Illinois Chicago becomes ESF's 21st partner university

Glenview, Ill. – The Western Golf Association’s (WGA) acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) have formed a partnership, making UIC the organization’s 21st partner university, leaders have announced.

The first class of eight Evans Scholars are attending UIC and residing together at the Academic and Residential Complex, UIC’s newest living-learning community.

The addition of UIC is part of an ongoing expansion plan for the Evans Scholars Program, which provides full tuition and housing college scholarships to high-achieving golf caddies across the country who come from limited financial means. To qualify, students must display outstanding records of caddying, academics, character and leadership. Currently, 1,070 students nationwide are attending 21 top universities on the Evans Scholarship.

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with UIC,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. “UIC is a particularly attractive option for our Scholars who are from Chicago. This new chapter is a critical next step as we continue to send future Scholars to world-class universities.”

With more than 34,00 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, UIC is Chicago’s largest university and one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation.

“It is an honor to be a part of the pioneer class of Evans Scholars at UIC,” said freshman Evans Scholar Jacob Chachuj. “We are all excited to be taking classes here, and to be a part of the Evans Scholars community makes it even more special.”

“I am excited to have the Evans Foundation select UIC to expand their scholarship program. In many ways, the Evans Foundation’s commitment to providing scholarships to golf caddies from underrepresented populations matches our own commitment to ensure that students from all walks of life have an opportunity to pursue their educational goals,” said J. Rex Tolliver, vice chancellor for student affairs at UIC.

A unique component of the Evans Scholars Program is the positive community living experience provided to students living together on campus. Community living teaches students valuable life skills in communication, leadership, mentoring and provides a strong sense of community.