Building Bridges: Cultivating a Partnership with Overture Promotions
7 months into our first year with students working at Overture Promotions, and already a strong, and collaborative relationship has been developed through our Corporate Work Study Program.
Overture Promotions is a certified minority-owned company located in the Waukegan, IL area that was founded 23 years ago in 2001. They specialize in the operations and creation of promotional materials. Some of their clients include DoorDash, TikTok, and AbbVie. At Overture, they do everything from sourcing, to embroidering and screen printing, to designing and branding promotional materials, such as t-shirts, backpacks, employee hire kits, and so much more! The company is made up of over 200 employees, operating out of their front-facing office spaces, or their vast warehouse area in the back.
Overture hired four CRSM students across various departments – Lili M. in Marketing, Habi R. in Art and Design, Andrea A. in HR, and Chance H. in Customer Service at the beginning of this school year. The feedback from Overture has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, the HR director, Andrea’s supervisor, said they “wish Andrea could come in every day” instead of her one work day a week!”
CEO Jo Gilley had nothing but kind words to say about the partnership as well. Jo explains that “overall it’s been really great. The students have been positively contributing” to Overture, and in turn she hopes they are “gaining experience and skills from [the opportunity].”
CRSM looks forward to continuing the Corporate Work Study partnership with Overture Promotions. We are eager for our students to gain further experience and are grateful for the ongoing support. Thank you Overture Promotions for providing a rich experience for our students!
Taizé Prayer – A Long-Standing CRSM Tradition on Ash Wednesday
In our recent Ash Wednesday Taizé Prayer Service, the melodies and moments of reflection were led by our students, showcasing their leadership and dedication to spiritual enrichment.
During the service CRSM students played music, recited scripture and prayer, and distributed ashes. In addition, students and staff lined up to pray quietly and individually at the cross in the center of the room.
While all of the CRSM students showed devotion and respect during the service, Campus Minister, Jim Dippold, acknowledged two seniors who stood out in particular. Isabel H. and Chris C. both played significant roles in contributing to the service, “they’re phenomenal and generous student leaders in campus ministry and have a beautiful way of helping to lead the spiritual life at CRSM”.
Taizé Prayer, rooted in the traditions of Taizé, France, has been a part of CRSM’s spiritual journey for 15 years. Our students and staff have embraced this tradition with passion and reverence, acknowledging it as an important element of spiritual growth.
As we enter this season of Lent, we pray all of our students, faculty, staff and benefactors will know the sacrifice and peace of our Lord.
Lunch & Learn: CRSM Alumni Discuss Their Post-High School Journeys
It wasn’t that long ago that Stephanie Salazar, CRSM ’14; Dominican University ‘18 and Josh Washington, CRSM ’17; Loyola University Chicago ’21, were high school students contemplating their futures. Fast forward to 2024 and you will find Josh working at Discover Financial Services as a Senior Data Science Analyst and Stephanie as a Product Marketing Specialist for Emerson. Last month both alumni spoke to current CRSM sophomores, juniors and seniors about their college experience and their pursuit of a career in business.
Our Lunch & Learn Sessions began in January and are held monthly during the lunch period. Each month focuses on a different profession. CRSM alumni who currently work in that specific occupation reflect on their experiences during and after high school, pursuing a college degree, and beginning their careers. Students are invited to sign up for the session and learn first-hand what it was like to attend college, overcome challenges, discern what to do after college and the necessary skills and steps to take in achieving one’s goals.
Future sessions will focus on Healthcare, Psychology & Mental Health, just to name a few. We can’t think of a better way to allow our students to learn more about all the opportunities that are out there waiting for them to pursue!
Golf Caddying and Academic Excellence Go Hand-In-Hand For These Two Seniors
We’re thrilled to announce and celebrate the achievements of Alexandra M. and Mya W., who have been selected as Evans Scholars!
The Evans Scholarship is a prestigious honor given to golf caddies who exhibit exceptional academic abilities and also have a commendable caddie track record.
As recipients of the Evans Scholarship, they will receive full tuition and housing support from the Evans Scholarship Foundation, enabling them to pursue their higher education dreams at the college or university of their choice.
“I am beyond excited and grateful for receiving the Evans Scholarship! … I would like to express my gratitude for those who helped me get to where I am today. I couldn’t have done it without the help of the CRSM staff and counselors! This scholarship not only means so much to me but also to my mom. I want to make sure when I leave for college she does not have to worry about the financial burden so this is for her.” -Mya