Based upon their qualifications as outstanding students and future business leaders, the following students have been selected for the NIU Executive Club “Connections” Scholarship.
Matthew Rasche, NIU Executive Club 2005 Connection Scholarship Recipient
Matthew Rasche, a 2005 graduate of Naperville North High School, was selected as the 2005 Connection Scholar. Matthew was a state scholar, and an active member of the high school music program, playing both bari and alto saxophone. He spent one year in the chamber winds, two yeas in the wind ensemble, one year in the jazz ensemble, two years in the jazz lab, one year in the marching band, and one year in the pit orchestra. He was awarded the IMEA District Jazz bari sax two years and was a member of the band of honor at the IMEA state convention.
Matthew was also active in his church youth group, participating in many charitable activities for battered and abused women and children. He volunteered as a tutor at the school literacy center to assist students with class material, and assists a local group of retirees with computer and internet training.
Growing up involved with the family business, Matthew has already demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills. In addition to developing several web sites, he started a new business, MasterRealtor, Inc. This business provides tools and skills to realtors to help maximize their success. Matthew believes the experience of interacting and networking with NIU Executive Club members will provide significant guidance and mentoring to assist with his entrepreneurial goals.
Esther P. Chen, NIU Executive Club Connections Scholarship Fund Recipient 2004
Esther is a 2004 graduate of Bartlett High School. She was a member of the high school's first drill team, a member of the musical orchestra pit for three musicals, and was selected by her orchestra director to perform in a symphony orchestra for the Fox Valley Music Festivals. She was the leader and founder of a string quartet, and received a medal for her performance. Esther also was a member of the JB bowling team, Mathletes, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She was specifically selected by her high school to attend the 63rd session of Illini Girls State where she was elected City Clerk. Additionally, she attend the National Student Leadership Conference Business Program in Washington D.C. and participated in a project as a financial analyst. Esther is an Illinois State Scholar and a member of the Model UN where she participated as a member of the Economy/Finance Committee at the University of Chicago. She participated in peer tutoring and F.I.S.H. (Faith Is Shared Here), and served as a member of the Link Crew at her high school to help freshmen adjust to high school and develop friendships.
In addition to babysitting, Esther volunteered at the Public Library as part of the Youth Services for one summer, and was a teen volunteer in the mother/baby unit of a medical center for one summer.
Esther plans to graduate with a Bachelors degree and Masters degree in Accountancy, become a C.P.A., and use her knowledge help investigate financial frauds and insurance scams.
Brian W. Lundeen, NIU Executive Club Connections Scholarship Fund Recipient 2004
Brian graduated from Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois, in June 2004. He was a member of the Business Professionals of America, and qualified in state in Entrepreneurship and Interview Skills in 2003, and also qualified in state in 2004 for the Financial Analyst Team as well as Extemporaneous Speech. He also served as treasurer of Illinois State Officer. Brian was Captain of the hockey team in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and was a member of the state championship team in 2003.
Additionally, Brian served as a junior coach for the youth ice hockey team with Sabres Hockey Club. He worked at Advanced Pro Shops at Seven Bridges for two years, and currently works with American Sale Corporation. Brian plans to use his business knowledge from N.I.U. to assist him with opening a private accounting firm specializing in international business.