by Miranda Eby | Mar 23, 2024 | CWSP, School News
First Insurance Funding (A Wintrust Company) has been a Corporate Work Study Partner of CRSM since 2007. Currently, First Insurance employs five Cristo Rey St. Martin students, four in Office Services, and one in the Marketing Department.
Our Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) coordinators recently sent out a questionnaire to our business partners, asking them what goals they had for their student interns, and how the students will reach those goals. Not expecting a formal plan or goal oriented assignment, Lori Bell from Corporate Work Study was pleased to hear from Blanca Vasquez at First Insurance Funding that she was creating and implementing SMART Goals for her student interns.
Traditionally, SMART Goals are to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Sensitive. Each student in Blanca’s Officer Services department was given a specific goal based on something that they previously struggled with or needed to complete for their job. For example, Yahir, a senior at CRSM, was given the goal of: BAI Courses – Individually Productivity Enhancement and Time Management. Following this was the SMART acronym drawn out in steps of when, why, and how to achieve this goal. SMART goals are to be completed by the end of the school year, challenging students to focus their efforts toward improving their work performance. As an extra measure of motivation for our students, Blanca encourages other First Insurance employees to recognize students’ achievements with awards and certificates of recognition to celebrate and reinforce meeting their goals.
In addition to working with our students directly, Blanca takes the time to acclimate the interns to the rest of First Insurance Funding as soon as they begin working there, by featuring each in the company’s newsletter, “First Things First”, sharing their hobbies, favorite movies, and other fun facts about each.
Thank you to Blanca Vasquez and First Insurance Funding for taking these extra steps to help our students thrive and become purposeful professionals!
by Miranda Eby | Feb 29, 2024 | CWSP, School News
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!
by Miranda Eby | Feb 28, 2024 | Campus Ministry, School News
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.
