PURSUE Scholars

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Leaders in the Community, on Campus, and in the Church.

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About Us

College starts with the POSSIBILITY of a dream.

It continues through the PATH of hardwork.

And it leads to the PASSION of living out who you were created to be.

PURSUE Scholars empowers students through:

Financial Scholarship

Educational Resources,

and Professional Connections

Program

POSSIBILITY

The Possibility is the start of the journey toward college.

PURSUE Scholars accepts a few new scholars each year. Scholars are awarded a repeating, 4 year financial scholarship which ranges from $500 - $5000 annually.

PATH

The Path through college takes determination, overcoming obstacles to go after the goal.

Our staff provides continued encouragement throughout the student's college experience by hosting retreats, group outings, sending care packages, and being available through regular correspondance.

PASSION

Passion is the process of watching the goal become reality. It's not just getting to the goal, its seeing who you've become along the way.

We connect students to job opportunities, internships, and to each other. We connect students because we want to see them live PASSIONATELY in their careers, churches, and communities.

Founder

Kevin Gwin

Founder / Executive Director

Kevin grew up in Lima, OH where he graduated from Temple Christian High School. He went on to graduate from Cedarville University with a degree in Bible and a minor in Christian Education.

After graduation, Kevin moved to Chicago to serve with Inner City Impact where he spent four and a half years. While serving at ICI, he was an active member of Armitage Baptist Church.

In 2002, Kevin was involved with the planting of Lighthouse Christian Fellowship on the west side of Chicago. He is still actively involved in the leading and shepherding at LCF. Kevin is a strong believer of the power of God working through the local church to change communities. That is why he is excited to be a part of supporting young men and women who have shown themselves committed and faithful to their local church.

Kevin and his wife Lisa have three children- Shayna, Joshua, Matthew.

Board of Directors

Carlos Borges - President

Teacher Chicago Public Schools

Sheri Dieleman

School Social Worker Emerson School

Kevin Gwin

Executive Director PURSUE Scholars

John Hall - Treasurer

Senior Director Newedge USA, LLC

Brent McCauley - Secretary

Partner Barack, Ferrazzano, Kirschbaum & Nagelberg, LLP,

Robert Rivera - Vice-President

PCM Department Moody Bible Institute

Scott Roeth

Executive Vice-President 1800- Doctors

Kathy Woods

Pastoral Staff Willow Creek Community Church - Dupage

Cathy Smith - Student advisor to the board

4 year PURSUE Scholar - 2011 graduate of Eckard College

About Us
Program
Founder
Board of Directors

Meet the Scholars

Page 1

2007/2008

2009

2010

Page 2

Cathy Smith
November Scarver
Justin Merrick
Christina Crider
Malcolm
Wade

Catherine Smith

Cathy is a graduate of Kenwood Academy High School. During her time there, Cathy was the vice-president of the drama club and the Student Council treasurer. She also played Varsity Water Polo. Cathy was involved in the Gallery 37 vocal ensemble for a year. She was regularly involved with Young Life at her high school and spent time work at the Shedd Aquarium as a project assistant in the Education Department.

Cathy is actively involved in her local church as a part of the worship team as well as being involved with the children's ministries. Cathy is also a part of her church starting another church, the Near West Vineyard Church in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago. Cathy will be attending Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL and plans to study Marine Biology with a desire to travel the world as a marine biologist and using this opportunity to be a missionary around the world

November Scarver

November is a graduate of Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep High School. During her time there, November was a part of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and the National Beta Club. She graduated ranked 9th in her graduating class. November was also involved in Target Hope Pre-College Academy which helped lead to her acceptance into Depaul University.

November is also involved in teaching praise dance to the young people of her church. November attends Living Hope Community Church in the South Holland community of Chicago. As stated above, November will be attending the Depaul University in Chicago, IL and plans to study psychology with the goals of supporting her community as a Christian Clinical Psychologist.

Justin Merrick

Justin is a graduate of Roberto Clemente High School. During his time there, Justin played football, basketball, and baseball. Justin was also involved in student council as the president. Justin was also involved in the MIKVA Challenge with the Youth innovation fund. Through this, Justin served on the first ever Student Advisory Council to the CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

Growing up, Justin was involved in the programs of Inner City Impact and then as a leader while in high school. Justin was also involved as a leader with Breakthrough Urban Ministries. Justin attends Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. Justin will be attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and plans to study pre-law/government with the goals of being involved in politics.

Christina Crider (2008)

Christina is a social work major with a minor in sociology. She hopes to be an advocate for social work resources in the non-profit sector. She graduated from Lane Tech High school where she played on both basketball and soccer teams. Her home church is Lighthouse Christian Fellowship where she has been involved in bible studies, serving at a women's shelter, and going on a mission trip to New Orleans.

During college she was appointed as the Coordinator for Calvin College's "Streetfest," an event to encourage freshman students to engage in service activities. She's heavily involved in tutoring programs, clothing drives, and poverty awareness activities sponsored by the YWCA. In her spare time Christina enjoys cooking, reading, and sports. Christina would like to thank her family and her fourth grade teacher Ms. Phillips for the role they have played in her life.

Jamal Guyton (2008 - not pictured)

Jamal is a graduate of Fenger Academy High School in Chicago. Jamal was a leader in the school band and was involved with the football team during high school. He has served at the Agape Community Center and as a Sunday school teacher at First Corinthian Baptist Church were he is an active member.

Jamal is attending Eureka College in Eureka, IL where he is studying education with the hope to return to his community as a teacher and coach.

Wade Norman (2008)

Wade is a graduate of Fenger Academy High School in Chicago. He was involved in the school band, the chess team, and the student council while in high school. Wade spent two years in the urban leadership program Higher Ground at Kids Across America. He attends New Hope Fellowship in Chicago and has also served with the Agape Community Center in his community.

Wade is attending the University of Iowa and is undecided about his major. One of his desires is to work towards greater unity among races within the body of Christ.

Malcolm Warren (2008)

Malcolm is a graduate of Fenger Academy High School in Chicago. He played basketball and was involved in the band while in high school. Malcolm now serves as a basketball coach at his church, New Hope Fellowship, and also has spent time serving at the Agape Community Center.

Malcolm is attending Chicago State University and studying psychology. He would like to use his education to help children develop to their full poten

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Page 3

Marcus Crider
Josh Foster
Jasmine Turrubiartes
James Kind
Alysha Wilson
Danny

Josh Foster

Josh is a construction management major with a minor in business administration and has the hopes of one day owning his own construction business. He would like to see Chicago neighborhoods restored for the people of various communities. He graduated with honors from Prosser Career Academy. His home church is Westlawn Gospel Chapel where he has been involved as a summer camp counselor, mission trips, and coaching basketball for 5th grade boys. In his spare time he also created a landscaping business to provide lawn care for his local community.

Jasmine Turrubiartes

Jasmine attends Moody Bible Institute with a major in Bible. She is a graduate of Christian Liberty Academy. During her time in high school she volunteered at a local womens shelter. She also was very involved in her local church, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she volunteered during vacation bible school, and as a camp cabin leader. She also was a part of the committee which organized youth events and media presentations.

Alysha Wilson

Alysha attends Marquette University. She is a graduate of King College Prep with a GPA of 3.9. During her time there she was involved in a club which served the homeless by making hats and scarves. She has an interest in Japanese culture and would like to continue to gain experience in this area. She also enjoyed being involved with her local church praise team. In her spare time she enjoys book clubs, soccer, and knitting and crocheting with friends.

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Kim
Mikki
Derick
Porsha
Lisette
Frankie
Audrey
Tristian

Kim Brittan

Kim is an interior architecture and design major at Indiana State University. She hopes to one day open small firms around the country. With her success, she would like to set up a scholarship fund for students trying to go to college. She is a graduate of Harlan Community Academy High School where she was valedictorian of her class. She also has been very involved in her home church, Chicagoland Bible Fellowship. While in college she has been involved in both student leadership groups as well as student government. Kim is thankful to God, her parents for how they nurtured her into the woman she is today, and the many people who have supported her through prayer and

finances.

Mikki Crespo

Mikki attends Dominican University where she studies art education. She's a graduate of J Sterling Morton West High School where she was involved in the Art Club and National Honor Society. She also has been involved with tutoring students in her community. At her home church, Armitage Baptist, she has served in nursery, 5th and 6th grade biblestudies, and VBS.

Derick Familiara

Derick is a youth ministry major at Moody Bible Institute. He hopes to work as a youth pastor, hopefully in an urban setting. He is a graduate of Lane Tech high school where he played basketball as well as graduated with over 300 hours of community service. In his spare time he enjoys cooking, baking, and eating; preferably in that order. He attends Edgewater Baptist Church where he assists with junior high programming and Friday night youth events. He would like to thank Jorge Rodriquez, a mentor, and his mother for investing in his life.

Porsha Gordon

Porsha is a media studies major at Cornerstone University. She hopes to one day be in film production, potentially films focused on mission work. In her recreational time she enjoys participating with speech and debate teams. She also was a leader for the tutoring at a local ministry and a member of Christ Bible Church. Porsha would like to thank family, friends and Christ as she takes this next leap into her future.

Lisette Gregorio

Lisette is a double major in biblical/theological studies and youth ministry at North Park University. She hopes to one day open up non-profit facilities for those in need. She is a graduate of Lincoln Park High school where she was captain of the softball team and also involved with the dance team. . She was also a youth leader in her home church, the Carpenter's House. Lisette would like to thank her parents for their love and Amy Williams for helping her achieve her dreams. After completing her first semester, Lisette is certain that she loves college!

Renee Rundquist (not pictured)

Renee is an Elementary Education major at Bethel College. She hopes to eventually teach overseas after graduation. She is a graduate of Solid Rock Academy (homeschooled!) where she participated in Christian Youth Theater. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and watching movies. She attends California Road Missionary Church where she teaches Junior Church once a month. She would like to thank her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her wonderful family, and her amazing roommates.

Audrey Wikel

Audrey is a communications and bible major at Moody Bible Institute. She is a member at New Life Church where she is involved on the softball team, church band, and a small group who focuses on the homeless. Audrey desires to love God and love people. Through her communications degree she hopes to be better prepared to share the Gospel.

Tristian Williams

Tristian studies Journalism at the University of Missouri Columbia. After receiving his undergraduate degree he would like to attend graduate school. He is from Chicago, where he is a part of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago.

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Mail

Click Below to Give Now

Make checks payable to: PURSUE Scholars P.O. Box 12568 Chicago, IL 60612

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PURSUE Scholars is a 501c3, non-profit organization. All gifts are tax deductible.

Contact Us

Contact Us! We would love to talk!

P.O. Box 12568 Chicago, IL 60612. pursuescholars_gmail.com

Apply Now

Do you have what it takes to become a PURSUE Scholar?

Are you:

Accademically Prepared?

Desire excellence over mediocrity?

Involved in your community and church?

A follower of Jesus?

If you said yes to all these things, this might be a scholarship for you!

Click the links to download and print application materials. All application materials can be sent to our mailing address or emailed to apply4pursue_gmail.com.