2009 Annual Report

Chicago Scholars works to empower a talented,

academically ambitious and broadly diverse group of

scholars and helps them reach their potential.

2

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

Dare to Dream. Dare to Achieve.

Board of directors advisory Board

Mayor richard M. daley, Mayor of Chicago

His eminence francis cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago

ron Huberman, Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Public Schools

dr. Howard a. sulkin, President, The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies

directors

3

Gary Beu West Monroe Partners

rick Blair Turner Construction Co.Gary caplan (Development Chair) Reed Smith Sachnoff & WeaverJeremy a. dobbie UnileverBarack echols Kirkland & Ellis LLPKaren G. foley (President) Chicago ScholarsLee M. Gordon (Finance Chair) Mesirow Financialreginald J. Hill Jenner & BlockLaura Hlavacek Freeborn Peters LLP John Kavanaugh Ernst & YoungJoseph G. Lansing (Program Chair) ORG Real PropertyLyle Logan Northern TrustGregg Lunceford Harris Private Bankrobert s. Markin Chico & NunesLarry W. Martin Nuveen Investmentscarlos X. Montoya AztecAmerica Financial Group

Matt organ Goldberg, KohnNeville reid Fox, Hefter, Swibel, Levin & Carroll, LLPKristin robinson Young Professionals of ChicagoJerusha rodgers Chicago Public SchoolsJames rudwall Merrill LynchMaría N. saldaña Duncan-Williams, INC.Manny sanchez Sanchez & Danielstimothy r. schwertfeger Nuveen Investmentsami G. scott Mayer Brownrex sessions Winston & Strawn LLPsuzanne L. shier Chapman and Cutleranna H. siegler isabel carter stewartcary J. stier (Chair) Deloitte & Touche Kathryn thomas Freeborn & Peters LLPGinger r. Wilson LegalQuest LLCsteven N. Wohl

fiNaNciaL data 2008 2009

revenues $1,047,376 $1,881,294

expenses $1,338,410 $1,188,683

Net income ($291,034) $692,611

Net assets $1,974,480 $2,667,091

Long term pledges as of december 31 $177,484 $141,000

❝chicago scholars was the perfect fit for me because

it was so much more than a scholarship that provided

funds. it gave me a network that would allow me to

interact with students and professionals. it ignited

my creative abilities and helped me create a personal

statement that got me into some of the best colleges

and universities in the nation. ❞

Derrius Quarles, Class of 2013, Morehouse College

4

Overview of Chicago ScholarstHe ProBLeMFirst 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

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.

tHe resuLts of cHicaGo scHoLars’ uNique MeNtoriNG aNd ProGraMMatic

suPPort: 95% of our scHoLars Graduate froM a four year coLLeGe of

tHeir cHoice

PHASE1.

PHASE1V.

PHASE1I.

PHASEIII.

PHASE1I.

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

Senior Year of High SchoolA Year of College Access Programming

College Freshman/SophomoreAdjustment & Retention Support

College Junior/SeniorCareer Exploration and Post Graduation Plans

TransitionCareer and/or Graduate School

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.

Students who attend good fit colleges are much more likely to earn

a college degree and, for the most selective students, they are more

likely to receive substantial financial aid. Chicago Scholars helps first

generation, low-income and underserved minorities match to good fit

colleges. This, combined with mentoring and programmatic support,

are proven investments to develop the workforce of tomorrow.

tHe NeW cHicaGo scHoLars LoaN ceNterThe 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

our scholars continue to struggle with covering the cost of college.

As a result, and with a generous $2 million seed grant from an

anonymous private family foundation, Chicago Scholars opened a

low cost Loan Center in 2009 to help students close the gaps they

experience while paying for college.

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.

In concert with our existing programs, it is our hope that the Chicago

Scholars Loan Center will play a pivotal role in helping give our

scholars the chance they need to succeed and earn their degrees.

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,

derrick wants to live in an urban setting and attend a

college that can offer him opportunities to pursue his

interest in marketing and communications both on and

off the campus. in this case, Northwestern or Nyu may

be a much better fit.

African American

Latino

Caucasian

Other

Breakout of scholars by ethnicity (%)

17-20

21-24

25-29

30-36

Breakout of scholars by act scores (%)

Chicago Public Schools

Parochial

Private

type of High school (%)

2.5-2.9

3.0-3.4

3.5-3.9

4.0+

Breakout of scholars by GPa (%)

5

6

NeW PartNersHiP WitH cHicaGo PuBLic scHooLsStarting 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 scHoLarssince 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

support over 700 students in 2010 alone and

over 10,000 by 2016.

❝through the program i made friends and

was able to network, but most importantly

i was able to see myself as a leader and a

possible example for others.❞

Karina Ramirez ,Class of 2010, Georgetown University

7

2009 Honor RolliNdividuaL 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.

❝this is a top notch program

that provides invaluable

information and service to

both students and parents.

i trust chicago scholars —

i know that my child is in

good hands and getting

the right guidance she needs

to succeed.❞

Emma Villarreal, parent of Olivia (Class of 2011,

University of Illinois – Urbana)

AnonymousBill AlbinCarl and Tammy AllegrettiJames AllegrettiJoan AmoreRichard AndersonJoni AndrioffGregory AnthonyRick ArasmithKyle BabDouglas BadeCarol BaileyRobert BairdPaul BarbourNathan BargarAaron BarlowPhillip BarnettQueta BauerCheryl BellesJeff BergnerKurt BerryToby BishopRick BlairThomas BordersBrent BoskellyDavid BotsetBruce BozichCliff BregstonePeter BrennanRob and Belinda BrockDouglas BrownDean BuntrockBob BurnettFrank ButtittaTerri CableFred CadenaRich CaffarelliKenneth CalvinPerry CammisaSean CampbellGary CaplanMichael CaplanFred and Roberta Caplan

Edward CareyMatt CarrierDr. Warrick CarterAlan ChanningRosanna CharbonneauRajan ChariJean ChickBrian ClaireRobert CliffordJudy ComfortPatrick CondonJeffrey CoxColleen CreightonJohn DalataMichael DalicandroForrest DansonLynda DargisDonald Davidson and Maria SaldanaMatthew and Debby DavisWilliam DexterJames DeZellarJohn DiCiurcioGary and Sally DobbieJeremy DobbieFrank DoderoMichael DolsenGerry DombrowskiT. Lawrence Doyle and Nancy WieboldtThomas DriscollAdriana DuenasWilliam EagerBarack EcholsJohn EdwardsonSeth and Rosalind EisnerJohn EnglandHoward EngleRic EstradaMargarete EvanoffCandace FabriWilliam FaheyCarrie Falkenhayn

Steve FentonJ. Bradley FewellBarry FieldsThomas FineisJeff FinlayKaren G. FoleyTimothy FoleyStephen FortJanet FouttyGerald and Lorraine FranklinHoward FreidinJames FritzBrian FunkhouserCraig FunkhouserRose GallagherSarah GarveyPaul GaughanEddie GershmanRichard GevisJeffrey and Ellen GilbertLynn and Abe GoldsmithAlice and Donald GoldsmithBob GordonLee and Dana GordonCharlie GregoryJames and Stacey GriffithMargaret GrinnellHerbert GuarascioJoel Handelman and Sarah Wolff HandelmanJim HanigJohn HanlonPete and Karla HarmonDonald HarrisLeo HartCameron HattenJerry HenningsonRich HerlinDave HilkoSteve HillReginald HillJoe HoffDavid Hoffman

Tim HoffmanMarilyn HuebelMichael HuesingMichael HustonTerrence HuttonLinda and John JamrozyCynthia JayDan and Suzanne KanterAnthony KarminShawn KassermanJohn KavanaughThomas KeefeKip KirkpatrickDenise KleckaFrederic KleinKarl Knecht

(Continued)

❝My experience with

chicago scholars was

amazing — it’s truly a

supportive organization.

from the Board of directors

to the staff, everyone’s

committed to its mission.❞

Aaron Garrett,

DePaul University Class of 2006

8

Jack KoenigsknechtHenry KohnRick and Stephanie KoretzSusan KornRobin KornmeyerWilliam KottmanKathleen KrehbielSusan KurowskiJoseph LansingSteven LaughmanJames LauresCass LawtonEdward LeeJoan Davis LevinDavid and Julie LevineBetty LindseySteve LombardoDonald and Myrna LordTodd LouderbackMichael LulloGregg LuncefordWilliam LymangoodJames LynchDaniel LynnJohn MarcheschiRobert and Marci MarkinCraig MartinTyson MayMichael MayoTim and Gretchen McCartyQuintin McGrathPatrick McKennaMark McKennaIvan MeadsMichael MelbingerKevin MetkeMike MeyerElla MimoJohn MolloySteven MoloLaura MoranHarry and Harriet MorrisonDavid MorrisonFred MoseleyGary MrozBeth MuellerDan MuellerMichael MulvihillJames MutchnikAdolph NachmanErica NelsonGary NeumayerKim Noah

Debrah OberkirchRobert O’BrienTimothy OcasekScott OdahalTanya OlsonDavid ParsonsJenifer PatrasKirk PatrickPeer PedersenJames PeltasonTricia PembertonMark PerlowMarcia and Ronald PinskiFrank PolanceBill PollardThomas PrindablePenny PritzkerPat Pulido SanchezBernard PumpSandra PundmannJohn RaittVince RangelMary RauschenbergErnie and Julie ReinsteinLeeann ReptaTimothy RichardsonMark RichmanDaniel RizzoloScott RobinsonBrad RoeberRichard RogichDaniel RooneyHarry RoperAdy and Harry RosenbergSusana and Tom RothLarry RuderPatrick RulePeter RussellRive RutkeJohn SalataJoseph SaltielManny SanchezBernadette SanchezRobert SashKathy SchererJames SchlesserSteven SchreiberJim SchuetzFrances SchwertfegerTim Schwertfeger and Gail Waller Christopher Scott and Pamela Jordan

Rex SessionsJon and Lynne ShapiroClifford Shapiro and Darlene A. VorachekDonald SharpBrian Roche and Emily SharpeJoe ShellyBrian ShevitzEric M. SiegelRalph SiegelAnna SieglerMelissa and Howard SilvermanJohn and Penne SilvermanJohn SimonStephen SinwellJohn SkawskiRon SkwarekSusan SmithJeffrey SmithJerold SolovyRon and Kathy SonenthalWilliam SquiresJeff SteinbergJeff StevenCary StierRobert StoneMarc StraussConnie and Howard SulkinMike and Michelle SullivanTom SullivanMarcia SutterScott TaylorShundrawn ThomasWilliam ThomasDana ThomasWolfe ToneTimothy TooheyJeff TottenTerrence TrauxLisa TrimbergerDan and Ramona UstianAnton ValukasLarry VerbelunWilliam VermaatDavid VoigtFred von RuedenCharlotte WagerDoulgas WalkerJohn and Carol WalterSheri and Mike WarshKaren and Ed WeilMarc WeinsteinRena Weyrauch

Bradford and Carol WhiteGlen WigneyThe Honorable Judge Ann WilliamsThomas WilliamsonMaria and Jeff WinterGreg WintersMark WintersJoseph WisniewskiSteven WohlSteve WojanisAlice WunderlichJason WymanDavid YankeeStephen YarinaAmy YatesMatthew YeterianMaggie ZellersWilliam ZiskaRita Zona

(Individual Donors, cont’d)

9

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.

Acosta & Skawski PCAdvancing Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program at CPSAdvocate Health CareAndrew and Alice Fischer Charitable TrustAONAriel Capital Management LLCAthletiCoBarnes & ThornburgBaxter International Inc.Best Portion FoundationBlue Cross & Blue ShieldBlum-Kovler FoundationCasey’s FoodCHANCE Learning Center at the University of Illinois at Chicagochapman and cutler LLP Chicago Equity PartnersThe Chicago Urban LeagueCircEsteem

cole taylor Bank College Bound OpportunitiesCondor Financial Group Inc.Cooney & ConwayCorn Products InternationalDaniel Murphy Scholarship Funddeloitte ernst & young LLP Exelon CorporationFirst Chicago Bank & Trustfreeborn & Peters LLP GcG financial Goldberg Kohn Goldberg, Weisman & CairoHarris BankHighSightThe History MakersIntercall, Inc.International Baccalaureate Program at CPSInternational Truck & EngineISAC

Jenner & Block Jensen ReportingKappa Leadership InstituteKirkland & ellis LLP LadderUPthe Laramar Group LINK UnlimitedLou Loiben’s Personalities Inc.Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at highNorthwestern UniversityMayer Brown LLP McCormick FoundationMesirow Family Charitable FoundationMesirow financial Mikva ChallengeNational City BankNuveen InvestmentsoptionsXpress, INCPeoples Gas Perlman Family Foundation

Polk Bros FoundationPyramis Global Advisorsreed smith Reyes Holdings Inc.Scorpio Rising FundSeabury FoundationShoreBankSodexho, Inc.Studley, IncTurner Construction Co.United Building Maintenance, Inc.Urban LabVisanow.comWinston & strawn LLP Womens Center OGMyoung Professionals of chicago

corPoratioNs, fouNdatioNs aNd coMMuNity PartNers

AnonymousAmerican AirlinesAntico PostoBest Portion FoundationDeborah BrownCarnivaleChicago Equity PartnersChicago White SoxEast Bank Club

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish HouseHyatt HotelsLettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.Steve LombardoLUXBARBill MarovitzMetropolitan BankMity Nice Grill

Naperville Country ClubNBC5Petterino’sPenny Pritzker Reel ClubTim Schwertfeger and Gail Waller Scoozi!Starbucks

Steppenwolf Theater CompanyTommy R’sUniversity of Illinois – Chicago

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.

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.

10

2009 iNdividuaL voLuNteersChicago Scholars is indebted to the tireless efforts of our volunteers. Thank you for committing your time, talent and energy for our Scholars.

Nathan Atkins Helen Baker Nancy Baker Bob Baratta Yaneth Bello Gary BeuRick Blair Jan Bomher Vicki BunnFred Cadena Matthew Campobasso Gary CaplanNorma Castregon Trelinda ClarkChristopher ComptonGretchen Cooper Kelly Cusick Earnest Davis Will Dix Jeremy A. DobbieWalt Draney Barack Echols Laura Eilts Kimberly EnckKirstyn Fields Sam Finkelstein Jeff Finlay Christian Foley Karen GersowskyLee M. GordonLaine Harper Rhonda Haynes Reginald J. HillLaura Hlavacek Jayne Hoffman Rico HowardMarilyn Huebel Neal Jagtap Chris James Courtney Jones Luke Jones Amit Joshipura John Kavanaugh Caroline Kelly Stacey Kielbasa Marybeth Kravets Natalie Laczek Joey Lansing Ghita LapidusDavid Laverty Brett Lavery Michael Lee Joan Davis Levin Ashlee LewisMarianyelli Lopez

Ted Lorenzi Gregg Lunceford Sheila Maloney Bob MarkinLarry MartinMai MartinezMeg Massaro Michael Mayer Kristine McKinney Isaac Metzger Lisa Minor Terese Molinaro Carlos X. MontoyaDelacy Peters Andre Phillips Sarah PickeringCourtney Pike Neville ReidGenita Robinson Kristin Robinson Lisa Rowe Justin RoyMaría N. SaldañaBernadette Sanchez Leticia Sanchez Manny SanchezTimothy R. SchwertfegerAmi Scott Rex SessionsJohn Shapiro Suzanne ShierAnna Siegler Brian Smith Fred Snow Alex SpevackIsabel Carter StewartCary Stier Barbara Stone Howard Sulkin David Sweas Kathryn Thomas Tiffany ThomasCharniece Tisdale Shaan TrotterDerek VaronaRobert Vlach Travis Watts Charise Williams Ginger R. WilsonSylvia Winston Jim Witz Steve Wohl Christina Yotz Jessica Zhang

ScHolar profile: daNieL caMPBeLLDaniel Campbell has been interested in the power of persuasive advertising

since before he knew what advertising was. “My parents told me that when

I was young I would always be fascinated with brands and logos and well

produced commercials,” he says. Currently a senior at Columbia College

majoring in marketing communication with a focus on public relations,

Daniel is right on course to turn that fascination into a career: he works at

Columbia’s Office of Student Communication, recently completed a special

events internship in the fundraising and philanthropy outreach program at

the Northwestern Memorial Foundation, and plans to apply in the coming

year to various PR agencies in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. “In 20 years

I would like to work back in the non-profit sector as a philanthropy director,”

he says.

Daniel first learned about Chicago Scholars back when it was still College

Bound. “I was caddying for a few donors of College Bound and they

encouraged me to apply,” he recalls. “Honestly, I only knew about the financial

assistance the organization would provide, but I soon realized Chicago

Scholars is more than money we receive for school.” Indeed, the whole

college experience was demystified for Daniel thanks to the organization’s

informational sessions. “My successes and challenges were all forecasted

during the workshops,” he explains, “from time management to staying in

touch with loved ones to discovering who you are as a person.”

He also found benefit in a summer Career Exploration Series about

negotiation, held at the Northwestern Law School: “It was awesome. I learned

about the roles of power in our society and how one can influence others

by employing principles of persuasion to achieve the overall goal.” These

seem to be lessons well learned for Daniel, who intends to use his Chicago

Scholars experience as a platform from which to reach a position of power

and influence, but to keep the

overall goal in mind as well. “I cannot

quantify what Chicago Scholars

has done for my college and life

opportunities,” he effuses. “I cannot

wait until I can write big checks and

provide bigger time to volunteer for

Chicago Scholars!”

❝ 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 fulfilling experience. ❞ – David Sweas

11

Our Goal: College SuccessBecause 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.

Alabama A & M Universityamherst collegeAntioch CollegeAugustana CollegeBeloit CollegeBenedictine UniversityBoston college Boston UniversityBradley universityBrown UniversityBuena Vista UniversityButler Universitycarleton collegeChamberlain College of NursingChicago State UniversityClaremont McKennaColby Sawyer Collegecolorado collegecolumbia collegeConnecticut CollegeCornell CollegeDartmouth CollegeDenison UniversitydePaul universitydePauw universityDillard UniversityDominican UniversityEastern Illinois UniversityElizabeth City State Universityelmhurst collegeEmory UniversityFisk UniversityGeorge Washington universityGeorgetown UniversityGrinnell collegeHamilton CollegeHarold Washington CollegeHarvard UniversityHope collegeHoward Universityillinois institute of technologyillinois state university

illinois Wesleyan universityindiana universityKalamazoo CollegeKnox collegeLake forest collegeLawrence universityLewis universityLoyola universityMalcolm X CollegeMarquette universityMaryland UniversityMiami University – OhioMichigan state university Middlebury collegeMilliken UniversityMonmouth collegeMorehouse CollegeMorton CollegeNorth Park UniversityNortheastern illinois universityNorthern illinois universityNorthwestern universityOberlin Collegeohio Northern universityPomona CollegePrairie State A & M UniversityPrinceton UniversityPurdue UniversityPurdue University – Calumetrandolph collegeripon collegeRobert Morris Collegeroosevelt universitySaint Xavier UniversitySierra NevadaSimmons Collegesouthern illinois university – carbondaleSpelman CollegeSt. John’s UniversitySt. Mary College of Notre DameSt. Norbert CollegeSt. Xavier – LAStanford University

Syracuse UniversityTennessee State UniversityTriton Community CollegeTuskegee Universityuniversity of arizona university of chicagoUniversity of Colorado – Boulderuniversity of daytonUniversity of EvansvilleUniversity of Illinois – ChicagoUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of IowaUniversity of KansasUniversity of LouisvilleUniversity of MarylandUniversity of Michiganuniversity of Minnesotauniversity of Missouri – columbiaUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of San FranciscoUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of St. Francisuniversity of vermontUniversity of Virginiauniversity of Wisconsin – Madisonvanderbilt university Wartburg CollegeWashington University at St. LouisWellesley collegeWesleyan universityWestern illinois universityWilliams collegeWright CollegeXavier UniversityYale University

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.

12

Saajidha Rizvydeen learned the meaning of “hit the ground

running” when she moved with her parents from Sri Lanka to

Chicago prior to her eighth-grade year. Five years later she was

valedictorian of her graduating class at Nicholas Senn High

School, captain of the tennis team, a member of the National

Honor Society, and a gold medalist in the IJAS Science Fair. One

more year, with help from the Richter Scholar Program and

Chicago Scholars, and she became the first girl on her mother’s

side of the family to attend college.

“I usually find encouragement in knowing how far I’ve come

in achieving my dreams,” she reflects, pointing out that her

involvement with Chicago Scholars has paid off far beyond the

financial dimension. “It’s been so rewarding,” she says. “Every event,

from the Onsite admissions experience to college speed dating,

and just having very knowledgeable people to turn to when you

need advice, has been a great way to get through college.”

Now a biology major and chemistry minor at Lake Forest College

(with designs on a second minor in neuroscience), Saajidha is

continuing the

practice of active

scientific research

she began in high

school. “It is thrilling

to know that the

research I am doing might help answer a question that has never

been answered before,” she explains. “The advisor of the professor

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

says, referring to the molecular biologist Elizabeth Blackburn.

“Pretty cool, huh?”

Once she finishes college in 2012, Saajidha will determine which

graduate degree suits her best—MD, PhD, or both. “I have equal

passion in research and in modern medicine,” she explains, “so

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

about Chicago and am hoping I never have to move too far away.”

ScHolar profile: saaJidHa rizvydeeN

❝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

13

Congratulations to Chicago Scholars’ Class of 2009!

yaw anyinam Boston College

rhea Banks Washington State University-St. Louis

shannell Butler Chicago State University

Ja’quilla daniels University of Louisville

Gerardo diaz Morton College

Brandon elion Northern Illinois University

sandra Garcia University of Notre Dame

Jennifer Gipson Denison University

Mallory Gutierrez Chicago State University

Kenshata Harris Columbia College

Marquis Hill Northern Illinois University

rico Howard Grinnell College

Lily Huang University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana

Pierre King Columbia College

ericka Kroger University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana

Jacqueline Martinez DePaul University

Loren Pullum University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana

Michelle scott University of Maryland-College Park

Kevin smith University of Notre Dame

sonam velani Harvard University

❝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

14

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.

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.

staffKaren 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 coMMitteeWill dix, Curriculum Development

Marybeth Kravets, Professional Development

Bernadette sanchez, Mentoring

15

Thank You!

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