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Program to be renamed in honor of commitment from alum Konstantin Sokolov, MBA’05

Entrepreneur and investor Konstantin Sokolov, MBA’05, has made a $100 million gift to the University of Chicago, in support of the Executive MBA Program at the Booth School of Business. In honor of his commitment, the program will be renamed the Sokolov Executive MBA Program, and a new clinical professorship will be established for a scholar who teaches Executive MBA students.

“With this extraordinary gift, Konstantin Sokolov offers a powerful testament to the impact of the education provided by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business,” said President Paul Alivisatos. “I am pleased to know that students will benefit from his generous support, which will allow the school to continue fostering innovation, leadership and excellence in business education.”

Booth’s Executive MBA Program was the first of its kind when it began with a group of 52 students from the Chicagoland area. Known as XP-1, the program was created in 1943 in response to wartime demand for skilled administrators. Today, the 21-month program brings the rigorous Booth approach to hundreds of Executive MBA students who travel from many countries to campuses in Chicago, Hong Kong and London. These students continue to grow their networks, tackle challenges together as a cohort, and prepare to launch the next phase of their careers with mentorship from top Booth faculty.

Konstantin Sokolov, MBA’05, said: ‘The lessons I learned, the experiences I gained, and the friendships I forged at Booth remain the foundation of my career and my life.’

Photo courtesy of Chicago Booth

“With Konstantin’s remarkable commitment, the Sokolov Executive MBA Program will continue to educate future generations of leaders, giving students the insight and skills they need to move people and organizations to success,” said Madhav Rajan, dean of Chicago Booth and the George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting. “This gift will help the school further adapt and refine its offerings to meet the evolving global business landscape.”

The founder of IJS Investments, Sokolov is an experienced entrepreneur and private equity investor with a passion for driving economic growth and creating positive and meaningful change. He moved to the United States in 1997 at age 21, eager to pursue a career in telecommunications, working at the forefront of innovation and technology. Over the course of his career, Sokolov has become a global leader of national infrastructure projects across the telecommunications, energy, and financial services sectors. His new gift to Chicago Booth coincides with his 20th MBA reunion.

Sokolov said his gift recognizes the impact his Booth education has had on his life.

“I am immensely proud to be able to support the incredible achievements made by Chicago Booth, an institution with a legacy of pioneering research and transformative education since its founding,” Sokolov said. “I am deeply honored by the school’s decision to give my name to its world-leading Executive MBA Program. Two decades after my graduation, the lessons I learned, the experiences I gained, and the friendships I forged at Booth remain the foundation of my career and my life. The school’s relentless pursuit of knowledge is an inspiration, and I hope my support will contribute to its continued success.”

Sokolov’s gift will strengthen the school’s ability to attract the most talented Executive MBA students from around the globe. In addition to sustaining the quality of the program by ensuring the continued availability of scholarship and operating funds, the gift will also make it possible for Chicago Booth to continue to refine its curricular and programmatic offerings in response to developments in the modern business environment. It will also help the program enhance its approach to fostering alumni and corporate connections for the students.

In 2024, Sokolov—who completed his Executive MBA in the program’s Chicago cohort, which is housed at Gleacher Center—made a generous commitment of unrestricted funds to advance the school’s mission. In a fitting tribute to the downtown campus where he formed bonds with his fellow Executive MBA students, the student lounge at Gleacher was named in recognition of this gift, which is in addition to the new $100 million investment.

A distinctive feature of the Sokolov Executive MBA Program is the Global Career and Leadership Development team, which works across Booth’s three global campuses to support the unique professional development needs of executive MBA students. The team offers students personalized executive coaching, leadership workshops, industry insight circles, career clinics, and opportunities to meet Distinguished Executives in Residence, along with new dynamic activities introduced each year. All career and leadership programs are tailored to meet the needs of executive‐level professionals using a global approach that builds cultural competency, mindfulness, and an ability to adapt leadership skills to new challenges.

Chicago Booth has long been the destination for people seeking the freedom to innovate on their own terms, for people who believe that making an impact starts with knowing how to ask the right questions. Continuing this legacy, the Sokolov Executive MBA Program will create significant impact in the lives, networks, and careers of leaders who pursue their Executive MBA degrees, giving them the education and inspiration they need to shape the future of global business for decades to come.

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For Chicago, 2024 was a milestone year — the city hosted major gatherings like the Democratic National Convention, welcomed millions of visitors from around the globe, and was voted Best Big City in the U.S. for a historic eighth consecutive year.

And it looks like 2025 is shaping up to be another big year for Chicago. In the coming months, our city will welcome groundbreaking art exhibits, historic events, exciting theatrical premieres, top touring acts, and so much more. Here are some exciting highlights:

Check out just a few of the exciting events coming to Chicago in 2025:

Festivals and events in Chicago

Chicago is known around the world for its one-of-a-kind events, from iconic music festivals like Lollapalooza to famous traditions like the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This year brings an exciting lineup of events across the city, celebrating architecture, theatre, music, dining, LGBTQ+ Pride, and beyond.

Explore more: Check out our Chicago events calendar for even more exciting happenings this year.

Museum exhibits in Chicago

Each year, Chicago’s diverse array of museums hosts a packed lineup of exhibits that showcase everything from art to science to history and beyond. This year, admire priceless paintings and cutting-edge works, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt, and marvel at one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world.

Explore more: Discover unique museums and exhibits in every corner of Chicago.

Theatre and dance in Chicago

There’s nowhere else on earth like Chicago’s dynamic theatre scene. Our city is known for its iconic improv clubs and cutting-edge storefront theatres, but you’ll also find the latest Broadway hits, dramatic operas, exciting dance productions, and everything in between. Grab your tickets for these exciting upcoming shows in 2025.

Explore more: Score discounted tickets to more than 100 live shows during Chicago Theatre Week.

Concerts in Chicago

Chicago is a music lover’s paradise. We’re the birthplace of genres like house and Chicago-style jazz and we’ve made our mark on everything from gospel to blues. The city is also home to an almost endless number of venues, from historic theatres to beloved neighborhood stages. In 2025, check out national tours, homegrown talent, and beyond.

Explore more: Check off your musical bucket list with these must-visit music venues in Chicago.

With the Democratic Party looking to chart a new course following the 2024 presidential election loss, several signs point to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker trying to fill a leadership void.

The governor has been a very vocal opponent of President Donald Trump in interviews and on social media, doubling down on a progressive posture that has led to two terms in Springfield.

“I think Pritzker would love to run for president,” said NBC 5 Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern on a recent episode of "The Takeaway with Alex" Podcast.

Ahern points to early clues, such as increased interviews with national outlets, where the governor has talked about issues that go beyond Illinois.

“You can see by this expose of interviews from The View to CNN to whomever asks him on a national stage, many more than we’ve seen in the past,” said Ahern, who has covered Illinois politics for 35 years. “That really gives us the clue [that] he wants this a lot.”

Ahern said since Trump’s second inauguration, Pritzker’s tone toward Trump has turned more aggressive. An affable and careful initial approach to politics has given way to a more fiery style, according to Ahern.

Trump Administration 4 hours ago

Trump Administration 6 hours ago

“J.B. Pritzker sees the opening and he’s going right for it,” said Ahern.

Pritzker, who is Jewish and helped found the Illinois Holocaust Museum, invoked Nazi Germany in his 2025 State of the State address, saying “the authoritarian playbook is laid bare here.”

Pritzker will be up for re-election as governor in 2026. He has not formally declared an intention to run for re-election, nor has he announced a run for president in 2028. He has largely bankrolled his own gubernatorial campaigns to date, and is considered to be the wealthiest elected official in America. Forbes estimates his net worth at $3.7 billion.

“He’s got a big decision to make,” said Ahern, who also hosts "The Brief" on the NBC Chicago YouTube page. “Does he run for that third term and also run for president while you’re the governor, or do you say, ‘OK that wouldn’t really be fair to be the governor and be really focused [somewhere else]?”

Ahern said that if Pritzker chooses to run for president, he will need to chart a political course that pleases the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party. Most importantly, he will need to focus on issues that resonate with voters.

“It is a difficult dance of figuring out ‘What are my issues?’” said Ahern. “He thought abortion was the issue and he funded that all across various states. While it was an issue, it wasn’t the issue.”

Watch the full episode in the player below.

A federal law requiring Americans to present a Real ID or another accepted form of identification to fly within the United States will soon take effect following nearly two decades of deadlines and extensions.

Under the Real ID Act, beginning May 7, everyone 18 years old and above will need to submit a Real ID-compliant driver's license or a different permitted form of ID, such as a U.S. Passport, to board a domestic flight and access certain federal facilities.

DMVs in Illinois and other states are seeing spikes in appointment requests and walk-ins for people seeking the enhanced identification cards, and most states have embarked on public information campaigns to help clear up any confusion around the new policies.

The Illinois Secretary of State's office recently opened a walk-in "Real ID supercenter" in downtown Chicago to help quell satisfy some of the demand, located at 191 N. Clark Street, which also acts as the city's Voting Supersite during elections.

If you want to get a Real ID, there are specific documents you will need to obtain, and here's what you need to know.

Document to Verify Legal Name

This document must be used to verify your first, middle, and last name. An original or a certified copy is required, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office.

-Certified copy of a birth certificate.

-Valid U.S. passport or passport card

-Certificate of Citizenship issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

-Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS.

-Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS.

-Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa affixed, and accompanied by an approved Form I-94.

-Permanent resident card issued by DHS or the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

-Real ID card.

Document That Contains Social Security Number

-Social Security card

-W-2

-Pay stub bearing name and SSN.

-SSA-1099 form.

-Non-SSA-1099 form.

Proof of Residency

At least two of these documents must be presented, and both must have your current address.

-Bank statement.

-Canceled check.

-Credit card statement.

-High school or university transcript.

-Credit report.

-Deed/title, mortgage, or lease.

-Insurance policy.

-Letter on official school letterhead.

-Medical claim or statement of benefits from an insurance company.

-Pay stub or electronic deposit receipt.

-Official mail received from a government agency.

-Pension or retirement statement.

-Report card from school or university.

-Tuition invoice or other mail from a university.

-Utility bill.

-Voter registration card.

Written Signature

At least one of these documents must be presented:

-Illinois driver's license

-Illinois learner's permit.

-Out-of-state driver's license.

-Canceled check.

-Court order.

-Credit/debit card.

-Foreign passport.

-ID card issued by a government agency.

-DCFS verification form.

-Medicare card.

-Mortgage or installment loan document.

-Social Security card.

-U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services forms.

-U.S. Military ID

-U.S. Military Service Record.

These documents must be presented at an SOS or DMV office, and hard copies are required of all documents.

Still seeking information about the Real ID transition? Here are some commonly asked questions.

How do I know if I have a Real ID?

Your driver's license or state ID is Real-ID compliant if it has a star in the upper right-hand corner.

How much does a Real ID cost?

The fee for a Real ID is $30 - the same as a regular driver's license and ID card in Illinois.

How do I make an appointment with the Illinois Secretary of State?

Real ID appointments can be booked on the Illinois Secretary of State's website.

An appointment isn't the only option to obtain a Real ID, however.

In addition to the new supersite, 12 Illinois DMV locations are offering Real ID services without appointments from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday through May 10. Find the complete list here.

How do I obtain a Real ID if I live in Indiana?

A Real ID can be acquired by visiting an Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch and providing the required documents. In Indiana, a Real ID costs $17.50 for a driver's license or $9 for a state-issued ID card. An appointment isn't required in Indiana.

What other forms of identification will be accepted in place of a Real ID?

A passport or Real ID won't be your only options to fly within the U.S. The following other forms of identification are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration:

Will a child need a Real ID to board a plane?

According to the TSA, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the U.S. The companion will need identification.