If you were traveling down Belvidere Road the night of September 18th, you may have seen the brilliant lights of an outdoor big screen and stage show. You would have been looking at Cristo Rey St. Martin’s 8th Annual ELEVATE Festival and Fundraiser. This year’s celebration was an outdoor, “Ravinia-style” festival, replete with socially distanced … Read More
Becoming More Valuable to Our Business Partners
Becoming More Valuable to Our Business Partners The Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) has a unique understanding of the threats that face American corporations during the pandemic. As partners, we share many of the same challenges; how to maintain productivity, decisions about working and learning remotely, what are the required skills for the “new normal”- just to name a few. … Read More
“If I Could Do College All Over Again”: An Interview with Leslye Franco Soberanis
Leslye (CRSM ’16 Carthage College ’20) and I talked after she finished her day as a volunteer at Cristo Rey St. Martin. As a recent college graduate, she is in the middle of her search for a position that fits her many talents and passions; some of which include training, global corporations and living abroad. Like many of her fellow … Read More
“Commitment and Time Management”: An Interview with Cassandra Abarca
Cassandra (CRSM ’18 Alverno College ’22) and I spoke on the phone not long after a Boston-based non-profit announced that she had been elected to the organization’s 2020-2021 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Like most recent college prep graduates, her journey during the Covid-19 pandemic can only be described as unpredictable. But it is clear that her ambition and mastery … Read More
Corporate Work Study Program: Freshman Ready for Work
Freshman Ready for Work After Training in the Corporate Work Study Program Freshmen spend many hours in the CWSP going over the basics of how to work in a corporate environment. The topics covered span a wide range of skills that students (and adults) need to survive and thrive in a business environment. Email Etiquette Timecard Training Professional Chit Chat … Read More
CRSM…by the Numbers
16 years of developing young men and women of faith, purpose and service 3,000+ student workers employed since 2004 50% of Cristo Rey St. Martin college grads return to the community and work at a business partner company 100% of the Class of 2020 accepted to a 4 year college 92% of the senior class that started as freshmen, graduated. Highest … Read More
Corporate Work Study Honors Its Business Partners
On June 10th, the Corporate Work Study Program held its annual Business Partner Appreciation Event. The event was recorded live and presented to CRSM’s business partners at a private virtual gathering. CWSP Staff presented The Five, Ten and Fifteen Year Partnership Awards to companies in recognition of their continued support through the years. FIVE YEAR AWARD CVS Health North Shore … Read More
“A Long and Winding Road”: An Interview with Rogerr Oliva
I talked with Rogerr (CRSM ’13 NIU ’19) from his office at home in Gurnee, IL. His journey to graduation from Northern Illinois University involved enough twists, turns and detours to discourage any driver. But Rogerr (yes, two Rs) is not like most. His gracious and unassuming attitude comes through immediately, as does his intellect. The course of his academic … Read More
Corporate Work Study: Accolades and Senior Goodbyes
As the year comes to a close, the CWSP has a lot to be proud of; even as they say goodbye to their Seniors – who performed better than any other prior class. Business Partners Presented Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors with Their Work Study Awards: click here Corporate Work Study Staff Say Their Final Farewells to Senior Workers: … Read More
“Resilient, Adaptable and Determined”: An Interview with Jessena Fields
I talked with Jessena (CRSM ’15 SIU ’19) as she was beginning her exit from Carbondale, IL after her recent graduation from Southern Illinois University. Heading toward Houston, her plans include growing her successful on-line business, eventually reopening her hair and clothing boutique and getting her master’s in marketing. After speaking with her I came away knowing I spoke with … Read More