Gifts in Action - Al Grossman

MEET AL GROSSMAN

“My childhood was the Jewish Angela’s Ashes,” Al Grossman says only half-jokingly. A student at Sullivan High School in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, Grossman’s life was dramatically influenced by Dorothy L. Huck. The Sullivan High School teacher saw Grossman floundering in all aspects of his life. She intervened first by inviting him to spend the holidays with her and her husband, then by providing guidance and direction. Eventually, Grossman moved in with the couple. “She took me out of a bad situation.” Later in life, he found that she’d quietly helped numerous others escape dire situations. Grossman made a success of his life as an entrepreneur, founding and selling two lighting businesses.

HOW HE GAVE

He chose to honor Huck with the Dorothy L. Huck Memorial Scholarship. She never knew of the scholarship, but Grossman returned Huck’s kindness by caring for her during her old age. The scholarship is intended for Sullivan High School graduates who attend the College of Business Administration at UIC. For some recipients, the funds can mean the difference between getting an education and not going to college.

Also gratifying to Grossman is time spent volunteering at UIC. He has served on a Family Business Council forum, delivered speeches on entrepreneurship during the Collegiate Entrepreneurial Organization Conference and participates in the Center for Urban Business. There, he advises student teams working on business plans and acts as a sounding board, delivers practical guidance and discusses business challenges with the burgeoning entrepreneurs. “Knowing that an entrepreneurial pep talk will touch lives is equally rewarding to me,” he says.

WHY HE GAVE

“It’s satisfying to know I’m making a difference in someone’s life,” comments Grossman. The CBA tipped its hat to Grossman in 2004 by naming him an honorary inductee in the Alumni Leadership Academy.

Story courtesy UIC Biz.