Jim Bouchard: School of Continuing and Professional Studies

As a young man, Jim Bouchard (BBA '84) needed a flexible school that would also keep him motivated. Loyola was there for him. Now, with a gift of $250,000 to the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Bouchard is giving future students the same chance.

In 1981, Bouchard returned to Chicago from the University of San Diego after his father passed away. He was out of money and financing options, but Loyola's University College, now known as the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, was a viable opportunity. "I needed to go out and get a job," says Bouchard, who was on campus recently as a member of the Board of Trustees. "Taking continuing education classes was a way for me to work and pay for my education simultaneously."

In working a full-time job while finishing a degree, Bouchard followed in his father's footsteps. Robert C. Bouchard served in World War II, worked at the Inland Steel Company in Chicago, and ascended the corporate ladder. "He put himself through night school," says Bouchard. "He had a wife and seven kids and didn't finish with school until he was 41 or 42. He ended up becoming very successful."

In that respect, Bouchard doesn't fall far from the tree. A proven leader in his field, he devoted himself to learning everything he could about the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of steel. In 2003, Bouchard and his brother Craig founded Esmark, Inc., which would become one of the largest steel companies in the country. As CEO and chairman, Bouchard oversaw the growth of Esmark from a small family company with $4 million in revenue and 22 employees to a publicly traded NASDAQ company with revenues of $3 billion and over 3500 employees. After selling Esmark to OAO Severstal for $1.3 billion in August, Bouchard has purchased the Esmark name, rights, and trademarks back and has taken Esmark private again with a focus on domestic oil and gas production. In 2007, in honor of his business leadership, innovation, and engaged citizenship, he received the Damen Award from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

But for Bouchard, the lessons learned at Loyola went beyond business training. "I didn't expect my theology and philosophy classes to have such a big impact on me," he says. "I came to Loyola to get a business degree, but I took a lot of these classes and they helped broaden my perspective; I think that played a major role in my business success." Bouchard also credits his Loyola education with teaching him how to work in a team environment, how to be an effective manager, and the importance of establishing a philanthropic strategy. "I try to acknowledge the institutions that got me where I am today, and I also want to break down barriers so that others will have the opportunities that I had," he says. To further those goals, Bouchard and his wife Carolyn recently gave $1 million to build a park and athletic facility in their hometown of Sewickley, Pa.

Their gift to Loyola's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, like their gift of community space, is all about helping people who need a leg up. "There are folks out there who are like me or like my father," says Bouchard. "They're going to need financial assistance to help them finish those degrees." With a matching gift of $250,000 from Loyola President Michael J. Garanizni, S.J., the $500,000 James P. and Carolyn K. Bouchard Endowed Scholarship Fund will help many students finish their degrees and advance in their careers.

Jeffrey Rosen, PhD, dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, says that this gift will be especially helpful to adult students who are working while pursuing their degrees. "Typically, these students have other financial concerns, like taking care of a family," he says. "But they are driven to better their careers, to get a promotion or transition into a high demand field."

Given the current troubled economic climate, continuing education and scholarship funds are crucial. "In tough times, people look to continuing education," says Bouchard. "People will need to hold onto their jobs and take a class or two."

Rosen agrees. "This gift will enable our school to continue to serve adult students by defraying some of their costs," he says. "In this difficult economy, we're here to help people returning to the University complete their degrees, obtain the retraining they need, or equip themselves for a better job. This gift will make a significant financial impact and help improve the lives of many Loyola students."

With this generous gift, Bouchard and Loyola have partnered to provide dedicated, non-traditional students with the opportunities that both Robert and Jim Bouchard enjoyed. As an example of how education can hone talent and ability, Bouchard provides students with both support and inspiration.