Kerl LaJeune (University of Illinois Chciago)
Kerl LaJeune (he/him) is very proud to have graduated from UIC, a
city public university with high honors and recognition amongst many
institutions across the nation. Its diversity and continued growth
of the student population ranks high in the much-needed service of
impacting communities.
As an immigrant that was afforded the
opportunity to attend a Chicago public high school, his family’s
socioeconomic situation didn’t allow for too many choices for
out-of-state or private institutions. As an obvious choice and as a
commuting school, UIC provided the best circumstance for him and his
siblings to be close to their parents and home life.
“Remaining in this city was by far
the best decision for the opportunities ahead. For my chosen
profession in architecture, Chicago is ranked amongst the best for
both its history but also the accolades it has achieved for
architects. The breadth of knowledge, building stock, and long term
impact on the industry in Chicago’s downtown was just a few steps
from campus. I couldn’t have been prouder to have completed my
studies at UIC and have at my disposal, the best professional
opportunities right in front of me. While I’ve explored
international studies and traveled around the world, I still consider
to this day that Chicago is an amazing city which continues to
thrive, offer countless dreams, advance the wellbeing of our lives
and is respected for its advancement and contributions to society.”
LaJeune cites the inclusive spirit,
award-winning food scene, iconic attractions, jaw-dropping
architecture, vibrant music scene and local cultural events and
vibrant neighborhoods that Chicago offers as other key reasons that
he is proud to call the city his home post-grad.
“Being in Chicago as an Architect has
offered me a myriad of opportunities within the industry for project
and engagement both private and public. The interface and prestige
of facing solutions for design and planning to impact the communities
of this city have brought me an amazing and valuable experience.
After spending 25 years in the private sector, I went to the public
realm and have been delivering projects on behalf of the Mayor for
public agencies. An incredible opportunity to focus on planning,
design, construction, as a steward of the public funds and strive
solely of the impact to the end user. I now appreciate the parallels
between UIC, as a public institution, and working professionally in
the public sector on behalf of Chicago’s Mayor, to service an
amazing community of deserving residents.”
“My advice to a younger generation:
Exploration is a trait that is earned, push hard but with a purpose,
strive for ways to be impactful, lean on those that support and see
your growth, be gracious and mindful of others, enjoy student life
and its endless set of opportunities, academics offer a path forward
towards a wonderful future.”