Download the Partnership Handbook that was distributed to attendees or read below about what was discussed.

On Tuesday, 25 September 2007, college and university alumni representing 36 different institutions attended the Light the Fire Reception at the Newberry Library. Attendees heard remarks from schools CEO Arne Duncan, who pointed to the progress CPS has made and the importance of having college and university alumni in the schools to encourage students to attend college. The program also featured a panel discussion with two school principals and one alumni volunteer, who described their experiences with partnerships between alumni clubs and schools.

Ellen Estrada, Principal of Walter Payton College Prep High School, spoke about Payton's longstanding partnership with the Harvard Club of Chicago, which has made an impact on the school's culture through activities such as college counseling support and individual tutoring.

A second panelist, Nicholas Gorga, Chairman of Princeton in Chicago Schools, came from the perspective of a group of alumni volunteers, describing the Princeton Club of Chicago's partnership with Roosevelt High School, which has involved tutoring, college scholarships and "career modules" that exposed students to professionals in a variety of fields.

After learning about these two successful partnerships, attendees heard from Michael Johnson, Principal of Reavis Elementary, which Mr. Johnson described as "an ordinary school with extraordinary students." Reavis has not yet formed a partnership with an alumni club, but Mr. Johnson detailed a range of opportunities for alumni volunteers to get involved at the school.

Page updated 3 October 2007