Who is Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr.?

Dan was a Chicago businessman and philanthropist who believed passionately in children's causes. A trader and entrepreneur, Dan was a co-founder of DBS Partners and Wharton Development Group among many other successful business ventures.
More about Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr.

Why was the Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. Foundation founded?

The foundation was founded in loving memory of Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. It serves as a lasting legacy of a man who embodied courage, honesty, and perseverance. Dan's concern for others, especially children, guided his philanthropic works. He was a dedicated and generous supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children's Memorial Hospital. He also believed strongly in the importance of education, which is why the DMK, Jr. Foundation now works to expand the opportunities for higher education  available to students who may not otherwise be able to attend college.

Why does the DMK, Jr. Foundation award scholarships to students attending the City Colleges of Chicago?

We have established a very strong partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago. By helping students attend these community colleges, we feel that we are able to target the students with the greatest need, both financial and academic.  Furthermore, we can help a larger number of students: 38% of all CPS graduates attend the City Colleges of Chicago. Finally, the City Colleges of Chicago are the only Chicago colleges offer remedial classes and they also offer a  strong educational support system to help our students navigate through college.

Are donations to the DMK, Jr. Foundation tax deductible?

Yes. The DMK, Jr. Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization registered in the state of Illinois.

Who works at the Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. Foundation?

Lynette Kerrane-Darragh, Founder and Trustee

Lynette graduated in 1995 from Barat College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in accounting.  In 2000, she received her Masters in Mathematics and Education from DePaul University.  She is currently raising  her four children.

Jamie Berndt, Co-founder

Jamie graduated in 1987 from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.  In 1998, she received her Masters in Arts and Liberal Studies from North Central College.  She is involved with numerous philanthropic endeavors, in addition to raising a family with her husband, Eric Wojcikiewicz.

David Scherer, Co-founder and Trustee

Eric Wojcikiewicz, Co-founder and Trustee

Eric graduated in 1988 from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Mathematics. An entrepreneur, he was a partner in numerous business ventures with Daniel M. Kerrane, Jr. He continues with these ventures today, in addition to various philantropic pursuits. He is also the proud father of four children.

Connie Mixon, CCC Academic Coordinator

Connie grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and attended Chicago Public Schools. She graduated from Cornell College in 1988 with a Bachelor’s degree in Politics. In 1995 she received a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in Political Science and Public Policy Analysis. Connie has taught Political Science at Richard J. Daley College since 1999 and in 2001 was named the Illinois Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.