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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO AND FIFTH THIRD BANK PARTNERSHIP TOMORROW’S PROMISE: VISION 2020
WHEREAS, in 2008, Concordia University Chicago and Fifth Third Bank joined together in an innovative public-private partnership called Tomorrow’s Promise: Vision 2020, developed to make a long-term positive impact on the lives of underserved children, their families, their schools and the local community; and
WHEREAS, twenty-two academically talented students from Bellwood School District 88 and Proviso Township High School District 209 were selected to take part in the program; and
WHEREAS, school, university and bank officials monitored student progress including individual GPAs, test scores and commitment and, on a case-by-case basis, identified additional resources to help students successfully complete their educations; and
WHEREAS, Fifth Third Bank educated the students’ parents through regular classes on managing household finances and starting a college fund; and
WHEREAS, Concordia University Chicago collaborated with school districts and teachers on curriculum review, professional education and best practices to improve Tomorrow’s Promise; and
WHEREAS, twelve of the original students remained eligible to participate and enrolled in Concordia University Chicago in the fall of 2015; and
WHEREAS, the bank and university provided comprehensive financial support for the participating students to cover the full costs of their tuition, fees, room and board; and
WHEREAS, in May of 2019, the first three student participants earned their baccalaureate degrees, with others on the path to complete their degrees in 2020; and
WHEREAS, the university awarded a posthumous degree to the parents of Tomorrow’s Promise student Jocelyn Morales, who passed away prior to completion of the program; and
WHEREAS, Bellwood School District 88 and Proviso Township High School District 209 are dedicated to the highest quality education, where learning, leadership, service and research-based practices ensure equitable and meaningful opportunities for all students; and
WHEREAS, Fifth Third Bank was founded in 1858 and continues to fulfill a legacy to help improve the lives of their customers and communities through sound banking principles and superior service; and
WHEREAS, Concordia University Chicago has a 155-year history of equipping men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church, state and world; and
WHEREAS, Tomorrow’s Promise exemplifies the positive effects of and serves to inspire future public-private collaborations to invest in deserving students, school districts and their local communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, recognizes and commends the diligence and outstanding accomplishments of Thaddous Daniel, Janay Taylor and Javier Terrazas in achieving their bachelor’s degrees, recognizes the support of their families, and honors the family of Jocelyn Morales; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copy of this Resolution will be presented to all participants.
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