Marc Pozdol '88

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Marc Pozdol '88 had no idea how much his life would change when he decided to tag along with friends on a campus visit to Lewis University. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household on Chicago’s Southside, higher education initially seemed out of reach. But that visit proved to be life-changing. Marc recalls, “It was transformative in providing me a window to what could be… Lewis was a beacon to another path that would allow me an opportunity that I’d never considered.”

Thanks to financial assistance, Marc’s dream of becoming a Flyer became a reality. Moving into the residence halls gave him a new sense of freedom, and despite being away from home, he quickly found comfort in the community Lewis offered. His hands-on learning experiences at the university’s airport kept him motivated, especially with faculty who genuinely cared about his success. That supportive environment became the perfect foundation for Marc to excel in both aviation and academics.

Though his passion for aviation guided his journey to Lewis, Marc also found a secondary passion during his time on campus. He got involved with WLRA, the university’s radio station, and the Lewis Television Network. He worked his way up to Chief Engineer at WLRA and found that the technical skills he gained in broadcasting opened new doors, providing additional opportunities outside of aviation.

Reflecting on his time at Lewis, Marc shared, “The education provided at Lewis was world-class, and the intimate setting helped me grow and mature personally. The network of people I met also set me up for immediate professional opportunities. Within eight months of graduating, I was an airline pilot for Midway Airlines Connection. I can say I left well-prepared to grow as an adult.”

After graduation, Marc stayed deeply connected to the Lewis community. In fact, his ties to the university run so deep that he and his wife, Terry '85, were married on campus. Marc remains an active supporter of the communications department at Lewis and now works as a pilot for Jet Aviation Business Jets. Along with his career, he enjoys spending time with his three teenage daughters and is beginning to help them prepare for their own college journeys. Recently, Marc also became an alumni representative for Lewis University, giving back his time to the place that shaped his life.

His advice to future Flyers? “Embrace the opportunity your college experience offers. Join clubs, play intramural sports, get on the radio, make lifelong friends… and finish whatever you start. Even if you feel overwhelmed or unprepared by advanced education, go boldly and ask for guidance. There are many people who want to help.”

Marc’s commitment to Lewis is driven by his desire to give back to the institution that helped mold him into who he is today. “It’s important to support those things in life that made you who you are or guided you in a qualitative way. That’s what Lewis did for me, and I want to make sure the university prospers so it can be the vehicle to others’ life successes.”

As an alumni representative, Marc not only invests his time and talents but also his resources. He continues to support programs like WLRA, hoping to provide the same opportunities for future Flyers that he received. For Marc, it’s all about giving back to help others succeed, just as Lewis University helped him.

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