Elgin, IL 鈥� 好色先生TV鈥檚 RISE Program 鈥� a unique, one of its kind program that provides a post-secondary education for students with intellectual disabilities announced a new partnership with two area businesses that are opening up their doors and offering paid internships to students 鈥� W.R. Meadows in Hampshire and Ricky Rockets Fuel Center in Hoffman Estates.

RISE, which stands for Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation and Employment launched its inaugural cohort in 2017 鈥� making Judson the first Christian university in the state to offer such a program. Nationally, less than 3 percent of all colleges and universities offer a program aimed at students with intellectual disabilities.

Program founders Gayle Gianopulos, whose daughters have Down syndrome, and Nancy Binger 鈥� a Judson Vice President at the time, whose son also has Down syndrome 鈥� wanted to ensure their children had the same opportunities as their other siblings 鈥� and that dream included college. So after a lot of planning, preparation, and fundraising 鈥� the RISE program was officially launched in 2016 and the first cohort would begin a year later.

So far, RISE is in the middle of its 6th cohort, and since 2017 鈥� the program has graduated 53 students.

Last year, fourth-year RISE student Kelly spent two semesters at W.R. Meadows, where she worked on administrative and organizational tasks. Kelly will be returning to complete her second-semester internship at the Hampshire-based company. Founded in 1926, the family-owned and operated business designs, manufactures and markets high-quality building materials for construction professionals across the United States.

The Meadows family remain longtime supporters of the university and Merrie Meadows 鈥� a Judson alum herself 鈥� is the company鈥檚 chairman of the board and member of Judson鈥檚 World Leaders Forum board of directors. The WLF, through its internationally-known speakers, raises money for student scholarships at Judson 鈥� including the RISE Program. The company鈥檚 president Matt Price and his family can be seen at WLF events throughout the year as attendees and sponsors.

Ricky Rockets 鈥� an upbeat family-friendly fuel center, car wash and convenience store with locations across Illinois and in Garland, Texas is owned by Barrington-area businessman Rick Heidner 鈥� founder of Heidner Properties. In addition to Ricky Rockets Company, Heidner owns an extensive real estate portfolio that spans nationwide and includes the Field of Dreams baseball field made famous by the 1989 movie Field of Dreams starring Kevin Costner and H.O.P.E. House 鈥� a local suicide prevention organization that assists teenagers, veterans and first responders struggling with mental health issues.

This semester, three third-year RISE students 鈥� Sean, Katie, and Katherine 鈥� will intern at Ricky Rockets鈥� Hoffman Estates location where they鈥檒l assist staff with a variety of tasks including stocking shelves, keeping the location clean, working the register and assisting customers.

To learn more about the RISE Program, please visit

Adam Zeratsky first heard about Judson through , Judson’s Baseball Coach. Coach Guilfoyle contacted him and suggested that Adam join the . After learning more about the university, Adam decided that Judson was the right fit for him. 

Adam decided to major in Business Management because he liked the freedom and uniqueness that business offers. As a business major with plans to graduate in 2023, Adam has several career options and he hopes to one day start his own business.

鈥淚 would like to be an entrepreneur and be able to have the freedom to grow a business I am passionate about,鈥� Adam says.

Judson was unique to Adam because of the Christian environment, which was different from his previous school experience.

鈥淚鈥檝e never been to a school where religion is integrated into learning and experience,鈥� he notes. 

Adam wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived at Judson, and he was not used to being away from his family in Appleton, Wis. Since being at Judson, Adam says he has become more independent and has created lasting friendships he was hoping to find.

Adam has learned a lot from being in an environment that differs from his previous experiences. He especially appreciates all the opportunities that students have to bond as a community.

鈥淭he engagement of the Judson community surprised me. I didn鈥檛 expect there to be so many events and get-togethers that allowed people to meet and make new friends,鈥� Adam says. 鈥淭he great effort to bring the students together surprised me in a good way.鈥� 

For more information on the Latin Student Union, contact Advisors Cas Vela at cas.vela@judsonu.edu and Sandy Castillo-Guzman at sandy.castilloguzman@judsonu.edu.