Joseph and Rose Costa

Joseph and Rose Costa were lifelong residents of Joliet, IL. Joseph was employed as a laborer for 32 years and Rose was a homemaker. Joseph and Rose lived in a small, modest 3-bedroom home on the west side of Joliet for 36 years. Though neither had the opportunity to attend college, and Joseph never completed high school, they recognized the value of a higher education. Two of their children and two of their grandchildren received degrees from NIU. Joseph and Rose remained deeply committed to NIU as a means of providing educational, social, and economic opportunity for students with academic ability who emanate from modest beginnings.