Edward (Ed) Whemer, founder of Wintrust Financial, is a long-time supporter of education and preparing students to become purposeful professionals through the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). He was a key stakeholder from the very first day when St. Martin de Porres( now Cristo Rey St. Martin) opened its doors in 2004. “I think it’s a wonderful program, and it’s been perpetuated by great leadership and a great model from the Cristo Rey Network,” says Wehmer.
Wintrust Financial was one of our business partners with Lake Forest Bank & Trust hiring a team of students when the school opened. And now, here we are 20 years later with 18 students working at Wintrust Banks throughout northern Lake County. This is due in large part to Ed Wehmer’s strong advocacy for our school and our mission.
This partnership is not just about giving students work experience; it’s about creating pathways for them to achieve their full potential. “I think it’s a great thing to do, and we will keep doing it because it’s important to us and the kids,” he added.
Ed Wehmer’s commitment to CRSM is not only about fulfilling corporate social responsibility. It’s deeply personal. “You have to help whenever you can,” he stated, underscoring a belief that people need a hand up, not a handout. His experience with CRSM has been profoundly rewarding, reinforcing his belief in the power of education and the importance of providing opportunities for young people to succeed.