Duane Bonifer  |   Published March 05, 2022

The Ties That Bind

A Scots legacy, Trustees’ Scholar Madison Hieser was attracted to Monmouth’s strong sense of community.

MONMOUTH, Ill. – After hearing stories from her father about his memories made as a Monmouth College student, Madison Hieser is ready to make some of her own.

The Pekin High School senior has been named one of four Trustees’ Scholar in the College’s Class of 2026. Trustees’ Scholars, who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities, receive a full four-year tuition scholarship, worth more than $160,000.

MADISON HIESER: ?I was so drawn to the community aspect of Monmouth. ... And after going on a vis... MADISON HIESER: “I was so drawn to the community aspect of Monmouth. ... And after going on a visit and being on campus, I just knew I couldn't feel this way about any other campus. I just knew that Monmouth was right for me.”“Growing up, I of course got to hear some of his many stories about attending Monmouth, all fond memories,” said Hieser of Pekin, Illinois, the daughter of Tonya and Christian Hieser ’87. “I just remember what a good learning experience Monmouth was for him.”

Monmouth originally wasn’t on Hieser’s radar, until she met with Monmouth Assistant Director of Admission Olivia Diaz.

“I was so drawn to the community aspect of Monmouth,” said Hieser, who plans to major in history and educational studies to prepare for a career as a museum educator. “So I went on a visit. And after going on a visit and being on campus, I just knew I couldn’t feel this way about any other campus. I just knew that Monmouth was right for me.”

During her four years at PCHS, Hieser has been involved with a plethora of activities, including student government, National Honor Society and the varsity speech team. She also teaches Sunday School at her church, Pekin First Nazarene. Hieser also plans to be an involved student at Monmouth.

“I love the size of Monmouth,” she said. “I’m fairly involved with activities at my high school, and with Monmouth being a small college, it’s a community of people where there are a lot of great opportunities to get involved on campus with clubs and organizations.”

Although she had heard many stories about Monmouth student life from her father, Hieser said that the campus’ friendly and welcoming atmosphere also stood out to her.

“All of the employees I met there were the friendliest and most genuine people I have ever met, and that’s also something that really drew me to Monmouth,” she said. “I just felt safe there, and it was such an uplifting environment.”

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