TOGETHER
Dear Noble Community,
This year marked a historic milestone for Noble Schools — 25 years of changing lives through education in Chicago. United in purpose, we achieved academic gains that rivaled our pre-pandemic highs, fueled by the same commitment that has guided us since day one. It was also a year that affirmed what is possible when we stay true to who we are: Noble efforts change lives.
This truth is personal for me. My journey with Noble began as a student on the very first day Noble Street College Prep opened in 1999. After college, I returned to Noble as a teacher and principal, and today I have the privilege of serving as CEO.
My story is just one of tens of thousands — but it stands as proof of what is possible when students are given the opportunity and support they deserve. Noble believed in me, and I believe in every single student who walks through our doors — a belief grounded in experience, fueled by purpose, and sustained by the life-changing power of education.
This quarter of a century milestone belongs to all of us. To our students, who strive for excellence and growth every day. To our families, who entrust us not just with their children, but with their dreams. To our staff, who bring care, brilliance, and dedication to every classroom, hallway, and support office. To our alumni, whose journeys remind us of what is possible. And to our supporters, whose generosity of spirit helps power our mission forward. Thank you for being part of the village that makes us Noble-strong.
The next 25 years will demand urgency, courage, and innovation. Our new three-year strategic plan centers on three essential priorities: growing our students, keeping our students, and renewing our charter. These pillars are not just goals — they are our ongoing commitment to delivering an excellent, lifechanging school experience for every student who chooses Noble.
Celebrating 25 years is a moment of pride — but also a call to action. We have seen what’s possible. Now, we must do more. The most powerful chapter of Noble’s story is yet to be written, and I invite you to help us write it together.
Brenda Cora Chief Executive Officer
Watch a video message from Brenda Cora
Then a student, now our CEO – a Noble story comes full circle.
25TH ANNIVERSARY
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER
A Night of Reflection and Inspiration
We hosted our first-ever gala to celebrate 25 years of providing high-quality public education and choice-filled lives for Chicago’s students and families. This milestone event brought together a vibrant community of Noble educators, alumni, students, families, and supporters. It was a joyful reunion filled with powerful stories, heartfelt reflections, and a shared commitment to the future of education in our city.
Guests were inspired by moving remarks from Noble Street College Prep alumna Angelica Alfaro, keynote speaker and Hope Chicago CEO Dr. Janice Jackson, and Noble’s CEO — and Noble Street College Prep alumna — Brenda Cora.
“It was deeply moving to see Noble’s first 25 years honored so beautifully. This milestone carries special meaning, as my late husband, Dan Vittum, proudly served as Noble’s first Board Chair and championed its mission from the start. Our family has witnessed Noble’s growth and impact, and I know Dan would be proud of the legacy being carried forward. With renewed passion and commitment, Noble will continue creating an environment where every student can flourish and pursue their dreams.”
DR. CHRISTINE JACOBEK
Relive the evening with us
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Dr . ChristineJacobek
Noble’s Journey
For more than 25 years, Noble has proudly served students across Chicago. What began as a single campus of around 130 9th-graders in West Town has grown into a network of 17 campuses educating more than 12,000 students from every neighborhood in the city and supporting over 31,000 alumni nationwide. We honor our past and focus on the future — recommitting to our mission and vision for the next 25 years.
We remain steadfast in ensuring Noble students achieve transformational and equitable academic outcomes and are prepared to become the future leaders of our city and beyond. We are proud to partner with you in shaping what’s next for our students, our city, and generations to come.
Funding Our Future
Together, we raised an extraordinary $1.2 million in support of Noble, including $130,000 raised at the gala to support the Last Dollar Scholarship. Your investment in Noble continues to make a lasting difference, and we thank you for helping us commemorate this remarkable point in our journey.
Gala Sponsors
Our heartfelt gratitude to those sponsors whose generosity made the night possible:
Presenting Sponsors | Allan B. and Elaine Muchin | DRW |
Diamond Sponsors | Dr. Christine Jacobek | Vivo Foundation |
Gold Sponsor | Walton Family Foundation |
Silver Sponsors | Barbara Speer and Christopher Noon | Charter School Growth Fund | Golder Family Foundation | ITW | Pritzker Traubert Foundation | Weinberg/Newton Family Foundation & INCS |
View our full list of sponsors and more in our program
25 Years of Impact
31,000+ Graduates
99% Students of Color
23,295 Alumni Enrolled in College
$3.3B in Scholarships Awarded Since 2019
Gala Honorees
Legacy Award
Francisco Huerta, Alumnus
Promise Award
Lucy & William Reese, Parents Spirit Award
Ronda Coleman, Staff
Vanguard Award University of Illinois at Chicago, Organization
Visionary Award
Allan B. Muchin, Donor
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
1,807
Students Served
3,492
Students Served
791 Graduates
Building a Decade of Excellence
79% of Graduates Immediately Enrolled in College
47% of Class of 2018 earned a college degree (4yr or 2yr) within 6 years
The Noble Academy (TNA), located on Chicago’s Near North Side, proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary this year — a decade of preparing young leaders for success in college, career, and life. Since opening in 2014, TNA has grown into a thriving community where academic rigor and an unwavering belief in students’ potential go hand in hand. Over the past ten years, graduates have attended top universities, earned millions in scholarships, and launched careers across education, healthcare, technology, business, and public service. Many alumni now return to mentor current students, a testament to the deep roots of Griffin pride. The Noble Academy has built more than a school — it has built a community.
1,925 Graduates
77% of Graduates Immediately Enrolled in College
34% Class of 2018 Earned a college degree (4yr or 2yr) within 6 years
Opened in 2014 as Noble’s first dedicated STEM campus, ITW David Speer Academy (Speer) has grown into a vibrant STEAM-focused school serving the Belmont Cragin and Austin communities. Students pursue courses ranging from engineering and computer science to media and performing arts, alongside a strong AP program. Through the STEAM Internship Program, seniors gain real-world experience with Illinois Tool Works, Fortune 500 companies, and local businesses. Beyond academics, Speer offers a robust athletics program with sports from football and volleyball to track, wrestling, cheer, and dance. Now in its eleventh year, Speer continues to build pathways that empower students to dream big, achieve boldly, and impact their communities.
Ten years. One community. Endless Griffin pride.
Smiles, pride, and a decade of STEAM success at Speer Academy.
ACADEMICS
This year, we made incredible strides and achieved impressive academic growth that brings us closer to pre-pandemic levels. Most notably, our 11th-grade students achieved one of the highest levels of growth in Noble’s history. Students typically expect to see 1-2 points of growth in a single year. Last year, our 11th-graders achieved 2.7 points of ACT growth.
While we are proud of this progress, we know there is more work ahead to reach our North Star of college readiness for every Noble student. To get there, we continue to refine and prioritize the use of standards-based formative assessments to guide daily instruction and ensure students are mastering essential skills. Paired with a continued focus on building a strong instructional core, these efforts are accelerating student learning in ways that prepare them not just for graduation, but for long-term success in college and beyond.
We are excited to build on this momentum and look forward to another year of academic growth and achievement for our students.
Distinguished Teachers
This year, we welcomed four educators into our Distinguished Teacher program, which honors those whose impact on students is exceptional. They exemplify Noble’s values by driving student growth, building strong classroom cultures, maintaining rigorous instruction, ensuring inclusion and relevance, and extending their impact beyond the classroom into their school and community. Honorees receive a $10,000 annual award for as long as they teach at Noble, acknowledging the life-changing role teachers play in shaping futures.
Meet our distinguished teachers
Anna Pietrantonio (top left), Biology Teacher at Pritzker College Prep
Brittany Parks (top right), College Counselor at Rauner College Prep
Chelsea Lemon (bottom left), Dance Teacher at Hansberry College Prep
John Farrand (bottom right), Psychology Teacher at Muchin College Prep
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Read the full report
Building Strong Partnerships with Families
Each year, we invite Noble families to share feedback through our Family Experience Survey — an essential step in amplifying family voice. In our most recent survey, more than 3,600 families participated. Nearly all respondents were from Black/African American or Hispanic/Latinx households, with one-quarter representing 9th-grade families, showing strong engagement from our newest community members.
This school year, almost all survey areas improved, reflecting growing family confidence in Noble. Accountability & Culture was both the highest-rated and most improved category, with 90.1% of families agreeing their school’s culture promotes learning—up 3.2% from last year. School Safety ratings also rose–up 2.2% from last year and 6.8% from 2022–2023. Nearly three-quarters of families (72%) praised their school’s climate and leaders for creating environments where students can thrive, and 71.8% agreed their school aligns well with their child’s developmental needs. A question in the School Fit category about the overall approach to discipline showed the largest favorability gain, rising 4.4% from last year. Confidence in preparation for the next school year also grew, increasing 2.9% from last year. Even Family Engagement, historically the lowest-rated area, held steady as other categories advanced, underscoring the strong momentum driving our schools forward.
“My sons had wonderful teachers who supported them like family. At Butler College Prep, they found trusted adults to turn to. That support system helped my boys excel. Butler will always have my heart.”
ERIN KELLEY-AUSTIN, MOM TO AARON (RISING JUNIOR) AND LEM (RECENT GRADUATE)
Championing Charter Schools
Noble’s Government & Community Affairs Team joined KIPP (pictured left) in Washington, D.C. to advocate for charter school funding, student supports, and community safety.
Advocacy and Parent Leadership
This year, we deepened our advocacy efforts during a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Whether in Chicago, Springfield, or Washington, D.C., we worked to ensure that the voices of charter students, families, and staff were heard. We quickly engaged with the new 21-member Chicago Public Schools Board of Education, hosting six members on our campuses to build relationships and foster understanding. We also led seven trips to Springfield with more than 30 parents and staff and held over 90 meetings with elected officials to advance key policy goals. Through consistent visibility, strong relationships, and targeted advocacy, we strengthened our influence across the city, the state, and the nation.
We also launched the inaugural Parent Advocacy Training Intensive (PATI), welcoming 10 parents from across Noble. This year-long program equipped parents with the skills, tools, and community to become stronger advocates for their children and schools. PATI created space for connection, learning, and leadership, culminating in a final project where participants shared their ideas for strengthening parent engagement directly with Noble leaders, including CEO Brenda Cora. We were proud to celebrate our first PATI cohort and their commitment to building stronger, more connected school communities, and we look forward to welcoming our next cohort.
The inaugural PATI cohort, recognized for their commitment to student and community success.
SUMMER OF A LIFETIME
With more than 28 years of data and proven impact, we know Summer of a Lifetime delivers measurable results. Nearly 60% of this year’s participants are likely to earn a bachelor’s degree by 2032 — a rate that surpasses national averages for similar student populations by nearly 4 times. This success is no accident. Summer of a Lifetime is a cornerstone of Noble’s commitment to our students: ensuring they don’t just dream of college, but are fully prepared and empowered to thrive there. By experiencing college life firsthand, our students return to high school no longer wondering if college is possible, but confidently planning where they will go and what they will accomplish. This shift in mindset is transformative, and it lasts a lifetime.
Explore Summer of a Lifetime’s impact
Top
Programs Serving Summer of a Lifetime Participants
Fall Dinner
“Summer of a Lifetime was so much more than I expected. It really gave me a better grasp on the college experience.”
JULIAN
Thanks to the generosity of almost 300 guests, our 13th Annual Summer of a Lifetime Fall Dinner was an incredible success. During the program, Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy senior Cameran Morris (pictured right), who attended Emory University through Summer of a Lifetime, shared how the experience has shaped his goals. He shared, “My program motivated me to work harder in school and to get more involved. All you need is one chance to change your life.” That chance is exactly what Summer of a Lifetime provides.
The Summer of a Lifetime Difference
60% of Participants Graduate from College—on Par with the Nation’s Highest-income Quartile
4x
Higher Graduation Rate than the National Average for Economically Disadvantaged Students
GONZALEZ, BAKER COLLEGE PREP, LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
On May 22nd, more than 1,000 rising juniors from every Noble campus came together at Mansueto High School for a special send-off in celebration of their hard work, ambition, and the life-changing Summer of a Lifetime experiences ahead.
COLLEGE-BOUND
At Noble, our College Counseling Framework is built on three equally important pillars: Affordability, Academics, and Fit. These pillars guide students to colleges where they can thrive and graduate. Counselors help students identify schools with a strong record of graduating students like them, offering robust academic support, sustainable financial aid, and a sense of belonging that affirms their identity.
When these pillars are in alignment, students are more likely to choose colleges that position them for long-term success. As part of this framework, counselors support students in building balanced college lists, ensuring that at least half of the schools they apply to meet all three criteria. This approach empowers students to make informed choices and pursue pathways that maximize their potential for success in college and beyond.
Noble Class of 2025 Highlights
Affordability remains central to our college counseling framework, and the Class of 2025 made history by earning more than $650 million in scholarships — the largest amount ever for a Noble graduating class. As a result, the average out-of-pocket cost for Noble graduates attending either four-year or two-year colleges is just $948 per year—the lowest in Noble’s history. For graduates enrolling specifically at four-year institutions, the average cost is $1,135 per year. This helps ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of opportunity.
100% College Acceptance
87%
$948 Class of 2025
Planning to Attend College in Scholarships $650M
With smiles of success on graduation day, students celebrated milestones and bright futures ahead.
Last Dollar Scholarship
The Last Dollar Scholarship provides critical support to Noble alumni by covering essential expenses such as books, transportation, and other necessities that might otherwise jeopardize college enrollment and persistence. Though individual awards average $300, they have a powerful impact. Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded more than $1.3 million to over 2,500 alumni, with one in five Noble graduates benefiting. Last school year, more than 250 alumni received over $66,000 in support. Backed by 22 Alumni Success Coaches across our campuses, the scholarship underscores Noble’s commitment not only to preparing students for college but also to ensuring they persist to graduation.
Annexstad Family Foundation Hope & Inspiration Scholarship
This year, Rachael Rayon, a Golder College Prep graduate (pictured right), became the first Noble student to receive the Annexstad Family Foundation Hope & Inspiration Scholarship. Inspired by a medical internship at Georgetown University through Summer of a Lifetime, she will begin her healthcare journey this fall at the University of Michigan—exemplifying the purpose and determination the scholarship celebrates.
Scholarships Awarded
14
6
4
3
2
2
CAREER SUPPORTS
Alumni Career Office
Established in 2016, the Alumni Career Office (ACO) continues to provide comprehensive services to more than 31,000 Noble alumni, supporting their professional growth, career exposure, and advancement. Through the ACO, alumni gain access to a strong network of employers and professionals across the Chicagoland area, along with resources for graduate school preparation and guidance and support navigating unpaid internship opportunities.
This school year marked a strategic shift in focus and structure for our Alumni Career Office. The team was restructured to strengthen partnerships and deepen alumni support, leading to the launch of the Alumni Teacher Pathways program in Fall 2024. This initiative supports alumni pursuing careers in education by providing professional development, classroom experiences, and individualized guidance. For the 257 alumni already working at Noble, the program offers access to certifications, licensure pathways, and opportunities to pursue or complete a degree. This effort reflects Noble’s broader investment in alumni success and our commitment to building a diverse pipeline of future educators.
Employment Outcomes
Noble alumni graduating with bachelor’s degrees report average starting and early-career salaries of $47,000. According to the latest research released by the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative, this is just above the average career earnings of Illinois students from the lowest income quartile who earn bachelor’s degrees.
Noble Alumnus Spotlight: Gamaliel Cruz
“The Alumni Career Office gave me the tools and confidence to launch my career. Through personalized coaching, resume support, and a Micro-Internship at Norcon, Inc., I gained mentors, handson experience, and discovered new career paths in construction— opportunities that continue to shape my journey today.”
GAMALIEL CRUZ
ITW David Speer Academy, Class of 2020 University of Illinois Class of 2024, Sustainable Design
Micro-Internship Program
Noble’s Externship Program—now named the Micro-Internship Program—has been running for eight years and has served more than 480 alumni. This week-long career immersion connects college-enrolled alumni with companies, organizations, and schools to gain hands-on experience, explore career pathways, and build professional skills. Each placement includes 10 to 30 hours of structured engagement, with interns completing a project, receiving mentorship and feedback, and experiencing real workplace environments. The program equips alumni with essential career skills, expanded networks, and a strong foundation for sustained success.
Program Partners
Contact Eric Rapp, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, at erapp@nobleschools.org to learn how you or your company can get involved.
Students explored career pathways at Teladoc Health.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Noble League
Founded in 2018, the Noble League was created to expand competition beyond athletics and provide all students with opportunities to showcase their talents. What began as the Noble Athletic Conference has grown to include Chess, Debate, Visual Arts, the Honor Music Festival, Esports, and Marching Band — giving more students a sense of belonging and more campuses reasons to celebrate achievements beyond the classroom.
In 2021, we introduced the Noble League Cup, an annual trophy awarded to the campus with the strongest overall performance across competitions. After three consecutive wins by ITW David Speer Academy, the traveling trophy went to Butler College Prep this year, powered by championships in Girls’ Flag Football, Girls’ Cross Country, Boys’ Basketball, and Girls’ Basketball, along with victories in Dance, Marching Band, and the Honor Music Festival.
Amplifying Student Creativity
Honor Music Festival
Now in its second year as an official Noble League competition, the Honor Music Festival has quickly become a signature event, showcasing the exceptional talent of hundreds of students across our schools.
Visual Arts Festival
Each year, hundreds of Noble students create spectacular works that tour throughout Noble campuses and events. Students compete for awards in four Visual Arts categories: Drawing, 2D Mixed Media, 2D Digital, and 3D.
Esports Championship
This year, the Noble League launched its inaugural Esports Championship at UIC College Prep, marking an exciting new chapter driven by strong student demand. Our first Esports social media post drew 10.7K views and 401 shares, and 34 students from 10 campuses competed in a bracketed Mario Kart tournament. Building on this momentum, we plan to expand the program with additional tournaments and even greater student participation.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Liabilities and Net Assets CURRENT LIABILITIES
Total
Statement of Cash Flows
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $(738)
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Investing Activities $(8,645)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net Cash Use In Financing Activities $(893)
Net Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents $(10,277)
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
Thank you to our incredible community of donors — your belief in our students fuels their confidence, their dreams, and their futures. We are honored to partner with you in building brighter futures for every Noble student.
A Better Chicago
Angelica Alfaro
Robert Amey
Mark and Daisy Andrews
Daniel Anello
Patti Annexstad*
Anonymous (5)
Mary Arrigo
Jacquelin Arroyo
Atlassian
Pattilyn Beals
Ryan Belknap
Chanelle Bell
Cicele Bennett
Maria Bermudez
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois*
Lauren and Brandon Boros
Mara Botman
Leesa Brandon
Anthony Briscoe
Aaron and Kate Brown
David and Suzanne Brown
David and Teni Brown
Ebony Brown
Andrew Broy
Richard Bryan
Bulley & Andrews*
John and Alice Butler*
Jillian Carew
Angela Bodley Carter
Norma Gutierrez Castro
Priscilla Centeno
Charles & Helen Schwab Foundation*
Charter School Growth Fund
Cheryl Chesley
Chicago Bulls
Chico & Nunes
City of Chicago Department of Family & Support Services
Jonas Cleaves
Darryl Cobb
Kyle Cole
Harriette Coleman*
Sue and Jim Colletti*
Guy and Courtney Comer
Cooley LLP
Brenda Cora and Don Robinson*
Crown Family Philanthropies
Kirsten Dagger
Jose and Stephanie De La Rosa*
Nikki Desgrosellier
Aarti Dhupelia*
Mireya Diaz
This list includes donors who gave over $100 from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
Tosha Downey
Michele Dreczynski
DRW
The Duchossois Family Foundation
Ebonie Durham
Ednovate
Jenis Ellingwood*
Thomas J. Ellis
Tina Ellis
Martin and Vicky Enciso
Clark Evans
Exelon
Ngozi Ezike
Aaron Finley
Finnegan Family Foundation*
Sean Fitzgerald
Franczek P.C.
Kerry Frank*
Amy Fread
Lauryn Fullerton
Aarica Gaddis
Ryan Garcia
Jasmine Gilstrap Hunter
The Giving Back Fund, Inc.
F. Christopher Goins
Sagar Gokhale
Goldberg Kohn
*Denotes a donor to both Noble Schools and Summer of a Lifetime ^Denotes a member of Noble's Legacy Society
David and Carol Golder*
Golder Family Foundation
Tiffany Gonzales
Hector Gonzalez
Addie Goodman
Xavier Grady
Monica Grant Cohen
D. Nigel Green
John Greenfield
Mollie Griffin
Winston H. Gu
Kevin Hall
Jasmine Hernandez
Kim and Carol Hochstetler
Julie Hoffmann*
Hope Chicago
Soenda Howell
Daniel Huerta
Patrick Hughes
Amy Hynes
I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation
Luis Adrian Ibarra
Elizabeth Iggins
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois Network of Charter Schools
Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
Support Noble EIN: 36-4241970
Diverse Leaders Fellowship
The Noble community proudly celebrated the graduation of Cohort 7 of the Diverse Leaders Fellowship (DLF), Noble’s longest-running talent pathway. With more than 150 fellows and mentors to date, DLF cultivates diverse leaders who reflect the brilliance of our students and communities. Grounded in four pillars—Connection, Visibility, Learning, and Authenticity—the fellowship provides leadership development, community, and growth opportunities that allow transformative leaders to thrive.
Noble Parent Honored as Advocate of the Year
At the 2024 Charter Excellence Awards, hosted by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS), Noble parent Myisha Shields was named Parent Advocate of the Year. A champion since 2015, she first helped secure approval for Mansueto High School and has since taken her advocacy from City Hall to Washington, D.C. As the mother of five daughters—four Noble graduates thriving in college and the fifth soon to follow—her commitment is deeply personal. INCS honored Ms. Shields for her dedication, public advocacy, and lasting contributions to Noble’s success. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
Illinois Tool Works*
Ingenuity Creative Schools Fund
Janice Jackson
Christine Jacobek*
JMR Charities, Inc.
Pamela Johnson
Nikita Johnson-White and Leon White*
Constance Jones*
Desmond Jones
Janelle Jones
Joseph Kellman Family Foundation
JPMorgan Chase*
K&L Gates LLP
James and Susan Kandler
Dr. Lon S. Kaufman
Kevin and Erinn Kearns
Larry and Winnie Kearns*
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Keiser Donor
Advised Fund at The Chicago Community Trust Foundation
Matt Kelley
Diana Speer Kesler
Kelsey Klupchak
Liam Krehbiel
Jordan and Sarah Kruger
Gautam Kumar and Sruthilaya
Swaminathan
Audrienna Lampkins
Katherine LaRosa
John Lavine and Meryl Lipton Lavine
Gina Lawrence and Alex Richard
Nora Lawrence
Meredith Leon
Mike and Andrea Leon
Miquel and Tunik Lewis
Phyllis Lockett
Adan Lopez
Erica and Josh Lowitz
Nathan Lowry
LSV Asset Management
Maas Foundation Inc
Jeri and Cortez Mack
Michael and Erica Madden*
Arielle Maffei
Steve Mandel and Susan Zadek
Rika Yoshida and Joe Mansueto
Maggie Marinovich
Scott McCausland
Michelle McConnell
Erin McKernin
Kate Meixner
Sara and Vince Meno*
Ellen and Kevin Metz
Nancy and Andrew Mills
Ellen Moiani
Julie and Bob Montgomery*
Allan B. and Elaine Muchin
Karen Muchin and David Waxman
Anne and Kurt Mueller*
Nolan Law
Christopher Noon
Norcon Inc.
Northern Trust
Nancy and Robert Northrip*
ORBA
Cara Pacholski
Christine and Christopher Perille
Oksana Petryshyn
Matthew Pietrafetta
Tierionna Pinkston
Barrington Price
Pritzker Traubert Foundation*
Justin Prochowski
James and Maureen Quaid
Eric Rapp
Toriann Rather
Troy Ratliff
Bridget and Louis Ray
Lucy Reese
Jonathan and Holly Reinsdorf
Camille Ricchio
Linda Johnson Rice
Brian Riddick
Arthur and Toni Rock
Claudia Rodriguez
Jason Ronai
Hamza Salameh*
Jacob Gary Saperstein
Michael Schimberg^
Kaitlin Schreiber
Doug Scott
Lisa Scruggs
Brooke and Brian Semel
Oliver Sicat
Paul Siegel
Corey Siegrist
Darko and Erin Simunovic
Marilyn Smith and Andy McSheffery
Smith Family*
Niya Smith-Wilson
Travis Solberg*
Steven and Robin Solomon
Joshua Sosa
Rebecca Spalding
Paul and Diane Spanier
Barb Speer*
Carrie Spitz
Jacque Stefanic
David and Jennifer Stricklin
Steve and Sara Sullivan
Super League
Kelvin Taylor
Eric and Jamie Thomas
Mindy Uhrlaub
Kate Ulett
The University of Illinois at Chicago
US Department of Justice
Nikos and Maria Varelas
Daniel and Dr. Bernice Man Vittum
Vivo Foundation
Walter & Karla Goldschmidt Foundation
Walton Family Foundation, Inc.
Annisa Wanat
Richard and Barbara Waxman
Dave Weinberg and Jerry Newton*
Western Governors University
Wheeler Kearns Architects
Don Wilson
Jane Wilson
Jennifer Wilson and Tod Reynolds
Carl Wood
Andrew York
Donors Who Gave at Least $100 to Only Summer of a Lifetime
Steve Abbey and Pam Brick
Chris Ackerman
Angelica Alfaro
Alejandro Anderson
Nick Anson
Jeff Aronin
Assurance
Stanley and Caren Awdisho
Larry and Lesli Babbs Krantz
Luke Baldwin
Pat and Melinda Baldwin
Bank of America
Together Towards Peace
Sixty students from DRW College Prep, Baker College Prep, and two partner high schools participated in Together Towards Peace 2025—a transformative, five-month journey to confront gun violence and reimagine safer communities. Through this experience, students shared personal stories, built bonds across neighborhoods, explored policy solutions, and created moving works of art rooted in healing and hope.
We are deeply grateful to the Praxis Institute for facilitating this initiative and to the Vivo Foundation, whose partnership and generous support continue to make this impactful work possible.
CONTINUATION OF SUMMER OF A LIFETIME DONORS
Larry and Sarah Barden
Sam and Katie Barden
Eric and Janet Beatty
Daisy Bermudez
Todd and Jennifer Blockinger
Matt Botek
Samuel Bottum and Melanie Domer
Jody Boutell
Robert and Leila Bradley
Bill Braun
Jennifer and Greg Braun
Tim and Dawn Brooke
Todd and Kris Cabanban
Trevor Cabanban
Phoebe Cahan
Mike and Juli Carlin
Craig Castelli and Shannon Haffey
Laurie and Mike Cavalier
CDK Global
Mrunil Champaneri
Graciela and Juan Chediak
Megan Chody
Maureen and John Clifford
Rich and Rebecca Cline
Jenny and Paul Corona
Doug and Heather Crimmins
James and Pamela Crouthamel
Rick and Mary Daly
Ciera Dantzler
Katherine Daley Davies
John DeCaro
Tim and Shelley Dolan
Ellen Dooley
Joe and Paige Dooley
Chris Dwyer
Mike and Peggy Dwyer
Gloria Escobedo
Lauren and Brian Fagel
Farther Foundation
Federal Life Insurance Company
Clif and Judy Fenton
Trip Finnegan
Bill and Eli Fisher
Michael and Theresa Flynn
Kevin and Betsy Foley
William and Kari Foote
Kevin and Anissa Forman
Charlie and Marcia Franklin
Sam Franklin
Steven and Cynthia Franklin
Thomas Freyman
The Frieda and William Hunt Memorial
Trust
Mike Friedman
Kathleen Gallagher
Jennifer and Travis George
Nancy and Bob Gibson
Sid and Laura Glenn
Kim and Tim Gorham
Harry Grace and Ingrid Anderson
Cathy Green
Josh and Virginia Hale
Harold F. and Suzanne D. Falk
Foundation, Inc.
Brian Hauge
Lara and John Heiberger
John Hein
Susan Heiser
Helen Brach Foundation
Chris Henger and Shea Soucie
Judd and Erin Hines
Karen and Dan Hirsch
Margot Hodgson and Jack Bishop
Independent Recycling Services, Inc.
Innovation 80
Warren and Amy James
Laura and Chris Janssen
Scott Jantz
Ruth Jennings
JLL
Jocarno Fund
Paul and Sandy Johnson
JPMorgan Chase
Ben and Julie Kadish
Matt Kase
John and Paula Kelly
Kemper Educational and Charitable Fund
Steve and Liz Kendall
Colleen King
Joe and Irene King
Rebekah Kohmescher and Steve Polutnik
Bob Kovats
David and Erika Kreisa
Ann Krouse
Bo and Beth Lamotte
Christopher Lane
Jason Laurie
Nancy Lehman
Marki Lemons Ryhal
Eric and Susan Lifvendahl
Aldo and Marcela Lopez
David Lopez
Anne and David Loucks
Butch and Janice MacVicar
Ron and Elise Magers
Ellen Magrini
Christopher and Kristin Mahr
Adam Maloney
John Mangan
Mike and Sara Marziani
Drew and Katie Maurer
Jane McAvoy
Maria and Tim McCaffrey
Liam and Olive McCarthy
William McCarty
Miller Cooper & Co. LTD.
Molex
Diane Mooney
John and Mary Mooney
Kris Moran
Lane Moten
Bradley Murlick
Mike and Amy Murray
NAI Hiffman
Scott and Becky Novack
Oak Park River Forest Community
Foundation Crystal Fund
Julian Oettinger
Katherine Olson
Origin Investments
Thomas and Jen Parkinson
Alvin Patton
Carl and Louise Perrin
Rob and Anne Pillion
Plante Moran
Marc and Nancy Poggioli
Greg and Carrie Portland
PrivCap Companies
Mel and Becki Probst
Nick Raino
Peter and Mary O. Raith
Bridget and Louis Ray
Jennifer Reid Davis
Nick Rettino
Tony and Sharon Rettino
Carlos Rivas
Jim and Kathy Robinson
Sergio and Maria Rocha
Karen and Joe Roddy
Clyde and Nancy Rode
Jenna Rogers
Scott and Cindy Rouzer
Earl and Rocky Rubinoff
Peter and Alice Schaff
Rachel and Chris Schrepferman
Joe Schroeder and Allan Tenorio
Ronald Schubel
Seaman Family Foundation
Anna and Carlo Segre
Brooke and Brian Semel
Linda and Jeff Semel
Eileen and Scott Seyfarth
Mark Shapland and Sue Nesbitt
David and Jan Sholem
Steve and Rachel Shook
Julie Ann Sklaver and Aaron Kamins
Martin and Cathy Slark
Noble’s 16th Annual Junior College Fair
We hosted our 16th Annual Junior College Fair, bringing hundreds of junior students from across our schools to McCormick Place to connect with dozens of college admissions officers and alumni from institutions nationwide. Held in an expansive new venue this year, the fair served as both a key resource for college exploration and a powerful celebration of Noble’s 25-year commitment to expanding access to higher education. Students engaged with representatives, gathered information, and imagined the possibilities that lie ahead.
Emily Slovitt
Susan and David Snyder
Soucie Horner, Ltd
Van Stapleton
Adriana Sullivan
Frank and Connie Sullivan
Grace Sullivan
Jane Sullivan
Steve and Sara Sullivan
Tom and Susan Temple
Todor Todorov
Allan and Sally Tomlinson
Louis Trimble
Homero Tristan
Brian and Jill Tweedie
United Parcel Service
Jeff and Kelly Vergamini
Corkey and Larry Waite
Jessie and Brian Walsh
Lynette Walter
Howard Wedren
Mrs. Nancy G. White and Mrs. Jill Kohlberg
Paul and Lisa Wiggin
Nashunda and Anthony Williams
Jennifer Wirtz
MaryLou Witz
Explore highlights from the fair
We gratefully acknowledge gifts made in tribute to the following:
IN HONOR OF Sue and Jim Colletti
Constance Jones
Allan Muchin
Lisa Nickele
Rigo Padilla Perez
Kevin Speicher
Steve Sullivan
Anna & Blake Valenzuela
Dan Vittum
David Weinberg
IN MEMORY OF Christine Sammel
Dan Vittum
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Officers
DR. MIQUEL A. LEWIS
Chair Director/Chief Probation Officer, Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services
Members
PRISCILLA CENTENO
Secretary
Associate Attorney, Odelson, Murphey, Frazier & McGrath, Ltd.
Noble Alumna, Noble Street College Prep
HARRIETTE COLEMAN
WIOA Program Director, Alternative School Network, Inc.
Noble Schools Parent, UIC College Prep
JENIS ELLINGWOOD
Trader, DRW Trading
DR. FRANCISCO X. GAYTÁN
Vice President for Student Engagement, North Park University
JOSE DE LA ROSA
Interim Board Chair / Co-Vice Chair
Executive Director, Enterprise Strategy & Planning, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
DR. AARTI DHUPELIA Co-Vice Chair
Executive Vice Chancellor & Chief Student Experience Officer, City Colleges of Chicago
ALLAN B. MUCHIN*
Chairman Emeritus
Founding Partner, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
JASMINE HERNANDEZ
Founder, Ubuntu Strategies
Noble Alumna, Pritzker College Prep
JULIE HOFFMANN
Founder + CEO, JH Philanthropy
EMMANUEL JACKSON*
Distinguished Teacher, Noble Schools College Seminar Teacher and College Counselor, Muchin College Prep
GAUTAM KUMAR
Board Treasurer Growth Advisor and Former CFO
DR. MARLENA LITTLE
Principal, Dr. King Academy of Social Justice
Noble Schools Parent, Chicago Bulls College Prep
JERI MACK
Health Education and Intervention Manager, Chicago Partnerships for Health Promotion
Noble Schools Parent, Hansberry College Prep
NANCY MILLS Philanthropist
TROY RATLIFF
Vice President, The Joseph Kellman Family Foundation
JONATHAN REINSDORF
Chief Executive Officer, FroogalPay, LLC
JENNIFER KAPLAN SCHOTT
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Illinois Tool Works
STEPHEN A. SULLIVAN Vice President, NAI Hiffman
DR. NIKOS VARELAS
Vice Provost and Liberal Arts & Sciences Distinguished Professor of Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago
DAVID WEINBERG
Founder, Illinois Network of Charter Schools Founding Board Member
This list reflects board members who served for the majority of the 2024–2025 school year. / * Denotes a member who does not have voting privileges.
Summer of a Lifetime Board of Directors
Leadership
STEPHEN A. SULLIVAN
President Vice President, NAI Hiffman
Members
ANGELICA ALFARO
JOHN DECARO
Founding Principal, Elementum Advisors, LLC
SAM FRANKLIN Vice President/Director, JLL
DREW MAURER Regional Manager, McMaster-Carr
MICHAEL J. MURRAY
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Altair Advisers LLC
MARC POGGIOLI
PETER RAITH
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman
BRIDGET RAY
TONY RETTINO
Founding Partner, Elementum Advisors, LLC
SERGIO ROCHA Industrial Engineer, UPS
BROOKE SEMEL
Senior Director of Executive Operations, Noble Schools
PATRICK BALDWIN*
Private Wealth Advisor & Managing Director, Merrill Lynch
Past President, Summer of a Lifetime Board
CHRIS HENGER*
SHEA SOUCIE* Principal, Soucie Horner, Ltd.
* Denotes a sustaining member
Noble board members, past and present, at our 25th anniversary gala.
THANK YOU FOR TWENTY-FIVE AMAZING YEARS.
