2009 Annual Report

Chicago Scholars works to empower a talented,

academically ambitious and broadly diverse group of
scholars and helps them reach their potential.
Dare to Dream. Dare to Achieve.
In the last year we’ve undergone some changes at Chicago Scholars—we have a new
name and a new look—but what has never changed is our dedication to helping
Chicago’s first generation, underserved and low-income students achieve their dream of
obtaining a college degree and succeeding in their careers and lives.

It is only through the collective efforts of many that we can sustain this commitment. The
following pages contain hundreds of names—of donors, foundations, corporate partners and
volunteers—all of whom have made a contribution of their energy, time, intellect and financial support to help our
Scholars. You have a direct and positive impact on the lives of Chicago’s most deserving, academically motivated
students, and on behalf of Chicago Scholars I thank you for your support.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Karen G. Foley, President

At one time in our Scholars’ lives, applying and enrolling into college, let alone
graduating, may have been a seemingly impossible goal. Through Chicago Scholars’
unique programmatic and mentoring support, students are achieving 95% graduation rates
from four-year colleges of their choice. This impressive percentage is truly inspiring, but also
serves as a reminder of how sound your investment is in whatever way you support Chicago
Scholars. This program works, produces results and I am proud to play a leadership role as we prepare our scholars for
success in college and beyond.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your ongoing commitment and for the difference you make in the
lives of our Scholars.

Sincerely,

Cary J. Stier, Chair, Board of Directors

2
Board of Directors
Advisory Board
Mayor Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago
His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago
❝ Chicago Scholars was the perfect fit for me because
it was so much more than a scholarship that provided
Ron Huberman, Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Public Schools
Dr. Howard A. Sulkin, President, The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies funds. It gave me a network that would allow me to

interact with students and professionals. It ignited

DIRECTORS
my creative abilities and helped me create a personal
Gary Beu Matt Organ
West Monroe Partners Goldberg, Kohn statement that got me into some of the best colleges
Neville Reid
Rick Blair
Turner Construction Co. Fox, Hefter, Swibel, Levin &
and universities in the nation. ❞
Gary Caplan Carroll, LLP Derrius Quarles, Class of 2013, Morehouse College
(Development Chair) Kristin Robinson
Reed Smith Sachnoff & Weaver Young Professionals of Chicago
Jeremy A. Dobbie Jerusha Rodgers
Unilever Chicago Public Schools
Barack Echols James Rudwall
Kirkland & Ellis LLP Merrill Lynch
Karen G. Foley (President) María N. Saldaña
Chicago Scholars Duncan-Williams, INC.
Lee M. Gordon Manny Sanchez
(Finance Chair) Sanchez & Daniels
Mesirow Financial Timothy R. Schwertfeger
Reginald J. Hill Nuveen Investments
Jenner & Block Ami G. Scott
Laura Hlavacek Mayer Brown
Freeborn Peters LLP Rex Sessions
John Kavanaugh Winston & Strawn LLP
Ernst & Young Suzanne L. Shier
Joseph G. Lansing Chapman and Cutler Financial Data 2008 2009
(Program Chair) Anna H. Siegler
ORG Real Property Revenues $1,047,376 $1,881,294
Isabel Carter Stewart
Lyle Logan Cary J. Stier (Chair)
Northern Trust Deloitte & Touche Expenses $1,338,410 $1,188,683
Gregg Lunceford Kathryn Thomas
Harris Private Bank Freeborn & Peters LLP Net income ($291,034) $692,611
Robert S. Markin Ginger R. Wilson
Chico & Nunes LegalQuest LLC
Larry W. Martin Steven N. Wohl Net assets $1,974,480 $2,667,091
Nuveen Investments
Carlos X. Montoya Long term pledges $177,484 $141,000
AztecAmerica Financial Group as of December 31

3
 Overview of Chicago Scholars
The Problem
First generation, low-income and underserved students face
overwhelming odds when pursuing a college education.
80% of Chicago Public School students qualify as
low-income. The vast majority of college bound students are
the first in their families to attend college
Without a support network, fewer than half of
the students who enroll in college will graduate
The city of Chicago has almost as many college
drop-outs as college graduates
43% of top tier students in the class of 2009 enrolled
in colleges below their academic abilities
16% of Chicago Public Schools’ top academic talent in
the class of 2009 did not even enroll in college
The cost of a college education has risen by 24%
since 2000
S u p p o r t e d b y M e n t o r i n g a l l 5 Ye a r s
PHASE PHASE
1. 1I.
Senior Year of High School College Freshman/Sophomore
A Year of College Access Programming Adjustment & Retention Support
The results of Chicago Scholars’ unique mentoring and programmatic
support: 95% of our Scholars graduate from a four year college of
their choice
We Work to Find Solutions
Chicago Scholars offers research-based, data-driven solutions.
Through our 5-year program—from the senior year of high
school through the senior year of college—we provide students
and parents with the information, tools, unique mentoring and
programmatic support, as well as financial aid, to help them
navigate the college admissions process, earn their college degrees,
and make smooth transitions to careers or graduate school. Since
1996, Chicago Scholars has worked with more than 2,500 students
and provided over $2.5 million of direct financial aid, with our
college partners providing more than $25 million of scholarship
support.
Matching students with good fit colleges significantly improves
their chance of earning a degree, and for highly accomplished
low income students, matching with good fit colleges also results
in superior financial aid packages. While Chicago Scholars makes
grants to it students, we believe that money alone is not enough to
improve college graduate rates. Low income, first generation and
underserved students need a powerful combination of personalized
support, effective college consulting, mentoring while on campus
and enough money to earn their college degrees.
PHASE PHASE
III. 1V.
College Junior/Senior Transition
Career Exploration and Post Graduation Plans Career and/or Graduate School
4
The Impact of Match and Fit
on College Graduation Rates
“Match” means the student’s grades, coursework and ACT score
qualifies them for acceptance into a particular college, whereas
“Fit” factors in several additional considerations such as the size and
diversity of students attending the college, family dynamics, campus
culture, the nearby community and financial aid.
The New Chicago Scholars
Loan Center
The majority of our scholars receive adequate or in many cases
superior financial aid packages resulting from the comprehensive
approach we take to educate and support students by involving
parents, schools, colleges, mentors, scholarship organizations and,
of course, the students themselves. However, approximately 10% of

Students who attend good fit colleges are much more likely to earn our scholars continue to struggle with covering the cost of college.

a college degree and, for the most selective students, they are more As a result, and with a generous $2 million seed grant from an

likely to receive substantial financial aid. Chicago Scholars helps first anonymous private family foundation, Chicago Scholars opened a

generation, low-income and underserved minorities match to good fit low cost Loan Center in 2009 to help students close the gaps they

colleges. This, combined with mentoring and programmatic support, experience while paying for college.

are proven investments to develop the workforce of tomorrow.
Derrick was thinking of attending a selective Midwest
college in a rural setting. With a 3.8 GPA, AP credits and
a 30 ACT score this college is a good Match. However,
Students may borrow up to $5,000 per year with no accrual of
interest until up to 9 months following graduation, after which a
below market 3% annual fixed rate is applied. Additionally, the Loan
Center will have the potential to serve as a renewable source of low
cost funding for future scholars as loans are repaid, paving the way
for a younger sibling, cousin, friend or peer to attend college.

Derrick wants to live in an urban setting and attend a In concert with our existing programs, it is our hope that the Chicago
college that can offer him opportunities to pursue his Scholars Loan Center will play a pivotal role in helping give our
scholars the chance they need to succeed and earn their degrees.
interest in marketing and communications both on and
Breakout of Scholars Type of
off the campus. In this case, Northwestern or NYU may
by Ethnicity (%) High School (%)
be a much better Fit.

African Caucasian Chicago Parochial

American Public Schools
Other Private
Latino

Breakout of Scholars Breakout of Scholars

by ACT Scores (%) by GPA (%)

17-20 25-29 2.5-2.9 3.5-3.9

21-24 30-36 3.0-3.4 4.0+

5
New Partnership with
Chicago Public Schools
Starting in 2010, Chicago Scholars will begin a unique partnership
with CPS to provide professional development for college
counselors and improve students’ access to top colleges and
universities. The Launch College Access and Success Program is a
two-pronged solution that will add 250 select CPS students into
the Chicago Scholars program. Additionally, CPS will choose
30 counselors and college coaches to be trained in “Match”
college counseling through Chicago Scholars’ workshops
and hands-on interactions with top college admissions
representatives from around the country. Fifteen additional
counselors who have experience matching students to highly
selective institutions will also be selected to serve as “Match”
specialists. We are looking forward to beginning this collaborative
effort to help Chicago Public Schools’ students achieve their
college dreams and to help instill an even stronger college
counseling culture in every high school.
The Campaign for
Chicago’s Scholars
Since 1996, we have worked with over 2,500
students, enabling them to pursue their
dreams of obtaining a college degree. Over the
years, we have managed our growth without
compromising our quality of service, and what
started as a small effort to help a few kids has
truly become a social change agent in Chicago.
We are ready to take Chicago Scholars to the
next level and expand our proven methods to
a wider group of students. The Campaign for
Chicago’s Scholars is a community-wide,
call-to-action effort to foster a college-bound
culture in every Chicago neighborhood.

Working with partners across the city, we will

❝ Through the program I made friends and support over 700 students in 2010 alone and
was able to network, but most importantly
over 10,000 by 2016.
I was able to see myself as a leader and a
possible example for others. ❞
Karina Ramirez ,Class of 2010, Georgetown University

6
 2009 Honor Roll
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Chicago Scholars wishes to thank the following generous individuals for donating in 2009. Your thoughtful support helps us provide the
unique programs, mentoring and college access our Scholars need. Thank you.

Anonymous Edward Carey Steve Fenton Tim Hoffman

Bill Albin Matt Carrier J. Bradley Fewell Marilyn Huebel
Carl and Tammy Allegretti Dr. Warrick Carter Barry Fields Michael Huesing
James Allegretti Alan Channing Thomas Fineis Michael Huston
Joan Amore Rosanna Charbonneau Jeff Finlay Terrence Hutton
Richard Anderson Rajan Chari Karen G. Foley Linda and John Jamrozy
Joni Andrioff Jean Chick Timothy Foley Cynthia Jay
Gregory Anthony Brian Claire Stephen Fort Dan and Suzanne Kanter
Rick Arasmith Robert Clifford Janet Foutty Anthony Karmin
Kyle Bab Judy Comfort Gerald and Lorraine Franklin Shawn Kasserman
Douglas Bade Patrick Condon Howard Freidin John Kavanaugh
Carol Bailey Jeffrey Cox James Fritz Thomas Keefe
Robert Baird Colleen Creighton Brian Funkhouser Kip Kirkpatrick
Paul Barbour John Dalata Craig Funkhouser Denise Klecka
Nathan Bargar Michael Dalicandro Rose Gallagher Frederic Klein
Aaron Barlow Forrest Danson Sarah Garvey Karl Knecht
Phillip Barnett Lynda Dargis Paul Gaughan (Continued)
Queta Bauer Donald Davidson and Eddie Gershman
Cheryl Belles Maria Saldana Richard Gevis
Jeff Bergner
Kurt Berry
Matthew and Debby Davis
William Dexter
Jeffrey and Ellen Gilbert
Lynn and Abe Goldsmith
❝ This is a top notch program
James DeZellar that provides invaluable
Toby Bishop Alice and Donald Goldsmith
Rick Blair John DiCiurcio Bob Gordon information and service to
Thomas Borders Gary and Sally Dobbie Lee and Dana Gordon both students and parents.
Brent Boskelly Jeremy Dobbie Charlie Gregory I trust Chicago Scholars —
David Botset Frank Dodero James and Stacey Griffith
Bruce Bozich Michael Dolsen Margaret Grinnell I know that my child is in
Cliff Bregstone Gerry Dombrowski Herbert Guarascio good hands and getting
Peter Brennan T. Lawrence Doyle and Joel Handelman and
Nancy Wieboldt the right guidance she needs
Rob and Belinda Brock Sarah Wolff Handelman
Douglas Brown Thomas Driscoll Jim Hanig to succeed. ❞
Dean Buntrock Adriana Duenas John Hanlon Emma Villarreal, parent of
Bob Burnett William Eager Pete and Karla Harmon Olivia (Class of 2011,
Frank Buttitta Barack Echols Donald Harris University of Illinois – Urbana)
Terri Cable John Edwardson Leo Hart
Fred Cadena Seth and Rosalind Eisner Cameron Hatten
Rich Caffarelli John England Jerry Henningson
Kenneth Calvin Howard Engle Rich Herlin
Perry Cammisa Ric Estrada Dave Hilko
Sean Campbell Margarete Evanoff Steve Hill
Gary Caplan Candace Fabri Reginald Hill
Michael Caplan William Fahey Joe Hoff
Fred and Roberta Caplan Carrie Falkenhayn David Hoffman

7
(Individual Donors, cont’d)
Jack Koenigsknecht Debrah Oberkirch Rex Sessions Bradford and Carol White
Henry Kohn Robert O’Brien Jon and Lynne Shapiro Glen Wigney
Rick and Stephanie Koretz Timothy Ocasek Clifford Shapiro and The Honorable Judge
Susan Korn Scott Odahal Darlene A. Vorachek Ann Williams
Robin Kornmeyer Tanya Olson Donald Sharp Thomas Williamson
William Kottman David Parsons Brian Roche and Emily Sharpe Maria and Jeff Winter
Kathleen Krehbiel Jenifer Patras Joe Shelly Greg Winters
Susan Kurowski Kirk Patrick Brian Shevitz Mark Winters
Joseph Lansing Peer Pedersen Eric M. Siegel Joseph Wisniewski
Steven Laughman James Peltason Ralph Siegel Steven Wohl
James Laures Tricia Pemberton Anna Siegler Steve Wojanis
Cass Lawton Mark Perlow Melissa and Howard Silverman Alice Wunderlich
Edward Lee Marcia and Ronald Pinski John and Penne Silverman Jason Wyman
Joan Davis Levin Frank Polance John Simon David Yankee
David and Julie Levine Bill Pollard Stephen Sinwell Stephen Yarina
Betty Lindsey Thomas Prindable John Skawski Amy Yates
Steve Lombardo Penny Pritzker Ron Skwarek Matthew Yeterian
Donald and Myrna Lord Pat Pulido Sanchez Susan Smith Maggie Zellers
Todd Louderback Bernard Pump Jeffrey Smith William Ziska
Michael Lullo Sandra Pundmann Jerold Solovy Rita Zona
Gregg Lunceford John Raitt Ron and Kathy Sonenthal
William Lymangood Vince Rangel William Squires
James Lynch
Daniel Lynn
Mary Rauschenberg
Ernie and Julie Reinstein
Jeff Steinberg
Jeff Steven
❝ My experience with
Chicago Scholars was
John Marcheschi Leeann Repta Cary Stier
Robert Stone amazing — it’s truly a
Robert and Marci Markin Timothy Richardson
Craig Martin Mark Richman Marc Strauss supportive organization.
Tyson May Daniel Rizzolo Connie and Howard Sulkin From the Board of Directors
Michael Mayo Scott Robinson Mike and Michelle Sullivan
Tom Sullivan to the staff, everyone’s
Tim and Gretchen McCarty Brad Roeber
Quintin McGrath Richard Rogich Marcia Sutter committed to its mission. ❞
Patrick McKenna Daniel Rooney Scott Taylor
Aaron Garrett,
Mark McKenna Harry Roper Shundrawn Thomas
Ivan Meads Ady and Harry Rosenberg William Thomas DePaul University Class of 2006
Michael Melbinger Susana and Tom Roth Dana Thomas
Kevin Metke Larry Ruder Wolfe Tone
Mike Meyer Patrick Rule Timothy Toohey
Ella Mimo Peter Russell Jeff Totten
John Molloy Rive Rutke Terrence Traux
Steven Molo John Salata Lisa Trimberger
Laura Moran Joseph Saltiel Dan and Ramona Ustian
Harry and Harriet Morrison Manny Sanchez Anton Valukas
David Morrison Bernadette Sanchez Larry Verbelun
Fred Moseley Robert Sash William Vermaat
Gary Mroz Kathy Scherer David Voigt
Beth Mueller James Schlesser Fred von Rueden
Dan Mueller Steven Schreiber Charlotte Wager
Michael Mulvihill Jim Schuetz Doulgas Walker
James Mutchnik Frances Schwertfeger John and Carol Walter
Adolph Nachman Tim Schwertfeger and Sheri and Mike Warsh
Erica Nelson Gail Waller Karen and Ed Weil
Gary Neumayer Christopher Scott and Marc Weinstein
Kim Noah Pamela Jordan Rena Weyrauch

8
CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS and COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We are grateful for the support from our corporate, foundation and
community partners. Whether in the form of outright donations,
matching gift programs, providing internships, volunteers or talent
pipelines, we thank you for helping us in our mission to provide
college access and success to Chicago’s most deserving, academically
talented youth.
Chicago Scholars offers special thanks to our High 5
partners (in bold) who have committed to supporting
five students for five years with a pledge of $55,000. This
investment ensures that college bound students receive
a year of college readiness, a personal mentor, renewable
four year scholarships, access to summer internships and
career networking opportunities. Thank you for your
dedicated support of our Scholars.

Acosta & Skawski PC Cole Taylor Bank Jenner & Block Polk Bros Foundation
Advancing Via Individual College Bound Opportunities Jensen Reporting Pyramis Global Advisors
Determination (AVID) Condor Financial Group Inc. Kappa Leadership Institute Reed Smith
Program at CPS
Cooney & Conway Kirkland & Ellis LLP Reyes Holdings Inc.
Advocate Health Care
Corn Products International LadderUP Scorpio Rising Fund
Andrew and Alice Fischer
Charitable Trust Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund The Laramar Group Seabury Foundation
AON Deloitte LINK Unlimited ShoreBank
Ariel Capital Management LLC Ernst & Young LLP Lou Loiben’s Personalities Inc. Sodexho, Inc.
AthletiCo Exelon Corporation Lurie Comprehensive Studley, Inc
First Chicago Bank & Trust Cancer Center at Turner Construction Co.
Barnes & Thornburg highNorthwestern University
Baxter International Inc. Freeborn & Peters LLP United Building
Mayer Brown LLP Maintenance, Inc.
Best Portion Foundation GCG Financial
McCormick Foundation Urban Lab
Blue Cross & Blue Shield Goldberg Kohn
Mesirow Family Charitable Visanow.com
Blum-Kovler Foundation Goldberg, Weisman & Cairo Foundation
Harris Bank Winston &
Casey’s Food Mesirow Financial Strawn LLP
CHANCE Learning Center at the HighSight Mikva Challenge Womens Center OGM
University of Illinois at Chicago The History Makers National City Bank Young Professionals
Chapman and Intercall, Inc. Nuveen Investments of Chicago
Cutler LLP
International Baccalaureate optionsXpress, INC
Chicago Equity Partners Program at CPS
Peoples Gas
The Chicago Urban League International Truck & Engine
Perlman Family Foundation
CircEsteem ISAC

GIFTS-IN-KIND
“Goods and services” covers a broad array of items, but for hungry students, volunteers needing some caffeine or for any of the
many extra things required to accomplish what we do at Chicago Scholars, we thank you.
Anonymous Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House Naperville Country Club Steppenwolf Theater
American Airlines Hyatt Hotels NBC5 Company
Antico Posto Lettuce Entertain You Petterino’s Tommy R’s
Best Portion Foundation Enterprises, Inc. Penny Pritzker University of Illinois – Chicago
Deborah Brown Steve Lombardo Reel Club
Carnivale LUXBAR Tim Schwertfeger and
Chicago Equity Partners Bill Marovitz Gail Waller
Chicago White Sox Metropolitan Bank Scoozi!
East Bank Club Mity Nice Grill Starbucks

9
2009 Individual Volunteers
Chicago Scholars is indebted to the tireless efforts of our volunteers. Thank you for committing your time, talent and energy for our Scholars.

Nathan Atkins Ted Lorenzi

Helen Baker
Nancy Baker
Gregg Lunceford
Sheila Maloney
Scholar profile: Daniel Campbell
Bob Baratta Bob Markin Daniel Campbell has been interested in the power of persuasive advertising
Yaneth Bello Larry Martin
Gary Beu Mai Martinez since before he knew what advertising was. “My parents told me that when
Rick Blair Meg Massaro I was young I would always be fascinated with brands and logos and well
Jan Bomher Michael Mayer
Vicki Bunn produced commercials,” he says. Currently a senior at Columbia College
Kristine McKinney
Fred Cadena Isaac Metzger majoring in marketing communication with a focus on public relations,
Matthew Campobasso Lisa Minor Daniel is right on course to turn that fascination into a career: he works at
Gary Caplan Terese Molinaro
Norma Castregon Carlos X. Montoya Columbia’s Office of Student Communication, recently completed a special
Trelinda Clark Delacy Peters events internship in the fundraising and philanthropy outreach program at
Christopher Compton Andre Phillips
Gretchen Cooper Sarah Pickering the Northwestern Memorial Foundation, and plans to apply in the coming
Kelly Cusick Courtney Pike year to various PR agencies in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. “In 20 years
Earnest Davis Neville Reid I would like to work back in the non-profit sector as a philanthropy director,”
Will Dix Genita Robinson
Jeremy A. Dobbie Kristin Robinson he says.
Walt Draney Lisa Rowe
Barack Echols Justin Roy Daniel first learned about Chicago Scholars back when it was still College
Laura Eilts María N. Saldaña Bound. “I was caddying for a few donors of College Bound and they
Kimberly Enck Bernadette Sanchez
Kirstyn Fields Leticia Sanchez encouraged me to apply,” he recalls. “Honestly, I only knew about the financial
Sam Finkelstein Manny Sanchez assistance the organization would provide, but I soon realized Chicago
Jeff Finlay Timothy R. Schwertfeger Scholars is more than money we receive for school.” Indeed, the whole
Christian Foley Ami Scott
Karen Gersowsky Rex Sessions college experience was demystified for Daniel thanks to the organization’s
Lee M. Gordon John Shapiro informational sessions. “My successes and challenges were all forecasted
Laine Harper Suzanne Shier
Rhonda Haynes Anna Siegler during the workshops,” he explains, “from time management to staying in
Reginald J. Hill Brian Smith touch with loved ones to discovering who you are as a person.”
Laura Hlavacek Fred Snow
Jayne Hoffman Alex Spevack He also found benefit in a summer Career Exploration Series about
Rico Howard Isabel Carter Stewart negotiation, held at the Northwestern Law School: “It was awesome. I learned
Marilyn Huebel Cary Stier
Neal Jagtap Barbara Stone about the roles of power in our society and how one can influence others
Chris James Howard Sulkin by employing principles of persuasion to achieve the overall goal.” These
Courtney Jones David Sweas
Luke Jones Kathryn Thomas seem to be lessons well learned for Daniel, who intends to use his Chicago
Amit Joshipura Tiffany Thomas Scholars experience as a platform from which to reach a position of power
John Kavanaugh Charniece Tisdale and influence, but to keep the
Caroline Kelly Shaan Trotter
Stacey Kielbasa Derek Varona overall goal in mind as well. “I cannot
Marybeth Kravets Robert Vlach quantify what Chicago Scholars
Natalie Laczek Travis Watts
Joey Lansing Charise Williams has done for my college and life
Ghita Lapidus Ginger R. Wilson opportunities,” he effuses. “I cannot
David Laverty Sylvia Winston
Brett Lavery Jim Witz wait until I can write big checks and
Michael Lee Steve Wohl provide bigger time to volunteer for
Joan Davis Levin Christina Yotz Chicago Scholars!”
Ashlee Lewis Jessica Zhang
Marianyelli Lopez

❝ I originally volunteered with Chicago Scholars for a one-time event. I was so inspired
by the talent of the young students that I decided to support the program on a more permanent basis as a
mentor for the High School Class of 2010. Chicago Scholars does an outstanding job of aligning ambition
with opportunity, and I have found that helping the students on their road to success is an extremely 10
fulfilling experience. ❞ – David Sweas
 Our Goal: College Success
Because of you and your generous support, our Scholars currently attend or have graduated from these great colleges and
universities. Special thanks to our college partners (in bold) who participate in our annual October Onsite Admissions Forum.
The Chicago Scholars
Onsite Admissions
Forum is designed to
ensure that scholars
are matched with a
set of good-fit college
options by jumpstarting
the college admissions
process. Scholars
participating in the
Onsite submit completed
college applications
by September of their
senior year of high
school. Our programming
includes summer college
application preparatory
workshops which puts
scholars ahead of the
traditional application
process and admission
cycle. Before the first
high school bell rings,
our seniors have already
researched and applied to
5 colleges of their choice.
Alabama A & M University Illinois Wesleyan University Syracuse University
Amherst College Indiana University Tennessee State University
Antioch College Kalamazoo College Triton Community College
Augustana College Knox College Tuskegee University
Beloit College Lake Forest College University of Arizona
Benedictine University Lawrence University University of Chicago
Boston College Lewis University University of Colorado –
Boston University Loyola University Boulder
Bradley University Malcolm X College University of Dayton
Brown University Marquette University University of Evansville
Buena Vista University Maryland University University of Illinois –
Butler University Miami University – Ohio Chicago
University of Illinois at
Carleton College Michigan State University
Urbana-Champaign
Chamberlain College Middlebury College
of Nursing University of Iowa
Milliken University
Chicago State University University of Kansas
Monmouth College
Claremont McKenna University of Louisville
Morehouse College
Colby Sawyer College University of Maryland
Morton College
Colorado College University of Michigan
North Park University
Columbia College University of Minnesota
Northeastern Illinois University
Connecticut College University of
Northern Illinois University Missouri – Columbia
Cornell College Northwestern University University of Notre Dame
Dartmouth College Oberlin College
University of San Francisco
Denison University Ohio Northern University
University of Southern
DePaul University Pomona College California
DePauw University Prairie State A & M University University of St. Francis
Dillard University Princeton University University of Vermont
Dominican University Purdue University University of Virginia
Eastern Illinois University Purdue University – Calumet University of
Elizabeth City Randolph College Wisconsin – Madison
State University Ripon College Vanderbilt University
Elmhurst College Robert Morris College Wartburg College
Emory University Roosevelt University Washington University
Fisk University Saint Xavier University at St. Louis
George Washington University Sierra Nevada Wellesley College
Georgetown University Simmons College Wesleyan University
Grinnell College Southern Illinois University – Western Illinois
Hamilton College Carbondale University
Harold Washington College Spelman College Williams College
Harvard University St. John’s University Wright College
Hope College St. Mary College of Notre Dame Xavier University
Howard University St. Norbert College Yale University
Illinois Institute of Technology St. Xavier – LA
Illinois State University Stanford University
11
Scholar profile: Saajidha Rizvydeen
Saajidha Rizvydeen learned the meaning of “hit the ground continuing the
running” when she moved with her parents from Sri Lanka to practice of active
Chicago prior to her eighth-grade year. Five years later she was scientific research
valedictorian of her graduating class at Nicholas Senn High she began in high
School, captain of the tennis team, a member of the National school. “It is thrilling
Honor Society, and a gold medalist in the IJAS Science Fair. One to know that the
more year, with help from the Richter Scholar Program and research I am doing might help answer a question that has never
Chicago Scholars, and she became the first girl on her mother’s been answered before,” she explains. “The advisor of the professor
side of the family to attend college. who I worked with this summer just won the Nobel Prize a few
weeks ago, on the same subject of research we do in our lab,” she
“I usually find encouragement in knowing how far I’ve come
says, referring to the molecular biologist Elizabeth Blackburn.
in achieving my dreams,” she reflects, pointing out that her
“Pretty cool, huh?”
involvement with Chicago Scholars has paid off far beyond the
financial dimension. “It’s been so rewarding,” she says. “Every event, Once she finishes college in 2012, Saajidha will determine which

from the Onsite admissions experience to college speed dating, graduate degree suits her best—MD, PhD, or both. “I have equal

and just having very knowledgeable people to turn to when you passion in research and in modern medicine,” she explains, “so

need advice, has been a great way to get through college.” whether I’ll be a doctor or a scientist escapes me.” In terms of where
she’ll do her future work, at least, she is resolved: “I love everything
Now a biology major and chemistry minor at Lake Forest College about Chicago and am hoping I never have to move too far away.”
(with designs on a second minor in neuroscience), Saajidha is

❝ Parents don’t always have the tools to help you

and this program sets up achievable goals that the
students attain along their way. By the time they’re

a senior they’ve done all their homework and they’re

ready to go to college. ❞
Alex Torres, Admissions Director,
Michigan State University

12
 Congratulations to
Chicago Scholars’ Class of 2009!
Yaw Anyinam Jennifer Gipson Ericka Kroger
Boston College Denison University University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana

Rhea Banks Mallory Gutierrez Jacqueline Martinez

Washington State University-St. Louis Chicago State University DePaul University

Shannell Butler Kenshata Harris Loren Pullum

Chicago State University Columbia College University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana

Ja’Quilla Daniels Marquis Hill Michelle Scott

University of Louisville Northern Illinois University University of Maryland-College Park

Gerardo Diaz Rico Howard Kevin Smith

Morton College Grinnell College University of Notre Dame

Brandon Elion Lily Huang Sonam Velani

Northern Illinois University University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana Harvard University

Sandra Garcia Pierre King

University of Notre Dame Columbia College

❝ Chicago Scholars is one of the greatest

opportunities that I have ever had. Winning the
scholarship has meant more than receiving money
for college, it has provided me with a network of
social capital, useful workshops, and comprises a
group of intelligent, motivated students that will
remain my friends. ❞
Juliana Monsalve, University of Illinois at
Champaign-Urbana Class of 2010

13
 Mission Statement
Chicago Scholars works to empower a talented, academically ambitious and broadly diverse group of scholars and helps them
reach their potential, graduate from college and return to careers in Chicago. Over time, our hope is that this pool of future leaders will drive
exciting new economic, civic and cultural advancements throughout Chicago for decades to come.

STAFF
Karen G. Foley, President
Alex Gagnon, Associate
Linda Jamrozy, Mentor Manager / Summer Program Manager
Karolis Karalevicius, Associate
Meseret Negash, Director of National Partnerships and Programming
Christopher Scott, Director of Development
Carol Sharp, Student Programs Manager
Molly Whybrow, Intern
Michelle Zacarias, Intern

MENTOR AND COLLEGE PROGRAM

ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Will Dix, Curriculum Development
Marybeth Kravets, Professional Development
Bernadette Sanchez, Mentoring

In the preparation of this Annual Report we have tried

to avoid errors and omissions. If any are found, please
report them to the Development Office. If your name is
not listed correctly, please let us know so that we may
update our records. If your contribution was received
after December 31, 2009, your name will appear in the
2010 Annual Report. Thank you.

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Thank You!

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Chicago Scholars Foundation • 55 East Jackson Blvd., Suite 1010, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 784-3300 • www.chicagoscholars.org