Kenneth Vasser

Mr. Kenneth Vasser is an outstanding UIC student that we are proud to recognize as a Black History Maker. Kenneth is a sophomore in Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and has been extremely involved in uplifting the African American male community on campus. While maintaining an active role in the Illinois Army National Guard, Kenneth is also currently involved with multiple student organizations on campus. He is the President of the Veterans Student Association, Founding Member and President of Brothers Reaching Out (BRO), Treasurer of the Black Student Union, and the Chaplin for the Unity in Christ Gospel Choir. Additionally, he also serves on the Student Judicial Panel, the Black Male Task Force, the W.E.B. Dubois First Year Academy, CCSB Student Sub-Committee, the Chicago Organization Fund (COF), Black History Month Committee, and he is a TRIO Ambassador.

Under his reign as President of BRO, Kenneth and his organization have helped increase the retention rates of Black Males from 61% for the 2008-2009 academic year to 81% for the 2009-2010 academic year, which is 1% above the campus retention rate for that academic year!

His outside activities mimics his dedication to the UIC community and peers. Within his community, he is a licensed Youth Minister at his church; serves on Mayor Daley’s Commission on Human Relations-Youth Advisory Council and is a licensed Illinois High School Associations Basketball Official.

Mr. Vasser is an outstanding student and his aspirations for excellence have inspired other students to excel academically. He is a dedicated student and shows initiative and diligence in everything he does. He has a passion for working with black males and has become a mentor to several UIC students and students in the community. He is a motivational speaker and encourages young people daily to “be all they can be”. When interacting with UIC staff, faculty and students, Kenneth exhibits a high level of professionalism and respect. Kenneth is truly an outstanding young man on the move.