Global alumni spotlight

Rabie Rafia has been a global leader in banking and finance in his 20+ year career while also teaching the next generation of business leaders. In 2026, he established the Rabie Rafia Haddad Scholarship in the Gies College of Business.

Michael and Helen have built distinguished careers as global business leaders, leveraging their experience and training in chemical engineering into executive roles. They are generous supporters of scholarships and graduate student fellowships in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Less than two years after graduating from the University of Illinois, Zishen established the Zishen Ye Scholarship for Distinguished Practice in Political Science and the Zishen Ye Fund for Outstanding Practice in Urban Planning. His generous donations support opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships, field work, etc.