Boeing Scholarship Chez veterans center (CVC)

2024 Student Recipients

Thomas Brown, M.B.A. Business analytics and Entrepreneurship, Fall 2025

Thomas is an active-duty United States Naval Officer that was serving as a Submarine Warfare Officer Student before being faced with a life threatening illness. These events altered Thomas' short-term goals of passing Nuclear Power School and Prototype to earning his MBA at the University of Illinois. Thomas has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Cum Laude honors from California State University San Marcos. Thomas’ long-term goal is to return to full-duty and serve the Nuclear Navy once again. Prior to commissioning in the Navy, Thomas spent thirteen years as an active-duty enlisted Marine serving in the Force Reconnaissance community. He served at all three active-duty Force Reconnaissance companies over the span of nine years reaching the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He received the honor of Force Reconnaissance Team Leader of the Year award for 2015 at Third Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa, Japan.

Dear Boeing, I have had the privilege to experience your aeronautical engineering mastery over every ocean and continent. Not racking up frequent flyer mileage but conducting high risk military operations. I enlisted where I grew up, Illinois, as a Reconnaissance Marine in 2009. I have been around the world serving our great country and now call home only where my wife and daughters are. I am pursuing my MBA because I was diagnosed with Leukemia and don't know how the military will value my service after my treatment is complete. I am deeply grateful for being honored with this scholarship.

"Good luck is hard work." Getting this award from Boeing is meaningful because I have utilized their aircraft to conduct countless successful high-risk operations around the world. I have stood on the ramp of their C-17, well above 12,000 feet and leapt into darkness. I have utilized tMay 2025heir MV-22 Osprey to insert and exfil on countless continents and seas. Finally, working with the United States Army I had the privilege to fly in their CH-47 Chinook. I respect their company and dominant capabilities they ensure our military maintains in the battle space.

Daniel Kopko, B.S. in Accountancy + Data Science, May 2025

Daniel is a U.S. Army veteran who plans to complete his undergraduate studies in Accountancy and Data Science in May 2025. Daniel intends to attend graduate school upon graduation to pursue his MBA. He hopes to ultimately enter the field of consulting and use his passion for business to assist military veteran entrepreneurs. Daniel's passion for consulting was confirmed when he was assigned to assist the University in conducting market research for the development of a new fully online degree program. He also serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Management & Organizational Behavior course at The Gies College of Business. Additionally, he regularly volunteers at his local animal shelter, where he helps with feeding, cleaning, and socializing with cats. He is a Dean's List awardee and an active member of the Illini Veterans registered student organization.

I am originally from Streamwood, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I decided to come to the University of Illinois after completing my active-duty service in the Army, drawn by the school's prestige and its proximity to my family. I started my studies in accounting and data science due to my deep interest in previous courses. I have a strong connection with the College of AHS through the various programs offered to veterans at the Chez Veterans Center. I am profoundly grateful for receiving this scholarship, as it has alleviated significant financial burdens during my academic pursuits

This award provides relief from financial burden, granting me the opportunity to persist in the pursuit of my dreams. It serves as a symbol of encouragement, reinforcing the belief that hard work and determination are recognized and rewarded in our journey towards success.