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Honoring Scott Zager ‘06:
A Legacy of Lifelong Learning at IMSA
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Scott Zager's love for learning was evident from a very young age. His parents recall how Scott's fourth-grade teacher challenged the class to try something new every weekend and share it with the class. Scott embraced this mentality throughout his life, eagerly exploring various subjects and activities.
As a child, Scott was a collector who created a "museum" of his treasures in his room, complete with white gloves for visitors. He meticulously researched each item and delighted in sharing his findings. A voracious reader, Scott tackled the dictionary to learn new words, which he then incorporated into his vocabulary. His passion for education was so strong that he would sneak away to school at age three, roaming the halls in search of his class.
Scott's curiosity and drive extended beyond the classroom. He often read textbooks like novels and was always with one. When his oldest brother, Nick, was in high school physics, Scott would sneak off with Nick's textbook, prompting his parents to buy him his own edition. This came in handy when mold forced the closure of St. Charles East High School; with the book at home, Nick hosted study groups, and Scott, still in elementary school, eagerly joined in, even presenting his "further findings."
A Multi-talented Individual
Scott's interests were diverse and not confined to academics. He loved the outdoors, particularly visiting the family cottage in northern Wisconsin and Ely, Minnesota. There, he enjoyed fishing, kayaking, and the serene environment. Scott also loved windsurfing with his dad, wakeboarding, or snowboarding with his brothers. Additionally, he learned to play the piano, quickly mastering the Linus and Lucy classics and entertaining others with his spontaneous performances. Scott also played competitive soccer and swam on the club swim team.
Flourishing at IMSA
Being accepted to IMSA was a dream come true for Scott, where he continued to flourish and grow. He found his academic niche at IMSA, where his love of learning was encouraged, respected, and nurtured. IMSA provided a unique environment that challenged Scott to expand his education beyond the classroom, instilling in him the belief that there were no limits to what he could achieve.
IMSA's supportive environment played a crucial role in Scott's development. He thrived in a community that valued collaboration and sharing, embracing these principles wholeheartedly. Scott's time at IMSA prepared him for his next academic adventure at Brown University, where he was drawn to their open curriculum and took graduate-level math classes as a freshman.
Cherished Memories and Lasting Impact
Scott's family has countless fond memories of his inquisitive nature and generous spirit. As a small child, Scott would observe items that interested him and subtly express his desire for them, often leading to him being offered the item. His uncle, a pediatrician, once took Scott on hospital rounds, resulting in Scott returning with a tape measure used to measure children's head circumferences. Scott's ability to subtly convey his interest without directly asking was a testament to his unique personality.
Scott's love for learning and sharing knowledge defined his character. He believed that information should be shared to help others, never hoarded for competitive advantage. His fascination with the Linux computer language and free shareware reflected his belief in open access to knowledge. A dear friend, Emilie Yeh Johnson ‘06, remarked, "To remember an amazing person with the utmost curiosity who always wanted to learn something new and teach it to someone who would listen."
Scott's dedication to learning never wavered throughout his cancer diagnosis and treatment. He kept his textbooks with him, prompting engaging conversations with doctors and fellow patients. Shortly before his death, Scott wrote a poignant reflection: "Each memory is a precious core of that person’s soul that we find all the more power and remembrance when we bring them together. The unison of sharing memories and finding new ones brings even more life to the mind’s eye. In certain captivating moments when perhaps the memories shine just right, we see the essence of the person created before us – their smile, laughter, and dreams."
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Continuing the Legacy
Scott's time at IMSA validated his love of learning and reassured him that there truly were no limits. He learned that collaboration and sharing were not only acceptable but encouraged. Scott's parents, David and Gina, continue to donate to IMSA in his honor, motivated by the institution's profound impact on their son's life. IMSA holds a special place in their hearts, not only for the education and life lessons Scott received but also for the outpouring of kindness and support during his illness and after his passing.
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The Zagers are forever grateful for the unique and special place IMSA provided for Scott. Even during his treatment, IMSA welcomed him back, offering a supportive and nurturing environment. Scott was invited to attend the prom during his treatment, just a week before his passing. The continued connection to IMSA gave Scott a sense of community and belonging, which was invaluable during his illness.
David and Gina believe that Scott would encourage the current IMSA community to be true to themselves and kind to others. They hope his story inspires others to see learning as a gift to be shared, not something for competitive advantage.
"Whiteboards are handy and better than working
problems on windows," they recall Scott saying.
"You can never have too many whiteboards."
Scott Zager's legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the contributions his family continues to make in his honor. His story is a testament to the enduring power of curiosity, the importance of community, and the boundless potential of a life dedicated to learning.
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Summer of Innovation:
Students Take on STEM Challenges
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From June 22-30, 2024, IMSA proudly hosted its annual Summer PROMISE program (SEAMS), welcoming a diverse group of bright, eager students who were ready to explore IMSA’s campus and dive into the STEM curriculum. 71 students from across Illinois participated in lessons that included subjects such as Python coding, AI models, dissection of sheep brains, and much more that engaged them in hands-on learning that sparked their curiosity and passion for STEM.
IMSA faculty members Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Eric Rettberg, and Ms. Lassandra Walker served as instructors this summer and were able to offer a wide range of enriching experiences. Students also participated in excursions that included the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, where they attended a variety of special exhibits, such as the science behind James Bond films and the Blue Paradox.
We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our donors who make transformative experiences like this possible, especially as we look to these students to become our next generation of thinkers and leaders!
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“For us, IMSA pointed the way.”
-Dr. Mia Markey ‘94 and Eric Stuckey ‘93
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Three decades after graduating, Mia and Eric see the value of their IMSA education, academically and personally. “We benefited greatly from the community of academic respect that IMSA provided, and the community of people we met there made it much more acceptable to be us.”
Embracing a lifelong continuation of the “intense learning” they undertook at IMSA, Mia is a professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, and Eric works in the tech industry, developing software.
Longtime annual donors to the IMSA Fund began giving to help a mission they believed in, even from afar. Early on, they kept in contact with IMSA through fledgling internet forums and alumni association activities. “When we finally had money to give, that seemed a natural addition to the effort.”
Mia, from Dallas City in west central Illinois, and Eric, from the small village of Montrose near downstate Effingham, say IMSA was a “ladder” for them. “Other kids out there need that ladder, too,” and they welcome the opportunity to provide some help. “We believe that when your benefits are passed along, they become more meaningful.”
Family ties are a big part of Mia and Eric’s lives. They and their four children enjoy visiting museums and parks, reading, board games, and old movies. Their IMSA family ties are strong; six siblings and a brother-in-law are also IMSA alumni. Markey-Stuckey-Butler is a big IMSA story of bountiful, world-expanding connections and opportunities.
And IMSA pointed the way!
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Joey Paras '24
Joey Paras '24 has been awarded the prestigious Alumni Distinguished Scholarship from Michigan State University. This scholarship is one of the most competitive in the country, with only a handful of recipients selected from over 1,000 applicants. Winners are chosen based on their performance in written short answer responses, a general knowledge examination, high school achievements, standardized test scores, and finalist interviews.
The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and other academic expenses for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education. Recipients of the ADS award are also invited to join the selective Honors College program and receive a two-year paid research assistantship in a discipline of their choice. Congratulations, Joey!
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Helping make a bigger splash - Multiply your impact with Matching Gifts!
Did you know that many employers offer matching gift programs that can double, triple, or sometimes even multiply your charitable donations? If you work for a company that participates in a matching gift program, the impact of your giving to IMSA could be taken to new levels!
Some may be asking, what is a matching gift? Matching gifts are charitable giving programs set up by companies in which the employer matches donations made by employees to eligible non-profit organizations. If you donate $100 to IMSA and your employer offers a matching gift, your $100 gift could turn into $200 or more!
To find out if you can use matching gifts, check with your employer or human resources department to see if your company offers a matching gift program. Some employers have the necessary forms to fill out, so submit any paperwork according to your employer’s guidelines.
Ongoing philanthropic support is vital to IMSA's success, and matching gifts are a powerful way to maximize your contributions. They allow you to amplify your contribution significantly and immediately increase the impact of your donation. They also help strengthen your company’s philanthropic efforts, which demonstrates your company’s commitment to community support and social responsibility.
Together, we can continue to support IMSA’s mission and leave a lasting legacy!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about ways to donate, please contact Cesar Patino at 630.907.5051 or email at cpatino@imsa.edu.
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Hello,
I hope you’ve enjoyed the Summer edition of Impact IMSA. We are incredibly grateful for your support of IMSA’s mission and greatly appreciate your generosity. Thank you for investing in our students and their imaginations. Together, we can nurture the next generation of world-changers.
Cesar Patino, CFP, MPAS
Charitable Gift Officer
cpatino@imsa.edu
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ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education
1500 Sullivan Rd., Aurora, IL 60506-1000 | 630.907.5051 | imsa.edu/giving
To ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds
that advance the human condition.
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