Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute Announces

Capital Campaign of $4M Initiating the College of the United States

Using the Principles of the Montessori Method of Education I
ntegrated with Philosophy, as Applied to the Great Books Program

“The hallmark of a well-functioning mind is the ability to identify facts, analyze
ideas, integrate knowledge, and successfully translate principles into action.”
Marsha Familaro Enright, 2006

(Chicago, IL ––– January 2007) The power of philosophy, the Great Books (http://www.greatbooks.org/) and Maria Montessori’s (http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/montessori.html) theories of education, including study of Classical Liberalism http://www.mises.org/etexts/classical.asp), and Free Market Economics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_economy),will constitute the foundation for the College of the United States (www.rifi.com)––a new venture in college education with admission plans set for September 2008. The purpose is to prepare young, bright students for a life of leadership; promoting reason, achievement and individual happiness.

Chicago, IL-based The Reason, Individualism and Freedom Institute, a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation, is the foundation led by College Founder/President Marsha Familaro Enright, (M.A. Psychology) (http://www.rifinst.org/content/view/26/30/)

which is developing this new higher education venture. It is her passion for learning that is responsible for this highly integrated program. Rarely do schools specifically train and nurture students in thinking skills per se. This is the goal of the College of the United States.

The College of the United States will strive to create global leaders of tomorrow capable of fulfilling the vision of the American Founding Fathers. The College will teach students how to become successful men and women of principle and action, effective in spreading the benefits of reason and individualism, and the bounty of liberty worldwide through their work and through their example

Initially, the College will offer a Baccalaureate Degree in Liberal Arts. The curriculum (http://www.rifinst.org/content/view/12/14/) will be unified, in-depth and extensive, addressing essential needs for training in thinking and practical skills, as well as a solid (http://www.rifinst.org/content/view/22/29/) foundation in reality-oriented philosophy applied to history, economics, literature, the arts, mathematics and science to help students effectively use their knowledge in life.

Enright has allied herself with intellectuals across the country to establish the College. Each one of these bright, inquisitive, accomplished advisors and team members brings an impressive set of disciplines, research and work expertise in every field imaginable to the founding and development of the College.

They have come together with the same philosophy about education––that young people are looking for alternatives to the current epistemological and ethical relativism; political and social collectivism and anti-capitalist, anti-business ideas that are prevalent in colleges and universities throughout the country.

About Marsha Familaro Enright, M.A. Psychology
Enright had a dream. In love with learning and concerned about education since childhood, she has spent the past 16 years as the CEO of Council Oak Montessori School, named one of the top 25 private elementary schools in Chicago, Illinois, by Chicago Magazine (http://www.chicagomag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=8642F5EFCEA14A939100AB7214F31861&nm=Archives&type=PubPagi&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle+Title&mid=61BFC65300D24DB58350C761094153A1&tier=4&id=5931EE1557024022AB24A313ED5B0484).

Eminently qualified as a educator, writer, psychological theorist and administrator, Enright is the force behind the College of the United States, an innovative and complete Liberal Arts/Sciences College, along with others who believe that a college of this kind will be a successful enterprise.

About the College of the United States
The Non-Profit Tax Exempt 501 (c)(3) Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute is incorporated in Illinois for development work and as the financial aid arm of the College. Due to Illinois Board of Higher Education regulations, the College itself will be incorporated as a Non-Profit, with a For Profit arm, when sufficient capitalization has been obtained.

The College’s creators have invested more than $150,000 in cash and in-kind donations of time and research. This includes more than three full-time years researching the market, creating programs, and traveling the country marketing the concept.

Seed capital of $70,000 has been received and a major capital campaign seeking monies from sympathetic foundations and individuals has been launched. It is necessary to raise $1M to develop and vet the curriculum, create the organization, train faculty, recruit students, lease buildings and commence a full-blown marketing campaign.

Contact Information:
Marsha Familaro Enright, CEO/President
College of the United States
Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute,
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation
9400 South Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60620
www.rifinst.org
info@rifinst.org
Fax: 773-779-1290
Phone: 773.677.6418

Media Contact:
Sara Pentz
sara@sarapentz.com
949.719.0902
Newport Beach, CA