Fall/Winter 2023

Fueling Creativity with an Arts-Inspired Endowment

Behind the scenes of the drama club's fall premiere of Shakespeare's As You Like It, dedicated students worked diligently to create the set and bring the story to life. Playing a crucial role in supporting these efforts was an endowment fund established by Matt Bornski '03, which helped provide essential back-of-house production expenses, including sound/light equipment and sets.

Established in 2019, the Endowment for Student-Led Art aims to empower student theater productions and foster creative expression. We couldn’t be more excited to see Matt’s fund in action and the tangible impact it has had on our students!

We extend our gratitude to Matt for his commitment to nurturing creativity and igniting the artistic passions of our students. His generous support will help inspire our current and future students for many years, helping them grow and learn new skills, gain confidence in their abilities, and ultimately help unlock their potential.

Gift to IRC Programs Honors Late Parent, Husband

Dr. Daniel Murariu, 99’, Lorin Murariu, '97, and their mother, Virginia Murariu, are paying tribute to their late father and husband, Romeu Murariu (pictured on the right) through a gift that helps the library offer programs for students and families at IMSA and in the local area.

Romeu Murariu was a brilliant mind and an advocate of STEM curriculum throughout his life. Having earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Romeo left an indelible mark on countless lives throughout his distinguished career. While his physical presence may no longer be felt, his spirit and passion live on through the legacy he leaves behind.

The impact of the Romeu Murariu Literacy and STEM Fund will be twofold. Not only will IMSA be able to enhance its library programs, including Family Reading Night, which encourages student growth, but this fund will also serve as a reminder of the beauty of carrying forward a legacy, maintaining connections between generations, and as a beacon of hope for inspiring young minds.

It is support like that from the Murariu family that inspires countless more students to embrace their passion for STEM and create a brighter future for all.

Family Pays Tribute to Beloved Math Faculty

The family of Michael Keyton has established the Michael Keyton Fund for Mathematicians in loving memory of the beloved faculty member who taught math at IMSA for 14 years.

In addition to teaching, Michael mentored students researching music and mathematics, coached the math and golf teams, and presented at local, state, and national conferences.

Student Spotlight

IMSA Senior Serves as Youth Delegate at UN Climate Conference

Danica Sun '24 is one of six youth delegates representing the Greater Chicago area at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai Dec. 2-12. She is advocating for the U.S. National Youth Statement she helped author, gaining insight by interviewing world leaders, attending panels, and educating others on climate policy. Catch her at 11:00 a.m. CT on Wednesday, Dec. 6, when she will speak live from Dubai during a virtual webinar for high school classes and clubs. Registration is open at go.climategen.org/youthcop28.

This fall, Danica also represented Illinois at the United States Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in Washington, D.C. where she collaborated with peers nationwide to write the U.S. National Youth Statement on Climate.

Alumni Spotlight

Madison Hahamy '19 was one of only 62 students worldwide to be selected as a 2024 recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic scholarships for graduate students devoted to social change. This scholarship allows graduate students to study at the University of Oxford in a field of their choice.

Madison is currently attending Yale University as an English major. She is an intern at NBC News Investigations and served as the senior editor for the New Journal at Yale.

She has already received the John Hersey Prize in Journalism for responsible reporting on social issues. Madison plans to pursue a Master of Science Degree at Oxford which will focus on refugee and forced migration studies.

Did You Know?

Donors Can Direct Their Gift for a Purpose or Where Needed Most

We believe in the transformative power of giving, and your continuous support plays a vital role in shaping the future of IMSA. Both restricted and unrestricted gifts have a remarkable impact on supporting the work of IMSA.

As the name suggests, restricted gifts are contributions designated for a specific purpose or use. Donors can specify the area they wish to support, such as scholarships, programs, or facility improvements. These gifts allow supporters to give towards a cause that resonates deeply with their values and helps contribute to targeted initiatives or projects.

On the other hand, unrestricted gifts allow IMSA to allocate funds where they are most needed, allowing IMSA to respond swiftly to emerging priorities and opportunities. These gifts empower IMSA to adapt quickly to changing educational outlooks, invest in technologies, support student development, and provide resources to enhance student experience.

Both restricted and unrestricted gifts are essential to furthering the mission and vision of IMSA. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of all our supporters, whether through restricted or unrestricted gifts. Your contributions enable IMSA to continue nurturing and igniting exceptional young minds, driving us towards a future filled with limitless possibilities!

Hello,

We are thrilled to share the incredible news that we exceeded our Giving Tuesday goal for Igniting Innovation at IMSA! Your generosity has propelled us into new heights with close to $30,000 in generosity on Tuesday, November 28. The outpouring of support from our community is translating into tangible outcomes – from providing scholarships to hands-on research, leadership, enrichment and learning experiences for the next generation of STEM leaders. As we strive to cultivate a passion for discovery, critical thinking, and creativity among students, your contributions serve as our inspiration.

Cesar Patino, CFP, MPAS

Charitable Gift Manager

cpatino@imsa.edu