Durbin Announces Spring 2021 Recipient of the Ed Greelegs Scholarship Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced Morgan Hopkins, a recent college graduate from Chicago, Illinois, as one of three Spring 2021 recipients 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. There have been 14 Ed Greelegs scholars, including Morgan, since the program’s inception.
“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 – even in the midst of a pandemic where my offices are working from home – 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. Morgan is a talented, inspiring, smart young woman and her future in politics is very bright.”
“Working for Senator Durbin’s office has been one of the best experiences I have had in my professional career. It has been such an honor and joy to work on policy that I am interested in and for someone who believes in many of the same things that I do. I know I will be able to take everything that I’ve learned and use it to build a career to help people, just like Senator Durbin,”said Morgan.
Morgan was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. Her father sparked her interest in politics, as they often watched historical and political documentaries together. She would ask questions about the Founding Fathers’ intentions and how our government works. After graduating from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in 2017, she attended Howard University, where this past December she graduated a semester early. Morgan studied political science, history, and community development, and was also president of a community service organization called Revolt, Inc. Through this organization, she started a tutoring and mentoring program for the students of Cardozo High School and completed other service projects, including handing out meals and reusable water bottles to the homeless residents of the District.
Senator Durbin paid tribute to Ed shortly after his passing in March 2017. Video of his floor speech is available here.
-30-