At Oak Trace Senior Living Community in Downers Grove, service, compassion, and connection are woven into the fabric of a culture that uplifts and invests in people.
This spirit was on full display last week as 19 hardworking team members were awarded $3,200 scholarships each to support their continued education for the upcoming 2025 fall semester.
Funded by the generosity of Oak Trace residents and fellow team members through the Lifespace Foundation, these scholarships are a reflection of a community that believes in the power of education, growth, and shared success. The awards can be applied toward a degree or vocational program of the recipients’ choice.
One of the recipients, Paige Bingen, a student at Augustana College and a returning scholarship recipient, works in Oak Trace’s culinary department while pursuing her dream of becoming a speech-language pathologist. In a heartfelt message to residents, Paige expressed her gratitude:
“Working at Oak Trace has been a meaningful part of my college experience. Serving you all has taught me so much about kindness, patience, and the value of connection; qualities that will stay with me as I pursue my dream of becoming a speech-language pathologist.
Your support helps make my education more affordable and brings me one step closer to reaching my goals. Thank you for believing in students like me. It truly means the world to me.”
This year’s scholars represent departments across the community from concierge and culinary services to nursing and home health to concierge and culinary services.
2025 Oak Trace Scholarship recipients are: 
- Home Health: Akierah Pettigrew
- Concierge: Zahraa Jaleel
- Chaplain: William Eastwood
- Nursing: Hilani Staken, Jessica Guerrero, Tiffany Watkins, Jasmine McCoy
- Culinary: Paige Bingen, Ella Coughlin, Everette Lynde, Miguel Eumana, Dayana Flores, Gisselle Tavira, Bianca Clemente, Andrew Onagan, Emiliana Davila, Melanie Hernandez, Brenda Santos, Jimmy Torrijos
Last week, the community came together to honor these students during a special celebratory event, where their hard work and commitment were recognized by residents and leadership alike.
“Balancing work and school takes focus, persistence, dedication, and hard work,” said Keith Henderson, Director of Human Resources for Oak Trace.
“When residents invest in the dreams of those who care for them, it creates a beautiful circle of gratitude—where compassion inspires opportunity, and service is honored with support. We thank the residents of Oak Trace.”
Oak Trace is part of Lifespace Communities, a not-for-profit organization committed to fostering not only excellent senior living but also meaningful opportunities for its team members to grow and thrive.
This program is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with purpose and heart—supporting the journeys of those who make Oak Trace feel like home.
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 greenspace. 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.
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Contact: Wendy Foster
Company: IVY Marketing Group
Telephone: 630-290-9237
For: Oak Trace
Website: https://www.oaktraceseniorliving.com
