THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – The Danville Area Community College Foundation is proud to announce that two scholarships honoring influential figures in Vermilion County history—the Mariah Vance Scholarship and the Cannon Brothers and Black Brothers Scholarship—have now been fully endowed. These lasting gifts are the result of the generosity and vision of donors Michael Eberhardt, Timothy O. Smith, and other community partners.
The Mariah Vance Scholarship honors the life of an extraordinary African American woman whose legacy spans from Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield home to the Danville community she helped shape. Born in 1819 and descended from enslaved people, Mariah Vance worked in the Lincoln household during the decade leading up to Lincoln’s presidency, caring for young Robert Todd Lincoln. After moving to Danville, she raised 12 children and helped establish two churches that remain active today.
With contributions from Michael Eberhardt, Don and Sue Richter, and Toby Baer Peck, the scholarship has reached its $10,000 endowment goal. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, a $500 award will be granted annually to an African American student enrolled full-time in general studies who maintains a B average and reads a provided biography of Mariah Vance.
Also fully endowed is the Cannon Brothers and Black Brothers Scholarship, which celebrates two prominent sets of Vermilion County brothers—Joseph and William Cannon, and John and William Black. Joseph G. “Uncle Joe” Cannon served 46 years in Congress, including eight years as Speaker of the House. His brother William was instrumental in Danville’s early business development. The Black brothers, both recipients of the Medal of Honor for their valor during the Civil War, went on to become respected lawyers and federal public servants.
Supported by Eberhardt, Smith, and the John P. Cadle Foundation, the $500 annual scholarship is awarded to a graduate of a Vermilion County high school who writes a 500-word essay on one of the four brothers. The student must be enrolled full-time and maintain a B average. The first award was presented to Faith VanCamp in the 2024-2025 academic year.
In addition to these scholarships, Michael Eberhardt and Timothy O. Smith are also the driving force behind the Van Doren Scholarship and Exhibit, honoring Vermilion County natives Mark and Carl Van Doren—both Pulitzer Prize-winning authors. The Van Doren Scholarship was fully endowed by Eberhardt, first awarded in 2024, and will continue to support DACC students in perpetuity. A permanent exhibit honoring the Van Doren brothers was unveiled in December 2023 near the DACC Library, showcasing their major literary works and contributions to American culture. Carl Van Doren received the Pulitzer Prize in 1939 for his biography of Benjamin Franklin, and Mark Van Doren was awarded the Pulitzer in 1940 for his Collected Poems.
“These scholarships are more than just financial support—they’re powerful reminders of the people and stories that have shaped our community,” said Tonya Hill, Executive Director of the DACC Foundation. “Thanks to our generous donors, students will benefit from these legacies for years to come.”
To contribute to any of the DACC Foundation’s scholarships, mail foundation@dacc.edu or call 217-443-8772.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties. DACC’s main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.
