The College of the United States

Founder/President Marsha Familaro Enright , M.A. Psychology, had a dream. In love with learning and concerned about education since childhood, she has spent the past 16 years as the CEO of Council Oak Montessori School, named one of the top 25 private elementary schools in Chicago, Illinois.

Eminently qualified as a psychologist, educator, writer and administrator, Enright is the force behind the College of the United States, an innovative and complete Liberal Arts/Sciences College, along with others who believe that a college of this kind will be a successful enterprise.

The Board of Directors and Advisors are comprised of administration, faculty, independent education experts and members of the public sympathetic to the College’s mission and values.

Status:  Non-Profit Tax Exempt 501 (c)(3) Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute incorporated in Illinois for development work and as the financial aid arm of the College. Due to Illinois Board of Higher Education regulations, the College itself will be incorporated as a Non-Profit, with a For Profit arm, when sufficient capitalization has been obtained.

Funding:  The College’s creators have invested more than $150,000 in cash and in-kind donations of time and research. This includes more than three full-time years researching the market, creating programs, and traveling the country marketing the concept.

Seed capital of $70,000 has been received and a major capital campaign seeking monies from sympathetic foundations and individuals has been launched. It is necessary to raise $1M to develop and vet the curriculum, create the organization, train faculty, recruit students, lease buildings and commence a full-blown marketing campaign. 

Additionally, a $3 million endowment and scholarship fund must be raised for the entirely private loan and scholarship program, estimates as follows:

Time                           Funding             Students

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Fall 2008                    $4M                 150 freshman
Fall 2009-11              $10M               600
Fall 2012                                               Successive groups

Financing Needed: Start up year - $1 Million
Initial Endowment: $3 Million
Full Four Year Program Capital: $10 Million
Capital for long-term expansion: $39 Million
Legal Counsel: Webster, Chamberlain & Bean - Washington, DC
Financial Counsel: DeRaimo, Hillger & Ripp, Frankfort, IL

"The hallmark of a well-functioning mind is the ability to identify facts, analyze ideas, integrate knowledge, and successfully translate principles into action."