Talon Supak’s junior year at the University of Illinois at Springfield ended on a high note this spring.

He became the first individual UIS student to qualify for an NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament and represented the UIS Prairie Stars at the NCAA Division II National Golf Championship in Denver in May.

Supak was born and raised in Washington near Peoria. He lived in Japan for three years until his sophomore year of high school, when he moved back to Illinois to play high school golf and earned a college golf scholarship.

Supak chose UIS because of the opportunity it provided him to play the highest quality competition available to him, but he also understood the importance of a quality education.

“The academics of the school were very enticing since I would be able to earn a U of I degree,” he said.

Supak enjoys UIS because of its size and class offerings.

“I am able to know and communicate with most of my classmates,” Supak said. “The faculty also respects and understands that I will miss class due to golf tournaments and they ensure that I am able to complete my assignments and keep up in class.”

Supak became the first golfer to qualify for nationals by winning his regional championship in Michigan in early May.

“It was a huge honor to represent UIS at the National Championships,” he said. “To be recognized as the first of what will be many teams and individuals to make it to nationals is a great privilege.”

As a lifelong resident of Illinois and a golf enthusiast, Supak said he has come to appreciate the state’s unique weather and seasons.

“My favorite thing about Illinois is the vast type of weather that we receive each season,” he said. “Applying specifically to golf, I felt that I have become a better player since I have played in all types of climates.”

After he completes his bachelor’s degree, Supak plans to remain at UIS for another year to take enough classes to be able to sit for his Certified Public Accounting exam. But after his education he would like to become a professional golfer.

Photo Courtesy of University of Illinois at Springfield Athletic Department

Millennium Park is a state-of-the-art public space in an urban area that showcases why Chicago is one of the world’s greatest cities.

Whether you’re a Chicago resident or a tourist, Millennium Park is a place you need to visit. Located in downtown, the park is an epicenter for entertainment, art exhibits, family fun and impressive architecture and landscape design.

Christopher Brennan is a painter based in Alton who draws inspiration from Midwestern towns and cities.

His depictions of everyday scenes evoke feelings of familiarity as viewers are transported to spaces seemingly part of their own memories. Focusing on urban and natural landscapes, his work is introspective in nature and provides imagery that allows the mind to wonder and explore.

When not painting himself, Brennan teaches art at the collegiate level, currently at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey.

If you are in Springfield and want to spend time outdoors, then Washington Park is a place you should visit.

Located near many gorgeous historic homes, this 150-acre site that’s named after President George Washington offers the opportunity to view nature at its finest. It’s a great place for a family picnic or a relaxing day in the sun.

With summer just around the corner, now is a perfect time for parents to start investigating camps for their children that encourage personal growth through the warm months. With a number of great summer camps all over the state there is no need to look far. Here are just a handful of unique opportunities Illinois has to offer.