Scholarships awarded to 16 team members at Oak Trace in Downers Grove

Sixteen team members at Oak Trace are receiving significant financial support to help continue their educations.

Scholarships for $3,300 each, presented to the students for the 2024 fall semester, were funded by residents and fellow team members of the senior living community in Downers Grove through the Lifespace Foundation.

A special celebratory event recently was held honoring the scholars. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization.

The scholarships can be used for a degree or vocational program that does not need to be related to a team member’s current role. Furthermore, the scholarships can be renewed.

“We have some team members who have worked in our communities all through college and applied for and received scholarships through the program for four years in a row. The impact you can have on team member scholars is incredible — and so appreciated,” said Lisa Dagher, director of gift planning for the Lifespace Foundation.

“Thanks to the generosity of our amazing residents, The Lifespace Foundation awarded scholarships to the following team members who aspire to further their careers through higher education,” said Keith Henderson, director of human resources for Oak Trace. “Balancing work and school takes focus, persistence, dedication and hard work. We celebrate these fine team members for continuing to serve while following their dreams.”

Scholarships this year are Paige Bingen, Natalie Cupial, Nuvano Preethi Rajan Jayakumar, Julie Kelnar, Brittany King, Melissa Messere, Emily Guzman Ortiz, Aleena Sajeev, Brenda Santos, Heidi Schultz, Yahir Servin, Anthony Simonceli, Giri Sooranahalli, Gisselle Tavira, Jimmy Torrijos and Kristin Weidner.”

Oak Trace Senior Living

Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove is set on more than 40 acres of landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant green space. Oak Trace has private independent living apartments, as well as assisted living, memory care, skilled care and rehabilitation. The Life Care Community offers guaranteed lifelong care with predictable costs. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization with more than 45 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com.