislative process.

Ed Greelegs started working for Senator Richard J. Durbin in 1990 and served as his chief of staff in the House of Representatives and Senate for a combined 17 years.  Ed was a beloved member of the Capitol Hill community, and made our country better with his caring approach and dedication to public service.

Senator Durbin paid tribute to Ed shortly after his passing in March 2017. Video of his floor speech is available here.

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