I have been a personal beneficiary of Come To Believe and its mission. As an undocumented immigrant, I lacked the financial means to pursue higher education—especially since undocumented students are often excluded from most scholarship opportunities. Arrupe College, the founding seed of the Come To Believe model—to make quality education affordable, achievable, and accessible for students like me—made it possible for me to earn a degree.
Attending Arrupe College, the very institution that inspired Come To Believe, gave me a chance at a future I could have never imagined. Today, I run my own company, Moon Technology Services, after having attended three esteemed Jesuit institutions: Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago, Georgetown University, and the University of San Francisco. Currently, we even have two paid interns from Arrupe College at Moon Technology Services. I could never have dreamed that an undocumented immigrant who once struggled to find viable college options would not only work for himself but also mentor other interns at his own company.
The opportunity that Come To Believe-modeled colleges provide can transform lives—not just for students like me, but for our families and loved ones as well. These programs foster a foundation of hope and resilience, empowering us to reach our full potential. CTB-modeled colleges are a beacon of hope, especially for undocumented students and those seeking a platform to prove themselves, a chance they might not find at traditional four-year universities.
I have known Father Steve Katsouros, S.J. for over 10 years. My wife and I were introduced to Fr. Steve by a close family friend when Fr. Steve moved to Chicago to start Arrupe College at Loyola University of Chicago. Very similar to his approach at Arrupe College, Fr. Steve works each and every day to build upon the story and dream of bringing higher education to all who desire it, irrespective of their financial situation. Fr. Steve is truly committed to the mission of Come to Believe, and he has hired an exceptional team to assist him in delivering on his plan. I am excited to support Come to Believe because they focus on the right things: outcomes, high touch service, exceptional educators who embrace the mission, etc. Keep an eye on all Fr. Steve and his team as they will succeed!
I was a founding board member (volunteer) back in 2015 when there wasn't even Come to Believe yet (the first "school within a school" was Arrupe College of Loyola University of Chicago.) The Come to Believe Network is now replicating the model and by Fall, 2025 we will be in four states: IL, MN, NY, IN. The outcomes are exemplary! The leadership under Founder Steve Katsouros is incredible. I SO believe in the model that I am now working for CTB full time.