3 Recent Updates on Our Journey to Educational Freedom at Reliance College

Picture of By: Marsha Familaro Enright

By: Marsha Familaro Enright

President & Program Director

At Reliance College, we’re dedicated to creating an educational environment that nurtures self-reliance, critical thinking, and intellectual independence. As we work toward opening our doors in downtown Chicago, here are some recent developments that reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a freedom-centered education.

Welcoming Jim Brown to the Board of Directors

We are delighted to introduce Jim Brown as the newest member of our Board of Directors. Jim brings an extensive background in both the private sector and non-profit organizations. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Jim’s experience spans roles as an Air Force and airline pilot, financial analyst, CEO, and portfolio manager. His impressive career includes serving as the President and CEO of the Ayn Rand Institute, where he spent six years on its Board of Directors before retiring in 2023.

Jim’s commitment to financial literacy and economic freedom aligns deeply with our values at Reliance. He is the author of A Black Hole in Economics: Money Creation and its Consequences, a 2024 release that explores the effects of economic policies on freedom. 

Jim’s insights will be invaluable to our mission as he joins our board, helping us develop a curriculum that encourages independent thought, free from governmental influence.

Marsha Familaro Enright Joins the Mont Pelerin Society

Reliance College’s founder, Marsha Familaro Enright, was recently invited to become a member of the Mont Pelerin Society, an honor that aligns closely with our values. Founded by Friedrich Hayek in 1947 in the wake of World War II, the Mont Pelerin Society gathers thought leaders from across the globe to discuss and advocate for freedom in society and the economy. Members include some of the most respected names in liberty-oriented thought, such as Ludwig von Mises, Milton Friedman, and Frank Knight.

Marsha’s invitation to join this prestigious group brings an opportunity for Reliance College to engage with influential thinkers worldwide, enriching our curriculum with ideas that strengthen individualism and intellectual autonomy. We look forward to incorporating insights from the society into our courses, helping students explore the principles of freedom in a modern context.

Featured by DonorsTrust

Reliance College was recently spotlighted by DonorsTrust, a philanthropic organization supporting liberty-advancing initiatives. 

DonorsTrust is an advisory organization that helps wealthy individuals by curating a collection of organizations that will best fulfill the donor’s intent. Spotlighting us is It’s a testament to our unique approach to education, one that promotes self-reliance, autonomy, and critical thinking as pillars of a free society. 

This recognition is a proud moment for us as we continue building an institution that promotes reason, autonomy, and a free society where individual rights are respected and upheld. DonorsTrust’s mission aligns with our educational philosophy, reinforcing our commitment to an academic experience that empowers students to think critically and independently.

Stay Connected with Reliance College

We’re excited about the path ahead for Reliance College as we move closer to opening our campus and launching our first cohort. For more updates and announcements, including the schedule for our 2025 Summer Seminar, follow us on social media. The theme and details of this seminar will be announced soon, promising another opportunity for students to engage in transformative learning experiences.

Thank you for supporting our vision for an educational institution grounded in freedom and the pursuit of knowledge. Together, we are building a future where intellectual independence and personal liberty thrive.

Picture of By: Marsha Familaro Enright

By: Marsha Familaro Enright

President & Program Director

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