Founder

Kevin Gwin

Kevin grew up in Ohio and got his BA in Bible from Cedarville University. He went on to pursue other degrees, a MA in Christian Formation from Wheaton College and a MA in Counseling Psychology from North Park University.


Kevin moved to Chicago in 1997 to serve in the Humboldt Park community with Inner City Impact. In 2002, he became the founding elder of a church meeting in East Garfield Park that he pastored until 2020.


Kevin founded Pursue Scholars in 2007 with a passion for holistically investing in the next generation of urban leaders. He served as the Executive Director until passing on leadership in the fall of 2022. He now serves in a part time advisory role with Pursue Scholars. Kevin also serves at Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago as a Licensed Professional Counselor.


Kevin and his wife Lisa live in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. They have four children: Shayna & her husband Jimmie, Joshua, & Matthew.


  • A look back to the Summer of 2007

    • First three scholars are selected 
    • Several key donors committed to the mission

  • A call to mind in THE Winter of 2011

    •  Jeremy Barahona is hired as the first Student Relations Coordinator 
    • Pursue expanded to support scholars mentally and emotionally .

  • Transforming Lives in the Spring of 2011

    • Twenty young Chicago leaders selected in the program 
    • First three scholars graduated 

  • Making a Difference in The Spring of 2015

    • Pursue Scholars partnered with Taylor University developing the Act Six Program 
    • This partnership resulted in an increase of scholars in our program 

  • Impacting the next generation in the Fall of 2015

    • Three Pursue Alum are hired to work on Staff to continue the investment of young leaders
    • Each Alum branched into different career fields making an impact on future leaders

  • Sustaining our mission in the Fall of 2016

    • Daniel An,  Alum of Pursue rebranded our logo and launched a brand-new website

  • Taking action in the summer of 2018

    • Pursue Scholars partnered with Chicago Semester to provide resources for our scholars 
    • Pursue Scholars received the “Excellence in Collaboration,” award from Chicago Semester 

  • An example of commitment in the fall of 2019

    • The Soderquist Family Foundation makes a significant investment in the future of Pursue Scholars

  • A leap of faith in the fall 2020

    • Solomon Dixon, former Pursue Staff, created the idea of our annual event, “Pursue Unity”
    • This campaign created media buzz from local news station and NFL Player, Copeland Bryan joined to walk across the city 

  • A Transition in Leadership in the Fall of 2022

    •  Clive Craigen becomes new Executive Director

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