Andres Lagunas began pursuing a degree in political science at DePaul University this past year as a Pullman Scholar. He has ambitions to help others throughout his life and believes that his scholarship from the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation will help him on his journey. He is seen above volunteering for his DePaul chapter of Habitat for Humanity. We checked in with Andres to chat about his first year of college and to ask what being a Pullman Scholar means to him.
Throughout my life, I have seen social inequality embedded in the community that has nurtured and raised me. It was embedded before I even knew it was there, and it was there before my family knew what it was and how it got there.
From childhood, I felt like I was, without choice, supposed to be a product of pain and violence. Growing up, I was ascribed as a “minority” without approval. I was put into a system that I did not know was in place and told that if I was lucky, I could one day make something of myself.
But I did not want to rely on luck.
I wanted to prove that I am not a minority because being a minority means that I am less than everyone else when I am not. As I progressed through high school I knew that I did not want to settle for less but rather I wanted to settle for more. I wanted my life to be as complex and fulfilling as my Hispanic identity. I wanted to know that life offers more than forced smiles. I wanted a chance at true happiness and liberty. I needed a chance to escape. My college was that escape.
DePaul University, to me, represents social justice. It has allowed me to represent its Vincentian mission and given me the opportunity to make something of myself, and that has meant more than what any fortune could denote.
My passions in life include helping others, uncovering the mysteries of the universe, and giving back to the community. That is essentially what I center my time around. Whether if I am helping out in the Habitat for Humanity Chapter at my school or teaching children the foundational literacy skills they need to succeed in their later years of education, I feel as though I am always trying to give back to my community. I aspire to make a change and unfold the untold chapters of my life, so I use my time as a way to make a positive impact and bring a sense of jubilation to someone else.
The first semester of college has been a time for growth. It has allowed me to explore my passions and interests while staying true to myself. It has granted me the opportunity to meet new people and experience things I did not even think about before. It has proved to be a time of reflection and a gateway to many future opportunities and career pathways. College, in general, seems so different from high school because it is greater in size and has many more resources. It develops the need for independence, allows students to be advocates for what they believe in, and ultimately themselves. Personally, what makes college much more different than high school is the availability to learn about nearly anything and learn about topics that are actually worthwhile and of interest.
I have grown as a flower does between the cracks of sidewalks. My potential to bloom has always been within me, but I feel as the Pullman Foundation has been the soil that has truly nurtured my potential and allowed me to present myself as a leader within my community. Being a part of the program has been a great benefit as it has aided me in being able to afford college as well as granting me the acquaintance of the leaders of our future.
Although several barriers have presented themselves in my life that try to keep me grounded to the lowest standards of life, the Pullman Foundation has taught me that I may lie upon the moons and stars if I work for it. Instead of teaching to settle for less, the Pullman Foundation has taught me to aim for more and go beyond that.
I am proud to be representing the Pullman Foundation because it continues to allow the creation for a better future for several people that are hoping to make their dreams reality. Truly, the Pullman Foundation has aided in changing my world and allows me to take further steps towards achieving the great mysteries of life.
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Since 1950, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has supported over 14,000 students like Andres with merit-based, need-based scholarships so that they may attend the college or university of their choice. Please join the Foundation’s supporters by making a tax-deductible donation in honor of scholars like Andres and support the Pullman Foundation’s mission of Keeping the American Dream on Track.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version=”3.0.92″ button_text=”Please donate” button_url=”https://www.pullmanfoundation.org/support/” url_new_window=”off” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#87171a” button_font=”verlag-bold||||||||” button_icon=”%%3%%” button_icon_placement=”right” button_bg_color_hover=”#eba921″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.92″ background_layout=”light”]May 21, 2018, Chicago, IL –Dr. George Gloeckler, renowned physicist, member of the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished professor emeritus of the University of Maryland, surprised the audience at the 5th annual Pullman Foundation Scholar Symposium, announcing that he and his wife, Christine, are gifting $50,000 to the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation. Dr. Gloeckler, who made the announcement following his keynote address at the May 21, 2018 event, attended the University of Chicago after receiving a scholarship from the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation, earning a degree in physics in 1960. He went on to complete his doctorate in physics, later using his expertise to design the instrumentation for NASA’s Voyager and Ulysses space missions.
Gloeckler’s inspiring story began during World War II in Odessa, Ukraine. By age seven, he was fleeing the Soviet Union with his family. When Gloeckler was 14, sponsored by a Chicago church, his family found their way to the U.S. Even with a limited grasp of English, Gloeckler excelled academically to the top of his class at Crane Tech High School (currently Richard T. Crane Medical Prep High School). To this day Gloeckler remembers his interview at the Pullman Foundation, and he treasures the letter notifying him that he won the scholarship.
“Now I’m here, and I’m able to give back, it makes us feel good to contribute to the organization that has made all of this beautiful life possible for us,” Gloeckler shared with the audience following his announcement.
“We are so tremendously grateful for the Gloecklers’ generosity,” stated Robin Redmond, the Foundation’s executive director. “Their story is so emblematic of what the Pullman Foundation—and the American Dream—is all about: the ability to pursue one’s aspirations regardless of where you come from or any obstacles that present themselves.”
The Gloecklers’ gift will be used to support the 2019 cohort of Pullman Scholars.
Endowed by railroad magnate George Pullman, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has been keeping the American Dream of education on track for Chicago-area students since 1950. As one of the oldest scholarship foundations in the country, the Pullman Foundation has ensured access to higher education by awarding $33 million in scholarships to more than 14,000 high-achieving students with significant financial needs.
To learn more about Dr. Gloeckler’s work, visit www.georgegloeckler.com. For more about the Pullman Foundation, visit www.pullmanfoundation.org.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”54px|0px|0px|0px”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|30px|0px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.92″]Gabriella (Ellie) Marino began pursuing a degree in psychology at Marquette University this past year as a Pullman Scholar. In addition to her studies, she has also immersed herself in plenty of activities in and around campus. She is seen above at her favorite place on campus: Marquette’s Joan of Arc Chapel. We checked in with Ellie to see how her first year was going and to ask what being a Pullman Scholar means to her.
I became interested in Marquette University because I had always liked the idea of attending a city school, but since I went to high school in Chicago, I wanted a change in scenery. Upon visiting, I fell in love with the school and I loved the close proximity to the city of Milwaukee. There is so much to do in the city, and I am grateful for the opportunities that this provides me. I was accepted into the Honors College at Marquette, and their unique program caught my attention, as well. Marquette University is a great school, and I know that I made the right choice!
I am involved in a lot at Marquette, and I try to make time to continue pursuing some of my favorite pastimes, which include reading, photography, and writing. I am involved in the Marquette University Band, and I love the opportunity to do something I am so passionate about with some of my best friends! Since I am so close to Milwaukee, I definitely love going into the city and seeing all that it offers. In doing this, I have been to concerts, poetry slams, and art galleries. This has been a great way for me to explore the city while also learning a lot about myself and others, and I look forward to doing it in the future.
First semester was truly a whirlwind of activity. There was a lot of adjustment, ranging from living in a residence hall to the amount of essays I had to write. However, I loved my classes and professors, so the transition was relatively easy. It was different from high school in many ways, but I primarily noted the change in independence that college brings. Now that I am in college, I have to completely organize my own life, whether it be signing important documents to deciding when to have dinner and what to buy at the grocery store. However, I absolutely love college and I am having a great time, and my first semester could not have gone better! Although it was hectic at times, I learned a lot about myself and the people around me, and I can’t wait for another seven semesters at Marquette.
I enjoy being a Pullman Scholar because it means that I am truly a part of something bigger. Knowing that I am a member of such an incredible organization gives me a sense of belonging and pride, and I feel very lucky to be a part of such a widespread community. To me, it means that I am involved in a society of people who all share a commonality and can learn about one another and experience college together. The Pullman Foundation has given me such a unique opportunity to communicate with such a diverse group of students, and I am so grateful for all that I am learning. I truly look forward to continuing my time as a Pullman Scholar, and I believe that it has given me so much potential for success.
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Since 1950, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has supported over 14,000 students like Ellie with merit-based, need-based scholarships so that they may attend the college or university of their choice. Please join the Foundation’s supporters by making a tax-deductible donation in honor of scholars like Ellie and support the Pullman Foundation’s mission of Keeping the American Dream on Track.
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When Nathaniel Rodriguez graduated from Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois, he decided to study electrical engineering at Washington University in Saint Louis. After being awarded a scholarship from the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation, he reflected back on his first semester of being a Pullman Scholar.
“During the final stages of the college search process, I was choosing between three schools: Washington University in St. Louis, Vanderbilt University, and the Colorado School of Mines. Each of them offered phenomenal academics and engineering programs, and generous financial aid packages and scholarships. Initially, those were the two biggest concerns: academics and finances. However, with those two satisfied by each of the three schools I considered, I began to look for community in each of the three schools. My final decision, however, ran counter to what most people typically choose a school for. It was a Friday evening.
“I was touring Washington University’s residence halls during their multicultural celebration weekend and passed by the central dining hall on the South 40, where many underclassmen students live. Projected on the wall on the outside of the dining hall was a game of Super Smash Bros. and about ten people who all took turns playing and having fun. One of the students had noticed me watching and invited me over to play. The community was welcoming despite the academic rigor. I wanted a school in which I could feel at home, and thus, my decision was made: WashU.”
“I am an avid video gamer, but I have also recently gotten into Arduino programming, as an extension of my passion for robotics. Since my sophomore year of high school, I have been heavily involved in robotics and electronics, and [I] have continued my involvement through hands-on classes, labs, and through extracurriculars. A personal goal before I finish college is to build my own miniature Raspberry Pi-powered arcade cabinet, as it bridges many of my interests: video games, robotics, computer programming, and hands-on building. I am also a certified Taekwondo black belt (approx. 4 years of practice and counting), I am learning the piano and have been practicing for about four months, and [I] have joined the WashU chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers as a First Year Representative on the executive board.”
KANSAS CITY, MO: Nathaniel (third from right) joined the WashU Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at the annual SHPE Career Fair.
“The first and most immediate difference between high school and college is the amount of freedom you are given. You are treated like an adult, and with that comes both privileges and responsibilities. You get to choose your coursework (definitively more so in later semesters than in your first semester, due to general education requirements) based on your interests. For instance, despite pursuing an engineering degree, I also had the space in my schedule to take a class on gerontology and a class in creative design; they’re fairly unrelated to my major but added much-needed variety to my course load, and quite frankly some of my favorite courses so far.”
“I believe that the greatest value in the Pullman Scholar community lies in reinforcing the idea that you are not alone. There is a lot of pressure in college: the workload is much tougher, you are immersed in a new community, and you are a lot more independent than you are used to being. This screams ‘I do not belong here,’ but the Pullman Scholar community says the opposite. It brings together students from underprivileged and first-generational backgrounds to give them living proof that you do, in fact, belong in college and that you will succeed despite the challenges that arise.”
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Since 1950, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has supported over 14,000 students like Nathaniel with merit-based, need-based scholarships so that they may attend the college or university of their choice. Please join the Foundation’s supporters by making a tax-deductible donation in honor of scholars like Nathaniel and support the Pullman Foundation’s mission of Keeping the American Dream on Track.
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A few years ago, I started getting mailings from the Foundation. I congratulate those who thought of calling on past scholars for present support. It is such a joy to see the new classes of scholars. At times, they feel like my siblings, at other times like my children or grandchildren: family, regardless.
Those mailings informed me that Foundation scholarships are awarded on both merit and need. My mouth fell open. “What?” I asked myself. “Poor families? But we were rich! We had everything!” And then I realized that the “everything” was having each other (despite all the losses of World War II), with paintings on the walls and books in the living room, with conversation, strength, and self-respect. I remembered that this kind of “rich” went along with having very little money. I used to buy an extra half-pint of milk at school (four cents, then), to bring home, so that my mother could have milk in her coffee.
My guess is that such riches abound among all the Pullman Scholars, even if the mix surely varies, and sometimes surfaces reluctantly and despite much worse tragedy and suffering than even we WW II survivor families knew.
I stitched together a good work life by doing anything available to earn a living (waiting tables or typing or running a duplicating machine), but always giving it my all-around best and looking to the next job to use more of my skills. While still in graduate school, I got a job typing for scientists. Boring? Dead end? Not at all. That ordinary job was how I found my calling as a science editor. I had planned on teaching Greek and Latin. Now, instead of merely presenting the beauties of language and the pleasures of thinking to a small number of students, I have clarified, corrected, and polished the publications of hundreds of scientists in dozens of fields, reaching thousands and thousands of other scientists and furthering their work also. I am a very good teacher, but I am an even better science editor. I’m glad in my choices: I have been of use.
All of which started with the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation, to me personified as John H. Munger. You gave me a scholarship specifically to Beloit College, which indeed turned out to be perfect for me.
What would I pass on to young scholars and recent graduates? Don’t take your own No for an answer. Have faith in yourself. Have faith in others. Whatever comes next in life, you can build on it. There’s no set path, but joy awaits you.
Gundega Korsts, Beloit College ’66, and her husband, James E. Holden are inaugural members of the John H. Munger Planned Giving Society. Members of the Munger Society demonstrate their commitment to supporting future scholars with meaningful estate gifts. Learn more about John H. Munger (executive director, 1958-1993), and the Munger Society.
Today, scholar alumnus Dr. George Gloeckler (University of Chicago ’60) is one of the most renowned physicists on the planet. Decades ago, a Pullman Foundation Scholarship helped launch his career when he entered the University of Chicago to earn an engineering degree.
There was just one problem: the University of Chicago didn’t offer an engineering degree. “So I decided physics would be okay instead,” he recalls.
Now he looks back on an awe-inspiring career filled with profoundly important contributions to physics. Elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1997, Gloeckler designed instrumentation for the Voyager and Ulysses missions. He has earned numerous awards, including an Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal from NASA and the prestigious Space Science Award from the international COSPAR.
Gloeckler’s inspiring story began during World War II in Odessa, Ukraine. By age seven, he was fleeing the Soviet Union with his family. When Gloeckler was 14, sponsored by a Chicago church, his family found their way to the U.S.
To this day Gloeckler remembers his interview at the Pullman Foundation, and he treasures the letter notifying him that he won the scholarship.
He also recalls the moment he met Christine Jumbalo ‘60, a fellow Pullman Scholar and University of Chicago mathematics student. The couple soon wed and as they planned their future, would often seek the advice of the Foundation staff, who they revered as family. “The Pullman Foundation was like a rich uncle to me – a hand held out to help me pull through rough times, not only financially but personally as well,” Chris recalls.
“Now I’m here, and I’m able to give back,” he continues. “It makes us feel good to contribute to the society that has made all of this beautiful life possible for us.”
The Gloecklers were among the first alumni to contribute when the Foundation began accepting donations, and they remain loyal and generous friends of the Foundation. “If not for the Pullman Foundation and my loving relationship with Chris, I would not be leading the life I have today,” says Gloeckler. “They have both made a monumental impact.”
The “ripple effect” – the ability of one person to impact the life another – starts with you and your commitment to supporting Pullman Scholars. Please consider a gift to the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation so that like George and Christine Gloeckler, we can help today’s scholars achieve their American Dream.
Dejah Powell (Cornell University ’18) is a college senior, but she’s already made a difference in the world that people twice her age only dream of. She credits the Pullman Foundation for much of her success. “My Pullman Foundation Scholarship is transformative,” she says. “It’s given me the freedom to focus on my academics and do what I need to do.”
Powell will graduate from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York this spring with a major in environmental and sustainability science. Over the past four years, in addition to managing a heavy course load, she has studied abroad and worked in the prestigious Hunter R. Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar Program (her current research focuses on Chicago food deserts).
For most students, those projects would be more than enough to juggle. But in March 2016, Powell also established her own non-profit, Get Them to the Green, to bring environmental education to children on the south side of Chicago. Powell organized a one-week camp for elementary school students. She planned the entire curriculum; invited and scheduled speakers; and arranged field trips so that campers could better understand issues like environmental justice and climate change. “It was a lot of work,” she admits. “Now I respect my teachers even more!”
This past summer, she and fellow scholar Ana Hernandez (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ’18) presented a session to their fellow Pullman Scholars about change-making at this year’s symposium. “I wanted to help other students be the change they want to see in the world,” she explains. “It can be pretty daunting to figure out how to move from having an idea and feeling strongly about something, to knowing what to do about it.”
After college Powell hopes to volunteer as a garden educator while working with a political consultancy in Chicago. “Whatever I do, I know I’ll be socially engaged,” she says.
“That’s one reason I’m so grateful to the Pullman Foundation,” she continues. “My scholarship has given me the freedom to follow my passion. I know I can pursue the work I love without worrying about paying off a massive student debt. I feel incredibly blessed and honored to be a Pullman Scholar and a part of the Pullman Foundation family.”
The “ripple effect” – the ability of one person to impact the life another – starts with you and your commitment to supporting Pullman Scholars. Please consider a gift to the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation so that like Dejah, we can help many more Chicago-area young people attend college and pursue their American Dream.
Making College Dreams a Reality for 118 Chicago-Area College Students.
As an estimated 20 million college students across the nation start fall classes, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation announces its commitment to investing $1 million in scholarships and education supports for the 98 renewing and 20 new 2017-2018 Pullman Scholar Cohort.
Rooted in Chicago since 1950, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation is a private operating foundation that has invested more than $33 million in Chicago-area students who aspire to earn a college degree. The Foundation helps change the trajectory of young peoples’ lives each year by providing merit-based, need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. Along with scholarships, the Foundation also offers scholars educational support and access to a wide network of more than 14,000 Pullman Scholar Alumni ready to help current scholars in their college journey and beyond.
“The Pullman Foundation has a rich history of supporting the brightest young people from diverse communities in the Chicago-area,” says Robin Redmond, executive director of the Foundation. “We see first-hand how earning a college degree positively affects our scholars, their families, and even their communities. It’s a ripple effect that continues for decades.”
Approximately 700 young people applied to become Pullman Scholars this year. The highly competitive selection process requires applicants to have minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate strong leadership skills and community involvement.
The 2017-2018 Pullman Scholar Cohort consists of 118 Pullman Scholars who are attending 54 different colleges across the nation, such as Howard University, Illinois University at Urbana-Champaign, Yale University, and Stanford University. The 68th Class of Pullman Scholars were selected in May and are pursuing degrees at 17 different colleges in some of the most in-demand fields, including engineering, international policy, and medicine.
The Foundation’s scholarship application opens in early November 2017 and will be available online until February 2018. Candidates interested in learning more about eligibility and the application process should visit www.pullmanfoundation.org/apply.
68th Class of Pullman Scholars – Class of 2021
| Alexandra Abbey, graduate of University of Chicago Laboratory School, New York University
John Anderson, graduate of Southland College Prep, University of Pennsylvania Ayana Blair, graduate of Wheeling High School, Illinois Wesleyan University Jenna Bostick, graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Grand Valley State University Ezenna Chukwujioke-Madu, graduate of Hillcrest High School, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Rafael Curran, graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep University of Notre Dame Malcolm Fox, graduate of Wendell Phillips Academy, Wesleyan University Alije Kaleshi, graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep, University of Southern California Andres Lagunas, graduate of Hubbard High School, DePaul University Diana Lam, graduate of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Middlebury College Cyrus Lau, graduate of Kenwood Academy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Gabriella Marino, graduate of Marist High School, Marquette University Adriana Martinez, graduate of Lane Technical College Prep High School, Carnegie Mellon University Alexandria Nwarache, graduate of Rich East High School, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Juhi Patel, graduate of East Leyden High School, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Alondra Ramos, graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School, University of San Francisco Nathaniel Rodriguez, graduate of Maine Township High School District 207 West, Washington University in St. Louis Austin Schelfhout, graduate of William Fremd High School, Bradley University Jaime Sosa, graduate of Instituto of Health and Sciences Career Academy, University of Illinois at Chicago Skyler Thompson, graduate of Thornton Fractional North High School, DePaul University |
Executive Director Robin Redmond published an Op-Ed to the Chicago Sun-Times after Maryland passed a law banning scholarship displacement by public universities.
“Some displacement defenders say they need to recapture financial aid resources to disburse it to other students with financial need,” says Redmond. “But the logic here is off and is exactly the opposite of how the real world we are preparing these young people for works.”
Scholarship displacement has been a reoccurring issue for scholars since the 1980s and most likely before.
Read the Op-Ed in its entirety here.
Scholarship displacement in Illinois is becoming a topic of interest. After the Foundation’s Op-Ed was published in the Chicago Sun-Times, Illinois Public Media contacted Executive Director Robin Redmond for a follow-up interview.
Pullman Scholar Julissa Garcia, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2018, joined Executive Director Robin Redmond for an interview on The 21st Show, an Illinois Public Media show, to share what happens when Illinois scholars are awarded financial aid and external scholarships.
Listen to the entire episode here or listen to our 15-minute interview below.
We are excited to announce Pullman Scholar Alumna Pamela Bloomquist, Rockford College, 1974, as our Fourth Annual Pullman Scholar Symposium keynote speaker!
Pamela is the Assistant Dean, Admissions and Financial Aid at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a very active volunteer with the Foundation. When the Foundation began planning the first Annual Pullman Scholar Symposium in 2014, she joined the planning committee and volunteered to be presenter for the financial literacy session for the incoming Pullman Scholars.
To many, she is one of the first Pullman Scholar Alumni they meet. Whether it be at their first Pullman Scholar Symposium or being interviewed to be a scholar during the application process, Pamela’s warm personality, knowledge, and passion for our mission show what it is like to be in the Pullman Scholar Community.
Join us at the Fourth Annual Pullman Scholar Symposium to hear Pamela’s take on our theme: Live Your Best Life. It’s sure to be a great speech! Learn more about the symposium here.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of a beloved Pullman Scholar Alumnus’s passing, Thomas Meagher. Thomas, affectionately known as Tom in the Pullman Foundation office and to other Pullman Scholars, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in his home.
Tom is the epitome of a Pullman Scholar. Tom received his Pullman Foundation Scholarship in 1962 and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an engineering mechanics major. He went on to work at Caterpillar, Inc. for 41 years before retiring.
After retiring he volunteered his time by helping the Foundation. He volunteered for the Pullman Scholar Selection Committee and the annual Pullman Scholar Symposium; he met with recent grads to help them with their job hunt; he volunteered to go on camera to share his Pullman Story, and he met with Foundation staff to share ideas on how to grow the scholarship and Foundation. His contributions to our mission and our scholars are invaluable and we will greatly miss seeing his smile and receiving his guidance and support.
Tom often said “For me, the value of the scholarship was incalculable. No Pullman Scholarship, no U of I; no U of I, no Caterpillar. It was fortuitous that I got that scholarship.”
“In actuality, it is the Foundation and the Pullman Scholar Community who are fortunate to have been a part of the life of such a wonderful and gracious man,” says Robin Redmond, executive director. “Tom and his wife Joan epitomize characteristics of a Pullman Scholar. He will be greatly missed.”
If you would like to share a memory or send best regards to the Meagher family we would be happy to forward them via email on your behalf. Please click here to send your email.
You can find his obituary here.
Today is the last day of Pullman Women in Math and our Pullman Foundation Women in STEM campaign. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and resources for making this campaign possible. If you missed any of the posts, you can find links to each career field here.
But for Math lovers, check out the following organizations for support and the latest information about your field.
The Mathematical Association of America is the largest professional society that focuses on mathematics accessible at the undergraduate level. Their members are universities, colleges, and high school teachers; graduate and undergraduate students; pure and applied mathematicians; computer scientists; statisticians; and many others in academia, government, business, and industry. They support research, professional development (they provide resources), public policy, and industry appreciation. They have six categories of memberships and for college students it’s only $34 for the entire year!
This organization supports math teachers, but it’s also a great resource for journals and research. They also have a membership for college students who are interested in going into math education.
AWM represents a broad spectrum of the mathematical community from the United States and around the world; 3000 female and male members. It offers a mentor program, grants, scholarships, lectures, prizes and more.
If you are a member of other notable Math organizations, please let us know so we can share them.
Pullman Scholar Sarah Dickey, Elmhurst College, ’20, shares her absolute love of her major, Math!
Math classes were my favorite thing in high school, and equations and graphs always made sense. So to me, it was obvious to pursue a degree based in my interests and in what made sense to me: Mathematics. Even though I’m only a freshman, I’m already involved in the Math community, and I absolutely love it.
The experiences I have had in my Math classes alone have been wonderful. Last semester in my Calculus 2 class, I found friendship in many of the other women Math majors. We formed a study group with a few others and it made me feel at home. While my class was split pretty even between guys and women last semester, my current class is all female except for one guy. Even the professor is a woman. And I’ve got to say, I love my professor. She is really amazing and knows what she is talking about and was incredibly excited to see so many women in her class. It honestly makes me happy, too. The amount of people who look surprised or scoff at me when I tell them I am a Mathematics major is too many to count. I don’t want to be asked, “Wow, that’s really hard. Are you sure you want to do that?” I want to be encouraged and accepted for my passion, and I think the world is slowly on the way to believing that.
Because I’m a STEM major, I have the opportunity to be involved with an on-campus organization called KEYSTONE. Through this program, I have the option of taking different classes, as well as participating and applying for some really cool things. So far, I have taken two of these classes. One was a freshman-year-seminar based on Math, and the other was a freshman research class. For the research class, I was able to conduct an independent psychology experiment with a small group of students. While I worked on much of it, I was enthralled to be working with the data and all the stats that were collected. Not only was this a valuable experience, but I got to present my research at an honors undergraduate research conference last month. I was also able to get a job working with a faculty member from the Mathematics department to help with their own research over the summer. These opportunities have made my love of Math grow deeper because the more I get involved and understand, the more I want to know. It seems like Math will be a never-ending learning process, and I can’t wait for the journey to continue throughout the rest of my life.
I’m absolutely in love with the subject that I’m studying, and it has been incredibly rewarding to advance my knowledge and broaden my perspective on Math. I recommend others to try this path as well, even if it’s only for one class. It has made my life so much better, and I want others to know that it’s a possibility, too.
Pullman Scholar Alumna Kristen Schreck, Illinois Institute of Technology, ’87, shares her experience in Math and how she’s teaching future mathematicians.
My love of mathematics and physics was inspired by my professors. In high school, my parents brought me to our local library to research careers. It was there that I discovered Electrical Engineering (EE). Soon after, I met some engineering students to learn more about the profession.
While at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology), I was fortunate to be part of a group of young women who were engineering majors. We developed projects for the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) summer program at IIT for young girls. It provided the opportunity for young girls to see that their educational and career possibilities have no bounds.
After graduating from IIT with a B.S.E.E., I worked at Sargent & Lundy, LLC in Chicago as an Electrical Project Engineer on a nuclear power plant project. The work was exciting and challenging. However, in my heart, I knew I wanted to further my studies and teach someday. I thought that being a professor would be the ultimate job. Different events and some very instrumental people came into my life which led me to graduate school at UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) where I earned an M.S. and a Doctorate in Arts (D.A.) in Mathematics.
Learning mathematics has been my infinite quest that has culminated in guiding students to discover its secrets. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor at Saint Xavier University and advisor to the Archimedeans Math Club. As a member of the Leadership Team for the Southwest Chicago Math Teachers’ Circle, I collaborate with local college faculty and middle school/high school math teachers on challenging and interesting math problems.
Kristen’s students from her Multivariable Calculus course last fall in which 3D printing was introduced.
One of my most important teaching endeavors is to bring the mathematics to life for my students. Last summer, I became an Ultimaker 3D Printing Education Pioneer and was awarded an Ultimaker 2+ 3D printer for my courses. I have written lessons incorporating 3D printing into my Multivariable Calculus curriculum. To see students hold and investigate surfaces they designed and 3D printed using the mathematics was amazing! In my Modern Geometry course, students will model and 3D print constructive geometric solids and my Senior Seminar student will be designing and printing 3D models related to manufacturing from the theory of Lagrange Multipliers with business applications. My goal is to develop a service project for students to use 3D printing to help communities.
Being a woman in engineering and mathematics has been a most fulfilling experience for me. Follow your passion, use your talents to the best of your ability – always keeping that focus – and have faith that what you are doing is good work. Ever since I was ten years old, I’ve had a fascination with Albert Einstein. My advice to math majors comes from Einstein, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” It’s all about persistence, perseverance, and using your prior knowledge and experience when working on math problems. It’s also very helpful to work on problems together with fellow students. Get to know your mathematics faculty. Math teachers love working on problems with students in and out of class – it’s why we chose this profession!
Math, the last part of STEM, and the base to a lot of the aforementioned fields is another field with a shortage of women. If you think about it, all of the other fields use Math in some way, so there are more female mathematicians out there, but not necessarily with that title.
The Pullman Foundation has 228 female Mathematicians in the Pullman Scholar Community, 12% of our women in STEM. Each decade there have been fewer and fewer math majors, but they’re doing exciting things. This week, you’ll meet Pullman Scholar Alumna Kristen Schreck who is teaching calculus with 3D printing at Saint Xavier University and Pullman Scholar Sarah Dickey who shares her love of Math.
If you’re in Math and would like to share your experience or organizations that support your career, please contact Katie Desir .
We hope our Women in Engineering podcast series inspired you! Engineering is a field that will take you to many places; space, across the country, and behind “mahogany desks.” To get involved or support in the engineering field, consider be a part of one of these organizations.
The EngineerGirl website, provided by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), brings national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. You can “meet” real-life female engineers and read their profiles, learn about clubs and programs, compete in contests, apply for scholarships, ask engineers questions and more!
SWE started in 1950 (just like us!) and is a global organization with more than 30,000 members. They offer an annual conference, awards, scholarships, and a great learning center on their website full of ebooks, podcasts, and more!
IEEE is the trusted “voice” for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe.
If you know of any other organizations worth mentioning, please let us know!
Pullman Scholar Julissa Garcia, University of Illinois at Chicago, Class of 2018, interviews Pullman Scholar Alumna Valarie King-Bailey, University of Wisconsin- Madison, ’82, and CEO of OnShore Technology, about being a CEO, how to be a success & more! This is the third episode of a three-part series focusing on female engineers. To listen to other podcasts, click here.
Pullman Scholar Julissa Garcia, University of Illinois at Chicago, Class of 2018, interviews Pullman Scholar Alumna Valarie King-Bailey, University of Wisconsin- Madison, ’82, and CEO of OnShore Technology, about being a woman in Engineering, facing adversities & more! This is the second episode of a three-part series focusing on female engineers. To listen to the first episode, click here.
Pullman Scholar Julissa Garcia, University of Illinois at Chicago, ’18, interviews Pullman Scholar Alumna Valarie King-Bailey, University of Wisconsin- Madison, ’82, and CEO of OnShore Technology, about how she found engineering, what it means to be an engineer & more! This is the first episode of a three-part series focusing on female engineers.
Pullman Scholar Alumna Valarie King-Bailey, University of Wisconsin – Madison, ’82, summed up the importance of engineers perfectly, “look around you, everything around you is courtesy of an engineer.” The air we breathe, the roads we travel on, the water we drink; an engineer has done something with it. With that in mind, the Foundation is proud of the 13% of Pullman Women in STEM (around 250) who study or studied some type of engineering. We have seven current female engineer scholars, and we are excited to see where their studies take them.
There are four main branches of engineering with hundreds of specialties. Pullman Women have majored in around 18 different types of engineering; chemical (52), general (47), mechanical(23), and industrial engineering (19) having the most. According to the National Science Board, the areas of engineering with the most women are environmental engineers (38% of full workforce), chemical engineers (23%), and civil/architectural/sanitary (18%).
Stay tuned this week for a three-part podcast series featuring current scholar Julissa Garcia, University of Illinois at Chicago, ’18, interviewing Valarie King-Bailey. They talk about what it’s really like to be a female engineer. If you are in the engineering field and are a member of the Pullman Scholar Community, please contact Katie Desir to share your story.
Listen to episode one of three Women in Engineering podcast, “An Intro Into a Profession With Great Impact,” here.
Listen to episode two of three Women in Engineering podcast, “A Real Account of Being a Female Engineer,” here.
Listen to episode three of three Women in Engineering podcast, “What It Takes to Be a Success,” here.
Thank you, Jeanne and Pullman Scholars who helped us highlight women in tech! As you can see, being a woman in tech is a rarity, but with organizations like the ones listed below hopefully more women will join this growing career field! If you’re interested in technology, don’t be afraid to join in. Consider being a part of one of the following organizations or help support one!
As mentioned in Jeanne’s interviews, the Anita Borg Institute is an organization promoting women in technology. It strives to “increase the impact of women on all aspects of technology and to increase the positive impact of technology on the world’s women.”
They host the annual Grace Hopper Celebration, the largest gathering for women technologists. Professionals and students are welcome to attend, and students can even apply for scholarships to attend.
The institute also provides curriculum to help strengthen interview, job, and technical skills.
PowerToFly connects Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups with women who are looking to work for companies that value gender diversity and inclusion. They do help get women hired in a variety of fields, but they also specialize in women in technology and engineering. They make the hiring process easier and more comfortable for qualified female job candidates.
They also provide events, webinars, and videos with career and interview tips on their resource page. Their blog also covers topics like diversity, inclusion hiring, companies who care, and interview tips.
Want to set up your own profile for a job hunt, click here.
Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization looking to close the gender gap in technology. They support free after-school programs for grades 6-12 and a summer immersion program (for those in 10th and 11th grade). There are multiple locations throughout the Chicago-area. If you’re interested in joining, contact the sponsor at any time during the school year.
Learn about becoming a facilitator here!
Women Techmakers is a Google program that provides visibility, community, and resources for women in technology. They host an annual conference, have activities throughout the year, and publish newsletters and other resources. You can learn more about joining here.
Interested in more organizations? Women Techmakers has an extensive list here.
As we stated in our first Pullman Women in Technology post, the numbers of Pullman Women who majored in tech fields is small. We wondered why when the current generations have organizations like Girls Who Code, Girls in Tech, Women in Technology International that encourage women to pursue their interests in tech. We came across this TEDxBoise talk and thought it was interesting.
Back when Marianna Budnikova, a software engineer at Microsoft, was in college, she set out to find why there are so few women in technology. In this TEDx talk, Marianna shares her discovery about what takes young girls and women away from tech and gives some suggestions for tackling the problem.
“You better do something that will get you a good job,” Jeanne Hultquist’s parents told her. She narrowed her career options to being a doctor or an engineer and ultimately decided to go the engineering route. In the fall of 1978, with the help of the Pullman Foundation Scholarship, she pursued her mechanical engineering degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with honors. So, how did Jeanne go from the “E” to “T” in STEM? At some point along her college journey, she realized she didn’t like mechanical engineering. Before Jeanne put her cap and gown on for graduation, she was thinking about a new career.
Without hesitation, Jeanne switched from engineering to business, and her risk paid off. She received her MBA from the University of Chicago in 1984 and moved to California’s Silicon Valley without knowing a single person. Shortly after arriving in California, Jeanne joined Apple as a marketing programs manager, technical markets in 1987, working to grow the company’s presence with businesses and their engineers. Her unique combination of technical skills and business knowledge made her perfect for the job; she understood what engineers did and how their businesses worked.
“I have no regrets that I got an engineering degree,” says Jeanne. “I was a practicing engineer for less than 24 months, and I knew immediately that I wasn’t going to do it. It may have suited my intellect, but it did not suit my personality.”
As a people person, Jeanne enjoys the interactions of marketing the products she believes in more than designing and building them. Her background in the technical field makes it easier for her to understand the evolving field of technology and have a better affinity with women technologists.
Jeanne is currently the Vice President of Strategy, Marketing, and Alliances for the Anita Borg Institute, a non-profit organization founded on the belief that women are vital to building technology the world needs. Before joining the organization, she worked at other well-known consumer technology companies such as Plastic Logic and Speck Products.
She may have switched from the “E” to “T” in STEM, but now Jeanne is helping the Anita Borg Institute celebrate the accomplishments of women technologists, and inspiring a new generation of them to pursue their dreams.
Her choice to leave engineering led to her success in the technology field. But, she ultimately credits her success to being willing to take risks. “It was up to my work ethic. Up to my drive,” says Jeanne. “And, it was up to me to find my opportunities and to recognize doors opening. And, to always be open to them. Take those risks.” Now she’s helping young women technologists do the same.
It is safe to say people love their technology; computers, tablets, cell phones, apps, etc. And maybe a little too much, but that also means there is a demand for more jobs in the technology field to keep up with the demand for new innovations. According to 2014 Department of Labor growth rates, computer and information technology occupations are well above the average for all other occupations. The eye-opening statistic is only 26% of workers in computer and mathematical occupations are women! And only 3.9% of the tech c-suite are women.
The number of Pullman Foundation women in tech are low as well, but we did have a peak of tech majors in the 1980s when the nation also saw this surge– when personal computers started moving into U.S. homes. Currently, we have zero female students majoring in technology fields and about 100 female alumni who majored in these fields.
This week we will showcase one of our Pullman Scholar Alumnae, Jeanne Hultquist, who entered the technology field in an unconventional way and provide information about the current state of women in technology. If you are a Pullman Scholar Alumna in the technology field, please contact Katie Desir, to share your story!
Read Dare to Take Risks — Switching From the E in STEM To The T here.
Read The Key to More Women in Technology (TEDx Video) here.
Watch Learning From Pullman Alumna Jeanne Hultquist here.
Read Technology Organizations here.
We hope you were inspired by our Women in Science! We only featured three of our amazing 30 female scholars majoring in a science field, so we can only imagine what others are learning and experimenting on in their classes. If you are interested in pursuing a career in science or would like to get more involved with science programs, take a look at the organizations listed below.
Mentioned by Jennifer, Science Olympiad is a nationwide science competition for middle to high school students. Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.
How to get involved:
– Volunteer at an event near you
– Donate
Founded in 1971, the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is the largest multi-disciplinary organization for women in STEM. They are dedicated to driving excellence in STEM by achieving equity and full participation of women in all disciplines and across all employment sectors. Membership is open to any individual who supports the vision and mission of AWIS.
Their website has job opportunities, research and analysis, career development tools, advocacy tools, and options to join or gifting memberships.
They are committed to promoting the work of women and minority scientists at every stage of their academic and professional careers in order to encourage an increase of diversity in the workforce and allow for further creativity and innovation in the sciences.
The FMWIS is open to everyone; anyone can apply and all are encouraged, whether you are a Field Museum staff member or volunteer, member of the community, student, or merely interested in hearing more about how you can help and become involved as a member. Membership is free!
Founded by Pullman Scholar Alumnus Marcus Woods, the Woods Educational Enrichment Foundation provides tutoring and a STEM Development Seminar for high school students. Contact them if interested in more information, need tutoring or would like to be a tutor.
If you are a college student, check to see if your campus as a WiSE group. Here is a list of some schools:
University of Illinois at Chicago
If you know or are a part of other notable organizations, please contact Katie Desir.
Sofia Ali, a first-year biology major at Loyola University Chicago shares her experiences as a new college student.
My first year as a biology major at Loyola is almost over, and it has gone pretty well. The majority of the students are pursuing careers in sciences like biology, chemistry, or nursing, so it’s pretty easy to bump into someone and establish a connection — especially the upperclassmen who have already taken classes I am currently taking. My biology course was a review of the material I learned in my IB classes in high school and chemistry has been a bit of a challenge. But, there are many resources at Loyola such as tutoring, study groups, and practicing example problems that have really helped me succeed.
I have labs once a week for three hours, — the class does seem a little long sometimes— but the biology labs are fascinating! During my first semester I was looking at slides in microscopes and drawing images of what I saw, whereas this semester, I have done more dissections and really gotten a chance to interact with different animals from various phyla’s. Dissecting them amazes me and reminds me how similar these creatures are to us, yet are so different as well. It has definitely given me a better understanding of the animals around us and how everything works together in our ecosystem.
I’ve noticed that many of my classes have mostly females, whereas males are mostly in the school of business. It’s encouraging to see so many women learning the same things as I am. Knowing I have fellow females working in the same field gives me confidence and a sense of comfort that we are all in this together. It also makes me feel stronger and more confident in my abilities and love of science.
I plan on pursuing a career in medical research to help others and hopefully alleviate some of their pain for a longer, pleasant future. I am very excited as I move forward with my next three years in college because I will be learning about new diseases and further advances in the medical community, and hopefully, build upon them in my future.
Amel Baker, a junior at Loyola University Chicago studying psychology and cellular/molecular neuroscience, shares her affinity for science and how she gives back to the community with tutoring for four departments and starting the LUC S.T.A.R.
Any effort I put into a science class, I see it coming back again in the next. For example, when I first started out with general chemistry, we discussed the behavior of acids and bases. Almost three years later, I am being reminded of its importance in biochemistry when looking at hemoglobin’s binding affinity for oxygen. The best part is the reactions science students discuss are ongoing every second of the day — basically, science and I relate on a personal level.
In the classroom, I transform into an aspiring chemist, biologist, physicist, and neuroscientist. Once I leave, these moments follow me to influence my everyday schedule. I currently tutor for a few departments on campus where I try to dance through each session with different science partners — sometimes it’s fast-paced with organic chemistry. Other days, I get to slow dance with statistics as I discuss the importance of properly approaching the null hypothesis. I love tutoring these subjects because not only do they force me to revisit old friends, but I get to realize that there is still a lot of room for the relationship. Tutoring essentially challenges me to keep the questions going and the eager curiosity alive. To keep it fresh, I work with a freshman in CPS at Curie High School every Saturday through a Loyola program called TNT. I am one of many academic coaches who is dedicated to keeping true relationships with freshmen and seeing them not only graduate but succeed.
Some nights, I explore astronomy through a student organization I helped form. Astronomy has always been an interest of mine, but the puzzle that is my education did not have room for any extra pieces. Our small group gets together to think about the expanding universe and all the beautiful things that come with this science. We’ve done a few community engagements, observatory visits, and led our own little fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Last summer, I was at Case Western Reserve’s School of Medicine for SMDEP, Summer Medical and Dental Program, now called Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP). The experience was amazing. I was able to shadow at a hospital in multiple departments including family medicine, neurosurgery, and the emergency department. After observing a C3-C5 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery correcting for alive motor cells that could not relay, my desire to pursue neurosurgery became confirmed. The program celebrates diversity in medicine by building community with groups of students from all different backgrounds and universities while exploring medicine’s role with different demographics through seminars with health professionals. Because academics are a priority in all health-related fields, there were supplemental courses in biologies, chemistries, and mathematics depending where you tested. Lastly, I was part of a public health research project that was presented to a panel of physicians at the conclusion of the program. I encourage all current freshmen and sophomores to apply for the summer. There are multiple different sites so this medical adventure could be anywhere!
Jennifer Munoz, a sophomore at Case Western Reserve University, shares her love of science as a biochemistry major and nutrition minor.
Being a Biochemistry major at Case Western Reserve University is very challenging, yet rewarding at the same time. It allows me to combine my love of both biology and chemistry, and I get to learn so many great things; which also encourages me to look forward to taking every required class no matter how challenging it may be.
One of the things I love most about taking science classes is connecting my lessons to the real world. For example, in organic chemistry we learn about reaction mechanisms and how organic molecules react with one another, how certain medicinal drugs are synthesized, how the specific structure of a molecule gives the spicy flavor in chili peppers, and depending on whether a molecule has a single, double, or triple bond how it will react. Learning how the world works in the classroom is phenomenal.
I also absolutely love the lab component of organic chemistry! We apply the concepts we learn during lectures in an actual lab setting. We think critically about how the reactants will react with each other and which products are produced. One of my favorite labs this semester was synthesizing azo dyes. Every student was assigned a modified aniline compound and an azonium salt. With all the different combinations possible, the lab was filled with almost every shade of the rainbow!
I am also a part of Alpha Chi Sigma, the only professional chemistry fraternity. It is a great community to be a part of because we volunteer at different elementary schools and events. We spread the appreciation for chemistry by promoting events such as Science Olympiad, which allows kids to be enthusiastic scientists!
When I graduate I want to attend medical school and learn even more about how the human body works. After that, I would love to help people lead longer and healthier lives!
Even though studies show both genders have the same abilities in science, a 2016 study from Colorado State University says women are more likely than men to get discouraged by a particular math class and give up on their dream of a career in science. Pullman Foundation women in science are challenging that statistic, though! There are almost 1,400 female scientists in the Pullman Scholar Community (72% of all our STEM majors).
Our Pullman Scholars and Alumnae are neuroscientists, nurses, chemists, research associates, cytogenetic technologists and more! They are a part of the 35.2% of female chemists, 11.1% of female physicists and astronomers, and 48% of female biological, agricultural, and environmental life scientists nationwide. They are the ones that want to find cures, learn how the world works, are treating our families, and trying to save the environment.
Science courses and labs are notorious for being difficult, but we have 30 current female Pullman Scholars (75% of all our female STEM majors) taking them right now and maintaining their 3.0+ GPAs. This week you’ll meet some of them and learn about some of the organizations they are a part of or follow. Science on!
Read Life as a Biochemistry Major here.
Read Life as a Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience and Psychology Major here.
Read Life as a Biology Major here.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Foundation will be focusing on one “letter” of STEM each week of March. You will get to know several of our Pullman Scholars and Pullman Scholar Alumnae in STEM and learn more about their contributions to the fields.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; industry fields that make up 6.2 percent of the nation’s employment force (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jan. 2017). That may seem like a small percentage, but these fields are crucial to the U.S.’s global competitiveness and innovation. STEM fields influence our health, economics, infrastructure, technology, and more. So why is it that women who comprise 47% of the U.S. workforce only represent 25.8% of STEM careers?
There are many factors, but at the Pullman Foundation, we work to ensure our scholars have the resources and role models to pursue their dream careers. As a matter of fact, throughout the years, the Foundation has supported nearly 2000 women who pursued or are pursuing degrees and careers in STEM, roughly 14% of the scholars the Foundation has supported throughout the years. Forty percent of current female Pullman Scholars are pursuing careers in STEM, and 75 percent of our STEM females are in science majors! We’re extremely proud that they’re pursuing challenging fields like neuroscience and biochemical engineering.
Please contact Katie Desir, Manager of Communications, if you are a current scholar pursuing a degree in a STEM field or Pullman Scholar Alumni whose career is in STEM. She is available at 312.422.0444 or kdesir@pullmanfoundation.org. We would love to know more about you!
Learn about women in Science here.
Learn about women in Technology here.
Learn about women in Engineering here.
Learn about women in Math here.
Dear Pullman Scholars,
In recent months, we have witnessed an uptick of divisive activities on the college campuses where many of you are studying. Some of them are overt and obvious, like the incident at the University of Pennsylvania where Black, first-year students were purposefully included in a series of racist GroupMe texts. On other campuses, the racist, sexist, or xenophobic messages are being subtly delivered through exclusion and stereotyping.
I want to take a moment to reflect and to remind you that we live in a country founded on democratic ideals—having a country and government for all people regardless of race, creed, or color. Similarly, the Pullman Foundation has a long history of supporting democracy by supporting the dreams of all scholars, regardless of your ethnicity or gender, or your community or religious beliefs, whatever they may be. As Pullman Scholars, you stand on the shoulders of many who have faced adversity and persevered. When I reflect on what I know of their journeys, I enthusiastically applaud their tenacity. Democracy dares to make room for all kinds of people and ideas. And that is why it is a privilege worth fighting for.
As you continue to pursue your degrees, here are three suggestions to help you navigate discord on your campus while embracing democracy:
1. Meet and educate yourself about people from different backgrounds. Remember your experience at the annual Pullman Scholar Symposium. At this event, you embrace and learn alongside other scholars who may be immigrants, the children of immigrants, first-generation college students, White, Black/African-American, Multiracial, Asian, Latino/Hispanic, have different major…the list goes on! They may be very different than you, but as members of the Pullman Scholar Community, we all come together to connect, to learn, and to inspire each other. Make an effort to place yourself in situations with many different types of people so that you can learn about them and learn from them.
2. Get informed. In the same way that we encourage you to learn and take advantage of the resources on your campus, we suggest you do the same in your community. Find out who is making decisions that are affecting your life on campus, in your local community, and at the state and national levels. If you are interested in or concerned about a specific issue, research it. Then determine a strategy for conveying your concern to the decision makers. Use your voice to ensure your ability to thrive and prosper.
3. Establish calming habits to avoid anxious days. Technology makes it easy to never disconnect from an unceasing flow of information. And one troubling headline after another makes for living in anxious times. To combat anxiety, establish mechanisms or a routine that will calm you throughout the day. Whether it’s dimming the lights at certain times, drinking tea before bed, or listening to a guided online meditation, develop a practice of self-care that helps you relax and enables you to concentrate on your studies.
Lastly, please remember, as a Pullman Scholar you are a part of an amazing community with a long history of inclusiveness. For 67 years, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has supported young people with a strong desire to succeed, regardless of their race, gender, or country of origin. This is our legacy and continues to be our mission moving forward.
Best,
Robin Redmond, Executive Director
Casey Morgan Luc, ‘17, The George Washington University, shares his experience of studying and working in Paris, France during his first semester.
On my first morning before my internship, I was nervous as I represented my study abroad program, the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) in Paris. It was the first time CIEE had offered the opportunity for students to pursue an internship while studying abroad. So, I was a guinea pig of sorts, and there were no rules written about the student fellowship. In that regard, my carefully planned outfit with a cashmere beige scarf was symbolic of this unwritten journey, hoping to stand out and make a little name for myself. After all, this is what I had planned for some time.
Last spring, I realized that I had one year left in undergrad and I wanted to do something different. I came across CIEE and their new public health internship program in my study abroad office, so I registered for the program and left the following fall. I brought a couple of pairs of clothes, some essentials, and my laptop. At first, I thought I did not bring enough luggage, but I actually brought too much. When studying abroad, you may acquire many things. In the end, you may have to leave behind some belongings. So, I recommend being frugal with what you bring and budgetary with what you buy.
Casey standing outside of his internship.
While I am sitting in my favorite French cafe, Café Charlot, drinking a warm café allongé to combat the same cold rain depicted in Caillebotte’s Paris Street; Rainy Day displayed in the Art Institute of Chicago, I’m reflecting on three months worth of experiences since my first day.
Studying abroad has infinite value, but students who intern abroad will acquire at least three more things. First, experience in the relevant field of study. Second, language proficiency. I learned words and idioms that you would most likely not learn in a classroom. Third, a cross-cultural perspective on the business culture.
I learned it’s challenging to enter a new environment where mannerisms and work styles follow different cultural rules. But, being immersed in a new work culture makes this opportunity so rewarding. I am humbled because I now focus on understanding even the smallest gestures like greetings, and goodbyes. I ask myself questions like, “Is it proper for me to eat in my office alone or do I sit with the rest of the department in the cafeteria?” For French culture, the latter is a necessity. Eating alone and “getting ahead” is seen as somewhat inappropriate and even selfish. After experiencing these new cultural customs, I am more self-aware of my culture. When I return to the states, I am sure I will be more conscious of the way “American business” works, and I will be able to identify and change certain mannerisms that I would have otherwise overlooked subconsciously. I might even bring some of my French influence into the American-working environment.
On my first day with CIEE, I walked into the office, greeted my bosses for the first time, and sat down in my cubicle for training. I was ready, nervous and thrilled, but still excited to soak up an ever-changing experience. I took off my coat and got a pen ready. My boss looked at me funny and said, “Aren’t you going to take off your scarf? It’s rather hot here.”
New Year’s is often a time of increased optimism. With each passing year, resolutions come and go, — some accomplished and others easily forgotten– so for 2017 we are going beyond resolutions. We invite you to join us in the #OneWord365 challenge. With a mantra of “Forget New Year’s Resolutions, Just Choose One Word,” this campaign centers around the idea of living by the intentions of one word, every day, all year.
You reflect on your personal experience and goals, then, choose a word that will motivate you to change throughout the year.#OneWord365 encourages you to chose a word that “sums up who you want to be or how you want to live.” Then visit the OneWord365 website to see community groups of people from all over the world who chose the same word. Users can interact on Facebook and Twitter to post progress updates and connect with others.
The Foundation’s word for 2017 is “engage.” By focusing on “Engage” we hope to nurture our relationships within the Pullman Scholar Community and other relevant entities that support our mission. The stronger our bonds are to one another, the greater chance we have to positively change the lives of Chicago-area scholars.
What would you like us to do with the word “engage?” How can we best “engage” you? Take our poll on Facebook . Happy New Year!
While our application is open, we’ve asked our current scholars and alumni to share why they’re happy they filled out the Pullman Foundation Scholarship application. It may seem like an extensive process (see our application page), but it is worth it. Catrina Patton, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, ’11 (Pictured on the right), shares her reasons below.
I’m so glad that I was a part of the Pullman Scholar family! As a first generation, out-of-state college student, it was this family that really helped me adjust and do well in school. Pullman staff members regularly connected me with fellow scholars at my school, checked on me, helped me establish effective study habits, and provided resources that helped me thrive in school! If you are looking for a program that’s going to prepare you to succeed in college and make you an effective leader- then the Pullman scholarship is the way to go!
We wish you all a fantastic holiday season and joyous new year!
Reach out to us in the new year so we can best support you and the entire Pullman Scholar Community.
– Your Pullman Foundation Staff
Robin, Katie, Lisa, & Megan
While our application is open, we’ve asked our current scholars and alumni to share why they’re happy they filled out the Pullman Foundation Scholarship application. It is an extensive process (see our application page), but it is worth it. Nina Mercado, Denison University,’19, shares her reasons below.
I’m a recent Pullman Scholar (sophomore in college)- but my gratitude for filling out this application never gets old. First off, as many first-generation students feel, it’s almost a blindfolding experience where you know things are real and can happen, but you haven’t really seen it yet. What I mean is, I applied to a good amount of scholarships and I was ready to accept loans because I was giving up. I thought I was a really good student and no one else was seeing that. It wasn’t until my school counselor persuaded me to fill out one more application, the Pullman Foundation Scholarship. The prompts were easy to write, there were only 3-4 essays from what I remember, and the interview was over the phone. It was such an easy experience. But I put my heart and soul into it because I knew I deserved it — and so did the Pullman Foundation.
I feel comfortable talking to Megan if I ever have problems and I still keep in contact with some of the scholars I’ve met at the symposiums. It’s a relaxing yet encouraging atmosphere and I’m so glad to be a part of it two years later. Pullman doesn’t seek perfectionists, they seek students who are willing to work their hardest to achieve what they’ve envisioned. They invest in us. It’s almost like having an extra parent in the sidelines cheering throughout the year, which believe it or not, can be very helpful in times you feel down. Thank you, Pullman! You’re an amazing group of people and I wouldn’t change you for the world!
“People do not know that we’ve been in business for 66 years. One of the foundation’s roles back in the 1950’s was to ensure that people of color and women had money to go to college. It is one of a hand full of foundations that’s doing this kind of work,” Redmond said.
While our application is open, we’ve asked our current scholars and alumni to share why they’re happy they filled out the Pullman Foundation Scholarship application. It is an extensive process (see our application page), but it is worth it. Michael Glynn, Marquette University,’17, shares his reasons below.
Applying for the Pullman scholarship made a huge difference in my life. Just before my senior year of high school, my father passed away, and I did not think I would be able to afford college. With help from the Pullman scholarship, as well as a few other scholarships, my college dream came true, and I was able to attend Marquette University. I will always be grateful to the staff at the Pullman Foundation who were generous enough to support me through college. I have had great experiences throughout my time at Marquette, but none of that would have been possible if it were not for the generosity of the Pullman Foundation. In addition to that, the Pullman Foundation has offered me amazing networking abilities with both current and former scholars. Each year I look forward to attending the annual symposium because I always learn something new and meet great people. I am so happy that I decided to apply for the Pullman scholarship because I know that this is an organization that I will be involved with throughout my life, and I cannot wait to give back and still remain involved with the Foundation even after graduation.
If you’re a current Pullman Scholar or Pullman Scholar Alumn(a/us) and would like to share your reason why you’re happy you applied, please email Katie Desir at Kdesir@pullmanfoundation.org.
The 2015-2016 George M. Pullman Educational Foundation Annual Report is live on our website! Click here to read what we accomplished as a Foundation this year with the help of the Pullman Scholar Community.
Dejah Powell, Cornell University, ‘18, creates an environmental program for students who live on the south side of Chicago.
After realizing the lack of exposure and resources about the environment for young people, especially those of color in the inner city, Dejah Powell, ’18, decided to do something. She started a program, Get Them to the Green (G2G), hoping to introduce and educate students about the field of environmental studies and sciences. Maybe even introducing them to a career path they’d never know about otherwise.
But what did this all stem from? We asked Dejah right before her summer program was held and she happily shared her vision with us.
Pullman Foundation: Why did you want to start Get Them to the Green?
Dejah Powell: My experiences like participating in a research program in the Bahamas through the Shedd Aquarium, volunteering on a nature reserve in Nicaragua, and now studying Archaea at Stanford University grew the realization that it was exposure and lack of available and existing resources that limited other young people, especially young people of color in the inner city, from opportunities in the environment.
Through Get Them to the Green, I hope to begin that introduction of educating and exposing students to the field. I’d like to think that maybe I wouldn’t be studying what I am now, a topic that I absolutely love if it weren’t for those experiences immersed in nature. So through G2G, we’re trying to open that door and let the students decide if it is something they’re interested in.
G2G students visiting the Method Soap Factory in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood. Students learned how Method, a B-Corporation, is bringing sustainability to the forefront of their mission.
Pullman Foundation: We know you previously attended the Clinton Global Initiative Conference, how did that influence your decision to start G2G?
Dejah Powell: The most inspiring thing about the Clinton Global Initiative Conference (which I recommend to anyone who’s interested in social entrepreneurship and making a change) is meeting students from across the world who are dedicated and committed to their projects. There were students working on providing accessible drinking water to villages abroad, students developing apps to decrease sexual assault on college campuses, young people my age starting organizations that bought trucks and provided free showers to the homeless in San Francisco. I was really nervous I would never be able to deliver on Get Them to the Green, but the conference was the catalyst I needed to realize that I could do this. The conference was resourceful and provided me with the knowledge and inspiration to get G2G going.
G2G students work on drawing landscapes of Midwestern birds through activity with the Hyde Park Arts Center.
Pullman Foundation: What kind of support do you need to guarantee success for your three-tier goal for G2G?
Dejah Powell: In order to accomplish all three goals, we depend on grants and donations right now. I’ve applied for a couple grants and that will give us an idea about the direction we’ll take within the next months after the summer camp.
After the summer camp (goal 1), we want to take pieces of the curriculum and hold workshops within schools (goal 2). We will then visit them during the school year to expand our reach and hopefully ignite an interest to incorporate some of that material into their future curriculum.
Then, we want to bring community gardens and aquaponics systems to schools and get students learning and engaging with science right at their fingertips (goal 3). I visited The Sweetwater Foundation, an amazing organization in Chicago directed by Emmanuel Perez, and would love to work and partner with them to make connections to some of the schools we’ll work with in the future.
We also need more dedicated people who are interested in helping our organization grow; educators, scientists, organizers, writers to help with grants, social media representatives, and innovative minds. We’ll accept help from any and all of the roles that could come together to help G2G achieve our goals. We’re very small now, but I’m excited to expand!
Do you know future Pullman Scholars? They seize opportunities, create their own futures and are persistent in the pursuit of their dreams. If you or students are coming to mind, have them apply for our need-based, merit-based scholarship.
The Pullman Foundation Scholarship provides up to $40,000 over four years of scholarship and educational support. Read our recent press release to learn more about our program and our newest class of Pullman Scholars.
If you’re a future Pullman Scholar, click here to apply!
The Foundation is excited to add Susie H. Turk and Patrick T. Murphy to our leadership.
A scholar alumna and dedicated volunteer, Susie (University of Notre Dame, ’98) was nominated to the Foundation’s board of directors where she will continue to help drive our mission. Susie, a principal solution engineer for Salesforce, was presented with the Foundation’s 2015 Most Valuable Alumna (MVA) award at this past Pullman Scholar Symposium where she also recruited Salesforce employees to review resumes and conduct mock interviews with scholars.
Patrick Murphy (Loyola University Chicago, ’09) joins the Pullman Foundation staff as the development and alumni relations director, after working six years as the associate director of communications for the Midwestern Augustinians. You may remember Patrick was our keynote speaker at the 3rd annual Pullman Scholar Symposium and was an inaugural member of the Foundation’s associate’s board. We’re excited to have Patrick join the Foundation staff and honored to be in another part of his American Dream.
Pullman Foundation Celebrates 67th Annual Scholar Class by Making College Dreams a Reality; 2017 Application Opens Early November.
Nearly 40 million people in the U.S. hold about $1.4 trillion in student loan debt.[1] It’s estimated that college graduates from the Class of 2016 will each rack up an average of $37,000 in student loan debt, an increase of six percent from last year.[2] In an effort to alleviate college debt for bright, Chicago-area, college-bound high school seniors and keep them on the right track throughout their college journey, The George M. Pullman Educational Foundation announced the 30 new scholarship recipients to make up the 67th Class of Pullman Scholars.
Rooted in Chicago since 1950, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation has invested more than $32 Million in Chicago’s driven yet under-resourced students who aspire to earn a college degree. The newest class of Pullman Scholars, who are now settled in on campuses across 16 different universities, will have cumulatively received nearly $1 Million in scholarships and educational supports during their pursuit of a four-year college degree.
Without the burden of immense debt, similar to the more than 14,000 Pullman Alumni that came before them, this year’s 30 Pullman Scholars are attending schools such as Chicago’s own DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Illinois as well Howard University, California State University, Long Beach and Duke University to name a few. Nearly half of this year’s class of outstanding individuals are first generation and the majority (63%) are young women. The 67th Class of emerging leaders are now able to pursue some of today’s most in-demand fields, including biochemistry, engineering, public policy, public health, pre-med and international relations, made possible by the four-year renewable scholarship up to $10,000 a year.
“The mammoth cost of a college education, and the heavy burden of debt, is definitely a hot topic in this heated election year. For many American families paying for college is a dream that is quickly growing beyond their reach,” says Robin Redmond, executive director of the Pullman Educational Foundation. “For each Pullman Scholar, we work to mitigate the financial burden throughout their time in school while ensuring they have access to the strength and expertise of our vast alumni network who can help guide them as they graduate and prepare for the future.”
The George M. Pullman Educational Foundation is ready to begin its search for 2017 scholarship candidates. Starting November 7 until February 3, Cook County seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher, plans to attend an accredited college or university pursuing a bachelor’s degree and demonstrates financial need are encouraged to apply to become a Pullman Scholar.
If accepted, scholars can be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in renewable scholarship assistance for four years. Candidates interested in learning more about their eligibility and the application process should visit www.pullmanfoundation.org. Applications are open from November 7, 2016 to February 3, 2017.Pullman Scholar Class of 2020
View the Class of 2020 Pullman Scholars here.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online form that college students fill out annually to identify their eligibility for federal aid. Some of this aid includes Pell Grants, MAP Grants (for students attending college in Illinois), federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. Plus, it helps colleges get a sense of what kind of institutional aid you may qualify for. As a Pullman Scholar, you are required to complete the FAFSA each year so the Foundation can determine your level of financial need. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your financial aid. There are some major changes for this year’s FAFSA cycle (2017-2018), and we want to make sure you are prepared!
Starting with the 2017-2018 FAFSA cycle (October 1, 2016-June 30, 2018), two permanent changes go into effect.
If you’re scratching your head and wondering, “But, didn’t I use 2015 tax information when I filed the FAFSA last year?” Yes, you did. For this year, students will use the same tax and income information as they did on last year’s FAFSA. It’s important to note that even though you are using the same tax information as last year (2015), information from your taxes and other finance-related data will not be automatically transferred from the 2016-2017 FAFSA to the 2017-2018 FAFSA.
Here’s a helpful table provided by the Department of Education (information about this year’s FAFSA is bolded and in red):
| When You Are Attending College (School Year) | You will submit this FAFSA | When You Can Submit the FAFSA | Which Year’s Income and Tax Information is Required |
| July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 | 2015-2016 | January 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 | 2014 |
| July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 | 2016-2017 | January 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 | 2015 |
| July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 | 2017-2018 | October 1, 2016 – June 30, 2018 | 2015 |
| July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019 | 2018-2019 | October 1, 2017 – June 30, 2019 | 2016
|
| July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 | 2019-2020 | October 1, 2018 – June 30, 2020 | 2017 |
According to the Department of Education, the major goal is to streamline the financial aid application and receiving processes. They want to make it easier for the students and families who need the funds the most. It is important to note that just because the federal deadline has been modified, this does not mean colleges and universities will or have moved up their financial aid deadlines.
Generally speaking, these FAFSA changes have several implications which may affect students’ financial aid. The earlier filing date may cut down on tax extension requests at financial aid offices and make using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool easier (since taxes will already be filed). It could also constrain financial aid budgets since students and families may have more time to review financial aid awards and appeal these decisions. Some of these benefits are discussed more in the next section.
If you need help moving forward with your FAFSA, reach out to your college’s financial aid office or check out the resources at the end of this article for some direction. Since this is the first year that the FAFSA is available in October, complications may arise from the shift. Be proactive about keeping up with deadlines and checking in with your college with questions. Please note: if you are required to complete a College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile at your college, check with your financial aid office to find out if this deadline has moved up too.
“Alignment, certainty and less pressure” are some descriptors the Department of Education is using to characterize the changes and benefits. It is expected that the financial aid application process will be more aligned with college and university timelines. Moreover, it provides a level of certainty for students and families since using prior-prior year tax information prevents you from having to estimate income information. Lastly, the added three months of time is anticipated to give students more time to explore and understand financial aid options, as well as apply for more aid before deadlines.
Some other benefits include no longer needing to go back in and updating your FAFSA with non-estimated income numbers (since you are using tax information that has already been filed). You should be able to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import tax information onto the FAFSA. This is particularly helpful because students will not have to find their tax records or worry about tax information being entered incorrectly.
Check out the resources below for more information about the 2017-2018 FAFSA.
Twitter: @FAFSA// #AskFAFSA Office Hours (interactive chat sessions scheduled monthly)
Website: Federal Student Aid and Free Application for Federal Student Aid
YouTube: FAFSA Overview video
College Students and Parents: What You Need to Know about the 2017-18 FAFSA Resource Sheet from Federal Student Aid – U.S. Department of Education
Financial Aid Toolkit Email Updates and Web Page
Your college’s financial aid office
First Lady Michelle Obama helped launch Up Next, a free text messaging system that gives students free guidance on all things college. The main goal of this Better Make Room program, is to help students — especially those who are first-generation college goers — successfully navigate the journey to and through college.
Students simply text the word “COLLEGE” to 44044, and it starts communications regarding financial aid, majors, courses to take, etc. All things first-generation students may not have someone to talk to about. The program then tailors its answers and experience for each user. According to Education Post, this text “approach can significantly increase students’ college enrollment and persistence, at an investment of only about 15 cents per student served.”
The program also sends reminders for national financial aid deadlines, encouragement, and other information. With almost 50% of our scholars being first-generation students, we understand how the college journey can be different for them. The Foundation provides assistance on these topics through our application and renewal processes, the symposium, and individual communications, but seeing another free tool for our scholars to is great!
To learn more about the campaign, visit https://bettermakeroom.org/up-next. Will you be getting involved?
It’s almost time to be on your college campus. Whether it be your first year or last year, you probably have feelings of excitement and nervousness. For those who are nervous, here is a little advice from Pullman Scholar who have been in your shoes. Whichever year you’re going to, we have advice that will help you get through your next year of college.
“Be open-minded and put yourself first. On the first words of advice, college is a time not only to learn your major but also to learn about yourself. For a lot of people, this is the first time that they experience independence. With this independence, it’s important to discover who you are and what you’re passionate about. That’s why it is important to be open-minded. Try new things and discover yourself. On the second words of advice, from my experience at my university, students have a tendency to put work above all else: friends, family, and even their own health. You are very important. Make your health, mental, physical, and emotional, a priority. You’re worth it. “ – Anne Noonan, Carnegie Mellon University
“Work very hard your first semester. If you don’t, you will regret everything once spring semester comes because you will not be able to have fun. You will be too busy focusing on getting your GPA up. That’s what I did, but I came back up ending my freshman year with a 3.5 GPA.” – Tamiya Matlock, Howard University
“Don’t think that opportunities are not available to freshmen. Seek out internships and summer programs early on. Don’t be afraid to exercise your interpersonal skills even if you are hesitating about their capacity. Practicing through real life interaction is helpful.” – Amel Baker, Loyola University Chicago
“Don’t be scared to go do something on your own. Branch out. If you want to see what a club or organization is like, but your friends don’t want to, go anyway. You’ll meet new people interested in the same things you are, and they might end up being some of the best friends you’ll make in college.” – Matthew Gallagher, Loyola University Chicago
“Always push for the A’s by meeting the instructor, creating study groups, and always staying focused” – Daniel Jackson, Illinois State University
“Stay focused, enjoy college, and try not to stress. Sophomore year is your last nonstressful year. It is truly the last time that you will be viewed as less than an adult. Entering your Junior year is very serious and brings a lot of stress and responsibilities. So enjoy sophomore to the fullest, but keep those grades up while doing so. – Tyler Dixon, Hampton University
Stay calm. Sophomore year is going to get a lot busier, but you can do it! Make sure you take care of yourself and practice self-care on a daily basis. Try to join more clubs and meet more people. You will not regret meeting so many people and making so many connections. – Tyler Maxie, Colgate University
“Continue getting involved! Join clubs with a friend or by yourself, just try your best to put yourself out there because you never know where you’ll end up. I signed up for my university’s radio station because my friend suggested we sign up together, and now I am the radio station’s program director and a DJ. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and do what makes YOU happy! – Mia Morgan, Saint Xavier University
“I encourage you to keep on signing up for diverse and different classes. Just like a shoe, you have to keep on trying different sizes (i.e. different classes) to find one that specifically fits for you. Freshman year is all about introducing you to college life, now it is time to try to find what you really like by picking a major that you enjoy!” – Nermina Aly, DePaul University
“Enjoy your time of gen ed because you are going to have more and more technical courses and they are very time-consuming! – Stan Yang, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
” Stay motivated, stay focused because it’ll only get more difficult! This past year I noticed that the classes got harder, and I had to acknowledge that and work through that to make this a successful academic year. It’s important to stay motivated and focused because you will be able to overcome so much of what you’re going through. It won’t get easier, but you will get stronger. The end result is absolutely worth it.” – Ana Hernandez, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
“Make sure to be involved on campus. Join organizations and clubs and go from there. Find you interests and excel in your niche. This is how you grow your experience and network with your peers and professors.” – Agata Oborka, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“Don’t give up, believe in yourself. School and things going on around you in life may be getting more complex and/or challenging, but you are capable of doing whatever you set your mind to. You are capable beyond what you may believe you are capable of. Take advantage of the opportunities that become available to you, and always maintain awareness of what you are committing to.” – Trinette Lopez, Purdue University
“Try to become involved in whatever field you want to go into. For example, try to get a job or volunteer at a local business that involves your major. This will give you a test of what it is actually like to work, and it will separate you from others in an interview. Studying is important, and I know everybody wants a 4.0 GPA, but I have found that experiences outside of the classroom have been just as beneficial as what I was taught in the classroom.” – Michael Glynn, Marquette University
“Take advantage of all the opportunities you are offered junior year whether study abroad, research, or internships. This is a formidable year for building your resume and yourself! Continue to be a leader in organizations you are passionate about and look for internships in companies that you would like to work for. If you intern there that summer, you might get a job offer. Additionally, if you are looking to go to graduate school or do a fellowship after you graduate, begin to look at potential programs and reach out to your office of fellowships. Also, spend time with your friends and connect with professors who you appreciate. You only have one year after your junior year!” – Xiomara Contreras, Northwestern University
“Focus on school, but also give yourself some personal time. College stress can really affect your body if you don’t take care of yourself.” – Maya Stewart, University of Missouri-Columbia
“Start planning what you want to do after you graduate because it will happen before you know it. – Agona Lutolli, Lake Forest College
“If you want to be truly happy, try to find someone, young or old, who is deeply joyful this year. Then, find out what makes them happy. I couldn’t tell you how much better and happier a person I am, because of what I’ve learned from good people.” – Mary Woytych, Christendom University
“Enjoy it while it lasts! It’s easy to get caught up in the stresses of applying to graduate school, finding a job, or even simply passing senior year. While these things are all important, take some time to hang out with your friends and enjoy the freedom you have!” – Billy Leung, University of Michigan
“Build relationships with their professors, faculty, and staff on their respective campuses. This is a great thing to do especially if they may be thinking about pursuing graduate school immediately after graduation or in the near future. This last year will fly by quick, however, this is the year to build strong relationships with professors or campus faculty and staff by asking questions in class, attending office hours, and standing out from their peers because it shows that you are invested in your academics in addition to a strong foundation to a legacy that you will leave after graduation. Enjoy the last year of college but remember to keep your eye on the prize — your first college diploma!” – Nick Tarleton, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Read the original article in the July edition of the Pullman Scholar Newsletter, On Board, by clicking here.
Now that you know what kind of opportunities are available to college students from Part 1 of this series, our scholars will share the best and hardest parts of their opportunities. Just because you are a college student, it doesn’t mean your boss will be easy on you, so you must be prepared for any kind of situation. See how these six Pullman Scholars handled the enjoyable and challenging tasks they encountered this summer.
Michael Glynn, Camp Director, BLAST Fun Fitness Camp, Skokie Park District
Erika Reyes, Volunteer, Foundation of Sustainable Development, Bolivia
Yara Ismail, Publications/Marketing Intern, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago
Charlotte Carroll, Editorial Intern, Field& Stream Magazine, ASME, NYC
Xiomara Contreras, Associate Product Marketing Manager (APMM) Intern in the SMB Marketing Acquisition Team, Google, California
John Haboush, Wealth Management Division Intern, Mesirow Financial, Chicago
The more career and real-life experience you add to your resume while attending college, the better. Employers will appreciate your work ethic, the skills you’ve acquired, and your eagerness to learn your field of interest. In our July edition of the Pullman Scholar newsletter, On Board, we learned about six summer opportunities our scholars took advantage of throughout the U.S. and even South America. For the first part of this two-part series, you’ll learn how our scholars found and landed their opportunities, what their typical days were like if housing was offered (if applicable), and if the opportunity was paid.
With these insights, we hope you’ll be empowered to find an opportunity during a break. It doesn’t matter what year in college you are, companies are looking for fresh ideas and people. Just take a look at what the following scholars did this summer.
Michael Glynn, Camp Director, BLAST Fun Fitness Camp, Skokie Park District
Erika Reyes, Volunteer, Foundation of Sustainable Development, Bolivia
Yara Ismail, Publications/Marketing Intern, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago
Charlotte Carroll, Editorial Intern, Field& Stream Magazine, ASME, NYC
Xiomara Contreras, Associate Product Marketing Manager (APMM) Intern in the SMB Marketing Acquisition Team, Google, California
John Haboush, Wealth Management Division Intern, Mesirow Financial, Chicago
“The Pullman Foundation saw something in me that I did not see in myself at the time,” says Bob Dahl, Pullman Scholar Alumnus, Hope College, 1966. Like many Pullman Scholars, Dahl was ranked high in his high school class and scored well on the ACT. But during his senior year of high school, Dahl’s father passed away suddenly. Dahl struggled emotionally and financially and lost confidence in his own abilities as a graduating high school senior.
Dahl put attending his dream college on hold and enrolled in community college at Thornton Junior College (now South Suburban College). With Dahl’s innate intelligence and encouragement from his mother and his English professor John Stanfield, Dahl made the dean’s list and decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Hope College. “There was no evidence at the time that I would make good on this scholarship. But they saw something in me and presented me with the scholarship,” says Dahl.
With support from the Pullman Foundation, Dahl graduated from Hope College with a degree in English and went on to attend and graduate from Western Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. He began writing more for the seminary’s literary publication, started a weekly newsletter editorial, and overall, felt like he was “beginning to fulfill the promise that people had seen in me and that was a very gratifying experience.” (more…)
“Work absolutely as hard as you can in whatever environment you’ve chosen, and make sure you deliver. When you deliver, the people you’re working with and for will deliver it back to you ten-fold,” Fred Marcon, Pullman Scholar Alumnus ’59, says as advice to current Pullman Scholars.
Read more about Marcon’s story and how he truly embodies the values and mission of our foundation. Via Huffington Post
Current Pullman Scholars and all 31 of the new scholar cohort attended our third annual Pullman Scholar Symposium on May 20, 2016, dedicated to developing our scholars’ financial literacy, life skills, and professional expertise, while building a stronger Pullman Scholar Community.
Based on scholar feedback from last year, this year’s sessions were made as interactive as possible. The symposium began with an inaugural Pullman Scholar keynote speech given by Corie Wilkins, a 2016 graduate of the University of Missouri. Corie discussed the ups and downs throughout his college experience and how he continued to overcome adversity, grew to believe in himself, and used resources to reach his goals. Scholars shared that listening to his journey was relatable, and Corie reiterated that no Pullman Scholar is alone, and offered strategies for success.
From left to right, back to front: Jasmeen Wellere, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, ’16; Angela Fong, Kalamazoo College, ’16; Christopher Nowak, DePaul University, ’16; Corie Wilkins, University of Missouri, ’16; Maribell Heredia, University of Illinois at Chicago, ’17; Billy Leung, University of Michigan, ’16; Tyrianna Jones, Illinois State University, ’16; Alyssa Zediker, Miami University, ’16; Asia Muhammad, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, ’16.
Another inaugural opportunity for our scholars at the symposium was leading a session. Nine Pullman Scholars planned and facilitated sessions — two scholars worked with session facilitators from last year to add a more student-centered focus and share their experiences, four scholars facilitated a panel discussion about finding and making the most of opportunities, and two scholars facilitated a core conversation about how to make influential, positive changes in their life, campus, and community.
In the evening, scholars honed their networking skills during an interactive activity with more than Pullman Scholar Alumni and guests. Everyone was then inspired by keynote speaker alumnus Patrick T. Murphy, MS, Associate Director of Communications at the Midwest Augustinians, who spoke about his journey of finding his passion; philanthropy and helping people.
The day ended with a reception for current scholars, alumni and guests to grow their network and be inspired by each other.
Thank you to our alumni volunteers who helped throughout the day and everyone who was able to attend. It was a successful day of education for our scholars and an enlightening evening.
To experience the energy of the day, watch the recap video below:
Corie Wilkins is a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where he received a Bachelors of Journalism in broadcast with an emphasis in production. However, there’s much more to his story, and that doesn’t define who he is.
His journey through college was a challenging one and it produced a lot of growth. The rough situations he was put in pushed him to places he never thought he’d see. During those four years, he’s been on top of the world, and at other times, he’s felt like the world was on top of him. Through it all, his journey has taken him to great places, given him great experiences, and has put him in rooms with people he never thought would know his name. Eventually, he found his passion for ministry, particularly in the realm of social justice. He will begin pursuing a Master’s of Divinity at Duke Divinity this fall.
He has served as the only undergraduate member of the Faculty Council Committee on Race Relations on campus, as a writing tutor, a personal trainer, a television news reporter, news producer, and a bouncer in his professional career thus far. He’s worn a lot of different faces and not one experience was wasted.
Corie Wilkins will be giving an incredible lunch keynote speech during the Pullman Scholar Symposium – the first time for a scholar to be giving a keynote to other scholars. Look forward to learning more about his journey through college and post-grad life.
We are pleased to announce Patrick T. Murphy, MS as our keynote speaker for the Third Annual Pullman Scholar Symposium.
Patrick graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. In 2015, he earned a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management with a Concentration in Fundraising Management from the Spertus Institute of Jewish Learning and Leadership.
Most recently, he earned a Certificate in Marketing Strategy from Cornell University and is pursuing a doctorate and the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential. He is a proud Pullman Foundation Alumnus and has volunteered on the foundation’s associate board and scholar selection committee.
Patrick currently serves as the Associate Director for Communications at the Midwest Augustinians. He also serves as the volunteer Board Treasurer of 16th Street Theater in Berwyn, Illinois. Patrick enjoys traveling and composing music; he is currently writing his sophomore album, Give It Socks.
Patrick will be speaking about his fluid, ongoing journey since graduating on Friday, May 20, 2016. Make sure to RSVP today to secure your seat. There will also be a reception following his speech to interact with him and current Pullman Scholars.
Major: Social Work
Minor: Pre-Law
The Foundation: Last time we heard from you, you were sharing your experience at ScholarCon last year. What lessons from the event are you still using?
Jasmeen: I learned tons of useful lessons at ScholarCon, but the main things I’ve implemented are bringing a sense of community to the student organizations I am a part of and reminding myself to face adversity head on.
To bring a sense of community to the organizations I’m an active member of, — Student Social Work Association (SSWA), SIUE Black Girls Rock, the Vice Chancellor’s Office’s SIUE 1st Generation program — I have encouraged hosting more social events for their members. For example, I helped develop an SSWA Social event at Edison’s Entertainment Complex. This helped our members and their family and friends have a chance to mix, mingle, and have fun. We raised about $500, which will be dispersed amongst several of our charity efforts.
One prominent thing that I have recognized is nearly every student faces adversity. When the motivational speaker at ScholarCon said to “face adversity head on,” that really stuck with me. I was struggling to get my E-Guarantee scholarship back at the time (which had been taken away because of budget cuts at SIUE). As I boarded the plane to ScholarCon, I was on the phone with a financial aid advisor at SIUE and I had been communicating with them for a month prior. I was almost ready to give up, but hearing the stories of adversity from students working just as hard as me and getting the bit of reassurance for the speaker made me want to keep pushing for the funds that I deserved.
A couple of weeks after ScholarCon, I was able to get people at my internship (at the Office of the Inspector General for DCFS) to help me advocate to regain my scholarship. Luckily, they were able to assist me and I regained my scholarship before the semester began. Consequently, I always tell students that there will be challenges and failures, but they must never give up. Always advocate for yourself and develop allies along the way.
What’s been your greatest accomplishment this school year, outside and inside the classroom?
During the spring semester, I was chosen for an undergraduate research assistantship position. I consider this an outstanding accomplishment because I am completing research with the director of the bachelors of social work program. She was one of my most challenging professors that I have encountered at college.
My main accomplishment outside of the classroom, is I have been accepted into three graduate social work programs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), and Loyola University in Chicago. UIUC has offered me a tuition waiver for two of the three semesters I will have to complete. (more…)
By Jasmeen Wellere, Pullman Scholar.
“ScholarCon was one of the best experiences I have ever had!” This is what my National Collegiate Scholars chapter president, Jamal Sims, explained to us during my first chapter meeting. I was somewhat exposed to ScholarCon through a flood of emails when I joined the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) as a freshmen and I just wrote it off as spam mail. During Jamal’s presentation about ScholarCon is when it became “real” to me and not just a stream of emails. As our chapter became more active I began to seriously consider ScholarCon as an event I wanted to attend.
Unfortunately, the cost was overwhelming and our fundraising attempts failed, so I had to cross ScholarCon off my to-do list. It was disappointing, but my thought was that “there’s always next year.” Surprisingly, that opportunity resurfaced sooner than I expected! I received an email from Robin Redmond, executive director of the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation, stating that they were able to fund a trip for two Pullman Scholars to attend ScholarCon. I was flabbergasted and I just knew it was meant for me to go—I mean, what are the odds that this could be happening to me twice? I replied immediately and just prayed that I would be chosen. (more…)
The George M. Pullman Educational Foundation helped Tom Meagher attend college. Now he’s giving back.
Meagher volunteering at the 2015 Symposium
At age 70, Tom Meagher has the luxury of reviewing a life well lived—a loving family, a fulfilling career, a retirement characterized by good health and financial comfort. You get the feeling he wouldn’t change much if he had to do it over again.
It might have turned out differently. His father, a diabetic, died at 34, leaving Meagher’s mother to take care of 6-year-old Tom, his 8-year-old brother, and 2-year-old sister. The kids toughed it out in public schools near their home at 75th and Damen on Chicago’s South Side. The path of least resistance, when he graduated from Calumet High School in the early 1960s, would have been to get a blue-collar job, punch a clock, and contribute to the family budget. This could have been a fine life.
But Meagher, who liked math and science, had other ideas. He wanted a college degree. His mother encouraged him. His grandmother helped him complete applications. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign welcomed him aboard. (more…)
The handwriting is neat and legible, the tone modest but confident. The message is of an ambitious high school senior intent on becoming a doctor, who knows she must persuade someone to help pay the considerable college expenses that such a goal will require.
By the standards of handwriting analysis alone, Sabrina Kendrick’s 1981 application for a scholarship from the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation would probably have been approved. Everything communicated in the essay—her high school accomplishments, her organizational skills, her ability to list achievements without seeming boastful, her bold ambition—is reflected in the person she is today, a veteran infectious disease specialist at Stroger Hospital (a public, urban teaching hospital in Chicago) and an assistant professor of medicine at Rush Medical College.
(Click on the essay to view a larger version.) (more…)
Pullman Scholar Alumna Bethsaida Arroyo Forges Her Own Path.
All things considered, it would have been easy for Bethsaida Arroyo not to attend college. Her grandparents didn’t make it through grade school, and her mom earned her GED only after Betsy was in 6th grade.
“She got pregnant at an early age and had to drop out of high school to raise us,” said Arroyo. “But she understood the importance of education and pushed us all to go to school. College was ingrained into my head in grade school.”
That was Andersen Elementary, the neighborhood school at Honore and Division streets which is now LaSalle II, a magnet school.
“In 8th grade, I was reading at the college level,” she said. “Not a lot of my high school friends went to college, but all of my grade school friends did.”
And once at Wells, the neighborhood high school, she hardly broke a sweat. “I wasn’t a test-taker,” she said. “I didn’t try to study. I’d wing it. High school was a breeze for me.” (more…)
By Asia Muhammad, Pullman Scholar.
ScholarCon is a place where you can dare, dream, and discover. If you are unfamiliar with ScholarCon, then it is my duty to get you acquainted. ScholarCon is a conference held by the National Society of Colligate Scholars (NSCS). There are over 300 NSCS chapters at various schools in the United States. This honor society is special because they award $1,000,000 annually in scholarships, allow scholars to network with established professionals, and hold a leadership summit every year.
ScholarCon is a mixture of awesome things. This conference gives you a chance to network with your peers who are studying a variety of subjects such as plant biology, pre-law, and much more. The conference also gives scholars a chance to attend several workshops where they learn how to apply for study abroad scholarships, develop a solutionist mindset, and how to develop a budget. Motivational speakers hold workshops, too, because the balancing school, work, and personal troubles can be very discouraging. For example, one motivational speaker stressed that it is okay to be discouraged, but do not stay discouraged—resilience is key. (more…)
An immigrant’s tale
Nadia Horb learned early how to think on her feet. She was born in 1946 in a displaced persons camp in Germany, where her parents were sent after being uprooted from their home in Ukraine and forced to work on German farms during World War II. As a toddler, she moved with the family to Paris. When she was 11, they decamped for Chicago where, contrary to popular European notions, the streets were not paved with gold.
In America, Horb, the oldest of six children, became a survivalist in an immigrant’s sense of the word. She was the first to learn the new language, the new customs, the mysterious habits and expectations that come with a new country.
Her father–Berezecky was the family name–opened a small grocery store in a Ukrainian neighborhood and depended on his young daughter for her rapidly acquired English language and management skills. The early years were lean. Spaghetti with milk was a typical supper. (more…)
There was no doubt that Marcus Woods would go to college. And thrive there. His mother, Sheila, pretty much required it. But for an only child growing up in a single-parent family near 77th and Bishop streets, having a will didn’t necessarily guarantee having a way.
When he was 14, Woods and his mother moved to the south suburbs so he could attend Thornwood High School in South Holland.
“The way I looked at it,” he said, “and the way my mom sold it to me, it was an opportunity to re-invent myself. We wanted a fresh start.”
The “re-invention” hardly broke a sweat academically, excelling in math and science and deciding, early, on a career as a structural engineer. Which, today, 14 years later, he is.
“My mom made the decision I’d go to college,” he said. “But the institutions I wanted to go to were very expensive. Coming from a single-parent family, I knew scholarships would be the only way I could attend the college of my choice.” (more…)
We were honored to have Valarie King-Bailey, Pullman Scholar Alumna, ’82, and CEO of OnShore Technology Group, as our keynote speaker for the 2nd Annual Pullman Scholar Symposium.
Not only was King-Bailey relatable, but she was inspirational. She shared her journey as a young Pullman Scholar from the Stateway Garden Projects to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to successful CEO of her own technology company.
Watch the video below to hear messages like Dare to be different, Do something you love, Compete with yourself, and more.
Pam Bloomquist recently experienced a moment of Pullman Scholar serendipity. She is assistant dean of law admissions and financial assistance at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and she and a longtime co-worker were riding the elevator together when Bloomquist happened to mention that she is a Pullman Scholar (’74). Her colleague’s eyes immediately widened and she exclaimed, “I’m a Pullman Scholar, too!” The two colleagues immediately began discussing how they could locate and interact with their fellow Pullman Scholars.
Bloomquist already had a history of supporting the Pullman Scholars who came after her. A long-time donor to the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation, she began serving on the Scholar Selection Committee in 2012. She says of this experience, “Pullman Scholars are not only selected on the basis of academic ability and financial need. They are chosen for their character traits as well. It’s a privilege to able to meet so many deserving young people.” (more…)
Billy Leung, Pullman Scholar, University of Michigan, ’16
In my senior year of high school, I remember being constantly stressed trying to figure out how I was going to afford a college education. Thankfully, my high school counselor told me about the Pullman Foundation. With the Pullman Foundation’s generosity and support, I’m glad to say that I have just completed my junior year at the University of Michigan.
The support I’ve received from the Pullman Foundation has been more than just financial assistance; the Pullman Foundation has also provided the resources to help me succeed in and outside the classroom, manage my time effectively, and reach my career aspirations. In addition to using the many resources on the Pullman Foundation’s website, e-mails, LinkedIn blogs, and Facebook page, I had the opportunity to attend the Pullman Scholar Symposium, where I got to meet other Pullman Scholars and Pullman Alumni.
At the symposium, I attended a personal finance crash course, where I learned the intricacies of creating a personal budget, saving for retirement, and building credit. There was also an etiquette seminar, where I was able to learn proper networking and eating etiquette. This came in handy as I had to attend networking events and dinners during my internship search this past fall. Finally, I was able to listen to a panel of four Pullman Alumni speak about their experiences from college to their current careers. After listening to the panel, I was surprised (and relieved!) to learn that life really has a strange way of working out. Some of the alumni ended up in careers related to their college majors while other alumni ultimately ended up in positions completely unrelated to their college majors. The Pullman Alumni taught me that it’s okay to not have the future completely planned out. (more…)
By Robin Redmond, Executive Director.
The last few months have been busy and exciting for the Foundation. With roughly 550 high school seniors applying this year to become Pullman Scholars, we have spent many hours reading, sorting, scheduling and reviewing applications. Soon, a new class of Pullman Scholars will be welcomed into the vibrant community of current scholars and alumni who are making a difference in the world and accomplishing great things.
When I reflect on the start of my career, I could easily be characterized as ambitious, enthusiastic and incredibly green. I was always willing to work hard and put in extra effort (“Sure, I’ll stay and stuff those envelopes. No worries, I can stack those chairs!”). This helped me land some choice positions and quickly climb in my field.
Despite my early accomplishments, my professional past includes more than a few missteps. For example, during one phone interview I decided to try and quietly eat my breakfast. (Hey, it was early!) The interviewer asked, “Are you eating?” Two second pause, followed by a swallow…“I’m sorry,” I timidly replied, “I was just finishing up a bowl of cereal.” Another time, I asked if wearing jeans to work was acceptable. Yes, jeans were acceptable attire, but no, not the holey pair I wore to work a few days later. (more…)
Daniel Jackson is dedicated to supporting his community and contributing to a brighter future. While attending Jones College Prep, he took many honors courses, served in Student Government and participated in many extracurricular activities. Yet Daniel still made it a priority to volunteer regularly at Red Shield Head Start in his home neighborhood of Englewood. He explained in an essay, “I want to teach the children in my neighborhood. It is my turn to be part of the village that supports other children like me in the future.”
As Daniel began the college application process, he discovered the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation while searching for scholarships on the Internet. (Fewer than 20 percent of Pullman Scholars chosen in 2014 learned about the Foundation solely through their own research.) In his Pullman Scholar application essay, Daniel wrote, “My long-term goal is to give children equity in their education…In my neighborhood, students often feel as if their opinion does not count. However, I want them to know that I will hear their thoughts and address them when appropriate. I love to share with them that they have to be persistent when trying to pursue their dreams.” (more…)
In 2014, current Pullman Scholars and Alumni gathered at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center to learn, network and celebrate their accomplishments. On May 21, 2015, the 2nd Annual Pullman Scholar Symposium will take place–again at the Gleacher Center–and we hope that an even larger group of Pullman Alumni can join us!
Watch the video below for some highlights.
My name is Xiomara Contreras and I am a sophomore studying Communication Studies and Latina/o Studies at Northwestern University. I found out about the Pullman Scholarship through my uncle’s fiancé, who was a recipient of the scholarship about fifteen years ago. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the Pullman Scholar Symposium at the beautiful Gleacher Center overlooking the Chicago River. During lunch, I met current and incoming scholars. It was exciting to learn about other scholars’ experiences, challenges, interests, academics, and involvement in college. I enjoyed talking to the incoming students because they had a lot questions about the college transition and simple things like, “What should I bring to my dorm?” I was able to give them advice, but I also got to learn from my other peers and how they overcame obstacles in school.
At the symposium, I learned proper eating etiquette, in case I ever have a dinner with a potential employer, and I also learned about money management after college. I have a better understanding about life after college, including managing credit cards, college debt, getting an apartment, and budgeting smartly. I especially appreciated the alumni panel. There were four alumni who explained their journeys from college to careers. Many expressed that they were undecided or learned that their major did not matter to the fields they wanted to enter. There was a chemistry major who became a teacher and an art history major who started a beauty salon business and was a gallery curator. I was happy to learn that my major would not determine the rest of my life. As someone who is undecided about what career to pursue, I was excited to meet alumni who made their majors flexible. They pursued what they enjoyed learning in college, but also chose careers that made them happy. (more…)
The Foundation was featured on NBC 5 Chicago’s Making a Difference segment with LeeAnn Trotter.
As a member of the Notre Dame Chorale, the University’s main concert choir, and an Aerospace Engineering major, Juan Velazquez had the perfect opportunity to combine his passions during his STEAM class he took his first year of college. The main project for the class consisted of designing and creating instruments for 300 local fifth-grade students for an interactive percussion performance. Juan learned to 3-D print a whistle mouthpiece, as well as laser-cut a log drum. His experience in this class also led him to an internship this past summer with Springboard Engineering Solutions, where he engineered percussion instruments for a concert this past fall.
Since Juan was young, he enjoyed problem-solving and learning about scientific phenomena. “Especially when it involves solving aerial or space problems, engineering fulfills my desire to solve problems. I also like how the entire engineering field is dynamic; there are always new advancements in the field,” Juan explained as to why he chose Aerospace Engineering as his major.
His participation as a member of the Notre Dame Chorale has been a highlight of his college experience. During his first year, he traveled across the eastern U.S. with the choir, “We would stop at each city, give a concert in a local church, and then stay with local residents who were willing to host students. It was the first time I had the opportunity to travel the country and see the diverse landscapes as well as people. This was one of the best experiences of my life.” Juan also traveled with the choir this past winter break to Louisville, Nashville, New Orleans, and several other cities.
Currently, Juan is working with the Notre Dame Rocket Team to design and build a rocket and an autonomous ground support system as part of the 2015 NASA Student Launch Competition in April. He also recently landed a summer 2015 internship with GE Power and Water in Houston, Texas.
In addition to the variety of experience he has gained in his first two years of college, he highlights a lesson he learned outside of the classroom: “Know your priorities! There is only so much time in a day, and to maximize your time, you have to organize it in a way that agrees with your priorities.”
We know Juan is doing just that, as he is excelling in his studies and life at college. Keep up the great work!
Bonnie Miller, the Foundation’s board president, was featured as March 2015’s Remarkable Woman in the Chicago Tribune. Read the full article here.
“Before Bonnie became president, we were doing good work,” said Robin Redmond, the foundation’s executive director. “But she had the foresight to see a greater potential. Now, we can help more students.” Bonnie Miller is a hands-on president, she added, known in the boardroom as “a sharp cookie with a wicked sense of humor.”
“I am a graduate of Wendell Phillips High School (in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood) and Northwestern University. I grew up in the Ida B. Wells Homes and the Clarence Darrow Homes (former public housing projects in Bronzeville ). I am one of seven children and the first to attend college. Without the Pullman Scholarship I would not have been able to afford to finish college. I went on to receive a master’s from Boston University and a J.D. (juris doctor, a law degree) from Boston College. I recently retired from serving as a juvenile court judge after 20 years.”
-Leslie Harris, J.D., Northwestern University
“My mother’s family arrived in northern Indiana from Holland in the late 1850s to find fertile farmland ideal for starting their new life as American farmers. But as often happens, the first generation after their arrival decided to break out in many directions, a few of whom ended up on the south side of Chicago working for Pullman. I don’t have all the details of what jobs they performed, or whether they lived in Pullman houses or shopped at the Pullman stores, or if they were around for the famous strike, but I do know they settled there for generations. Even in my childhood in the 1970s, we used to visit many of my older relatives that still lived in Roseland.
In the late 1980s, I benefited from Mr. Pullman’s foundation, whose scholarship helped fund my undergraduate education at Bucknell University from 1988-92. More than a century after my first ancestors began working for the Pullman Palace Car Company, his legacy was still having an impact on my family and me. Today, I work with the Foundation donating my time, financial support and expertise to help ensure that legacy continues for the next generation of worthy scholars from Cook County. In the end, some may view George Pullman as a heartless capitalist exploiting workers, but that narrow view misses the dramatic influence this early Chicago industrialist had on our city, our culture and on the lives of thousands of people in Chicagoland and around the world – an influence that extends long beyond the life of George Pullman or the company he founded.”
-Jeff Tryka, CFA, ’92, Bucknell University
“In 1970, I was one of the fortunate recipients of a Pullman Foundation scholarship which allowed me to attend Washington University in St. Louis. Having grown up on the south side of Chicago I am proud of this Foundation and its mission. I am impressed with the caliber of students who are selected for these awards and only wish that there were more funds available to support more students in their academic endeavors. The daughter of George Pullman has created a wonderful legacy in memory of her father.”
– Margaret Marek Rohter, MPH,CPHA,LEHP, ’73, Washington University in St. Louis
“The Pullman Scholarship could not cover the cost of tuition at Northwestern, but their gift certainly made a difference to me in so many other ways. They made me feel important and worthy. Their gift was a form of unanticipated support that came when I needed support the most. That support has stuck with me 40 years later, inspiring me to start my own foundation – an arts foundation, which aspires to inspire others, and impact them in a way that makes them feel the way that the Pullman Foundation made me feel.”
-Andrea J. Fulton, ’83, Northwestern University
“My grandfather came to the U.S. before the turn of the 20th century and was employed as a tradesman at the Pullman works in Roseland. Although I never knew him, my father always talked about the Pullman factory, the lay-out of the community and the splendor of the Hotel Florence.
During my youth I was surrounded by the Pullman community. Mendel CHS (formerly Pullman Tech) was school to many of my friends. Gatley Stadium was home to most of my high school football games. The shadows of the Pullman factories were a constant reminder of the powerful empire that was once in my backyard.
Fortunately, the Pullman legacy has continued through the Pullman Educational Foundation. The Foundation was there for me when I needed financial assistance for my college education. As a direct relative of a Pullman Co. employee I was able to qualify for a Pullman Scholarship. I received 4 years of aid which significantly eased the financial burden on me and my parents.
Today, my two children receive financial assistance from the Pullman Foundation for their college education. We now have 4 generations that have benefited from the Pullman legacy stretching over 12 decades.”
-Richard J. Meliska, C.P.A., ’74, MacMurray College
On February 19, 2015, President Barack Obama travelled to Chicago to designate the community of Pullman as a national monument.
In light of this exciting news, George Pullman and the community of Pullman are in the spotlight, prompting us to reflect on the Foundation’s connection to this historic event.
We are excited to share this opinion piece with you. It will be featured in Thursday’s Chicago Sun-Times and speaks to George Pullman’s most significant legacy, the nearly 13,000 Pullman Scholars who are living testaments to his bold vision.
Article: George Pullman, much maligned, opened doors to opportunity
By Izzy Rubin, Intern.
Know Thyself
The best way to get on track for the semester is by knowing your current habits, strengths, and weaknesses. Is your backpack a black hole for folders and papers? Try binders. Do you lose track of time easily? Set daily alarms. Do you have trouble remembering due dates? Use a planner. Self-awareness will help you choose an organization plan that works for you. Figure out your current habits, and target what you could improve.
Be Ahead of the Game
Try to organize your calendar, papers, and supplies as early as you can. How and where will you store your papers and books? Consider making a folder on your computer for each class instead of having individual files scattered throughout. If you already have a system in place at the start of the semester, you will be ahead of the game and won’t have to play catch-up.
Get a Planner
There is too much to keep track of in college without a calendar or a planner. Forgetting about assignments and appointments is costly to your academic performance and overall well-being. Write assignments, chores, meetings, social events, club responsibilities, and anything else you need to do in your planner. Having everything written in one place will give you an idea of how to structure your day to make it as productive as possible.
See the Big Picture
While planners help with day-to-day tasks, a separate monthly calendar will help you see the big picture. At the beginning of the semester, gather your syllabi and mark big assignments (projects, exams, and essays) in your calendar. Don’t forget to mark events for your clubs or important personal events. What weeks look busier? Knowing ahead of time that you’ll be traveling the weekend before a term project is due will help you manage your time to do your best work.
Do the Little Things
Staying organized takes effort, but in the long run, you’ll improve your grades and state of mind. Place papers in their proper folders in your backpack. Save downloaded documents to the correct class folder. Organize all of your materials before going to bed each night. Set electronic calendar reminders for appointments. The little things you do for yourself now will prevent you from being overwhelmed later.
References
University of Michigan’s Advice on Keeping Planners
Cornell’s Time Management Resource
By Shawn J. Mayberry, Guest Blogger, Pullman Scholar Alumnus.
In 2011, I graduated from Loyola University Chicago with my communications degree. It was the most exciting (and scariest!) time of my life. With scholarships and other money saving strategies, I graduated with less than $15,000 in student loan debt at a private university with an annual price tag of $45,000.
Unlike most Pullman Scholars, I had attended Harry S. Truman College, a two-year community college, prior to transferring to Loyola University Chicago. I was awarded the Pullman Foundation Scholarship as part of a pilot partnership program with another organization I was a part of.
Higher education is one of your biggest life investments, and like any good investor, you want to cut costs and save money wherever possible. Here are a few tips I pulled from my experience to help you minimize your student loan debt:
I wish you the best of luck in 2015, throughout your college career, and beyond. Ask me questions and keep in touch with LinkedIn and @ShawnMayberry on Twitter.
Shawn currently works at an advertising agency and is also pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors helping small businesses maximize their online and digital advertising dollars. He enjoys spending time with his cockapoo named Princess, staying fit at the gym, writing calligraphy, gardening, reading random articles, and volunteering on two associates boards, including the Pullman Foundation Associates Board.
By Shawn J. Mayberry, Guest Blogger, Pullman Scholar Alumnus.
In 2011, I graduated from Loyola University Chicago with my communications degree. It was the most exciting (and scariest!) time of my life. With scholarships and other money saving strategies, I graduated with less than $15,000 in student loan debt at a private university with an annual price tag of $45,000.
Unlike most Pullman Scholars, I had attended Harry S. Truman College, a two-year community college, prior to transferring to Loyola University Chicago. I was awarded the Pullman Foundation Scholarship as part of a pilot partnership program with another organization I was a part of.
Higher education is one of your biggest life investments, and like any good investor, you want to cut costs and save money wherever possible. Here are a few tips I pulled from my experience to help you minimize your student loan debt:
I wish you the best of luck in 2015, throughout your college career, and beyond. Ask me questions and keep in touch with LinkedIn and @ShawnMayberry on Twitter.
Shawn currently works at an advertising agency and is also pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors helping small businesses maximize their online and digital advertising dollars. He enjoys spending time with his cockapoo named Princess, staying fit at the gym, writing calligraphy, gardening, reading random articles, and volunteering on two associates boards, including the Pullman Foundation Associates Board.
By Shawn J. Mayberry, Guest Blogger, Pullman Scholar Alumnus.
In 2011, I graduated from Loyola University Chicago with my communications degree. It was the most exciting (and scariest!) time of my life. With scholarships and other money saving strategies, I graduated with less than $15,000 in student loan debt at a private university with an annual price tag of $45,000.
Unlike most Pullman Scholars, I had attended Harry S. Truman College, a two-year community college, prior to transferring to Loyola University Chicago. I was awarded the Pullman Foundation Scholarship as part of a pilot partnership program with another organization I was a part of.
Higher education is one of your biggest life investments, and like any good investor, you want to cut costs and save money wherever possible. Here are a few tips I pulled from my experience to help you minimize your student loan debt:
I wish you the best of luck in 2015, throughout your college career, and beyond. Ask me questions and keep in touch with LinkedIn and @ShawnMayberry on Twitter.
Shawn currently works at an advertising agency and is also pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors helping small businesses maximize their online and digital advertising dollars. He enjoys spending time with his cockapoo named Princess, staying fit at the gym, writing calligraphy, gardening, reading random articles, and volunteering on two associates boards, including the Pullman Foundation Associates Board.
Interview by Brianna Smitko. Brianna graduated from Columbia College, Chicago in 2009 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. She currently works in communications as a Digital Project Manager in Chicago.
Although Lafakeria and I have volunteered together on the communications committee of the Pullman Foundation Associates Board for almost a year, during the interview I learned a lot about her and that we shared a similar journey to our current roles as members of the communications committee. We were scholars during the same years and volunteered on the Pullman Scholar Alumni Selection Committee and joined the Associates Board at the same time. She has very valuable advice for current and future scholars, and it was a pleasure getting to know her a bit better. I hope you enjoy getting to “know” her too!
(Brianna): What years did you receive the Pullman Foundation Scholarship?
(Lafakeria): I was a Pullman Scholar from 2005-2009 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I double majored in political science and communications.
(B): How did the Pullman Foundation Scholarship affect your college experience?
(L): I was truly excited and blessed when I received news that I was selected as a Pullman Scholar in 2005. Becoming a scholar not only helped me financially with my goal of continuing my education and obtaining a college degree, but it also allowed me to become a part of a huge network of great people. (more…)
Interview by Brianna Smitko. Brianna graduated from Columbia College, Chicago in 2009 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. She currently works in communications as a Digital Project Manager in Chicago.
Although Lafakeria and I have volunteered together on the communications committee of the Pullman Foundation Associates Board for almost a year, during the interview I learned a lot about her and that we shared a similar journey to our current roles as members of the communications committee. We were scholars during the same years and volunteered on the Pullman Scholar Alumni Selection Committee and joined the Associates Board at the same time. She has very valuable advice for current and future scholars, and it was a pleasure getting to know her a bit better. I hope you enjoy getting to “know” her too!
(Brianna): What years did you receive the Pullman Foundation Scholarship?
(Lafakeria): I was a Pullman Scholar from 2005-2009 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I double majored in political science and communications.
(B): How did the Pullman Foundation Scholarship affect your college experience?
(L): I was truly excited and blessed when I received news that I was selected as a Pullman Scholar in 2005. Becoming a scholar not only helped me financially with my goal of continuing my education and obtaining a college degree, but it also allowed me to become a part of a huge network of great people. (more…)
Interview by Brianna Smitko. Brianna graduated from Columbia College, Chicago in 2009 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. She currently works in communications as a Digital Project Manager in Chicago.
Although Lafakeria and I have volunteered together on the communications committee of the Pullman Foundation Associates Board for almost a year, during the interview I learned a lot about her and that we shared a similar journey to our current roles as members of the communications committee. We were scholars during the same years and volunteered on the Pullman Scholar Alumni Selection Committee and joined the Associates Board at the same time. She has very valuable advice for current and future scholars, and it was a pleasure getting to know her a bit better. I hope you enjoy getting to “know” her too!
(Brianna): What years did you receive the Pullman Foundation Scholarship?
(Lafakeria): I was a Pullman Scholar from 2005-2009 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I double majored in political science and communications.
(B): How did the Pullman Foundation Scholarship affect your college experience?
(L): I was truly excited and blessed when I received news that I was selected as a Pullman Scholar in 2005. Becoming a scholar not only helped me financially with my goal of continuing my education and obtaining a college degree, but it also allowed me to become a part of a huge network of great people. (more…)
Take Deep Breaths and Move Forward.
Between exams, essays, friends, family, extracurriculars, finances, and worries about the future, we know that life for a college student can be stressful. So, relax, take a few breaths (tip #1!), and spend a few minutes managing stress.
Deep Breaths
Feeling overwhelmed? Panicked? Anxious? Give yourself a moment to regain composure. Take deep breaths, talk to a friend, or go for a walk. When you feel your mind starting to race, take a moment and do whatever works for you to calm down and keep moving forward.
Break It Down
Break down bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, or break down longer periods of time into goal-oriented steps. Pick one thing to focus on at a time, and make mini-goals that build toward the big goals. Even though the to-do list may be long, with each task you check off, you’ll see that you’re making definite progress and find it easier to stay motivated.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
Are you doing too much? Reassess your activities and course load. How do they contribute to your goals? Is being involved in too many activities causing you to sacrifice the quality of your work or shirk responsibilities? Focusing your time on fewer things may be less stressful and more rewarding than juggling many things half-heartedly. Keep doing what is essential and exciting, but make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
Keep on Movin’
Staying active reduces stress. You don’t need to run a marathon or lift 3 times your body weight, but regularly doing a moderate activity (going for a walk) will get your blood moving and make you feel better.
Catch Some Zzz’s
Sleep also decreases stress. Despite what the college culture often implies, getting enough sleep is possible! Although it may be more difficult during busier weeks, making sure you sleep enough has a big positive impact on your physical and mental health.
Go Pro
Whether you want to vent about day-to-day stress or have heavier matters to discuss, consider reaching out to professionals for help. They are unbiased, confidential experts on stress who have trained for years to know how to best help you. Get to know your school’s mental health resources. Often, colleges provide counseling services for free or at low-cost to their students.
Take Deep Breaths and Move Forward.
Between exams, essays, friends, family, extracurriculars, finances, and worries about the future, we know that life for a college student can be stressful. So, relax, take a few breaths (tip #1!), and spend a few minutes managing stress.
Deep Breaths
Feeling overwhelmed? Panicked? Anxious? Give yourself a moment to regain composure. Take deep breaths, talk to a friend, or go for a walk. When you feel your mind starting to race, take a moment and do whatever works for you to calm down and keep moving forward.
Break It Down
Break down bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, or break down longer periods of time into goal-oriented steps. Pick one thing to focus on at a time, and make mini-goals that build toward the big goals. Even though the to-do list may be long, with each task you check off, you’ll see that you’re making definite progress and find it easier to stay motivated.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
Are you doing too much? Reassess your activities and course load. How do they contribute to your goals? Is being involved in too many activities causing you to sacrifice the quality of your work or shirk responsibilities? Focusing your time on fewer things may be less stressful and more rewarding than juggling many things half-heartedly. Keep doing what is essential and exciting, but make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
Keep on Movin’
Staying active reduces stress. You don’t need to run a marathon or lift 3 times your body weight, but regularly doing a moderate activity (going for a walk) will get your blood moving and make you feel better.
Catch Some Zzz’s
Sleep also decreases stress. Despite what the college culture often implies, getting enough sleep is possible! Although it may be more difficult during busier weeks, making sure you sleep enough has a big positive impact on your physical and mental health.
Go Pro
Whether you want to vent about day-to-day stress or have heavier matters to discuss, consider reaching out to professionals for help. They are unbiased, confidential experts on stress who have trained for years to know how to best help you. Get to know your school’s mental health resources. Often, colleges provide counseling services for free or at low-cost to their students.
Take Deep Breaths and Move Forward.
Between exams, essays, friends, family, extracurriculars, finances, and worries about the future, we know that life for a college student can be stressful. So, relax, take a few breaths (tip #1!), and spend a few minutes managing stress.
Deep Breaths
Feeling overwhelmed? Panicked? Anxious? Give yourself a moment to regain composure. Take deep breaths, talk to a friend, or go for a walk. When you feel your mind starting to race, take a moment and do whatever works for you to calm down and keep moving forward.
Break It Down
Break down bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, or break down longer periods of time into goal-oriented steps. Pick one thing to focus on at a time, and make mini-goals that build toward the big goals. Even though the to-do list may be long, with each task you check off, you’ll see that you’re making definite progress and find it easier to stay motivated.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify
Are you doing too much? Reassess your activities and course load. How do they contribute to your goals? Is being involved in too many activities causing you to sacrifice the quality of your work or shirk responsibilities? Focusing your time on fewer things may be less stressful and more rewarding than juggling many things half-heartedly. Keep doing what is essential and exciting, but make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
Keep on Movin’
Staying active reduces stress. You don’t need to run a marathon or lift 3 times your body weight, but regularly doing a moderate activity (going for a walk) will get your blood moving and make you feel better.
Catch Some Zzz’s
Sleep also decreases stress. Despite what the college culture often implies, getting enough sleep is possible! Although it may be more difficult during busier weeks, making sure you sleep enough has a big positive impact on your physical and mental health.
Go Pro
Whether you want to vent about day-to-day stress or have heavier matters to discuss, consider reaching out to professionals for help. They are unbiased, confidential experts on stress who have trained for years to know how to best help you. Get to know your school’s mental health resources. Often, colleges provide counseling services for free or at low-cost to their students.
Helene Bansley’s fascination with people and her interest to learn why personalities differ so drastically among individuals, led her to major in psychology at the University of Michigan.
This passion and fascination have motivated her to seek opportunities that would develop her interpersonal skills and allow her to work with a variety of individuals. And, what better position to work directly and closely with people than a resident advisor (RA)? Helene began as an RA her junior year and continues to work in residential life this year. She finds the most meaning in this job in the daily interactions with her supervisors, residents, and co-workers. (more…)
Whether college is a new acquaintance for you or an old friend, here are nine tips to help you stay safe on campus as the new school year begins:
1. Get to Know Your Campus
Start exploring! A strong knowledge of your surroundings may make you feel safer on campus. Learning the locations of campus emergency phones/buttons, security, etc. and reviewing the safety information your college provides are great first steps in becoming acquainted with your campus.
2. Safety in Numbers
The old adage, “Safety in numbers,” is important to keep in mind. Walking with a friend from the library, class, or a party is a smart idea. If there isn’t anyone to walk with, don’t hesitate to call campus police for an escort.
Speaking of numbers, it’s also helpful to add the phone number of campus police and a local cab company to your contacts. That way, you’re always prepared!
3. Be Alert
In our digital world, it’s easy to get lost in checking texts, posting on Facebook, or rocking out to the latest hot jam on your phone. It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening around you. As you are walking, consider putting away your cell phone, taking off your headphones, or keeping the volume low so you can hear what’s going on.
4. Lock your Door
It’s great to feel comfortable in your dorm room or apartment. At the same time, you don’t want your comfort to interfere with your safety. Be sure to lock your door(s) and window(s) when you’re sleeping or away to keep yourself and your valuables safe.
5. Be Aware of Strangers
Meeting new friends is awesome, but remember that it’s important to get to know someone fairly well before you let them hang out in your dorm room. This will ensure that you and your things stay safe!
6. Riding with Drivers Under the Influence is ALWAYS a Bad Idea
Accepting a ride home from a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unacceptable in any situation. Always say no to drivers under the influence and don’t hesitate to stop a friend from driving while impaired. Walking with friends or calling a cab are go-to options.
7. Don’t Take Drinks or Food from Strangers
In a social situation, it’s best to know what’s in anything you are about to consume. Make your own food and drink or watch a person until they’re finished. If you set down a drink for any amount of time, get a new one.
8. Let a Friend Know You’re Leaving
If you’re heading out with different people than the ones you came with, let your friends know you’re leaving, where you’re heading, who you are going with, and when you plan to be home. It’s always helpful (and considerate) to keep everyone informed!
9. Avoid an “It Couldn’t Happen to Me” Attitude
Whatever college you are attending, whatever state you are living in, your personal safety needs to be a priority. Staying alert, being prepared, and taking your safety seriously are important.
More Resources
Whether college is a new acquaintance for you or an old friend, here are nine tips to help you stay safe on campus as the new school year begins:
1. Get to Know Your Campus
Start exploring! A strong knowledge of your surroundings may make you feel safer on campus. Learning the locations of campus emergency phones/buttons, security, etc. and reviewing the safety information your college provides are great first steps in becoming acquainted with your campus.
2. Safety in Numbers
The old adage, “Safety in numbers,” is important to keep in mind. Walking with a friend from the library, class, or a party is a smart idea. If there isn’t anyone to walk with, don’t hesitate to call campus police for an escort.
Speaking of numbers, it’s also helpful to add the phone number of campus police and a local cab company to your contacts. That way, you’re always prepared!
3. Be Alert
In our digital world, it’s easy to get lost in checking texts, posting on Facebook, or rocking out to the latest hot jam on your phone. It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening around you. As you are walking, consider putting away your cell phone, taking off your headphones, or keeping the volume low so you can hear what’s going on.
4. Lock your Door
It’s great to feel comfortable in your dorm room or apartment. At the same time, you don’t want your comfort to interfere with your safety. Be sure to lock your door(s) and window(s) when you’re sleeping or away to keep yourself and your valuables safe.
5. Be Aware of Strangers
Meeting new friends is awesome, but remember that it’s important to get to know someone fairly well before you let them hang out in your dorm room. This will ensure that you and your things stay safe!
6. Riding with Drivers Under the Influence is ALWAYS a Bad Idea
Accepting a ride home from a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unacceptable in any situation. Always say no to drivers under the influence and don’t hesitate to stop a friend from driving while impaired. Walking with friends or calling a cab are go-to options.
7. Don’t Take Drinks or Food from Strangers
In a social situation, it’s best to know what’s in anything you are about to consume. Make your own food and drink or watch a person until they’re finished. If you set down a drink for any amount of time, get a new one.
8. Let a Friend Know You’re Leaving
If you’re heading out with different people than the ones you came with, let your friends know you’re leaving, where you’re heading, who you are going with, and when you plan to be home. It’s always helpful (and considerate) to keep everyone informed!
9. Avoid an “It Couldn’t Happen to Me” Attitude
Whatever college you are attending, whatever state you are living in, your personal safety needs to be a priority. Staying alert, being prepared, and taking your safety seriously are important.
More Resources
Whether college is a new acquaintance for you or an old friend, here are nine tips to help you stay safe on campus as the new school year begins:
1. Get to Know Your Campus
Start exploring! A strong knowledge of your surroundings may make you feel safer on campus. Learning the locations of campus emergency phones/buttons, security, etc. and reviewing the safety information your college provides are great first steps in becoming acquainted with your campus.
2. Safety in Numbers
The old adage, “Safety in numbers,” is important to keep in mind. Walking with a friend from the library, class, or a party is a smart idea. If there isn’t anyone to walk with, don’t hesitate to call campus police for an escort.
Speaking of numbers, it’s also helpful to add the phone number of campus police and a local cab company to your contacts. That way, you’re always prepared!
3. Be Alert
In our digital world, it’s easy to get lost in checking texts, posting on Facebook, or rocking out to the latest hot jam on your phone. It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening around you. As you are walking, consider putting away your cell phone, taking off your headphones, or keeping the volume low so you can hear what’s going on.
4. Lock your Door
It’s great to feel comfortable in your dorm room or apartment. At the same time, you don’t want your comfort to interfere with your safety. Be sure to lock your door(s) and window(s) when you’re sleeping or away to keep yourself and your valuables safe.
5. Be Aware of Strangers
Meeting new friends is awesome, but remember that it’s important to get to know someone fairly well before you let them hang out in your dorm room. This will ensure that you and your things stay safe!
6. Riding with Drivers Under the Influence is ALWAYS a Bad Idea
Accepting a ride home from a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unacceptable in any situation. Always say no to drivers under the influence and don’t hesitate to stop a friend from driving while impaired. Walking with friends or calling a cab are go-to options.
7. Don’t Take Drinks or Food from Strangers
In a social situation, it’s best to know what’s in anything you are about to consume. Make your own food and drink or watch a person until they’re finished. If you set down a drink for any amount of time, get a new one.
8. Let a Friend Know You’re Leaving
If you’re heading out with different people than the ones you came with, let your friends know you’re leaving, where you’re heading, who you are going with, and when you plan to be home. It’s always helpful (and considerate) to keep everyone informed!
9. Avoid an “It Couldn’t Happen to Me” Attitude
Whatever college you are attending, whatever state you are living in, your personal safety needs to be a priority. Staying alert, being prepared, and taking your safety seriously are important.
More Resources
In his spare time, Michael likes to: Play sports (especially baseball); cheer on the Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks; spend time with family and friends; and play with his golden retriever, “Sweetness,” who is named after Walter Payton.
After rocking his first year at Marquette University with a 3.95 GPA, Michael is ready to tackle his second year as an Exercise Physiology major and is a direct admit in Marquette’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. After taking an interest in biology during high school, Michael began looking into the healthcare field. He shadowed a physical therapist at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute and decided to pursue this career because he wants “to inspire patients and make a difference in their lives” while thinking critically when assessing injuries. Through hard work, dedication, and communication, Michael hopes to be a successful physical therapist and potentially have his own practice. (more…)
We are honored to welcome the 65th Class of Pullman Scholars! These 40 exceptional students join 121 returning Pullman Scholars (full list of scholars here) and are pursuing various majors including, English, biomedical engineering, social work, accounting, and many more at 25 different colleges and universities throughout the United States.
As these scholars embark on their college journey, we look forward to our next application season. The 2015 scholarship application will be available on our website in November. If you know any outstanding high school seniors in Cook County, please encourage them to apply!
Why Neuroscience? Maribell is drawn to neuroscience because she finds the processes of the brain fascinating, and this major will allow her to understand how people think and why they act in certain ways. During this past spring semester, Maribell took a psychology course and her professor was in the cognitive neuroscience field—his teaching inspired her to pursue this major.
In her spare time, Maribell likes to: Explore museums, take walks along the lake shore, and meet up with friends.
This past May, Maribell finished her first year at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She is on track to complete a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. Her main aspiration is to attend a prestigious medical school and become a doctor. (more…)
By Patrick T. Murphy, Pullman Scholar Alumnus, ’09.
“Always be dissatisfied with what you are, if you want to arrive at what you are not yet. Because whenever you are satisfied with yourself, there you have stuck… Always add some more, always keep walking, always forge ahead.” – Augustine of Hippo
Ten years ago, fear clenched me. I was preparing to conclude a significant portion of my life. I had just spent an entire summer mopping floors and cleaning lockers at my now-alma mater, Marian Catholic High School. I was a high school senior working to pay tuition, and I became inundated with the all-too-typical worries: Should I really pursue my dream, or should I play the safe route? Can I even afford this thing called ‘The American Dream,’ or is that something now reserved for only a select few? Does that American Dream—beyond the white picket fence and the suburban house—exist anymore?
Ten years ago, I was doubtful. The American Dream? It seemed like a concept in a history book as opposed to something we should all seek out. My family had seen many hardships: a trying divorce with my estranged father, the repercussions of racial discrimination from generations before me, an exhausted mother working three jobs trying to support my three sisters and me with the occasional help of food stamps.
Ten years ago, my dreams seemed unattainable. With the enormous cost of college, it seemed an unwise choice to get a degree in theater or become a musician for that matter. I had never even taken a music lesson in my life, and yet, it was a part of my American Dream: study to be successful in theater and express myself through music. However, like anything worth effort in life, the sacrifices, accompanying my leap of faith to enroll at Loyola University Chicago, made the experience all the more challenging and rewarding. I didn’t imagine that ten years later I’d be the president at 16th Street Theater in Berwyn, Illinois, as well as an independent recording artist. And yet, I mention these accomplishments not to boast, but rather to affirm to any reader that you are the creator of your own destiny and that the American Dream you want in the future is a present reality. It exists NOW.
Today, I am seizing life for all I can. This Pullman Scholar has come a long way, but I realize that I have not reached my full potential. And boy, am I glad for that, too. The day that I feel I am satisfied is the day I stop reaching, pushing, grasping ( a nod to my favorite quote above). I am now enrolled in a nonprofit management master’s program and am happily employed in the fundraising office of a Catholic religious order. I’ve come to realize how vitally important education is far beyond where it can take us in society or our career, but where it can take us in the human experience. Education is the fuel for our minds that keeps us yearning and growing.
My American Dream now? Help others seize life for all it can be and bring happiness to the world. Had it not been for the scholarship and support from the Pullman Foundation, I would not have developed into the man I am today. I like to humbly think that the Pullman Foundation has done more than impact just my life. Far from it, the support I received is now indirectly impacting the lives of those whom I try to support in my daily work at the theater, religious order, in friendship circles, and family.
Patrick (right) hosting the “Q & A” session at the 2014 Pullman Scholar Symposium. Pictured with Jeff Tryka, Pullman Scholar Alumnus ’92.
Today, I am blessed with a great gift. The Pullman Scholarship has led me to a place where I now am fortunate enough to give back to the foundation to help others whose shoes I was once in. This past year, I volunteered as a Pullman Scholar Alumni Selection Committee member, wading through essays of so many deserving scholarship candidates. Each story I read was invigorating to visualize the passions of a new generation, as well as humbling to think that these students are in similar places as to where I was ten years ago. Their essays were the truest stories of trying hardships, overcoming adversities, and dedicated persistence in pursuit of their dreams.
I am now a member of the Pullman Foundation Associates Board. I donated an annual gift to the Foundation, knowing that my gift will be used in support of someone just like me. I volunteered at this year’s Pullman Scholar Symposium to help current Pullman Scholars practice professional networking and make meaningful connections with alumni and one another.
All of this is to say to those high school seniors and college students with big dreams that may seem impossible to accomplish right now: just keep working hard toward your goals and passions. Ten years from now you may reflect on the past decade, in awe of where you were and how far you’ve come, hopefully living your own American Dream.
And to those of us who are lucky to be living out our dreams, remember where you came from, the hard work you put in, and what you can do to give back to others who are taking the first steps of their own journeys.
On May 29th, 2014 Pullman Scholars participated in the first-ever Pullman Scholar Symposium that offered panel discussions, networking opportunities, and career development workshops designed to give them the tools needed to thrive during college and beyond. Alumni, board members, and volunteers joined the scholars for an evening of networking and to hear keynote Pullman Scholar Alumnus Steven Fair speak about how his definition of how success has changed since college.
We’d like to extend our gratitude to the Pullman Scholar Symposium Planning Committee, our associates board, and other volunteers who worked hard to make our first symposium a success. THANK YOU!
Informational interviews are conversations with experienced professionals about their jobs, professional development, and career advice. They give you the opportunity to ask meaningful questions to individuals with the first-hand experience in the industries and companies you are interested in.
Why are informational interviews important?
It is helpful to learn from professionals who have gone through the process of finding a job and have experience working in your field of interest. They can be helpful resources as you begin planning your post-graduation life. Informational interviews may also give you insider information on tips, tricks, and guidance for obtaining your dream job. Instead of considering an informational interview as a way to secure a job offer, use it as a learning experience that may be a stepping stone in your career as you gather more information.
Who do you contact for informational interviews?
There are several ways to tap into your network to find people for informational interviews.
Option 1: Friends
If you know someone from childhood, high school, or college who has a job you find interesting, reach out! Talking to friends is the easiest and most comfortable way to have an informational interview. If you’ve never done one before, it might be helpful to start off talking with a friend about their job until you become comfortable with approaching someone you don’t know as well.
Option 2: Your College/Alumni Network
Many colleges and universities have online networks where alumni have opted to provide their personal contact information to students of their alma mater. Although it can be slightly nerve-wracking to email a stranger, most alumni are very open to talking with current students about their careers. At the very least, you are connected by the same school, which is a great way to start a conversation! Not sure what resources your campus offers? Contact your career center to find out what’s available.
Option 3: LinkedIn
Your online professional network can be another great resource to ask people about their jobs. Feel free to refer back to our previous LinkedIn blog post if you need tips on how to continue to build your stellar LinkedIn profile. Use your profile to connect with people from companies or organizations you are interested in and see if you can set up a time to speak with them.
Option 4: Networking Events
Attend events on campus or in your city that promote career development. Most college career centers will host events that bring together people from various industries to talk about their jobs. Use these opportunities to connect one-on-one. Many larger cities also provide networking groups in specific industries and interests. Consider joining one to meet new people and increase your exposure to the field.
Three words Asia feels best to describe her personality: humble, outspoken, caring
A lesson college has taught Asia (outside of the classroom): How to make her dollar stretch
Like many students, Asia’s transition to college had some ups and downs. She remembers feeling lost at times while adjusting to her new home and life in Florida. Realizing there were areas where she wanted to improve, Asia committed to working hard and reaching out to others for help when needed. She quickly learned how to write college-caliber papers, prepare for tests, send professional emails, and, the ever important time management lesson: not staying up all night to finish an assignment. Although Asia’s first semester at Saint Leo University had some challenging moments, her perseverance and drive to do her best carried her forward.
Now a sophomore, Asia is majoring in psychology and is passionate about a future career in counseling. Through one of her classes, Asia had the opportunity to visit a juvenile detention center, where she gained a first-hand understanding of some of the circumstances young people are working through, including violence, drug use, and lack of a stable environment. From this experience, Asia became interested in a career that would provide her opportunities to help youth facing similar circumstances. (more…)
Before we get to the how, let’s talk about the why. Why do you need a LinkedIn profile?
For starters, 37% of surveyed job recruiters say social professional networks are one of the most important sources for hiring and 77% of all job openings are posted on LinkedIn.
You might be thinking, “I have years of college left…I don’t need to start looking for a job now.” While this may be true, we believe in the old adage: the early bird gets the worm! If you start thinking about your professional goals now, you will be more prepared when the time comes to find a job, internship, or volunteer opportunity.
LinkedIn is a great way to establish an online presence and grow your professional network (i.e. find people who can help you build your future plans). These connections may also be the first step to help you score a great internship.
How do you build a strong LinkedIn profile as a college student? Here are five easy steps to get started or to spiff up your profile:
1. Post a Professional Profile Photo
Remember LinkedIn is not Facebook. It is a professional networking site—everything you do, add or write on this platform will be seen by hundreds of fellow professionals. You should post a professional photo (preferably a professional headshot) that establishes you as someone employers would want to hire.
Professional: Unprofessional:
Tips for your perfect professional photo:
2. Write a Clear Summary
An effective summary should answer these three questions: Who are you? What do you do? What are you looking for? Use first or third-person to write your summary. Don’t forget to highlight your interests and impressive achievements.
Grab professionals’ attention by sharing something about yourself that isn’t shared in your resume.
Summary example:
David Brown is a second year Business Administration student at UC Riverside. He is passionate about marketing, advertising, and social media. He is seeking a summer internship to apply his experience assisting a company’s branding needs through social media outreach, developing marketing plans, digital marketing, and conducting customer research.
Specialties: event planning, social networking and marketing, account management, Microsoft Office, Adobe CS5.5 Suite.
3. Add Education and Work Experience
Use this online resume to showcase the stuff that matters: leadership positions, internships, and jobs. Make sure to use strong action verbs (research, manage, copy edit, collaborate, invent, etc.) to describe your experiences.
4. Add Skills and Experience
Are you a Photoshop guru? Is French your second language? Do you live and breathe social media marketing? Awesome! Add it to your skills section.
You can also use LinkedIn to showcase your recommendations and endorsements from professors, employers, and connections. Recommendations indicate to the online world that your previous bosses adored you, and endorsements allow you to show your skills.
5. Check for Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Just like your resume, your LinkedIn profile should be error-free. After you have completed your profile ask a friend or family member to proof it.
How to Write a Professional Bio as a College Student.
A well-written bio is a great tool to have in your professional toolkit. Whether for a job application, networking event, or as an introduction for future employers, your bio is a great way to share who you are and highlight your accomplishments. It can also be a great addition to your LinkedIn profile’s “Summary” section.
Depending on your year in college, your biography will vary in length and topics. For example, a senior may have more work or internship experience to write about than a first-year student, and can describe his/her job roles, skills, and professional interests. On the other hand, first-year students could focus their bio on their background, educational goals, and hobbies. In both cases, your bio should craft an engaging narrative that emphasizes your interests and personality.
Format
Bios are written in the third person and are typically one or two paragraphs, depending on your level of experience. Your bio should start with your name and a quick sentence that describes your basic background. This can include your college, year in school, academic focus, and professional interest. Your bio should be brief, concise, and clear.
Establish a Background Story
Highlighting your background will give the reader an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your personal narrative, which may not be evident on your resume. Also, consider including recent events, such as studying abroad or volunteering. Find a couple of moments in your life that have impacted your identity or interests, and briefly, mention them. This will personalize your bio and help you stand out from your peers.
Explain Your Interests
Next, you will want to elaborate on your interests. For students with a significant amount of professional experience, this will focus more on career goals. If you don’t feel you have enough job experience to write about or are not sure about your professional goals, describe your academic or extracurricular interests. Feel free to add any hobbies that highlight your uniqueness, such as painting, running marathons, or cooking. Remember, your personal biography is an area to describe your personality that is not as easily communicated on your resume.
Emphasize How You Can Add Value
Lastly, you want to end on a high note by emphasizing how you can add value. Depending on where you use this bio, this sentence or two can refer to adding value to a company, team, or event. Highlight your unique talents and skills that would interest your audience. Rather than explicitly stating, “I can add value by…,” share this message subtly. You want your reader to understand that you are a well-rounded individual and professional who can contribute significant knowledge and experience.
There is no order to include all of this information. Play with the format and see what works best for your narrative. Although it can be difficult to summarize your life in one paragraph, this is a useful tool for crafting a positive image of yourself for potential professional networks. Below are two examples:
Example 1 (for first-years and sophomores):
Alison Johnson is finishing her first year at DePaul University where she is interested in business. Although she has yet to declare a major, she’s considering finance or marketing. After watching her parents run a restaurant for years, she knew at a very young age that she also wanted to go into business. In high school, Alison waited tables at the family restaurant during the summer and was fascinated by the many working parts it takes to operate a successful business. From this experience, she learned the value of hard work, efficiency, and communication. In the future, she hopes to continue her parents’ legacy and run her own five-star restaurant in downtown Chicago. Alison spends her spare time singing in her church choir and cooking for friends and family.
Example 2 (for juniors and seniors):
Jared Smith is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he is majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Latin America. His interest in international development began during the fall semester of 2012 when he had the opportunity to study abroad in Peru. He learned about the inequalities affecting indigenous communities, experienced the Peruvian culture, and became proficient in Spanish. Inspired by this international experience, Jared interned with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, conducting research on food security in Latin America. Jared aspires to pursue a career in international development and write policy for a government agency. When he is not busy reading about current affairs in Latin America, he enjoys playing intramural basketball and training for the Chicago marathon.
More Resources
4 Steps to Writing a Professional Bio, Huffington Post
How to Write a Professional Bio, PROF KRG
6 Must-haves for Writing a Compelling Professional Bio, People Results
The 30-60 Second Conversation that Could Change Your Life.
What is one of the most important things you can do at an interview, networking event, or whenever you want to make a positive impression? Your elevator pitch!
The appropriately named “elevator pitch” is a brief and captivating speech that can be communicated in the amount of time it takes someone to ride the elevator to his or her floor. This concise and compelling introduction tells people who you are, what you do, and your plans for the future. As acclaimed author Daniel H. Pink shares, think of an elevator pitch as “an intriguing invitation to have a conversation.”
Next time you find yourself sharing a hallway with a professor you’ve been dying to speak with or attending an event for internship opportunities, use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself. This 30-60 second conversation could help you land your dream internship or job!
How do you craft a persuasive and memorable elevator pitch? Grab a pen and paper and start by answering the following questions:
Step One: Who are you?
Start with the basics—share your name. Make sure to say your name clearly and confidently. If you are poised and relaxed when giving your elevator pitch, your listener will be eager to hear what you have to say.
Step Two: What do you do?
This can be tricky—you want to give your listener a clear idea of what you do without sharing too much information. Most people will not remember that you wrote a paper entitled, “Obstructing Institutional Change: Why Ideology Sabotages Financial Progression,” or that you minored in obscure Russian poetry after 1860.
Typically, if people don’t understand or can’t easily remember what you are talking about, you won’t leave a strong impression. To keep things simple, write down what you do, and then ask yourself how you would explain what you do to a total stranger, or even better, a 5th grader. Also, remove any jargon or clichés for extra clarity.
Example: Instead of, “I am majoring in biology,” you could say, “I am a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, pursuing my degree in biology. I hope to secure a job where I can complete research, specifically in genetics.”
Step Three: What have you done?
Do you have experiences, achievements, or awards that are related to what you study or what you want to do? For example, are you so interested in becoming a healthcare provider that you volunteered at your local hospital over the summer to gain the first-hand experience? Or maybe you study Chinese history, so you traveled in China for some first-hand research. Try to share an experience or accomplishment that will engage your listeners and help them remember you.
Step Four: What do you want to do?
This is your chance to tell your listener what you want to do in the future—your goals and aspirations. Remember that your elevator pitch is about sharing with people what you want to do, not about asking (or begging) for a job. If the listener is genuinely impressed by you, they may encourage you to apply to a job, or introduce you to someone who may be looking for a candidate with your qualifications. Don’t make them feel uncomfortable by asking for one.
Step Five: Who is your audience?
You wouldn’t apply for an internship or job without first learning about the opportunity, right? The same rule applies to elevator pitches. Before you dive into your elevator pitch, ask your listener a few questions. This will help you determine how to target your pitch.
For example, if you are searching for an internship in the field of psychology, and you find out you are speaking to an expert in the psychology field, you might adjust your pitch to say that you specifically investigate how stress influences sleep cycles (instead of only saying you major in psychology). Having more information about your listener can help you tailor your pitch to make it more relevant and interesting to them.
Now it’s Your Turn
Time to put it all together! Like your resume, you should use strong and powerful words. After you write out your elevator pitch, read your pitch out loud and time it. Make sure you can say it in 30-60 seconds. Also, try to spark your listener’s interest by being enthusiastic and personable when you deliver your pitch. Finally, practice your pitch to roommates, friends or even your barista because practice makes perfect!
If you need help, try this elevator pitch template. Then start practicing!
Hi, I’m___________________________________.
I study/am a_____________________________________________.
What you do/major in/study
I have experience in_________________________________________________________.
How have you applied your passion in a real world setting? What’s something interesting that you have done in the past?
I’m interested in /in the future I want to__________________________________________.
What do you want to do in the future? What are you passionate about? How does this relate to what your listener does?
Here is an example:
Hi, my name is Olivia Jones. I’m currently majoring in business with a minor in art history at Northwestern University. I’ve gained experience in business by volunteering with the student credit union for the last year and a half. Last summer, I completed an internship with The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and I’m hoping to find an internship in finance this summer in the Boston-area. I have always had an interest in art and I’m also finding that I have a knack for business. In the future, I’m hoping to combine these two different disciplines and find a career that includes both.
What’s next?
Keep practicing your elevator pitch! A polished pitch will come in handy this May at the Pullman Scholar symposium when you will have the opportunity to network with Pullman Scholar Alumni! We want you to knock their socks off!
Want to learn even more about elevator pitches? Read these articles:
Forbes: How to Create an Elevator Speech
The Daily Muse: How to Tell People What you Do—and Be Remembered
Fast Company: Careers: Personal Branding Bores
You can also explore YouTube for elevator pitch examples.
By Zach Loubert, Intern.
As a modern college student, you’re always on the run. Between balancing classes, extracurricular activities, and a social life, it is important to be in control of your schedule. We’ve compiled a list of our picks for the best smartphone apps that can help you save time, stay organized, and have fun all while being a productive college student.
For Academics
CollegeGo
Discover the essential steps to apply to and choose the right college for you. This app is a great guide for first-generation college students to help plan for college and stay organized throughout the process.
Pear Note
Have you ever looked over old notes from a lecture and don’t remember what they mean? Pear Note helps alleviate this problem by recording lectures while you write. Your notes are integrated with the audio, so by simply tapping on a section of your notes, you are brought back to that time of the lecture. Oh, technology!
EasyBib
Generate accurate MLA, Chicago, or APA citations by scanning a book’s barcode or searching the title with the EasyBib app. Once you have collected all of the citations for your research paper, you can easily export them to your email. Writing a bibliography has never felt so easy!
Dictionary.com Dictionary & Thesaurus
Develop your vocabulary by learning new words from the dictionary, and improve your writing with the thesaurus feature. An added bonus is that you do not need Wi-Fi or data service for this app. You can use it wherever you go!
Google Translate
This can be very useful when studying abroad, working on language homework, or even eating out at an ethnic restaurant. You never know when you will need a translator, and this app will help you communicate with anyone.
For Organization
Mailbox
Organize your email inbox and prioritize information. With this app, you can easily go through your never-ending list of emails by reading, deleting, or postponing for another time.
Cal
Schedule your life with this helpful calendar app. Not only is it aesthetically appealing with clear graphics and text, but it offers other perks like confirmation emails for meetings, navigation assistance, and one-click access to call an Uber.
Dropbox
Manage your important files across all devices with Dropbox. You can store documents, photos, and videos in one place – making it easier to access both at home and on the go.
Build your professional network and connect with colleagues. A LinkedIn account can be invaluable for students kick starting their career.
Prey
Protect your privacy on mobile devices and laptops. This app lets you track and locate lost or stolen phones while letting you remotely control the devices. You can also use the camera to take photos or screenshots and even trigger a loud alarm.
Grad Guru
For students who attend a community college, this app will act as a virtual counselor. It will send you push notifications for important deadlines, general college tips, and guidance to help you finish college faster. These reminders are great for keeping students on track and preparing them to graduate.
For Finances
Mint.com
Organize your finances by consolidating all of your bank accounts, credit cards, and bills into one place. Rather than looking at multiple statements and doing complex math, Mint will show you how much money you really have after expenses. You can also set financial goals and budgets. (It’s okay, we know you cringed when we mentioned … budgets. But they really do work!)
Venmo
Avoid the stress of trying to split restaurant bills, rent, or drinks with your friends. With Venmo, you can transfer money between bank accounts for free with only the click of a few buttons.
For Fun
Uber
Use Uber for a great alternative to taking a taxi. In seconds, you can schedule a car to pick you up and take you to your next destination. It is quick, reliable, and reasonably priced.
Nike + (exercise)
Stay healthy and find time to exercise. With this exciting app, you can map your runs, track calories, and record progress. It will motivate you to keep running with cheers, power songs, and encouragement from some of Nike’s top athletes.
Songza
Select your activity or mood and Songza will generate a playlist that reflects your feelings. This free service gives you access to hundreds of thousands of songs and all you have to do is relax and enjoy the music.
By Julia Lane, Intern.
It’s that time of year again. The air is crisp, couples dressed in J.Crew knits walk down the street consuming pumpkin-flavored beverages, and recent college graduates receive their first student loan repayment bills.
If you graduated this spring and took out loans to fund your education, which according to the College Board’s 2013 Trends in Student Aid is more than half of you, your six-month student loan grace period is probably about to expire. This means you will be receiving a bill soon which will mark the beginning of your repayment period. Like Batkid’s fight against crime, repayment is no joke, missing a payment could affect your credit score, your ability to rent an apartment or even your eligibility for a job.
Be smart about your repayment. Here are four things you can do now before your first student loan payment is due:
1. Get Organized
It’s probably been several years since you took out your first student loan, and with finals, graduation, and post-college plans you might have become a little hazy about the details. Since you are going to have to start repaying those loans soon, it’s important that you know how much you owe and what kind of loans you have. You can log into the federal government’s student aid website (studentloans.gov) using your Federal Student Aid pin to view your loan balances, information about your loan servicers, interest rates, and more.
2. Say Hello to your Loan Servicer
While you’re on that website, check out who your loan servicer is. A loan servicer is a company that collects your federal student loans payments on behalf of the U.S Department of Education. Once you’ve found out who your loan servicer is, go to their webpage and make sure your contact information is updated. You don’t want your loan bill collecting dust at your mom’s house because you moved over the summer.
3. When Life Gives you Loans, Make Monthly Repayments
So how big of a bill should you be expecting? Your monthly payment will depend on three main things: how much you borrowed, your interest rate, and what kind of repayment plan you choose. For example, the average student who earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011-12 graduated with $26,500 in debt. If their loans had an interest rate of 6.8% and they chose a standard repayment plan of 10 years, then their monthly bill will be almost $300. Overall, they will end up paying a little less than $10,000 in interest over the course of 10 years. In order to make these payments, it is recommended that they have a yearly income of at least $45,000. Take a look at the chart below for more examples.
Estimates were made using Mapping your Future’s Student Loan Repayment Calculator
4. Create a Game Plan for your Repayment Plan
I know, $300 dollars a month is a lot of money, but before you start bulk-buying Top Ramen; you should consider what repayment options you have available to you. For many recent grads, even minimum monthly payments under the standard 10-year repayment plan may be too much to handle at first (we feel your pain theater majors). Luckily, you’ve got repayment options, such as income-sensitive or extended repayment that may lower your monthly bill. While low or reduced monthly payments might mean that you’ll have a little extra cash for fun things, you will end up paying more in the long-run, as unpaid interest is capitalized, increasing your principle loan amount.
Want more information on student loan repayment? Talk to your loan servicer or your college’s student loan officers for more personalized information and repayment options.
Advanced Readings:
Four Common Student Loan Mistakes
Everything You Need to Know about 7 Student Loan Repayment Plans
Federal Student Aid | U.S Department of Education
Income-based Repayment Calculator | Student Aid. gov
Mapping your Future: Estimate your student loan payment
By Julia Lane, Intern.
It wasn’t too long ago that a classmate of mine was out biking around Uptown on a beautiful summer day in Chicago. Later that evening she developed a fever, and the next day she began having trouble breathing. After being rushed to the ER and spending a week in the ICU she emerged from the hospital with a list of prescriptions to treat acute pneumonia and a medical bill, the price of which could easily buy a nice four-bedroom house on the north side.
It turns out her student medical insurance expired a day before she was admitted to the ER. Like most college students, my friend was healthy and wasn’t planning on an extended trip to the hospital, so she hadn’t thought about renewing her medical insurance. While you might feel the same way, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years, you probably also know that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will require all individuals to sign up for health insurance by January 1, 2014 (even if coverage doesn’t kick in until later). How will this new law affect you? What are your options?
If you’re lucky enough to have a job that pays for medical insurance, stop reading now. You’re covered – go enjoy that free flu shot! If you’re like the average college student, who doesn’t have a job but might need health insurance, then read on and be prepared to be prepared.
Option 1: Your Parents’ Insurance Plan is your New BFF (at least until you’re 26).
Are you under 26? Do your parents have non-Medicare insurance? Hurray! Under the ACA, almost all students are eligible to stay on their parents’ healthcare plan until they’re 26! Even students that are married, financially independent, or no longer live with their parents are eligible.
Peer Pressure
According to the Commonwealth Fund 2013 Health Insurance Tracking Survey, 15 million young adults ages 19–25 enrolled in or stayed on their parents’ health plan in past year. That’s a lot of people staying on their parents’ insurance!
Will it hurt?
Staying on your parents’ insurance could save you a lot of money. For example, student health insurance at the University of Chicago will cost you $2,757 per year (that’s not including dental or vision, btw). However, there are several things to consider before staying on your parents’ plan. Going to college out of state? Check to see if your parents’ insurance has local providers in their network. Out-of-network doctors can be ridiculously expensive. Also, check to see what your parents’ plan covers, many students have to pay extra for dental, vision, or maternity coverage.
Option 2: Let’s Go Shopping… for Insurance Plans!
Does your college or university offer student health insurance? Awesome, you’re already covered! The medical insurance plan offered by your college or university will satisfy the requirement that individuals have health insurance starting in 2014. Also, check out this infographic for more information about the requirement to buy coverage under the ACA.
What if you can’t afford your university’s health insurance? If your state has expanded its Medicaid program and you earn around $10,000 or less per year, you can qualify for free or low-cost health insurance for Medicaid.
The Perks of Being Broke
Medical insurance is expensive and the government recognizes that it may not be a feasible option for everyone in certain circumstances. If you’re are not fully employed and earn less than $10,000 a year, then you may have the option to not sign up for insurance through the ACA.
Option 3: Too Cool for Insurance?
You like to live dangerously, taking a chance on paying for the ER out of pocket is such a rush! Maybe you’re following in the footsteps of Thoreau and aren’t going to let the government dictate what you spend your money on (man, that guy was a rebel). Whatever the reason, if you are eligible and don’t sign up for insurance by January 1, 2014, the new health care law may require you to pay a penalty.
But for the next year, it won’t be much: $95 or 1 percent of your taxable income whichever is more. However, the penalty will increase after the first year of the program so watch out for fee increases. And, once open enrollment closes on March 31, 2014, if you haven’t signed up yet, you won’t be able to do so until the next open enrollment period.
Bottom line: Health insurance is complicated, but learning more about your options by talking to your parents and school will help you save money and ensure you’ve got the best medical plan for your needs.
Sources: www.healthcare.gov; http://www.commonwealthfund.org; http://kff.org; http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/
We are excited to present the newest class of Pullman Scholars. These 40 bright, determined, exceptional students continue a legacy of achievement as they join 126 upper-class scholars in their pursuit of earning a college degree. A BIG congratulation to the 64th Class! We are honored to have you as part of the Pullman Foundation family.
Crystal Bahena, Charles Allen Prosser Career Academy, Parsons The New School for Design
Shaliyah Brown, Charles Allen Prosser Career Academy, DePaul University
Daniel Buss, St. Laurence High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Angelica Cabrera, St. Benedict High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Charlotte Carroll, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Maritza Chavez, Phoenix Military Academy, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Lisa Cheung, Kenwood Academy, Carleton College
Xiomara Contreras, Concord Academy, Northwestern University
Raisa Cuenca, Noble Street College Prep, Yale University
Ashley Davis, Phoenix Military Academy, Western Illinois University
Gregory English, Morgan Park High School, Howard University
Jennifer Escobar, Lincoln Park High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Michael Glynn, Saint Patrick High School, Marquette University
Maribell Heredia, Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, the University of Illinois at Chicago
Paulena Hopson, Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep Academy, the University of Illinois at Chicago
Loren Hou, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, University of California, Davis
Nancy Huynh, Frederick Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center, DePauw University
Brendan Johnson, Harold L. Richards High School, Valparaiso University
Adam Kiolbassa, Holy Trinity High School, Illinois Institute of Technology
Erica Lee, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Howard University
Sarah Lin, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, DePaul University
Casey Luc, Glenbrook North High School, George Washington University
Agona Lutolli, Frederick Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center, Lake Forest College
Naomi Mang, Hoffman Estates High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Shajaya Martinez, Lane Tech College Prep, DePauw University
Lorena Muñoz Ledezma, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Armani Nightengale, Walter Payton College Prep, Loyola University Chicago
Kelsey O’Donnell, John Hersey High School, Northwestern University
Anthony Onyeaghala, Loyola Academy, Illinois State University
Elisabet Ortiz, Lincoln Park High School, University of Colorado Boulder
Erik Ramirez, Phoenix Military Academy, University of Iowa
Erika Reyes, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, University of San Francisco
Marco Rodriguez, St. Laurence High School, Northwestern University
Josue Salgado, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, the University of Illinois at Chicago
Huda Shahid, Uplift Community High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Memona Shahid, Uplift Community High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Maya Stewart, Morgan Park High School, University of Missouri
Bukky Tabiti, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep, Loyola University Chicago
Juan Velazquez, Elgin High School, University of Notre Dame
Maurice Westbrooks, Fenwick High School, DePaul University
At the annual Freshmen Scholar Reception on August 3rd, the Foundation welcomed 40 new students to the Pullman Scholar Community. Because of their commitment to academic excellence, their contributions to their communities, and their hard work and perseverance, these exceptional students will receive merit-based, need-based scholarships to attend the colleges of their choice. Alumni, family, friends and upperclassmen scholars joined the 64th Class in celebrating their accomplishments and bright futures.
64th Class of Pullman Scholars
Pullman Scholars, alumni, family, and friends shared stories and advice over a family-style lunch.
Pullman Scholar Alumnus Anthony Lindsey gave a rousing speech for the new class of Pullman Scholars.
Some of the sophomore, junior, and senior Pullman Scholars joined the celebration to share their college student expertise and success stories with the new scholars.
On June 11, 2013, the Foundation hosted its second annual Pullman Scholar Alumni Networking Night at Quay in Chicago. Alumni of all ages, backgrounds, and industries came together for an exciting evening of mingling and networking. Now, if we could only get all 12,000 of our alumni together! Next year?
Pullman Scholar Alumni Shervon Coleman (2004) and Catrina Patton (2011)
Pamela Ruggieri (1965), Joan Meagher (1967), and Thomas Meagher (1967)
Pullman Scholars of all ages and backgrounds networked the night away!
Alumnus Anthony Lindsey (1990) sharing his featured newsletter article with Thomas Galluppi (1976)
Great-great granddaughters of George Pullman – Kimberley Freedman (left) and Jennifer Tadjeden (right); and great-great-great granddaughter of George Pullman – Sarah Nau (center) came out to celebrate with Pullman Scholars.
Irma Castaneda (2013), Tasha Legge (guest), and Nerissa Legge (2004)
Olimpia Pietraszewski (2008), Andy Yu (2013), Dariusz Jakubowski (2013), and Tiffini Joseph (2011)
Board President Bonnie Miller, Board Member Reverend Sam Portaro, and Executive Director Robin Redmond
Michael Kharouta (2010) and Mark Hudson (1985)
Foundation staff members Sara Gove, Lisa O’Banner, and Megan McGinnity
Matt Brown (guest), Taylor Brown (2010), Gregory Bird (guest), Judy Bird (1984), Richard Meliska (1974), Merrill Essex (guest)
Ryan and Tiffany Burrow (2002)
While studying Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, Diamond has had many opportunities to develop her interests. Whether she is doing research in African American Studies, working with Chicago Scholars, or studying abroad in Cairo, Egypt, she is always eager to gain new experiences.
“My favorite thing about college life is the freedom to find myself and figure out who I am and the ability to practice it.”
When asked about her accomplishments, Diamond has a long list of things to be proud of. She was recently awarded the G. Alfred Hess, Jr. Undergraduate Fellowship Fund Award. This prestigious grant was established in 2005 by Northwestern University to honor Alfred Hess and his major contributions to the School of Education and Social Policy. It supports and encourages students to develop their own research while engaging in interesting projects. Through this experience, she discovered her passion for academic research. One day she plans to pursue graduate level studies in African American Studies or Learning and Organizational Change. Regardless of her path, she knows it will involve achieving a Ph.D.
Diamond also had the opportunity to spend last semester studying abroad in Cairo, Egypt. She enjoyed being immersed in a new culture and experiencing a different part of the world. She is grateful for this eye-opening experience. “I am able to study abroad because I know that my scholarship is supporting me.” The Foundation has given her the flexibility to be involved with many activities outside of the classroom, without worrying about financial hardships. Diamond recognizes the importance of exploration in college and is enjoying her time pursuing her passions. She has the chance to see the world from a new perspective as a university student. “It feels great knowing I can take on the mysteries and adventures of life while having something concrete to ground me.”
On August 4, 2012, the Foundation welcomed 53 new scholars to the Pullman Scholar Community at the Annual Freshmen Scholar Reception. These students, a select group of outstanding applicants, were chosen because of their commitment to academic excellence, their contributions to their communities, and their hard work and determination. Family, friends, upperclassmen scholars and alumni joined the 63rd Class in celebrating their accomplishments and bright futures. We wish all of our scholars the best of luck this school year!
The perfect major for a food-lover and talented writer? Agricultural Communications. Pullman Scholar Claire Everett found a way to combine her two passions through her studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As a contributor and photographer for The Daily Illini student newspaper, Claire is already mobilizing her dream of writing about the politics of food. Among her goals, she hopes to bring awareness to the accessibility, regulation, and distribution of food and how these factors can be affected by politics, ethics, culture, and the environment. Not only a hard-working student, Claire is also a teacher. She has been ice-skating since she was six and now instructs a campus recreational ice-skating class.
Claire grew up in Chicago and for a while lived near the Pullman neighborhood. She remembers studying the history of Pullman in school and was excited to learn of the Pullman Educational Foundation Scholarship when she was applying for college. She was even more thrilled when she was awarded the scholarship. In reference to this connection, Claire shared, “It’s nice to take a piece of your history, of your city, to college.” (more…)
On June 13, 2012, the Foundation hosted the inaugural Pullman Scholar Alumni Networking Night event at the Mid-America Club in downtown Chicago. 65 Pullman Scholar Alumni and their guests attended. The event brought together Pullman Scholar Alumni from several generations, industries, and backgrounds.
Thank you to those who joined us for a wonderful evening and for sharing your ideas on how we can continue to grow the Foundation and bring together the Pullman Scholar community. We know this is a very special community, linked by a common history through the Foundation and, we hope, a future helping the Foundation move forward together.
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