The Full Circle Scholarship Program
The Full Circle Scholarship Program at UIC Business supports underrepresented students throughout their academic journey—recruitment, retention, and graduation. By offering scholarships through the Recruitment Fund, Retention Fund, and Get to Graduation Fund, the program alleviates financial burdens and fosters connections with Chicago’s business leaders. With a focus on empowering members of organizations like the Association of Latino Professionals for America and Black Students in Business, the program reflects a commitment to equity and student success, ensuring students can pursue their dreams and thrive in their education and careers.
This Giving Tuesday, an anonymous alumna from UIC Business, Class of ’77, is challenging our UIC Business family to make a difference! They will match every dollar raised for the Full Circle Recruitment Fund, up to $25,000. Together, we have the opportunity to double our impact, support our mission, and empower future business leaders. Help us meet the challenge.
Gifts to this program empower UIC Business students to turn their aspirations into reality, breaking down financial barriers and opening doors to success, as described by one of the scholarship recipients:
“I want to thank the Full Circle Scholarship Program so much for the opportunity it has granted me. It has allowed me to pursue my passion and put myself in a better situation to succeed in my career. The Get to Graduation scholarship has been pivotal in allowing me to change my major and graduate on time without taking on significant financial strain. I hope that one day I will be in the position to pay this generosity forward and change the lives of others. I hope this inspires future donors to invest more in the school and change more students' lives.”
Alex Rutnarak- Class of ’25, B.S. in Finance, Minor in Criminology, Law, and Justice
The UIC Business Transfer Support Academy
The UIC Business Transfer Support Academy is a unique preparation program deliberately designed to assist transfer students with navigating UIC and UIC Business support resources. This program will engage students through express advising and course articulation, faculty support and mentorship, and strategic career planning from our dedicated Business Career Center.
Drawing in transfer students to UIC Business is crucial because it expands the diversity of the student body and provides opportunities for students from various backgrounds and institutions to complete their business education at a leading urban university. Supporting these students with tailored resources—such as academic advising, career guidance, and networking opportunities—helps ensure their success and smooth integration into the UIC community. This academy will help pave the way for more CPS and City College graduates to achieve their dreams.
This Giving Tuesday, Al and Abbe Heller are offering a generous 1:1 matching gift up to $25,000 to support the Transfer Support Academy. Every dollar you give will be doubled, making an even greater impact on the lives of our transfer students. Your contribution will help create the resources and opportunities these students need to thrive at UIC Business and beyond.
"As a proud alumnus of UIC and someone who has spent a lifetime leading and supporting teams in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, I understand the importance of providing the right resources to help individuals succeed. The Transfer Support Academy is vital because it empowers transfer students to seamlessly transition into UIC Business, offering them the guidance and opportunities they need to thrive academically and professionally. Supporting this initiative is a meaningful way to invest in the diverse talent of tomorrow, ensuring they have the tools to excel and make a positive impact on their communities and industries." – Al, UIC ’75 and Abbe Heller
By giving today, you can be a part of transforming lives and helping transfer students achieve their dreams. Double your impact now and make a difference!
The Spence Undergraduate Fellows Scholarships
The Spence Undergraduate Fellows Scholarships, established in 2022 by Professor Benét DeBerry-Spence, Marvin Spence, and their family, aim to increase diversity and support UIC Business students. This impactful fund provides scholarships to students who demonstrate academic merit and actively participate in Black Students in Business (BSIB), a student organization addressing the needs and interests of Black students in the college. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, the Spence Undergraduate Fellows Scholarships align with UIC Business’s mission to help students succeed and marks a significant milestone in advancing equity and representation within the college.
The Spence Undergraduate Fellows Scholarships have been essential in creating support for underrepresented minority students, and this year, we hope to enhance its impact during Giving Tuesday. Professor Benét DeBerry-Spence and her family will match all gifts to the scholarship fund $1 for $1 up to $25,000.
“Many UIC students are on a journey to become 'the first.' For example, they might be the first in their family to graduate from college or the first to pursue a particular career. Our family wants to contribute to these important milestones by supporting students in pursuing their ambitions and breaking down barriers.” – Benét DeBerry-Spence
UIC Business Dean’s Fund for Advancement
Supporting the UIC Business Dean's Fund for Advancement provides the flexibility to address immediate and evolving needs within the college. Unrestricted funds allow the Dean to respond to opportunities such as student scholarships, faculty research, and innovative programs that align with UIC's mission to provide broad access to education, research, and excellence. Having these funds available ensures that UIC Business can quickly adapt to changes, invest in critical areas of growth, and maintain a high level of academic and professional success for its students.