Chicago State University Foundation hosts reception celebrating Emil Jones, Jr. Scholarship Fund

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - March 28, 2013 - PRLog -- CHICAGO—(March 27, 2013)  -- The Emil Jones Jr. Youth Foundation, headed by former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr.,  this January presented the Chicago State University (CSU) Foundation with a $200,000 gift creating the Emil Jones, Jr. Scholarship Fund for students who need financial support to continue and complete their education. In celebration of the donation, the Foundation will host a special reception on Friday, March 29 in honor of the former legislator’s generous gift.  The reception will begin at 5:30 on the 4th floor of the CSU Library.  

The Emil Jones Jr. Scholarship Fund will be an endowment that will provide monetary scholarships intended to improve the educational experience and support services for CSU student-scholars.  The average cost of tuition for a student attending the University is approximately $11,000 a year and the funds from the endowment will assist students in completing their educational goals.

“President Jones is a long-time advocate of education and we are very grateful for this gift that will make it possible for countless numbers of CSU students to attain an education into perpetuity” said Maurice Grant, chairman of the CSU Foundation Board of Directors. Jones was a supporter for continuing state appropriations for education during his long Senate career. “Education is the great equalizer”, says Jones.  “Anytime we can provide opportunities for students to succeed we must do that. This endowment is my way of supporting students and the positive impact the University is making in our state’s education community.”

Jones has been a long time supporter of Chicago State University where he was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2004. In 2007, CSU named the 7,000-seat multi-purpose convocation center in honor of Jones and his late wife. (Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center)

“In today's environment, with continuous cuts in federal and state funding for both students and public institutions, students have become more dependent upon scholarships from their university”, said CSU President Dr. Wayne D. Watson.  “We are humbled and grateful for President Jones’ support and how this gift will touch the lives of untold thousands here on our campus."

For information on how you can support Chicago State University visit the CSU Foundation website or call 773-995-3839

About the Chicago State University Foundation

The Chicago State University Foundation was chartered in 1967 and incorporated in 1968 as an independent, charitable organization with the sole purpose of soliciting, receiving, and administering private gifts to the Chicago State University in order to secure the University’s future as a place where promise becomes power.