October 17, 2024
Paige Haehlke
Dr. Mike Karner ’07 spearheads effort to raise funds for students affected by Schuler Foundation closure
When the Schuler Foundation abruptly closed in July, leaving hundreds of high school and college students in the Schuler Scholar Program without the scholarships they relied on, Dr. Mike Karner ’07 quickly took action. Karner, the Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools, launched a fundraising effort that raised $1.4 million in just one month, ensuring that students wouldn’t lose the financial support critical to continue their education.
The Schuler Scholar Program, funded by the Schuler Foundation, provided scholarships to low-income, first-generation college students in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. Due to a sharp decline in its assets, the foundation was forced to cease operations, leaving 540 students without crucial funding.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Karner collaborated with Joel Finfer, Executive Director of the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation (LCROEF), to spearhead a rapid response.
“When I heard about the foundation closing, I reached out to many individuals to try and ensure that the affected students were going to be able to receive their scholarships,” Karner said.
Karner gathered detailed information about the affected students and presented a plan to multiple organizations, proposing that if he could raise the necessary funds, the LCROEF could oversee and administer the scholarships. Thanks to his efforts, a consortium of private foundations stepped up to pledge their support.
Having worked at a high school with students in the Schuler Scholar Program, Karner understood the profound impact of the program, which not only provided financial aid but also mentoring, tutoring, and college search assistance. That personal connection fueled his determination to help.
“This isn’t just about raising money—it’s about showing up for our students when they need us most,” said Karner. “Lake Forest College had a high number of affected students, and it was great to be able to help them as an alumnus.”
Karner’s leadership raised enough funds to support all affected students t[OE1] hrough the current school year, and he aims to continue fundraising to sustain the scholarships in the future.
“It’s an honor to be able to provide support for students and create change on a grander level, from the local school districts in Lake County to those around the state,” Karner said.
The LCROEF will manage the distribution of the funds, ensuring they reach the students who depended on the Schuler Scholar Program.
To learn about additional efforts from Trustees, alumni, and friends of the College to support affected students, click here.