Quotes

My vocation is technology, and my avocation is education. Both fields require vision and a passion for the future. I believe that the future of this country and this state as competitors in a global economy will depend heavily upon increased understanding of mathematics and science. IMSA will play a critical role in developing that understanding.
--Mr. Michael J. Birck, Chairman, Tellabs
The need to understand how the universe works is fundamental to human nature. It is also essential for safely managing the human future; but foolishly, we have designed a society based on science and technology in which hardly anyone understands science and technology. This is a clear prescription for disaster.
Our future depends on producing and encouraging highly competent, ethically responsible young scientists, as well as a much greater scientific literacy in the general public.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® in Aurora, Illinois, is dedicated to meeting this challenge ...
It is a gift from the people of Illinois to the human future.
--Dr. Carl Sagan
At The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®, IMSA for short, they're teaching students a new way of learning ... problem-solving, not memorization ... they learn that a big part of science is not knowing what's going to happen...gone is the notion that the teacher is the only enlightened one ... when students learn to use their intuition and imagination, the lesson will last a lifetime.
-- CNN Science and Technology News
By forming strong associations with schools like IMSA, we at the medical school are helping train future scientists who may come back to Northwestern some day or go elsewhere to contribute to science.
--Dr. Susan Benloucif, Research Associate Professor of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

About Portraits of Great American Scientists, edited by Leon M. Lederman, Nobel Laureate and Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D., written by IMSA students:

This book is a joy to read. The scientists, of course, are interesting people but it's the students' worldviews that show through the essays that gives this book its special flavor.

--Gerald Wheeler, Executive Director, National Science Teachers Association
IMSA: a favorite of corporate chieftains
-- Crain's Chicago Business
In the Chicagoland area, we have one of the 'out of this world's' finest math and science academies ...
--Robert W. Galvin, Chairman Emeritus, Motorola, Inc.
IMSA is a 'great idea' made real. The Academy provides a wonderful science experience while building leadership opportunities for students. IMSA is a resource for the state, sharing exemplary programs and pointing out what is possible in science and mathematics education. Nationally, it is a beacon for how we must invest in developing the next generation of talent for science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
--Shirley M. Malcolm, Ph.D., American Association for Advancement of Science
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® represents a beacon of an inquiry-based, problem-centered and integrative approach to advanced study in mathematics and science. What emerge from this learning environment are highly competent students with an ethical commitment to resolve complex, scientific, technological and humanitarian problems that face our world. The future of our nation and our global society depends on developing these types of minds.
--Bruce Alberts, President, National Academy of Sciences
Illinois is blessed with creative and gifted students whose talents are the bright hope for our future. If these students are to grow to their full potential, their talents must be nurtured and refined, their minds must be challenged to reach out and examine the unknown. Our investment will pay dividends through the 21st century. This is the object and goal of The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®.
--James R. Thompson, Governor, State of Illinois 1977-1991
A murder is being solved at The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®. A man was found strangled in the main building on campus. Nearby were footprints, pieces of rope and other clues, which students... collected to study. Students work on pathology, entomology, DNA matching and drug testing. They consult with real coroners and detectives. The murder isn't real, of course. It's just a clever way to let students practice some of what they've learned in chemistry, biology and genetics classes. It's science. But is sure looks like fun. And that's part of what makes IMSA tick.
USA Today
For those who doubted the wisdom of gathering bright students in one place and teaching them how to think and work like scientists, a major rebuttal came in 1993 when [IMSA senior] Elizabeth Pine of Chicago won first place in the nation in the Westinghouse [Science Talent Search competition].
--The Young Scientists, Joseph Berger, Education Writer for The New York Times
Once again IMSA has stepped forward to meet an important state and national need. This program (21st Century Information Fluency Program) will ensure that more teachers and students have the knowledge, skills and dispositions to use the Internet to improve learning. This is especially critical in urban, rural and small towns where the digital divide is most pronounced.
--Congressman and House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert
As you know, the education of our youth is one of my top priorities and I support the Illinois Mathematics Science Academy's goal of designing a new system of teaching and learning for mathematics and sciences. Encouraging students to pose serious questions and investigate significant issues, IMSA broadens minds and prepares their students for success.
-- Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
No one is more grateful for IMSA than we are. Our son's three years there provided him not only a superior academic environment, but also one that nurtured him emotionally and socially in ways that never would have been possible in his home town. His highest accolades always go to the tremendous faculty at IMSA. We are all so grateful to have had access to such incredibly dedicated, talented, motivated teachers, particularly at the high school level. Now it is our daughter's turn, and we hope she'll have the same opportunities, as all deserving Illinois students.
-- Alan and Beth Riley
Pittsfield, Illinois
Along one hallway at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, ... the long line of gleaming state math plaques are too numerous to count. And that's before you even enter the school's trophy room. ... Its students compete on the U.S. Physics Olympiad team and present research to the American Academy of Pediatrics, putting it truly in a league of its own.
--Chicago Sun-Times
March 16, 2003
The energy, enthusiasm and passion that this program creates in kids is wonderful. It promotes social skills and cooperative learning and teamwork. The 'real-world' problems excite the students because they feel that they are a part of actually helping change the world they live in.
--Dr. Jean Pierce, Problem-Based Learning Certificate Advisor, Northern Illinois University