UIC Business Launches Full Circle Scholarship Program

The UIC College of Business Administration is pleased to announce the establishment of the Full Circle Scholarship Program. The fund is designed to support undergraduate students before, during, and after their UIC Business journey. It is comprised of three groups: the UIC Full Circle Scholarship Recruitment Fund, UIC Full Circle Scholarship Retention Fund, and the Get to Graduation Fund. The overall goal of each group is to assist underrepresented students in their pursuit of obtaining a quality education and making connections with business leaders around Chicago. These scholarships are made possible by a generous contribution from alumna Carol Josefowicz, BS Management ’77, and her husband, Greg Josefowicz.

The significance of the naming of the Full Circle Scholarship Program dates to 1965, when UIC was known as the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle (UICC). This name was inspired by a local freeway interchange located close to campus. Nearly 60 years later, the name remains a cherished part of the university’s history and the inspiration behind the red circle mark in the university logo.

Attracting and retaining students of diverse backgrounds is a top priority at UIC Business and is indicative of Interim Dean Sandy Wayne’s vision for the future of each fund. To be eligible for an award, students must meet specific criteria that include being in good academic standing and demonstrating financial need.

Depending on the award that is applied for, preference will be given to students who intend to join, or are a current member of, the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) or Black Students in Business (BSIB). ALPFA, a student chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals For America, is a professional and social club for Latinx undergraduate and graduate students who are studying business. The mission of BSIB is to address the interests and needs of Black students pursuing a degree at UIC and a career in business.

“Marian Wright Edelman once said, ‘Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.’ Over the years, Greg and I have been strong advocates for student achievement at all levels and have both received support from others. UIC, located in the vibrant city of Chicago and recognized as a global business hub, has provided us an opportunity to continue our educational pursuits. Hopefully our gift, and others like it, will lessen the burden and pressure that many students feel. UIC Business can help students follow their dreams and expand their minds as part of their own life journey,” Carol Josefowicz explains.

“The true Full Circle nature that this program can provide to students will allow us to recruit the top talent in the country, retain and reward them for academic success, and then help them overcome any unforeseen financial hurdles that might arise during their senior year,” Carol continues.

The initial scholarships will be awarded during the fall 2023 semester.

To learn more about the fund, and to make a gift, please visit the UIC Business Full Circle Scholarship Fund page at go.uic.edu/UICBusinessFullCircleScholarships.

You may also contact the Office of Advancement at cbalumni@uic.edu for more information.