by Miranda Eby | Jun 17, 2025 | President’s Pen
Mission in Action
At CRSM, our mission is three-fold: 1) to get our students to and through college, 2) to prepare them for the professional world of work, and 3) to inspire them to lead faith-filled lives committed to justice. It is simple enough to say, but as you contemplate the moving parts and experience them in action, our mission is far more complex and far more powerful in its actual execution.
Regardless of what you read in the many op-eds, a college education is still statistically the best way for a young person of limited means to find upward economic mobility. I am not discounting the professional trades or certificate credentials, but overall, the lifetime earnings potential from selected bachelor’s degrees far outdistances non-degree pathways. Some of our graduates choose non-degree alternatives, and they definitely improve their situations. We wholeheartedly support them while also taking pride in the fact that, for the last six years in a row, all our graduates have been accepted to a bachelor’s program. Each graduate from CRSM has college as one of their options while they weigh the best pathway for themselves. They also know for a fact that a bachelor’s program is still a future option for them if it makes sense in their individual journeys.
I always tell our students, “It’s good to have options.” CRSM is really about creating valuable and viable career options for our youth.
Entering professional work environments through our Corporate Work Study Program gives students a tangible glimpse at what might be possible for them. They build social capital through coworkers, supervisors, and mentors… people they may not have otherwise encountered in their neighborhood… people who went to college and can help take the mystery out of that journey, especially since over 90% of our students are the first generation in their family to attend college. Through the experience of work, education becomes more relevant as a stepping stone to a better future rather than something to “get through” before real life begins – a means to a more advantageous end.
CRSM accepts students of all faiths and students with no faith tradition at all. Still, we are unabashed in challenging our students to think deeply about what they believe and, even more importantly, how they are putting those beliefs into action. Talents and potential are God-given. As students are encouraged to work hard to develop their skills and abilities, we want them to be thinking about how their experiences and talents can be used in ways that not only benefit them and their families but will also have lasting, positive impacts on other people. A corner office and a big salary should not be the goal, but those achievements can be a means for influencing the lives of others and building a better future beyond just ourselves.
CRSM exists to promote the long-term flourishing of our students. We aim for every graduate to be accepted to, enrolled in, and complete a best-fit post-secondary experience that will propel our students toward a fulfilled life and allow them to use their God-given talents to make our world a better place.
So, as we celebrate CRSM’s Class of 2025 and where they are choosing to attend college (the list is beyond impressive: including MIT, Yale, Georgetown, University of Chicago, Stanford, Tufts, Middlebury, Notre Dame, and Carleton), we are more importantly celebrating ALL the individual choices and journeys each of our graduates makes. We admire and encourage our top-performing students, but are equally proud of our students who are grinding it out at lesser-known colleges, being true pioneers for their families, and entering uncharted waters with courage and determination.
At our Founders’ Dinner in April, an alumna who recently graduated from Georgetown School of Law shared her moving and emotional story as a first-generation college graduate and now lawyer and legal professional. Amazing! Many of us cried tears of joy for her success.
And yet, unbeknownst to many outside the walls of CRSM, we were also crying tears of joy for two alumni in the Class of 2015 who just announced their completion of bachelor’s degrees – both from Northern Illinois University in 2025. It took them 10 years and several transfers between various schools, but they did it. They never gave up despite setbacks and doubts. They didn’t let anything get in the way of their dreams. Their grit, perseverance, and determination paid off for them. One is now a degree engineer at UL Solutions (Underwriters’ Labs), and the other is an accounting professional and audit associate at RSM US. They embody our mission as much as, or even more than, our superstars who go to the most prestigious schools and graduate in four years.
Oh, by the way, the two Northern Illinois graduates are now engaged to be married. Their journeys continue.
Our school exists to promote the long-term flourishing of our students. We hope to set each student on their own path that will propel our students toward a fulfilled life and allow them to use their God-given talents to make our world a better place. What a blessing to see that mission unfold in the real world.
¡Viva, Cristo Rey!
by Miranda Eby | Jun 17, 2025 | In The News
Click here to read about the iBio STEMgirls Camp held here at CRSM!
by Miranda Eby | Jun 13, 2025 | Campus Ministry, School News
Immigration is a sensitive topic in our nation currently, but particularly for our students. A majority of our students are first-generation college students and also first-generation Americans. Their parents often immigrate here from Mexico.
Every summer for the past 10 years, our students have joined the Viatorians (one of our endorsing communities) on a journey to the Mexican-American border in southern Arizona. Here, the students walk the paths of immigrants coming into the US and learn about their various journeys.
Since many of our students have parents or family members who have personally experienced this journey, this trip is often reflective and tangible for them to see what the border-crossing process entails.
“A specific moment where I felt hope was when I visited La Casa de la Misericordia. We were touring around the place and, through a window, saw a lot of kids taking Yoga classes. It was relieving to see all those children who had been through so much still had that spark in their eyes. Hearing the news that La Casa has the Escuelika, where the children are educated, truly caused warmth in my heart, especially coming from a high school and family that values education and sees education as an opportunity,” said Yeili, a recent CRSM graduate and recipient of the Spirit of St. Martin award.
For many of our students, this often sparks a desire for advocacy for the immigrant community. Monse, another recent CRSM graduate, reflected upon her experience:
“I now understand that spreading the goodness of God means more than prayer; it means stepping up for justice, especially in moments of uncertainty. I feel called to speak out, to fight for dignity and fairness, and to ensure that we never forget where we come from. We are the future, and we must not stay silent. We all carry fears, but we can’t let those fears stop us from doing what is right. We are more blessed than we realize, and we must use our voices to uplift others. The world is hurting more than ever, but through faith and action, we can be part of the healing now.”
by Miranda Eby | Jun 13, 2025 | Academic, School News
The graduating Class of 2025 has left a mark on CRSM history—not only through their accomplishments but by setting new standards for student success and school excellence.
This year’s class achieved a 98% retention rate, an indicator of their commitment, resilience, and the strength of our school community. Even more impressive, 68% of these graduates will attend “selective” or “highly selective” colleges and universities, as defined by Barrons, reflecting the academic grit and aspiration that has become synonymous with a CRSM education.
To the Class of 2025: Enjoy this special time with your friends and family members to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Your futures are bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for you.
As we honor your achievements, we also celebrate the wisdom and heart you’ve shown along the way. No words capture this better than the reflection shared by this year’s Valedictorian, Jade Pasqual:
“I’ve grown within a community that has its own unique heart. Our community holds something truly valuable that could never be taken away. Whether obvious or not, it’s the legacy we carry. I truly believe that CRSM has shaped us with grit, perseverance, integrity, and a spirit of service, preparing us not just for college or the workforce, but for whatever path we choose, rooted in leadership, faith, and a deep commitment to justice.”
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
by Miranda Eby | Jun 13, 2025 | CWSP, School News
The Corporate Work Study Program doesn’t end for existing CRSM students just because it’s summer break. During the summer, our business partners have the opportunity to participate in the Work For Pay program.
The Summer Work for Pay program allows our business partners to extend their investment in student talent by offering continued employment over the summer months. When companies invite students back to work during the break, students gain valuable real-world experience while earning a paycheck, and the businesses benefit from the ongoing contributions of a trained, reliable team member. It’s a win-win that deepens professional development and enhances long-term partnership value.
Chaquene Gordon, Patient Transport Supervisor at Advocate Condell, has participated in the work for pay program for five summers now.
“Having students work in our Patient Transport Department during the summer adds real value; they assist with transporting inpatient beds, behavioral health carts, helping with patient discharges, clerical tasks, and cleaning equipment. Their support helps our team operate more efficiently. Beyond that, the program gives students a chance to earn money over the summer while gaining hands-on professional experience, which benefits both their personal growth and our organization,” says Gordon.
Monica, a rising Senior, has been working at Advocate Condell under Gordon for almost three years now at her CWSP job.
“This job has opened doors for me. I learned I wanted to go into medicine in the future from working here, and I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what working in a hospital is like. I’m able to network with the nurses over the summer while earning some money; it’s a great experience,” claimed Monica.
The Work for Pay program is a practical extension of the Corporate Work Study model, providing continued value to both students and business partners over the summer. Students gain paid, hands-on experience in real-world settings, while companies benefit from the support of trained and capable team members. It’s a straightforward way to maintain momentum, deepen skills, and strengthen the relationships that make our program successful year-round.
