Celebrating Student Achievement: 2026 Scholarship Awards

Local 1600 celebrated twelve outstanding students at this year's scholarship awards, recognizing recipients of the Norman G. Swenson Scholarship and the Union Activism Scholarship. 

Honoring Norman G. Swenson

The scholarship's namesake founded CCCTU and led it for 40 years. Norman G. Swenson started out teaching business classes at Olive Harvey College and went on to lead two strikes against the City Colleges of Chicago, in 1967 and 1969, both of which landed him in Cook County Jail before Governor Dan Walker granted him a full pardon. Those strikes won the first collective bargaining contract for public employees in Chicago and helped shape state law on how teacher strikes get resolved. He later helped pass the Illinois Tenure Act, negotiated 35 contracts, led 17 strikes, and built CCCTU into the union that represents 5,000 members today. Every scholarship winner this year steps into that legacy.

This Year's Norman G. Swenson Scholarship Winners:

Paulina Szkodoń, Daley College grew up watching her mother, a janitor and SEIU Local 1 member, gain health insurance and stability through her union. Paulina is working toward involvement in her university's Student Government Association and called the scholarship "the gift of time."

Nicole Romo, Harper College has worked since age 16 and is now a certified nursing assistant finishing her nursing degree at UIC. She hopes to join the Illinois Nurses Association and says her education "serves as a lighthouse during difficult times."

Emma Dortch, Kennedy-King College is launching a food-based business with a mission to help people experiencing homelessness. The scholarship will cover the ingredients and equipment she needs to get started.

Konrad Garcia, Malcolm X College is pursuing a nursing degree, inspired by his aunt, an LPN in Chicago. As a member of SEIU Local 73, he has seen firsthand how unions push for safer, fairer workplaces.

Tracy Carpenter, Moraine Valley Community College is pursuing a path in sleep therapy after facing personal loss and health setbacks. Her years as a union clerk for Metra and CN Railroad shaped her appreciation for fair treatment on the job.

Henrique Roig Soares, Morton College moved from Brazil at 16 and worked multiple jobs to stay in school after his family faced financial hardship. He serves as President of ALPFA at Morton and hopes to see more unions giving communities a voice.

Ahmad Adwan, Olive Harvey College worked as a security guard throughout his time earning valedictorian honors, a fitting achievement at the same college where Norm Swenson once taught.

Crystal Madinah, South Suburban College is completing her paralegal certificate, inspired by her father's years as a union steward at Sunshine Biscuits. She hopes to graduate debt-free and go on to work on expungement clinics.

Michael Steininger-Rahl, Triton College is studying conservation and environmental science, shaped by watching his mother's 25-plus years as a union teacher support their family.

Yashmin Yacubu, Truman College is studying cybersecurity and helps her professors with drone research. She plans to join a union once she enters the workforce.

Marcos Campos, Harold Washington College built a life here after leaving Brazil three years ago, at one point donating plasma to cover basic needs. Now a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation semifinalist, he is headed to Amherst College this fall with full financial aid.

Kyle Chmielowski, Wright College is heading to Illinois State University this fall to study acting and communications. His union, UFCW Local 881, has helped him support his mother through wage increases and job security since he joined in 2023.

Union Activism Scholarship Winners:

Two students were also recognized for going beyond the classroom to organize in their communities.

Paulina Szkodoń has organized voter registration drives, supported a student walkout in high school, and volunteers with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, in addition to leading her college's Student Government Association.

Marcos Campos revived the Undocumented Student Club at Harold Washington College, led Know Your Rights trainings, and represented undocumented students from across the City Colleges of Chicago in a meeting with Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners. Thank you to our scholarship committee, Debra Callen, Maria Estrada, Lesa Beth Hildebrand, Don Radtke, Phil Stucky, and Gail Wiot, and to every member who donated this year to make these scholarships possible.