LINK Newsletter
Get updates on news that matters to you.
Honoring the Late Jerome “Jerry” Girsch
LINK Unlimited Scholars mourns the January 2025 passing of our longstanding LINK Mentor, board member, and generous donor Jerome “Jerry”
Welcome to New LINK Staff
We are so pleased to welcome new staff member Maurice Tiner to the LINK team! Maurice, our new Director of
LINK’s Annual Impact Report
We are delighted to share with you the 2023-2024 LINK Unlimited Scholars Annual Impact Report. This year’s report celebrates the
Alumni Spotlight: George Ellzey, Jr.
George Ellzey, Jr., a proud LINK alumnus from the Hales Franciscan Class of 2009, has some big news to share!
Dr. Gunn Spreads the Word about LINK
Dr. Gunn always enjoys the opportunity to get in front of Chicago businesses to share her personal story as well
Dr. Gunn Recognized as a Chicago Defender 2025 Woman of Excellence
A big congratulations to our very own LINK President and CEO Dr. Toinette Gunn, who was recently recognized as a
LINK Is Moving!
We are so grateful for your participation with LINK Unlimited Scholars! Thanks to the dedication and success of our High
Mentor/Alumni Spotlight
This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Jamere Walton, a LINK alum (Class of 2009) who has joined
Congratulations!
Congratulations to our very own LINK President and CEO, Dr. Toinette Gunn, who was selected as a 2025 Chicago Defender
Alumni Spotlight
We’re proud to shine this month’s Alumni Spotlight on Maurice Tiner, LINK Class of ’13. A graduate of Holy Trinity
Special Thanks!
As we move through the first quarter of our new fiscal year, we’d like to take a moment to look
Welcome to New Staff
We’re thrilled to welcome three new staff members to the LINK team: Michael Happ, VP, Advancement; Alexandria Cummings, VP, Programs
Cool LINK Video
Check out this video about LINK’s history and legacy! We’re so proud of our impact in helping our Scholars to,
Alumni News
Fun at a Chicago Sky Game LINK Collegiate Scholars Keniah Cooper and Natalia Rene attended a Chicago Sky game with
Dr. Toinette Gunn Named Crain’s Chicago Notable Black Leader
Congratulations to our own Dr. Toinette Gunn, President and CEO of LINK Unlimited Scholars, for being named to Crain’s Chicago
Please Support Our Spring Appeal
We’re nearing the end of our fiscal year, and we’d love to have your support in the final push of
New Alumni Facebook Group
We’re excited to let you know that we now have a LINK Alumni Group on Facebook! Please join the group
In Case You Missed It
Alumni Reception We were delighted to recognize and honor many of our LINK Alumni at an Alumni Reception just prior
New Staff and Board Members
Our LINK family continues to grow and expand, and we’re excited to welcome a new staff member and two new
LINK Alum Wins Pulitzer Prize
We are thrilled to announce that LINK Alum trina reynolds-tyler (Class of 2011), data director for Invisible Institute, recently won
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight: Ciere Boatright—Part TwoCommissioner, City of Chicago Department of Planning and DevelopmentLINK Alum, LINK Board Member, Former LINK Mentor
LINK In the News
Huge thanks to these media outlets for shining a spotlight on LINK and our innovative approaches that are transforming education!
LINK’s Annual Impact Report
As we work to build tomorrow’s Black leaders today, we are proud to present the 2022-2023 LINK Unlimited Scholars Impact
Women’s History Month: A Word from Dr. J
In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, Dr. Janine Franklin (affectionately known as Dr. J.), LINK’s VP, Programs &
Alumni Spotlight: Ciere Boatright—Part One
Alumni Spotlight: Ciere Boatright—Part OneCommissioner, City of Chicago Department of Planning and DevelopmentLINK Alum, LINK Board Member, Former LINK Mentor
LINK Accepted into IGNITE
We are thrilled to announce that LINK Unlimited Scholars has been accepted into the 2024 cohort of The University of
Volunteer Opportunity
Career Connections Collective Panelists Needed Are you willing to share your career path with our LINK Scholars? We have one
Upcoming Event
Calling ALL LINK Alumni & Class of 2024 College Graduates SAVE THE DATE!Thursday, June 13 LINK Unlimited Scholars will host
LINK in the News
We have been making a splash in the news lately, highlighting the impact our work is having on our Scholars
Save the Date for LINK’s Annual Golf Outing!
Thursday, July 25, 2024 We can’t wait to see you at LINK’s 29th Annual “Driving Fore a Difference” Golf Outing
Welcome to Our New Staff Members
Our LINK family is growing, and we’re excited to officially welcome these six new dynamic team members! Katie AbeleAssistant to
LINK in the News
Take a look at all the ways we’re spreading the LINK mission—and please share the good news on your social
Internship Opportunities
As LINK Alumni, you may be interested in the following internship opportunities: Greenwood Project (Open to current college sophomores and
Alumni Spotlight: Zachary Tobias, Class of ’23
We’re shining our Alumni Spotlight on Zachary Tobias this month. Now a freshman at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Zachary
Volunteer Opportunity
Career Connections Collective Panelists Needed Are you willing to share your career path with our LINK Scholars? We’re seeking several
LINK in the News
Take a look at how LINK Unlimited Scholars is making waves in the news! The Weekly Citizen newspaper highlighted Jr.