Gifts in Action - Mohammed Karkukly

MEET MOHAMMED KARKUKLY

Mohammed Karkukly has always been an entrepreneur. The web-based mortgage company Evantis, of which he is CEO, is just one many business ventures in which he is currently involved. Karkukly attended UIC and is a member of the Dean’s Business Advisory Council.

HOW HE GAVE

Because of his extensive entrepreneurial experience, Karkukly knows the various challenges newcomers can face. Some time ago, UIC became one of a select number of universities to offer a full major in Entrepreneurship. Although this new Bachelor of Science degree is a big step in guiding future Chicago area entrepreneurs, Karkukly has also chosen to put his personal touch on the program. He established the Nadia Karkukly Scholarship, honoring his mother, to aid budding entrepreneurs at the College of Business Administration.

The scholarship’s application process requires submitting a summary of a business idea. “I want to give students a dress rehearsal and get them into the mindset of how investors and business people think,” comments Karkukly. “First you have to define an idea, present it and then defend it to receive positive results.“

WHY HE GAVE

Mentors played a significant role in his success and he wonders what mistakes he would have avoided and how his growth would have been accelerated if he’d had more guidance. “I want to be that mentor for others.” He asks, “Who knows who might have the next big idea and create a paradigm shift in business?” He believes it could be a UIC student who needs a financial break or an introduction. “I’d like to open my arms, Rolodex or checkbook to help in any way.”

Story courtesy UIC BiZ.