Three DePaul College Prep siblings and alumni—Mati, Sephi, and James Favela—are now pursuing their degrees at DePaul University, carrying forward the Vincentian values and strong academic foundations they developed at DePaul Prep.
Mati, a Finance major, credits DePaul Prep’s passionate math teachers for sparking her love of problem-solving and her interest in a career in financial advising. Sephi, who studies Environmental Science, was inspired by her STEM teachers, whose encouragement and mentorship helped her pursue her interest in environmental sustainability and justice. James, majoring in Nursing, developed a fascination with biology, chemistry, and psychology at DePaul Prep and is eager to use those skills to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Through rigorous academics and leadership opportunities at DePaul Prep, Mati, Sephi, and James also learned the value of time management, perseverance, and service—skills that now help them thrive at DePaul University.
For Sephi and Mati, the ComEd Scholarship they received at DePaul Prep played a pivotal role in shaping their educational paths and has followed them to DePaul University. The scholarship provides hands-on exposure to energy-related careers and connects them with professionals in STEM. All three also received the Catholic Heritage Scholarship at DePaul University, a recognition of their commitment to faith-based education. “DePaul Prep gave me a strong understanding of the Vincentian core values, and now, building on that at DePaul University, I’m able to deepen my knowledge through action,” said Sephi.
Looking ahead, each sibling has a clear vision for the future. Mati plans to start a career in financial advising, then become a Certified Financial Analyst. Sephi hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, with a focus on water reclamation and environmental justice. James intends to gain clinical experience before advancing his nursing education.
Together, their stories reflect the enduring impact of a DePaul Prep education—rooted in excellence, service, and faith—and the powerful impact of Vincentian Catholic education.