Foundation board members and professional staff work collaboratively towards a common goal: to ensure that all Stevenson students reach their fullest and brightest futures. 

We recently sat down with our newest board member, Rani Dabbs, to learn more about her leadership experiences, passion for the mission, and how she hopes to maximize the Foundation's impact in the community. 

What made you decide to join the Foundation Board?

Volunteering and giving back have always been important parts of my life. For the past two years, I served as the Co-President of Stevenson's Patriot Parent Association (PPA). Knowing my time with the PPA would end in June 2024, I wanted to find another organization to get involved with. Through the PPA, I met Ashley Bunzol and Linda Knapp, who introduced me to the Foundation. The work Ashley, Linda, and the entire Foundation team do is incredible, and I knew I wanted to be involved in any way I could.

Tell us about some of your other board and leadership experiences.

Both of my children previously attended Saint Mary School. During that time, I served as an Advisory Board member and then as Board Chair for three years. I helped create the school's five-year strategic plan and assisted in hiring two principals. Most recently, I served on the Stevenson PPA for four years. My time with the PPA provided me with a better understanding of how the school operates and allowed me to get to know SHS leadership.

What do you hope to accomplish for our students, families, and the broader SHS community?

I hope to continue the great work of the Foundation and contribute to the creation of bright futures for students and families in our community. Additionally, I aim to inspire other parents like me to volunteer their time and support this important cause.

How did you first become involved with the Stevenson Foundation?

The PPA has supported the Foundation for many years, and we invited Foundation representatives to our meetings to explain exactly where our funds were going and how they were helping students in need. The team is deeply committed to this work and clearly articulated their motivation for helping families in our community. This inspired me to learn more and eventually seek board membership. Over the past year, I volunteered with the Foundation's Development Committee and was impressed by the caliber of people involved. They have open hearts and are dedicated to providing our students with the best opportunities to further their careers at Stevenson and beyond.

Why do you believe it's important for the Foundation to exist at Stevenson?

Hearing the stories of students who participate in Foundation programs says it all. The Foundation helps to provide opportunities to students who may not have otherwise had the resources to go to college or have a successful high school experience.  

Can you tell us about a mentor or role model who has influenced your life and/or career?

Mentors have played a significant part in the advancement of my career. Whether it was through moving to a new position within my company or simply helping strategize around a current role or project. I serve as a mentor for many colleagues, and it is tremendously rewarding to pay it forward.

How do you like to unwind and relax after a busy day or week?

Although I do not get out as much as I would like, I love to golf. I also enjoy cooking, live music, and watching any sport my sons are playing.

Whether it’s the cellphone in our pocket or high-speed internet at home, having access to the latest digital technology is something many of us take for granted. For Stevenson junior Patrick Enoiu, having an internet-connected laptop at his disposal allows him the greatest flexibility to work on class projects, complete homework, and utilize web resources whenever he wants.

It was in a computer science class that Patrick learned some of his peers did not have the same digital tools he relies on every day. “I was surprised to hear from a classmate that they didn’t have a computer at home. I realized that I, unknowingly, enjoyed an advantage because I have access to a reliable laptop,” shared Patrick. “I felt like there was something I could do to help,” he added.

Patrick began exploring ways to narrow the digital divide members of his school community were facing. “My dad noticed the research I was doing, and we started to discuss the issue and brainstorm solutions.”

Patrick’s dad, Tudor Enoiu, told him about his employer, Alliant Credit Union, and its charitable arm, the Alliant Credit Union Foundation. The Alliant Foundation’s efforts are focused on bridging the digital divide by offering grants and investments to organizations that are addressing digital equity.

Patrick and his dad reached out to Foundation Executive Director Linda Knapp, which led to a presentation before the Alliant Foundation board, where Patrick, Linda, and Stevenson Foundation team members highlighted the need for digital tools and training for under-resourced SHS students.

“Stevenson students are extremely fortunate to have school-issued iPads and access to MiFis to use in class and at home. As many of us can appreciate, however, navigating more complex tasks, projects, and websites is simply easier on a lap- or desktop computer,” said Linda. “Furthermore, once students make the leap to college, access to sophisticated technology is vital, particularly for students who are pursuing STEM-related degrees.”

Because of Patrick’s efforts, the Stevenson Foundation received a grant of more than $23,000 to provide laptops, software, and training for rising college freshmen in the Stevenson to College (S2C) program. The funding ensures these first-generation college students have the digital tools and information necessary to thrive in the interconnected world of higher education.

In addition to generous grant funding, the Alliant Foundation facilitated the donation of 50 refurbished laptops through their charitable partner, PCs for People. The laptops were distributed through the Stevenson Foundation’s One Family program to support digital inclusion for financially under-resourced families in the SHS community. “Patrick’s passion to help others is remarkable. As a direct result of his efforts, hundreds of individuals and families received laptops and services”, said Meredith Ritchie, President of the Alliant Credit Union Foundation.

Patrick sees his work with the Stevenson and Alliant Foundations as one small step in addressing the need for broader digital inclusion efforts. He plans to continue partnering with organizations doing similar work in the coming years. Asked if he’s proud of the resulting grant and laptop donation, it’s clear that Patrick was motivated by humble intentions. “The project wasn’t about me. I’m just happy knowing my classmates, peers, and friends will have greater access to important tools.”

The Foundation Board of Directors is a dedicated group of volunteers who help shape and grow the Foundation and its programs. We recently caught up with three of our newest board members, Dan Baumann, Tony Giannini ‘96, and Sydni Joseph ‘17, to learn more about their passion for the Foundation and what they look forward to accomplishing in our Stevenson community.

What compelled you to join the Foundation Board?

Tony: I believe in the incredible education experience Stevenson provides students. As an alumnus, I witnessed under-resourced classmates struggle to make the most of the Stevenson opportunity. The Stevenson Foundation helps to close the resource gap for students in need, so they can optimize their Stevenson education and pursue their college and career dreams.

Dan: My wife! She previously worked at the Foundation, and I saw firsthand its impact on the community. Helping to guide the Foundation's mission and goals as a board member is a way to further that cause in a meaningful way.

Sydni: After my first year on the Stevenson Foundation’s Development Committee, my love, passion, and gratitude for the tremendous work the Stevenson Foundation does has grown exponentially. Coming from a family of Stevenson High School alumni, including my parents, aunt, uncles, younger sister, and myself, I have never lost sight of the phenomenal place that granted me tremendous opportunities inside and outside the classroom. I have always had a desire to give back to the people and place that got me to where I am today, and joining the Stevenson Foundation Board is the perfect way to do so.

What program(s) are you most excited to learn more about?

Dan: Stevenson to College (S2C). The program is rapidly growing and extending its reach, and I am excited to learn how I can help continue the momentum.

Sydni: I am most excited to learn more about the Stevenson to College (S2C) program. College was such a pivotal time in my life, and I hope to be a resource to make the same difference in the lives of fellow Stevenson students.

Tony: I have been on the development committee for a year and am energized to generate funding for the Stevenson to College (S2C) and One Family programs. Both programs provide direct and meaningful impact.

Tell us about some of your other board and leadership experiences.

Sydni: I am currently a part of the “Emerging Leaders” group within the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Through Emerging Leaders, I serve on the Relationship Building & Networking Committee, which curates events for young professionals to expand their networks around the Chicagoland area further. In addition, I am a Volunteer Guide with “Musicians on Call,” – a national non-profit that brings music and healing to the bedside of pediatric and adult patients and veterans in hospitals around the country.

Tony: I have been blessed to lead technology sales teams at CDW and Nasuni. Today I lead a Channel Sales Team at Rubrik, a data protection and cyber-resiliency company. In my time, I have been asked to be on technology and partner advisory boards for seven tech companies. The teams I lead demonstrate integrity, hustle, transparency, and performance.

Dan: I've been in various finance leadership roles throughout my career, currently leading the finance organization for Prestone Products Corporation.

What do you hope to accomplish for our students, families, and the broader SHS community?

Tony: I want alumni to recognize the Stevenson Foundation represents a way to pay forward the great preparation they received for college and their careers. The community can directly and meaningfully impact the lives of their neighbors and classmates. One belief we can all share is that Stevenson students will do great things when provided with resources and mentorship.

Sydni: I hope to continue bringing recent alumni back to Stevenson to further support its initiatives for future students. My goal is to capture recent graduates and keep them close to the Stevenson community – including its students, families, faculty, and staff.

Dan: I want to advance the Foundation's mission so that all SHS students reach their post-secondary educational goals. Earning a college degree will provide students with the necessary skills for today's workforce and expand their professional networks to open doors in all aspects of life.

"How would you like to go to The White House?" The question from a young Andrew Klaber '00 came as a surprise to Chris Franken, but in hindsight, it wasn't wholly unexpected.

As a Stevenson teacher, student activities director, and student council advisor, Chris had come to know Andrew as a precocious student and natural leader – one that set forth ideas and showed follow-through unique to many adolescents. "I don't remember ever having to critique his work or approach to leadership," Chris said. "We talked and discussed ideas together, and the result was always better than I thought it would be."

In early 2000, Andrew and classmate Lauren Goldberg ‘00 had approached Chris with their concept of shifting Stevenson's paper usage to recycled paper. After thoroughly researching their proposal, and with Chris's coaching and guidance throughout, they convinced Stevenson leadership and a 30-school paper purchasing cooperative to procure recycled paper and reduce their environmental footprint. For their efforts, Andrew and Lauren were invited to the White House and recognized with the President's Environmental Youth Award, all of which Andrew had arranged, unbeknownst to Chris.

More than 20 years later, Andrew had yet another surprise for Chris. In recognition of his invaluable support and mentorship, the Klaber Family Foundation made a significant donation to the Foundation to establish The Christopher Franken ‘Vision to Reality’ Leadership Award. The annual award recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated effective leadership, academic achievement, and strength of character.

In his tenure at Stevenson, Chris encouraged students to learn leadership skills and strategies. With his guidance, student leaders implemented change and developed countless new activities that have since become a part of the proud tradition of Stevenson High School. "When Andrew told me about his intentions to honor me with this scholarship and award, I thought, what a privilege to know this young man," shared Chris. "I was moved to think he would do this for me. I was so proud of what Andrew accomplished at Stevenson and beyond. His achievements continue to demonstrate pursuit of high scholarship," he added.

Chris is inspired by the thought that the award might encourage others to make meaningful change to benefit SHS students and our shared community. "Andrew had all the things I looked for in a leader, but he also had a willingness and a passion to make things better."

While Chris was instrumental in helping Andrew and myriad fellow Patriots develop his leadership skills at Stevenson, longtime post-secondary counselor Sue Biemeret helped guide Andrew as he set his sights on life after graduation, forging a lifelong bond and friendship in the process. "Sue is much more than a friend or mentor; she's a confidant – resilience, grit, wit, and love personified," shared Andrew.

Their close relationship continued long after Stevenson, as Andrew went on to study at Yale, Oxford, and Harvard. Never forgetting Sue's impact on his life, the two remain close, with Andrew staying in touch and reaching out to Sue each year on her birthday. In recognition of her positive impact on him and countless other students, the Klaber family also made a gift in Sue's honor, securing naming rights for the Stevenson Foundation's annual scholarship event, which is now known as the Sue Biemeret Scholar's Reception. Sue was instrumental in establishing both the scholarship program and reception, known for many years as the Local Scholars Reception. She felt it was important that scholarship donors and recipients had the opportunity to meet and be recognized together.

However, what brings Sue the most joy is knowing that Andrew's gift will continue to support the work of the Stevenson Foundation. "I don't see myself in the same light that Andrew does – I am at once honored, humbled, amazed, and grateful. To know the Scholars Reception will continue to honor SHS students in the future makes me smile," shared Sue.

Andrew views honoring Chris and Sue by supporting the Stevenson Foundation as paying forward a debt – describing their influence as "transformative" and a Stevenson education "like winning the lottery."

"As one goes through life, it is important to remember where you came from and those individuals who made a game-changing, positive impact on your trajectory," he shared. Andrew sees a commonality between Chris Franken and Sue Biemeret: They saw more in him than he saw in himself, and because of their belief, he attempted and often achieved more than he thought possible.

Andrew's gift to the Foundation solidifies Chris and Sue's legacy at SHS; their influence ever-present, they will continue to impact Stevenson students long into the future.

It’s a new day at the Foundation! As valued members of our Stevenson community, we hope you’ll join us in welcoming two new members to the Foundation team: Communications & Alumni Relations Manager Ryan Fowler and Stevenson to College (S2C) Coordinator Natalia Ruiz. After several years at neighboring Lake Forest Academy, Ryan has spent the last decade working as a marketing and design professional. Natalia has a bilingual K-8 teaching certification and worked most-recently for Skokie-Morton Grove School District 69.

We’re also excited to announce that, after six years of service to our students, families, and organization, Linda Knapp was recently named the new Foundation Executive Director. As we begin this next phase of our growth and evolution, we extend sincere thanks for your partnership in ensuring that all students can reach their fullest and brightest futures. We look forward to all we can accomplish together in 2023!

The Foundation Board of Directors plays a crucial role in ensuring our mission of Empowering Students to Reach Their Full Potential. We recently sat down with our newest board members, Barry Orgeron and Zeni Thakkar, to learn more about their passion for the Foundation, leadership experiences, and what they most look forward to accomplishing for our students and Stevenson community.

What compelled you to join the Foundation Board?

Barry: From the moment I walked onto the Adlai Stevenson campus back in 2009 the building and culture have been a part of me. It just happens. Once you are part of the Stevenson way, you are always part. I feel a certain pride and belonging when I enter the building. I just want to do my part to give back to the students.

Zeni: I believe that it's very important for high school students to have emotional, intellectual, and financial support as they embark upon their journey to becoming successful and independent adults. Stevenson Foundation does a great job in providing this support to the students and their families. I admire the Foundation’s mission and programs and I am honored to be able to contribute to and be part of its cause.

What program(s) are you most excited to learn more about?

Zeni: Stevenson to College – I went through the college application process twice in recent years for my daughters. I know that it can be very complex, challenging, and draining. I was very happy to learn that the Foundation has this program and am looking forward to sharing my learnings and experiences with the families going through this process and providing much-needed support.

Barry: I am just interested in all the programs and any way I can help to further the cause. I want to help in the development of these programs.

Tell us about some of your other board and leadership experiences.

Barry: I have had many leadership roles while at Sodexo between mentoring future leaders and leading growth teams. I also served on the Greater Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Board between 2009-2013. I Chaired the Taste of Lincolnshire Fest in those years. It was a great way to connect with local business leaders and foster engagement with the community.

Zeni: In the last 12 years, my professional experience has been in the areas of people, product, and program management at a software management firm. I lead a diverse team of international resources while providing executive oversight to our customer programs. I also mentor my team members and colleagues to help them develop skills such as effective communication, time management, productivity optimization, and conflict management. I have also volunteered in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Student of the Year event to raise funds and awareness to aid LLS in its mission to cure blood cancer and to support its patients and families. Given these experiences, I hope to help the Foundation with its strategic and operational activities and in fulfilling its mission of “Empowering Students to Reach Their Full Potential”.

What do you hope to accomplish for our students, families, and the broader SHS community?

Zeni: In collaboration with my peers on the Stevenson Foundation Board, I hope that we can guide each and every Foundation student to be successful in their journey to college and beyond, provide the right support for their families and create an environment of inclusiveness and togetherness for our Stevenson Community. I will use my skills, resources, and network to help the Foundation grow and achieve these goals.

Barry: My hope is to continue the great work the Foundation Board has already started and hopefully, bring something new or share best practices. Being part of other school districts with Sodexo I believe will help bring new ideas to the table.

Over the past couple of years, we've learned a great deal about the challenges that financially-fragile families in our community face. While the Foundation has been providing meals and resources to students for decades, we now know that providing their families with access to daily essentials is a key element in a student's ability to succeed at Stevenson and beyond.

We are therefore thrilled to share that Kids in Need (KIN) and Stevenson One Family have been combined into a single, more comprehensive program: One Family.

With your generous partnership, the new One Family program will continue to provide students with traditional 'KIN supports' like daily breakfasts, toiletries, winter outerwear, and co-curricular expenses. In addition, the program will continue to help families with essentials like groceries and household necessities. We firmly believe that this whole-family approach is the best way to empower students to reach their brightest futures. To learn more about the new One Family program, please click here.

At its inception, the Foundation was established to connect Stevenson High School with our broader community. In the decades that followed, our work expanded to include programs that increased our support of the school's mission of Success for Every Student. In recent years, our efforts have continued to evolve to more fully meet the needs of our students, families, and Stevenson community.

With these changes, a new mission was needed to better reflect the Foundation's priorities and current programs. After several months of strategic planning and soliciting stakeholder and community input, we have updated our mission to encapsulate the work of the organization as it stands today.

We are pleased to unveil our newly-adopted mission statement: Empowering Students to Reach Their Full Potential. We remain deeply grateful for your partnership and support and hope you see your priorities and passions reflected in this new mission.

The Foundation Board of Directors is a dedicated group of volunteers who help shape and grow the Foundation and its programs. We recently caught up with three of our newest board members, Matthew DuFour '96, Anne Maghas, and Jaison Williams, to learn more about their passion for the Foundation and what they look forward to accomplishing in our Stevenson community.

What compelled you to join the Foundation Board?

Matt: Stevenson High School has a very special place in my heart. My father, Dr. Richard DuFour, was the principal and superintendent of Stevenson. After my father’s passing, I felt compelled to reconnect with the school, to contribute financially to the Stevenson to College (S2C) program and the Dr. Rick DuFour Leadership scholarship, and to donate my time and energy to help those members of the Stevenson community that don’t have the same opportunities I was fortunate enough to have growing up.

Anne: After being involved with S2C for several years, I had seen first-hand the impact that the Foundation had on the lives of young, bright minds. As the Foundation continues to expand its impact in the community, I believe that my unique experience as an entrepreneur, parent, and community advocate will allow me to contribute meaningfully.

Jaison: I’ve always been passionate about helping young people pursue and realize their dreams, and mindful that access to resources and support is not available to everyone. I’m already active in community organizations that have similar agendas, but none was specifically located in my home community. The opportunity to connect with and positively impact youth in the Stevenson community was most compelling; it’s also a way to give back to a community that welcomed and supported my family.

Tell us about some of your other board and leadership experiences.

Matt: I am on the Board of the Give A Note Foundation, a nonprofit that provides grants to strengthen music education opportunities for students and schools that need it most. I am also on the area volunteer board of the American Cancer Society, most recently as their “creating connections” chair.

Anne: As an entrepreneur, I have built companies from scratch, and I believe the organization's aptitude and operational grit that it took to be successful in business will be valuable in aligning the Stevenson Foundation’s vision to the impact we seek to have. I have been a volunteer with SCORE, a national small business mentoring organization, over the past several years, and this has awarded me an opportunity to impact our local business community in Lake County. In both my business and service, my leadership is about making sure that purpose and goal accomplishment is not a binary choice, so I focus on aligning the two in everything we do.

Jaison: Currently I serve on the Bloomsburg University (PA) Alumni Association Board of Directors where I am Vice President, chair of the Awards Committee and member of the Engagement Committee. I’m involved in all aspects of leading the Board, executing the strategic plan, alumni engagement and fundraising. I also serve as a Board Director of the Evanston (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where I advise chapter leadership on strategy and operations, including community service (outreach and partnerships), membership engagement, and recruitment.

What do you hope to accomplish for our students, families, and the broader SHS community?

Matt: The thing I enjoy the most about volunteering with the Stevenson Foundation is knowing that the work I’m doing makes a real difference in the lives of students. I hope to help grow the financial resources of the Foundation so that S2C can accept every student who wants to be a part of the program.

Anne: In getting to learn more about the Foundation’s work, I have had really meaningful conversations with members of the board that got me excited about the programs that the Foundation is working on. The board members I have spoken with are smart and passionate about what they are doing for the Foundation and the nerd in me is really looking forward to adding my voice and contributions to a vibrant team that will not just move the organization forward, but help us grow as humans as well.

Jaison: My ambition is to bring the Stevenson community closer together so that everyone feels included, knows that they belong, and recognizes that we take care of each other. I believe the combination of my passion and community and professional experiences will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the Stevenson Foundation’s vision to “create bright futures for students and families in the community”.