ARRUPE COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

Jose R. Rodriguez

(MBA ’10) • Director, Community Capital Portfolio, Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Jose R. Rodriguez (MBA '10) has a 20-year record of cultivating partnerships in the business, education, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors to promote economic mobility for residents in Chicago communities.

As the Director of the Community Capital Portfolio for the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Rodriguez collaborates with community partners to identify and invest in projects that promote neighborhood revitalization on the South and West Side of Chicago, with particular focus on the Englewood and Little Village communities. His professional and civic engagement has led to investments in workforce and economic development, educational initiatives, post-secondary success, and public safety.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Rodriguez created a community impact and workforce initiative for a major healthcare system, developing a talent pipeline for high-growth and high-demand jobs. He also served as executive director of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF), an organization providing educational and financial support to students attending academically rigorous high schools. Before joining DMSF, he served as vice president of the Corporate Work Program at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Christ the King Jesuit College Prep.

Rodriguez served on the Arrupe College Board of Directors from 2017 through 2023, on the Old St. Mary’s School Board and on the board of the Advocate Bethany Community Fund. He is a Leadership Greater Chicago 2013 Fellow, and serves as President of the Sheridan McGuane Youth Baseball and Softball League. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from DePaul University and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business.