A Legacy of Leadership in Student Aid

From humble beginnings to national impact — GEMCOR’s journey began in 1973 in St. Louis, Missouri, as Student Financial Aid Services, Inc., founded by Robert J. Malone, then Director of Financial Aid at St. Louis University. Inspired by the 1972 HEA Amendments, Malone saw an opportunity to expand access to federal student aid for proprietary institutions.

In 1976, the company moved to Chicago to meet growing demand and service a larger market. A pivotal moment came in 1982 when Don Grybas joined as a part-time junior accountant. Over the next decade, Don rose through the ranks, earned his degree from DePaul University with a degree in accouting, and became a federal aid expert progressing up the organizational chart to the role of Vice President.

In 1991, Grybas purchased the company and renamed it 

GEMCOR, Inc. — Grybas Education Management Corporation.

Since, GEMCOR has more than tripled in size and now proudly administers over $150 million in Federal Student Aid funds annually, serving more than 200 campuses across the country.