Eight ECC graduates receive full scholarships through NIU-CME Group Foundation program
A scholarship offered by Northern Illinois University and the CME Group Foundation has given eight recent Elgin Community College graduates the opportunity to attend NIU on full-ride scholarships, starting this fall, as they pursue bachelor's degrees in fields related to finance, applied math and computer science.
Students receiving the scholarship are Alexis Gonzalez, Magda Nicolas, Valentina Charria, Jesus Martinez, Diego Gonzalez and Sergio Pedroza, all from Elgin; Clarissa Barrera of Carpentersville; and Demetrius Stanton of Hanover Park. Five of the eight have previously received ECC Foundation Scholarships.
"For me to have received this award, it shows that I have excelled in my studies and all of my hard work has paid off," said Martinez.
All eight NIU-CME Group Foundation Scholars graduated from ECC. They exceeded the required 3.25 GPA, demonstrate financial need and represent traditionally underserved populations.
Sean Jensen, ECC director of transfer services, praised the students' drive and determination to meet the scholarship program's requirements.
"These students truly will be prepared for success after graduation with the support that NIU and CME is providing," he said. "ECC is fortunate to have had the opportunity for our students to benefit from the NIU-CME Group Foundation Scholarship Program, and NIU and CME will now benefit by gaining this remarkable group of ECC students."
Christy Cunningham, CME Group Foundation Scholar Program director from the NIU College of Business, echoed Jensen's comments.
"We had an exceptional pool of applicants from Elgin Community College," she said. "The interview team was highly impressed by the students' academic achievements, and campus and community involvement. We strongly believe in each candidate's potential for continued success here at NIU."
The scholarships will cover tuition as well as room and board - a package valued at nearly $21,000 annually per student. CME Group Foundation Scholars can take advantage of numerous support services including research experiences, networking opportunities, leadership development, business etiquette instruction and personal branding workshops. Scholars also will be considered for summer internships at CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace.
Alisa Carrillo, a member of the first cohort of CME Group Foundation Scholars majoring in computer science, interned at CME Group over the summer.
"I would like to thank CME for giving me the opportunity to better my education. Your support has provided me amazing opportunities through the past school year as well as an internship this past summer. I appreciate the help and the ability to learn more."
The newest cohort of scholars said the scholarship is an opportunity for them to pursue their academic goals. In addition, the students recognized the sacrifices their parents made to help them succeed.
"This scholarship is a blessing and a reward to my mother and all of her hard work," said Charria, who emigrated with her mother from Colombia to the U.S. when she was 7 years old. Charria said her mother, a single parent, worked hard to provide her with an education.
Stanton, who attended NIU for one semester, transferred to ECC to be closer to home to manage a health condition. ECC's low cost also helped Stanton continue his studies even though finances were tight in his family. He said staff at ECC Career Development Services and Academic Advising helped him earn the scholarship by training him for his interviews and helping him discern his career goals.
"This takes so much stress off my parents - and I'm ready to go," he said.
"This is a powerful example of a community college/university/employer partnership that helps students achieve success in the global economy," said Christopher McCord, NIU acting provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. "We are grateful to CME Group Foundation for providing us the opportunity to combine academics and professional development activities for students interested in the financial services sector. We look forward to further successful collaborations as we grow our partnership with ECC."