Two Caddies Earn Full Scholarships to UIC

Brook Rouse and Dominic Pena never expected their summer jobs carrying golf bags would change their lives, but that's exactly what happened.

The two Marian Catholic seniors each earned the Chick Evans Memorial Scholarship, a full ride to UIC that covers tuition and housing. The award recognizes caddies who excel academically and demonstrate strong character through their work at golf courses.

For Pena, caddying at Flossmoor Golf Club became a lifeline after his mother Jessica Gonzalez died in May of last year. "Being able to caddy, it gave me something to do. It gave me a purpose and was able to distract me," he said. The work helped him process his grief while staying focused on his future.

His scholarship essay honored his parents and the lessons learned running a landscaping business with his dad. "I always believe in honoring your mother and father," Pena said. "I try to have a positive outlook on things and try to succeed for her."

Rouse followed her brother into caddying at Olympia Fields Country Club, working five days a week each summer since freshman year. "It keeps you busy in the summer. It teaches you a lot and you meet a lot of interesting people," she said.

The scholarship process isn't easy. Applicants face a press conference style interview at the Western Golf Association headquarters in Glenview, standing behind a podium while answering rapid fire questions about their essays, caddying experience, and personal lives.

"I was very, very, very nervous," Rouse admitted about her February interview. "It's such a big opportunity."

Why This Inspires

The Chick Evans scholarship program has been transforming lives since 1930, when Chicago golfer Charles "Chick" Evans Jr. founded it. Today it's funded by 43,500 donors and proceeds from the PGA Tour's BMW Championship. The program places students at 27 schools nationwide, providing not just financial support but tutoring and a built-in community of fellow scholars.

For families struggling financially, these scholarships mean everything. "My mother and father have always struggled financially so to be able to have this opportunity to have a full ride and go to school is everything I dreamed of and everything my family has dreamed of," Pena said.

At UIC, Evans scholars live together on one dorm floor, creating instant support networks. Rouse plans to study business administration and pursue project management. Pena, who dreams of opening his own business, is considering accounting and marketing.

The two students applied independently and barely knew each other at school, but they'll soon share the same floor at UIC as Evans scholars.

"It definitely means a lot to me and my family that I'll be able to help them knowing how hard they've worked to support me," Rouse said.