Lew and Marge Collens
Lew and Marge Collens have spent more than 20 years supporting organizations that promote arts and education in Chicago. Now they are working with the Trust to maximize the impact of their philanthropy.
Marge Collens not only donates to the arts, but also serves on the boards of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. She worked with civic leaders and Chicago Public Schools to open the Chicago High School for the Arts, the first public high school in the city devoted to college preparation and pre-professional arts education.
Meanwhile, Lew Collens has spent his entire life in education. Four decades ago he joined the faculty of the Illinois Institute of Technology. Soon thereafter he became dean of II T’s Chicago-Kent College of Law, then university president. He developed the Collens Scholar Program, which awards full scholarships to exceptional graduates of Chicago Public Schools from low-income families.
Three years ago, they opened a donor advised fund at the Trust to support the arts and education organizations they see as the building blocks of a civilized society. Through their fund, the Collenses tap the Trust’s expertise to learn about and support new organizations.
"The donor advised fund makes the administration of our giving a lot easier," says Lew. "It’s very helpful in terms of getting information about the relative merits of various organizations in the city. The Trust is providing the seal of approval or certificate of approval on organizations."
In 2009, the Collenses’ relationship with the Trust deepened, as Lew joined the Trust as a volunteer senior advisor to president Terry Mazany. He brings not only a heightened knowledge of philanthropy, but also a passion for early childhood education. "The long-term answer to breaking the cycle of poverty is to have a very robust intervention in early childhood to help students develop the skills they need to become school ready."
