'Apprentice' winner raises funds for scholarship at Catholic school

Published: 2004-04-27

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (CNS) -- Students in Father Kevin Spiess' course on current issues in business at Catholic-run Lewis University in Romeoville were among the millions who watched as Chicagoan Bill Rancic won "The Apprentice" on NBC television April 15. But for them, it wasn't just entertainment. It was homework. Father Spiess, a priest of the Chicago Archdiocese, used the show as a learning tool throughout the semester to promote discussion in the classroom about various business situations. In an interview with the Catholic Explorer, Joliet diocesan newspaper, Father Spiess complimented Rancic's ability to remain true to his morals in the most tense business situations. The priest credited Rancic's great character to his Catholic family. Rancic used the show's success to host several viewing parties as fund-raisers for the Dr. Edward T. Rancic Endowed Scholarship for Lewis University students. The need-based scholarship, named for his father, is for full-time students seeking advanced certification in the graduate education program.

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