University of Chicago

Since 2012, The Annexstad Family Foundation has partnered with the University of Chicago through the Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) Scholarship program to empower exceptional students through access to higher education, mentorship, and opportunity. The University of Chicago was one of the first LFT partners as the Foundation expanded our mission nationally 13 years ago.  

As The Annexstad Family Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are honored to highlight UChicago as one of our most enduring institutional partners. UChicago is known for its academic rigor, commitment to equity, and belief in developing principled leaders who drive change through innovation.  UChicago’s dedication to cultivating thoughtful, analytical, and service-minded students closely mirrors the AFF’s vision to support driven and determined undergraduates. Together, we have invested in a generation of future changemakers, providing the financial and holistic support necessary for success on campus and beyond.  

Annexstad Scholars at UChicago represent the best of what this partnership can achieve: Scholars who not only thrive academically, but who also give back, mentor others, and pursue careers rooted in purpose.  

As with other AFF partners, University of Chicago Scholars are able to explore their academic interests, study abroad, and invest time and energy in student groups and professional development opportunities. Beyond financial support, LFT Scholars have a dedicated Program Manager, Zack Haas, who visits students during fall and spring quarters to ensure Scholar access to university resources.  

Khristian Bass, who received a degree in Psychology and Public Policy, exemplifies the opportunities that are opened when Scholars are relieved of the financial burden of student debt. Throughout his time at UChicago, Khristian has participated extensively in Model United Nations, the University’s Wind Ensemble, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and the UChicago Law Magazine. Khristian shares, “I want to use my degree to better understand the world and the people within it. By doing this, I hope to find out how I fit into the greater picture in terms of how I can make the world a better place. As an AFF Scholar I always had the Foundation in my corner. I felt as though I had a strong resource that was always available to me in order to feel supported. Thanks to the care packages and meeting with Zack every other quarter, your support was everything to me." Khristian is excited for life after graduation with plans to pursue a full time role in and actualize his dream of attending law school.  

The University of Chicago and The Annexstad Family Foundation have made lasting investments in students who go on to lead in medicine, law, nonprofit work, education, and research. The value of this support is not only measured in degrees earned, but in confidence built, lives changed, and communities impacted. This partnership stands as a testament to what is possible when institutions and foundations align around values of access, excellence, and hope.