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Space Sciences

Students and Prof. Kevin Crosby outside of NASA.

Our Space Sciences program is one of just a few around the country that gives our students the opportunity to collaborate on research projects with space scientists around the world.

Space Sciences

The Bridge Fund

Students chat as they walk around campus.

The Bridge Fund provides emergency aid for students facing financial crises, giving them the opportunity to finish their education and receive their diploma.

the Bridge Fund

Summer Research

Student Azniv Khaligian '22 records gibbons at the Racine County Zoo as part of the Summer Underg...

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) offers students the chance to collaborate on a new or developing line of research with their professors, one of the most effective ways to receive a liberal arts education.

SURE at Carthage

Donor Stories

“Carthage was the turning point in my life. The Carthage experience provided me the tools for many of the things I have accomplished since graduating.”

Trustee Patrick Anderson Board of trustees member Patrick Anderson ’85 graduated with a degree in history. He is the president of his own law firm and lives in Alexandria, Va.

“Carthage was the turning point in my life. The Carthage experience provided me with the tools for many of the things I have accomplished since graduating in 1985, including the courage to start my own law firm upon graduation from law school. I do not believe I could have created a successful business over the last 20 years absent the Carthage experience.

“Unrestricted giving is important because it allows the College to use the money where the need is greatest. If you are contemplating a gift to Carthage, I say, in a time when there are so many notable organizations that need our financial gifts, Carthage must remain at the top. Those gifts will be used to enhance the Carthage experiences of so many young people who will make a difference in so many areas of need in our world. Without your gifts, the world will lose someone who would have made a difference.”

Craig Leipold “The business side of sports continues to grow, and we believe Carthage can quickly emerge as a top destination for students who want to rise above the pack.”

The launch of Carthage’s School of Business and Economics inspired support from longtime NHL team owner Craig Leipold and his wife, global business executive Helen Johnson-Leipold, who have pledged $1 million to help expand the school’s sports management track.

“The business side of sports continues to grow, and we believe Carthage can quickly emerge as a top destination for students who want to rise above the pack,” says Mr. Leipold. “The building blocks are all there — the location, the facilities, the passionate students, and especially the faculty commitment to meet true workforce needs.”

“Carthage was the right fit for our son. We believe Carthage is a great school, and we want to give back.” — Jeff Waring & Cheryl Stucky

Carthage parents care deeply about the quality of their children’s education and, as a result, can make a tremendous impact on new and ongoing campus initiatives.

Bill and Shanna Otto Bill and Shanna Otto of Chicago

Bill and Shanna Otto, co-chairs of the President’s Leadership Council, have remained engaged beyond their daughter’s graduation in 2021. They have led the way in advocating for women’s athletics and mental health services on campus.

The couple spearheaded a crowdfunding campaign with five families whose student-athletes competed on the women’s soccer team. Together, they raised over $30,000 to fully fund the women’s soccer endowment, which now generates spendable revenue in support of current and future students.

The Ottos also made a significant multi-year pledge toward the College’s Teletherapy Mental Health Fund. “What is shocking to us is how many young people today struggle with significant mental health issues and sometimes cannot even physically function,” Bill Otto says. “It is important to us that mental health become significantly more accessible.”

Cheryl and Jeff Cheryl Stucky and Jeffrey Waring of Franklin, Wisconsin

Cheryl and Jeff’s son graduated in May 2022 with a computer science degree, and they chose to direct their giving towards his major — as well as the neuroscience program, which aligns with Cheryl’s role as director of the neuroscience doctorate program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

“Carthage was the right fit for our son,” Jeff Waring says. “We believe Carthage is a great school, and we want to give back.”

Brindza Golf Mike and Chris Brindza of Downers Grove, Illinois

Mike and Chris Brindza, whose daughter was recruited to play women’s golf, choose to give to the women’s golf program and the nursing department.

“One of the things we asked ourselves early, as Carthage parents, was ‘Can we be of any value?” Mike and Chris Brindza said. “How can we contribute to the school to maximize our input? We’ve been inspired by the golf team and their work ethic, and we wanted to do our part and pay it forward.”

“We’re having a lot of fun,” Mike Brindza says. “Carthage is like a small family, and we haven’t experienced this type of community elsewhere.”

“I give to Carthage so that the College can continue to provide life-changing experiences for its students, and so Carthage can maintain a level of excellence in the quality of students, professors, staff, facilities and technology.”

A family photo of the Wiers family. Board of trustees member David Wiers ’98 graduated with a degree in business administration and marketing with an emphasis in economics. A past president of the Carthage College Alumni Association, David is the president and founder of Satori Energy and Managing Partner of Select Energy Partners in Chicago, Ill.

“My four years at Carthage had a significant impact on my life,” Mr. Wiers says. “I give to Carthage so that the College can continue to provide life-changing experiences for its students, and so Carthage can maintain a level of excellence in the quality of students, professors, staff, facilities, and technology. I see giving to Carthage as an investment in bettering our collective future and a way to pay it forward.”

Les Perry “I believe it’s important for people of all genders to access the same opportunities.”

Young alumna Lesya “Les” Protasova ’20 and Carthage professor Perry Kivolowitz have partnered to endow a scholarship to benefit women pursuing a computer science degree.

Just two years removed from graduation, Les was looking for a way to leave a lasting impact and support future generations of women in computer science. “I believe it’s important for people of all genders to access the same opportunities,” Les says.

Upon hearing of Les’ interest in making a difference for women in computer science, Prof. Kivolowitz immediately came on board to help bring the endowed scholarship to life. Prof. Kivolowitz called Les “a terrific, high-performing student” who was highly engaged in both her theoretical and practical coursework and often challenged him.

Christine King “Carthage professors supported me at a very important time of my life. I want to be sure that kind of commitment to students is available for future generations.”

Carthage alumna Christine King ’97 gives back to her alma mater in more ways than one. Ms. King supports the College through generous philanthropic contributions towards scholarships and internships and even sponsored a suite in The Tower Residence Hall and a collaborative lounge in the Science Center.

Ms. King has also been an active member of the President’s Leadership Council and Alumni Council and remains actively engaged in Presidential Scholarship interviews and on the alumni awards selection committee.

“Carthage professors supported me at a very important time of my life,” she says. “I want to be sure that kind of commitment to students is available for future generations.”

Inez and Carol Sisters Inez Schuster Koch and Carol Schuster Gronau ’58 chose to make an impact on Carthage with a gift at the end of their lives. Through a gift of two parcels of their family farmland, the Schuster sisters provided Carthage with $1.5 million to support scholarships and several other programs at the College.

Through the use of separate trusts, both sisters were able to provide for the College, income protection for each other, and provisions to honor the farmers who worked the land for many years. We are humbled by the thoughtful planning that Carol and Inez put into their legacy gift and grateful that they considered Carthage to be a part of their family.

A. F. Siebert Chapel exterior in spring The Rev. Fred Marks ’48 has a long history with Carthage. He met his wife, Jewel ’46, on the previous campus in western Illinois, and their son, Joel ’78, also studied at Carthage after its move to Kenosha.

For over 40 years, Pastor Marks has made annual contributions to support his alma mater, making him one of the most senior members of the Alford Park Loyalty Society. Pastor Marks has supported a wide array of campus initiatives, most recently directing that support to scholarships, including the Fred & Jewel Marks Endowed Scholarship.

Whether establishing new church communities or sharing his blessings with others, Pastor Marks has let his faith lead him. His lifelong generosity has secured transformative educational experiences for future generations of Carthage students.

Tom Kieso A commemorative scholarship for former Carthage trustee Mark E. Barmak will perpetuate his legacy and provide financial aid for nursing students. Established with a pledge from his widow, Jody Zuraitis, the Mark E. Barmak Nursing Scholarship Fund honors his “life, passion, and generous spirit.” Mr. Barmak generously supported many causes at Carthage, including the Carthage Fund, capital facilities, and scholarships.

Steve Hopp Philanthropy is also benefiting students who aspire to careers in business. Trustee Tom Kieso ’73 has set up an endowed scholarship that honors his three-decades-plus friendship with Trustee Steven J. Hopp. The Thomas E. Kieso ’73 and Steven J. Hopp Business Scholarship will be awarded to a rising junior or senior studying business who demonstrates outstanding achievement, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to stay engaged with Carthage after graduation.