News

Chicago,IL - At at a breakfast reception held today at St. Augustine College's main campus, 1345 W. Argyle, seven Illinois state legislators were honored for their efforts to pass legislation that restored 200 million dollars for state educational grants (MAP). This legislation, which was signed by Governor Pat Quinn, makes it possible for over 138,000 low income students statewide to continue receiving state grants for the second semester of the current school year.

Andrew C. Sund, President of St. Augustine College pointed out that St. Augustine college's 1,400 students, most of whom are Hispanic, would have been adversely affected by not having MAP grant funding restored. "Without this funding, many of our students would not have been able to continue their education and that is why we wanted to honor some of the legislators that supported and voted in favor of restoring the MAP grant legislation. They did something that benefits our community and they deserve to be recognized," stated Mr. Sund. Students personally thanked the legislators for supporting educational opportunities at St. Augustine and other colleges and universities throughout the state.

Attending the event to receive the award were: State Senators Iris Martinez (20th District) and Heather Steans (7th District); and State Representatives, Toni Berrios (39th District), Cynthia Soto (4th District), Susana Mendoza (1st District), Linda Chapa LaVia (83rd District), and Fred Crespo (44th District). Other legislators were not able to attend and will be presented with the awards at a later time.

Dr. Elena Mulcahy, Board Member, St. Augustine; Rep. Fred Crespo; Rep. Toni Berrios; Sen. Iris Martinez; Brooks Davis, Board Member, St. Augustine; Rep. Susana Mendoza; Andrew Sund, President, St. college; Sen. Heather Steans; Rep. Cynthia Soto.