UIC - University of Illinois at Chicago

Tonya Francisco

Class of '92 LAS

Current position: News anchor on CLTV

Professional calling:

As a news anchor for CLTV in Chicago, Francisco has reported on 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, but she finds the local, personal stories most fulfilling.
"I like to tell stories and I want to be out there for the greater good. The news really has an impact on people's lives."

How UIC contributed:

As a junior, Francisco took a Myers-Briggs personality assessment recommended by a career counselor. It pointed her toward teaching or communications. Teaching was out, and uncertain of what type of communications to consider, she interned for the City of Chicago's Public Information Officer, then an entertainment show for WMAQ-TV. She found her fit.
"Here I am, this college kid, working at Channel 5 in Chicago, coming up with segment ideas and booking guests. It was absolutely fabulous."

Professional honors:

Michigan Association of Broadcasters News Special Merit Award and a second place award from the National Association of Black Journalists for the documentary "Idlewild," about a Northern Michigan town.

College memory:

The Inner Circle food court.
"When you got out of class, that's where you hung out. It was great."

Dr. Thomas Cornwell, M.D.
- Class of '86
  
  Current position: Founder and Medical Director HomeCare Physicians
  
  Professional calling:
  
  Providing care for more than 800 home-bound patients in Chicago's western suburbs. He's made more than 20,000 house calls.
  "If we didn't come to them, a lot of these patients would have very limited or no access to health care. With our patients, it's almost a prerequisite that you be horribly sick for us to care for you. It's one difficult condition after another, not five blood pressure checks. But the greater the challenges, the greater the difficulty, the greater a difference you can make."
  
  How UIC contributed:
  
  The faculty's dedication to teaching and hands-on interaction with patients were key.
  "You get a great clinical experience at UIC. As a student, I was given the chance to have a lot of hands-on experience with patients-drawing blood, starting IVs, taking histories and performing physicals-at an early stage in my career."
  
  Academic honors:
  
  The William J. Grove Outstanding Medical Graduate Award at UIC.
Judge Jesse G. Reyes
- Class of '79 LAS
  
  Current position: Judge
  
  Always wanted to be:
  
  A lawyer.
  "When you don't have any gauge to measure where you're going or what routes to take, you have to be determined and believe that your goal is achievable."
  
  Professional path:
  
  After UIC, Reyes received his JD from John Marshall Law School, then practiced as an attorney. He worked for the City of Chicago's Corporation Counsel Office, then the Chicago Board of Education. In 1997, he was elected an associate judge, and was later assigned to the Circuit Chancery Division.
  
  How UIC contributed:
  
  UIC offered the flexibility to pursue his bachelor's degree while working in a law firm library. He also found time to serve on the executive committee of the Circle Center Board and as vice president of the student senate.
  "UIC provided me with some very good tools in terms of thought processes and how you can contribute to society."
  
  Personal achievements
  
  Illinois Judges Association president, Latin American Bar Association president, Hispanic National Bar Association regional president, Thomas Kelly High School Hall of Fame, and more.

UIC - University of Illinois at Chicago

Tonya Francisco

Class of '92 LAS

Professional calling:

How UIC contributed:

Professional honors:

College memory:

Class of '86

Professional calling:

How UIC contributed:

Academic honors:

Class of '79 LAS

Always wanted to be:

Professional path:

How UIC contributed:

Personal achievements