The Ripple Effect

This program profiles three alums of the University of Illinois who have used their success to enrich the experience of current students and have a profound effect on the entire campus. The generosity of each is also inspiring the next generation of graduates to give back to their alma mater. Chicago businessman Ron Chez gives economically disadvantaged students from his hometown a chance to get a higher education by his Chez Family Scholarship program. Selected students also connect through group and individual mentoring. Mannie Jackson parlayed his talent on the basketball court into financial success as owner of the Harlem Globetrotters. His desire to sustain a supportive environment at Illinois, lead to the creation of the Mannie L. Jackson I-LEAP Program.  I-LEAP scholars have a higher rate of retention and GPAs. The Siebel Center for Computer Science, which was the gift of alum Tom Siebel, breaks all stereotypes of “computer lab.” Illinois has long been a pioneer in computer science with graduates inventing YouTube and PayPal. Now the next generation of computer scientists is using this innovative, collaborative space to foster their own vision of the future.