Soenksen earns second Taylor Scholarship to NIU

Michael Soenksen is the second recipient of the Dian and William Taylor Scholarship in Accountancy to Northern Illinois University.

Through the scholarship, Soenksen, a 2006 graduate of Illinois Valley Community College, will receive full tuition and fees for his junior and senior year at NIU as he pursues an accounting degree.

The son of Michael and Amy Soenksen of Ottawa met with Dian and Bill Taylor of Winnetka at an NIU Foundation scholarship reception in September.

The Taylors of Winnetka, both graduates of NIU and IVCC predecessor La Salle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College, established the scholarship to promote careers in accounting to IVCC students.

“Dian and I hope this scholarship will attract highly qualified IVCC students to pursue an accountancy degree from NIU and a professional career in public accounting,” said Bill Taylor. “NIU has one of the top Accountancy programs in the nation.”

Taylor retired in 2005 as a partner of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP and had served as a member of its Board of Directors, as well as that of its global organization, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. He served as lead partner to one of Deloitte’s most significant clients for more than 15 years and was a principal advisor in many of the largest corporate buyouts in history.

The former Dian Lechner is a member of the Northern Board of Chicago Youth Centers and led its Summer Fund, which provides camp experience to inner-city youth. She is also an active supporter of other youth and educational organizations in Chicago and its North Shore.

“Dian and I received a quality education from our instructors at NIU and IVCC,” said Bill Taylor. “Both institutions were invaluable in the success we have enjoyed.”

Dian added, “We’ve established this scholarship to show our appreciation and to encourage others to pursue careers in professional accounting. There is great opportunity in accounting for students who are willing to work hard.”

Ashley Ellerbrock of La Salle, an NIU senior, received the first Taylor scholarship in 2005.