National Louis University Honors Disabled Alum For Achievements

After graduating from P.A.C.E., National Louis University's program for youth with multiple disabilities, four years ago, Ryan Hurban is living on his own and working full-time at the Niles Township Food Pantry in Skokie. Hurban grew up in Carol Stream, where his parents Brad and Cherie still live.

P.A.C.E., which stands for Path to Academics, Community and Employment, is a three-year program that eases high school graduates with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities into jobs and independent living as adults.

National Louis is honoring Hurban as the P.A.C.E. recipient of its annual Reach award June 5 because of his success both in the program and after completing it.

When Hurban came to P.A.C.E., he hadn't been successful holding jobs and hadn't mastered money management, said Sharon Curran, vocational team lead.

"When he learned the tools in P.A.C.E., he put them into practice and was definitely a model student," Curran explained. "Now he has a full-time job with benefits and is frugal with money. He's completely independent, not receiving any services from us or organizations like us.

"He's a role model."

At the food pantry, Hurban checks in clients and determines what benefits they are eligible for.

Curran describes Hurban as charming, charismatic and focused on his goals. He has also helped mentor younger P.A.C.E. students who intern at the food pantry.

National Louis University will present Hurban, who lives in Evanston, with his award at its Reach gala dinner on Tuesday, June 5 at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel.

Learn more about P.A.C.E. students at nl.edu/paceatnlu/ and the Reach awards at nl.edu/giving.