Perry Family Charitable Foundation Donates $1 Million to Establish the Katsouros Scholars Fund

Loyola University Chicago is thrilled to announce that the Perry Family Charitable Foundation has generously donated $1,000,000 to support alumni from the three Chicago area Cristo Rey High Schools attending Arrupe College. This incredible gift will establish the Katsouros Scholars Fund. It will provide vital tuition assistance, resources, and support to help students achieve their associate degree at Arrupe and successfully transition to pursue their bachelor’s degree. The Fund will enable students to attend Arrupe without out-of-pocket costs and graduate debt-free.

“I am thrilled to be able to support both the Chicago area Cristo Rey schools and Arrupe College students in honor of Fr. Steve Katsouros, his work in Jesuit education, and his friendship with the Perry family. The Cristo Rey schools and Arrupe are important to our family and the Chicagoland community.”
—Chris Perry, President, Perry Family Charitable Foundation

Arrupe College has a close, mutually beneficial partnership with the Cristo Rey Network. Together, they create a pathway to higher education for underrepresented students. Since 2015, Arrupe has consistently welcomed 16 to 22 Cristo Rey graduates annually, comprising up to 11% of the College’s total enrollment. The retention rate for Cristo Rey students who enrolled at Arrupe in the fall of 2022 is nearly 80%. This builds on Cristo Rey students’ continuing record of accomplishment at Arrupe; 89% of the 2020 and 2021 cohorts have either earned their associate’s degree or are on track to receive it this August.

“Cristo Rey high school graduates have a long tradition of attending Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago. This investment reflects that enduring partnership and the value of Jesuit education. We are deeply grateful to the Perry Family Charitable Foundation for their generous support of Cristo Rey students as they continue their journey at Arrupe College and beyond.”
—Kelby Woodward, CEO, Cristo Rey Network

Additionally, every Cristo Rey student who has completed an associate’s degree at Arrupe has enrolled in a bachelor’s program. Among them, 60% have continued their education at Loyola, a testament to the quality of education they are receiving and the supportive community we foster.

“Cristo Rey and Arrupe are both very close-knit. I’ve learned that I can always communicate with my community and let them know when I need help.”
—Alonda Luna Lopez (AA ’24)