Fintech
Jenny, the visionary fintech entrepreneur, will receive an honorary doctorate in economics from Illinois Tech
CHICAGO—May 11, 2024—Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) will award Jenny Just, a renowned entrepreneur and one of the few self-made billionaires in the United States, an honorary Doctorate of Economics, honoris causa. After cutting her teeth on the Chicago trading floor, Just launched her own investment firm and grew it into a fintech empire, comprising more than 15 companies that she started or helped revive.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Illinois Tech,” Just said. “It is a humbling tribute to my work and also serves as a powerful motivation for the future. I am committed to using my platform to continue advocating for educational equity and inspiring the next generation of leaders, especially women, to pursue their aspirations, goals and dreams.”
Just co-founded PEAK6 in 1997 with $1.5 million in seed capital, initially focusing on proprietary options trading. Under his leadership, PEAK6 has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar technology and financial services empire, home to the next generation of product and service brands, including PEAK6 Capital Management, PEAK6 Strategic Capital, Apex Fintech Solutions, Apex Crypto and PEAK6 InsurTech, as well as an eSports franchise Evil geniuses and the financial literacy app Zogo.
“Jenny Just exemplifies Illinois Tech’s spirit of innovation and leadership,” said Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “Her profound impact on the financial industry and her ongoing commitment to supporting others inspires our entire campus community.”
With a true knack for discovering talent and opportunities, Just seeks out underfunded and undervalued sectors to transform into high-growth businesses. Her passion lies specifically in finding opportunities for women to succeed at every table: from the classroom, to the conference room, to the poker room, to the boardroom.
In 2020, Jenny Just and her daughter Juliette were launched The power of poker, a female-led company that teaches poker to anyone who identifies as female and, by extension, teaches strategic thinking, capital allocation, and decision-making skills. Additionally, Just has continued to create programs to help women advance their careers, including Women’s Trading Experience and Women’s Technology Experience.
“I can’t think of a better role model for our students than Jenny Just,” said Liad Wagman, dean of the Stuart School of Business. “Jenny Just embodies the innovation, strategic thinking and determination needed to make an extraordinary impact in the business world. Her commitment to leveraging untapped market opportunities, leveraging technology for inclusive business success, and lifting others up, are an inspiration to current and future leaders.”
I just earned a BBA in business, management, marketing and related support services from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business in 1990.
Just will be awarded an honorary degree during Illinois Tech’s 155th Commencement ceremony on May 11, 2024 at Credit Union 1 Arena.
Photo: Jenny Just
Illinois Institute of Technology
Headquartered in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to unleash the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the city’s only technology-focused university and sits at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, informatics, architecture, Business, project, science and human sciencesAND law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job preparation through the university’s one-of-a-kind High program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city’s living laboratory, Illinois Tech advances life-changing discoveries. Visit iit.edu.
Stuart School of Business
Stuart School of Business, a prestigious institution with a history dating back to the late 1890s, is Chicago’s only business school located within a technology-focused university, uniquely blending business and technology. Offering rigorous, applied programs in analytics, finance, economics, marketing and management for undergraduate, graduate and non-degree seeking students, Stuart prioritizes career preparation by providing abundant opportunities for internships, job placement, experiential learning and networking through its connections in Chicago’s global financial and financial center. Over its 125-year history, business education at Illinois Tech has been continually refined through curricular innovations and foundational scholarly work.
Contacts with the media
FOR ILLINOIS TECH:
Petra Kelly
Director of Communications
Illinois Institute of Technology
Mobile: 773.771.1064
pkelly6@iit.edu
Kevin Dollear
Communications manager
Illinois Institute of Technology
Mobile: 773.860.5712
kdollear@iit.edu
FOR JENNY ONLY:
Nicola Phillips and Loren O’Neill
Full image
Cell: 303-908-3302
jj@fullpic.com