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This past fall, I began a new life as a Ph.D. student in history at the University of Chicago. To become a fully funded historian-in-training at one of the world's top programs was hardly something I would have predicted for myself just a few years ago. I owe this unique opportunity to the rigorous and nurturing experience that I had as an MA candidate at ŷ����Ϸ����
     In 2004, I was finishing my post-baccalaureate teaching certification at NEIU, and enrolled in history courses as part of my preparation for teaching high school social studies. This final round of coursework would prove to be transformative. Professors Susan Rosa and Andrew Shankman exposed me to a world of intellectual passion and critical inquiry that would change the way I thought about history, define the way I would teach it in my career as an educator, and plant a seed of curiosity that would not be satisfied until I was on the path to becoming a historian myself. Professor Shankman suggested that I apply for the MA program in history at ŷ����Ϸ���� and I accepted his challenge.

All it took was listening to a presentation her senior year of college to spark inspiration. Jean Boulware, now a psychology alumna from ŷ����Ϸ���� Illinois University, attended a presentation by artist Indira Johnson about the “Ten Thousand Ripples” project.

Question: How successful has Daniel L. Goodwin been since he graduated from ŷ����Ϸ���� Illinois University?

Answer: So successful that describing his accomplishments as merely “successful” is utterly inadequate.

Goodwin is chairman and CEO of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, a multibillion-dollar real estate and financial organization headquartered on a 13-acre campus in Oak Brook, Illinois. He is frequently recognized by his peers for his business acumen and philanthropy. Most recently in October 2015, Goodwin provided an with a grant of $1 million, plus up to $1.5 million for an additional matching challenge over the next three years.

For nearly five years, Aaron Cortes served as a part-time tutor in ŷ����Ϸ���� Illinois University’s Center for College Access and Success while completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Quickly establishing himself as a tireless worker, Cortes was promoted to coordinator of TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science.