Donor Profiles
Dr. Richard Dods and Dr. Linda Dods: Inspired by IMSA's Mission
IMSA commitment runs deep for chemistry teacher Dr. Richard Dods and his wife, Dr. Linda Y. Dods. For years, they have been committed to IMSA in more ways than one.
In addition to being an IMSA Chemistry teacher for more than 15 years, Dods and his wife also help to support its programs and services through gifts to the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education (IMSA Fund).
"I applied and was accepted as a teacher in the Science Department in 1991. I began donating to the IMSA Fund a year later," said Dods.
Their lifetime giving has surpassed $10,000, making them recent members of the IMSA Kaleidoscope Society, created to recognize lifetime giving levels of $10,000 or more. This Society was created to honor the diversity and beauty of our donors whose collective financial support facilitates the transformation of IMSA's vision into reality.
Aside from the obvious reasons, why do the Dods give to the IMSA Fund?
"I picture IMSA as a beacon that radiates innovative and creative methods of teaching," Dr. Richard Dods said. "It sheds light on how people learn and understand the world around them and thus helps in the creation of extraordinary people who do wondrous things for mankind," he added.
Dods, a New York City native, first heard about IMSA and its mission in 1990. After learning more about its innovative teaching methods and programs for other teachers and students statewide, he decided he wanted to be a part of the IMSA journey.
"The programs that IMSA promoted--discovery based learning, hands-on learning, problem based learning, and inquiry--made IMSA a leader in education in the state, nation and world," Dods said. "Having learned this, I decided that I wanted to support IMSA with my teaching expertise and also monetarily."
Fifteen years later, it is a decision that Dods still does not regret.
"Who would not want to be part of this enterprise?"
"Indeed it is an institution that we are proud to donate to."
Eric Johnson '94: Generous Graduate Gives Back
Although more than 10 years and many miles separate IMSA graduate Eric Johnson from IMSA, his ties to the Academy could never be stronger.
"While I was at the Academy, my family faced some difficult times, and I needed to seek a fee waiver," Johnson said. "IMSA was so gracious, and handled it so discreetly, that I promised myself I would pay back my waiver as soon as I was able," he added.
But Eric's goal didn't stop there.
"Since then I've made it a personal goal to donate to IMSA as much as was spent on my education there."
And Johnson did not go back on his promise. In fact, he has been a loyal, regular donor to the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education for nearly 10 years, and his commitment has made him one of the top 10 alumni donors of all time.
While charitable giving is definitely a personal decision, Johnson has set an example for fellow IMSA alumni. It's not the size of the gift that matters, but rather the long-term commitment.
It is clear to see that Johnson is committed to IMSA and its work.
"I believe IMSA was one of the best things that happened to my education."
Johnson graduated with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and works as an Electrical Engineer.
Dr. Luis Nuñez: Leading by Example
Since November of 2003, Dr. Luis Nuñez has been leading IMSA in more ways than one.
Dr. Nuñez, a chemist at Argonne National Laboratory, was elected Chairman of IMSA's Board of Trustees in November of 2003. As a research scientist at one of America's leading laboratories, no one knows better than Nuñez the importance of supporting an institution like IMSA.
"The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) has provided the citizens of the state of Illinois since its inception with a world-class academy for the educational advancements of students with aptitude for math, science, and technology fields and solid learning and leadership potential," Nuñez said.
At Argonne, Nuñez has led research and development efforts in a variety of areas including Nanotechnology, Material Sciences, Physics, Higher Energy Physics, Mathematics and Computing Sciences and Biosciences.
In addition to leading the Board and serving as an impressive role model for students and alumni, he also has remained one of IMSA's most vocal champions and a contributor to the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education.
"IMSA's pedagogy leads the forefront in education by providing educational practitioners with state-of-the-art methodologies and professional development," Nuñez said. "All of these labors, services, and products require more funds than the state is currently capable of providing under difficult economical times," he added.
"As Chairman of the IMSA Board of Trustees, I value giving to critical social causes that will truly impact the future of our state and nation. IMSA is an investment that will continue to see returns "Today" and in the "Future."
Pamela Blackwell: Nurturing the Next Generation
Before joining IMSA's "pioneering educational community" as a member of the Board of Directors of the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education, Pamela Blackwell was a pioneer in her own right.
Blackwell is President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackwell Consulting Services, a Chicago-based national full service, full life-cycle management and information technology consulting firm.
Named one of the "50 Most Powerful Women of the Channel" in the August 16, 2006 edition of VARBusiness, Blackwell has been trailblazing paths for African American women since a very young age.
For Blackwell, serving on the IMSA Fund Board of Directors as well as being a donor to the IMSA Fund was a natural fit.
"IMSA creates an environment for women and African Americans to excel in the areas of math and science," Blackwell said. "Being in an industry (technology) where women and African Americans are underrepresented, I am thrilled to align myself with an organization that encourages women and African Americans to sharpen their skills in these areas."
With 20 years of experience in the IT industry behind her, Blackwell is well-poised to help nurture the next generation of technical and scientific leaders.
The Winsteins: Proud Parents, Committed Humanitarians
Bruce and Joan Winstein are the proud parents of IMSA Class of 1999 graduate Keith Winstein.
As an IMSA student, Winstein won third place and a $30,000 scholarship in the Intel Science Talent Search Competition, one of the nation's most prestigious science competitions. Of the 40 national finalists, Winstein was the only finalist from Illinois.
Following his graduation from IMSA, Winstein went on to earn a B.S. degree in computer science and electrical engineering and a Masters degree in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). He is currently pursuing his doctorate there, also in computer science and electrical engineering.
Although it's been several years since Winstein graduated from IMSA, parents Joan and Bruce Winstein continue to donate to the Academy, a cause that is still close to their hearts.
"We like our donations to affect the lives of children," said Joan Winstein. "Because Bruce is a professor himself, we tend to support educational institutions readily. But our primary interest is humanitarian."
The Winsteins believe in donating to the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education because of its potential impact on science education in the United States.
"The students of today will be making decisions for all of us tomorrow," Joan Winstein said. "Many of these decisions will necessitate a good knowledge of science and, more importantly, a disciplined and educated approach to decision-making. We want to do everything to support future leaders."
Although the Winsteins are proud to donate to an institution that can make a broader impact on American education tomorrow, they also realize the importance of supporting the needs of IMSA students today.
"We know that money (at IMSA) is limited for the social, cultural, and recreational lives of students, and we want to support the parents of current students to expand the residential life component of IMSA," Winstein said.
"We know how important it is for teenagers to develop friendships, have fun, and have a life outside of the classroom. And, more importantly, these very talented students need to develop socially and emotionally, so they can interact successfully in the future and communicate effectively with people around the world, from different backgrounds."
ComEd, an Exelon Company
(left to right) Steve Solomon, ComEd Director of Corporate Citizenship, Jason Rock, IMSA Junior Class of 2008, Jane St. Pierre, IMSA Director of Marketing and Communications, Paula Conrad, ComEd Manager of Corporate Citizenship, Margaret Hernandez, IMSA CyberQuiz 4Kids Coordinator. Click to enlarge photo.
Beginning in early 2006, Illinois students in grades six through nine from throughout the state were invited to participate in the ComEd CyberQuiz 4Kids Challenge. The ongoing, interactive quiz-based project is made possible thanks to the support of ComEd, a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation.
The IMSA – ComEd CyberQuiz 4Kids Challenge located at www.imsa.edu features stimulating mathematics and science brainteasers and word problems for Illinois students in grades six through nine. The IMSA – ComEd CyberQuiz 4Kids supports classroom learning by enhancing student interest and motivation in mathematics and science.
“Industries like ComEd need innovative technical and scientific leaders,” said Steve Solomon, ComEd's Senior Manager of Corporate Citizenship. “It’s important that youth develop a love for mathematics and science at a young age so they pursue demanding college programs in mathematics, science and technology.”
The ComEd CyberQuiz 4 Kids project has proved to be a very successful outreach tool for IMSA. The site has reached more than 200 schools from throughout the state of Illinois. Students who submit correct answers to one of the monthly CyberQuiz challenges are entered into a monthly random prize drawing. Every student who submits a correct answer to one of the monthly online CyberQuiz challenges also receives an IMSA – ComEd certificate of achievement and an invitation to attend a special recognition event at IMSA.
In addition to the three-year support of the CyberQuiz 4 Kids, ComEd is also a supporter of our IMSA Excellence 2000+ (E2K+) program. E2K+ is an after-school enrichment program for Illinois middle school students who are talented, interested and motivated in mathematics and science. IMSA E2K+ places a special emphasis on students who are historically underrepresented and underserved in mathematics and science. The program provides ongoing professional development for the participating Illinois middle school teachers.
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC) one of the nation’s largest electric utilities with approximately 5.2 million customers and more than $15 billion in annual revenues. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.7 million customers across Northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population.