“We learned about the need for the FBL Award during a tabling event at LHS in the spring of 2024. CNF Directors Rachel Birkley and Karla Modelski reported that numerous students inquired about a business award, which we could not fulfill,” shared CNF President John Bartels.
Simultaneously, Lisle High School’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, Mr. Hobart L. Epstein of the Class of 1974, felt a need to give back to Lisle, offering to support a business/finance career path scholarship through CNF. Hobart Lee Epstein has had a significant career in South Korea, holding various leadership positions in investment banking and securities companies.
“LHS had a significant impact on my life. I want to share my business and finance experiences by mentoring aspiring LHS students,” said Hobart Epstein.
LHS will administer the award through the creation of an application and selection process with at least a dozen applicants expected.
“The school believes this new scholarship will support and encourage the growing number of students who aspire to become business leaders,” said LHS Principal Eric Martzolf.
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The first FBL Scholarship will be awarded during the LHS senior awards program in the spring of 2025.
Jennifer Zimmerman, LHS's assistant Principal of Student Services, noted, “I was impressed with how effective Rachel and Karla's interaction was for the students. LHS, we are excited to have the CNF board return for CNF scholarship tabling with the seniors, not once but twice!”
Now that is teamwork, making the dream work!
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