For more than two decades, Chris and Kathy Perry have been committed to creating opportunities for students to pursue higher education without financial barriers. Through the Perry Scholarship Program, their generosity has helped ensure that deserving students can attend college, build successful careers, and shape brighter futures.
“The education system in Illinois is inherently unfair,” Chris Perry says. “Kids are often defined by their parents’ zip code, and the quality of their education is determined by that. Anything I can do to help level the playing field for these kids who are more than deserving, I am happy to do.”
The Perry Scholarship Program provides a full-ride opportunity to the University of Illinois Gies College of Business. After a student completes the FAFSA and other financial aid is determined, the scholarship covers the remaining balance to meet the full cost of attendance. This includes tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and additional personal expenses, totaling about $43,480 per year.
“The students and their parents are not required to borrow a dollar,” Perry says. “There is no work requirement. I want these kids to focus on schoolwork and having a full college experience.”
Students from Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, and Our Lady of Tepeyac High School who are accepted to the Gies College of Business automatically receive the scholarship in their financial award letters. The scholarship supports students for four years and can also be used for study abroad opportunities.
The program’s impact continues to grow. 16 students are currently attending Gies as Chris Perry Scholars, with several more expected to join next year.
For many recipients, the scholarship is truly life-changing. Jesus Tinoco, a Cristo Rey St. Martin graduate from the Class of 2022, shared how the opportunity shaped his college experience and future goals.
“Pursuing higher education after coming to the U.S. from Mexico came with heavy financial barriers for my family, but the Perry scholarship became the key that unlocked my potential,” Tinoco said. “It has been a constant source of encouragement, allowing me to focus entirely on my growth rather than financial stress. As I prepare to graduate, this incredible investment in my future empowers my vision to become a people-focused leader in the business industry and give back to my community in meaningful ways.”
For Perry, hearing from students is one of the most rewarding parts of the program. “I really enjoy hearing from the recipients about what they are up to,” he says. “I’m glad to be able to help them have positive college experiences where they don’t have to worry about constantly being in debt.”
The Perry Scholarship Program has existed for 25 years, and about a decade ago, it was expanded into a full-ride scholarship dedicated to students from the partner schools. Chris and Kathy Perry have also established a fully funded endowment to ensure the scholarship continues for generations to come.
“I intend to continue with this scholarship program in perpetuity,” Perry says. “I want this to be part of our family legacy.”