The Importance of Participation
A message from Phyllis Weaver, PA’10
Video produced by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
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The Impact of Your Participation
Sam Kasserman, Class of 2009
Sam participated in the Beijing Study Abroad Program.
When I arrived at Chicago, I took a Core Civilizations class that introduced me to Chinese history, culture, politics, and society. That experience inspired me to enroll in the College’s recently established Beijing Study Abroad Program.
While in China, I traveled with fellow students to historically significant locations in Beijing, as well as to Xian, Shanghai, and Nanjing. On the weekends, I embarked on several solo excursions. These trips breathed life into my coursework and provided remarkable firsthand research material. That’s what distinguishes the College- students expand their knowledge in the classroom through concentrated reading, research, thinking, and debate, and then apply and enrich this knowledge out in the world. Please make your gift to the Parents Fund today and help preserve the vitality of learning Chicago-style.
Leon Gordon, AB’07
Leon recently began teaching English and integrated science at a preparatory high school for young men in the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago as part of the Teach For America program.
When I first came to Chicago I was intent on going straight to medical school. However, at the College, I discovered that the responsibilities of a doctor encompass being a lifelong educator, so I decided to take a detour into teaching.
While at Chicago, I was a proud member and vice president of Phi Delta Theta, a research assistant for the Division of the Social Sciences’ Survey Lab, a volunteer with the Best Buddies program for people with intellectual disabilities, and a member of the Soul Umoja gospel choir. I started a student organization called Cultures in Action, which promotes cross-cultural understanding. I was also a four year athlete, participating in football and track and field.
These activities have had a profound impact on my life, ensuring that I developed personally, socially, and physically as well as academically while at the College. Your gift of any size not only sustains the College experience for future generations, but it allows it to grow even better over time. As I work to inspire a passion for science in urban young people, the University will be my example for them of what college life can be.