A MESSAGE FROM the Executive Director
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Dear Alumni Family,
New seasons can bring new hope and new challenges. At CSU, we have our share of both, but we are ready for whatever 2024 may bring.
To start the semester off right, CSU continues moving forward on one capital improvement project after another. You'll read below about the exciting changes in process for the Jacoby Dickens Center as we prepare for the new Cougar Athletics teams we announced in the fall (Women's Triathlon and Women's Swimming).
We are also working on creative ways alumni can impact CSU's future that we will roll out this summer, if not sooner. While those plans are not yet finalized, supporting current students is available now and alumni are showing up for current students like never before!
The growth facing CSU is made possible by our collective drive to evolve, improve, and grow. It is a part of the fabric that built the CSU community to be the strong and powerful family that it is. May you never forget that we are always stronger, together.
Sincerely,
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Melanie Sillas
Executive Director
Chicago State Foundation
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Alumni Rise to the Challenge | |
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Last Fall, an anonymous donor of the Chicago State Foundation generously issued a matching gifts challenge: Raise $200,000 from individuals by Dec 31 and they will match half of it.
The Foundation accepted the challenge and from October 1, 2023 through the end of the calendar year, they worked diligently to raise the funds needed to secure the donor's $100,000 gift. In the final days of the year, the goal was reached, having raised just over $210,000.
The additional $100,000 in matched funds will support the Foundation's priority initiatives as determined in partnership with the University. This includes supporting the CSU Cougar Commitment, a comprehensive suite of data-driven academic programs, well-being supports and scholarships designed to achieve one critical goal: increasing student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates.
Of the more than 300 donors that made this challenge achievable, nearly a third were alumni! Thank you, CSU Alumni, for showing up for current students!
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New Alumni Benefits
We are growing our alumni benefits one at a time! And not all require an alumni association membership. In fact, most don't! Check out all the alumni benefits here. Below are our newest additions:
Fitness Discount
Start the new year off right with a new commitment to your health and fitness goals. CSU alumni receive a 12% discount on all membership and fitness packages at ChiTown Mecca Fitness, an alumni-and-women-owned fitness center in the nearby Back Of The Yards neighborhood. Proof of CSU degree required, inquire to ChiTown directly.
Homebuyer Assistance Program
HBCU/PBI Homebuyer Assistance Program. BMO and NAREB have partnered together to offer homebuyers thousands of dollars in down payment and closing cost assistance for graduates of HBCUs and PBIs (Predominantly Black Institutions). Chicago State University is the only four-year PBI in Illinois. Buyer must work with a NAREB/Realtist agent. Contact Millie Reyes-Williams directly for more information at Millie.ReyesWilliams@bmo.com or at 708-497-0492. Read the full press release about this exciting new benefit here.
Alumni Discount Marketplace
The exclusive CSU Alumni Discounts & Rewards marketplace features discounts on nearly anything you can think of, including travel, entertainment, theme parks, local eateries, electronics, apparel and more.
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With over 10,000 brands, 200,000 offers and 1,000,000 products, you are sure to find what you’re looking for. The marketplace is easy to use and has deals on all the brands you know and love while also featuring your favorite local establishments. Check it out and sign up today! | |
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Exciting Transformations Are Underway | |
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The State of Illinois Capital Development Board has nearly completed several structural upgrades at the Jacoby Dickens Center, including steel remediation and replacing the HVAC system for the building. Soon, the building will receive a stunning glass curtain wall makeover. We’re looking forward to the completion of this project that will house a world-class pool that will bring a positive impact to our south side community.
Stay tuned for the world-class swimming pool that will bring a positive impact to our Southside community. Read more here.
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Alumni Oral History Project | |
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Chicago State Foundation’s Office of Alumni Affairs continues its Alumni Oral History Project. To date, over 3,000 alumni have shared their stories with our partner, PCI, who is helping us manage this project.
Your story and images will be compiled into a coffee table book at the conclusion of the project scheduled for this July. No books will be available for later purchase as we are only printing orders made.
The interview portion of this project has ended, but your option to purchase your advance copy of the coffee table book remains. You can also submit a photo to accompany your story and we encourage you to do so...we'd love to see as many photos as possible. Please call 1-800-982-1590 to purchase your book or to request inclusion of a new photo before February 23rd.
To learn more about this project and see frequently asked questions,
click here.
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Our esteemed faculty continues to embody the Cougar spirit with brilliance and leadership. Congratulations to our trailblazers who consistently inspire and lead with excellence!
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We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Alesia Richardson, Chair of the Department of Psychology and Counseling and Dr. Concetta Williams, Chair of the Department of English, Foreign Languages and Interdisciplinary Programs for representing us in the AASCU Chairperson Institute. Your commitment to enhancing leadership skills is truly commendable.
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Kudos to Dr. Matthew Fete, Dean of the College of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Dr. Patrice Boyles for actively participating in the Provost Academy sponsored by AASCU. Your dedication to staying at the forefront of higher education trends is truly inspiring.
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A round of applause for Dr. Kristy Mardis, Chair of the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering for her involvement in the emerging leaders' program sponsored by AASCU. Your commitment to ongoing leadership development is paving the way for a bright future.
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We are also bursting with #CSUPride for Dr. Jane Stout, Director, of Institutional Effectiveness and Research and Data Analytics, who is nominated and selected for the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship through the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, Fall 2024 – Summer 2026 Cohort. Congratulations on this prestigious achievement!
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Lastly, Congratulations to Antwone Cameron, Dean of Student Affairs on being selected as an Impact Fellow by the Chicago Urban League.
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President Scott Named in Chicago Business Journal's
Top 10 People to Watch in 2024
As CSU's 12th President, Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott has taken it upon herself to be more than just an educator: She's a business advocate too.
In October 2023, she laid out a $250 million plan to pursue in 2024 that will not only redevelop many vacant commercial buildings owned by the university but also revitalize the neighborhood with new businesses. "Doing so will give people who do not live or work in the area a reason to come and spend money that will ultimately help create more economic development," she said.
CSU is the only four-year public university on Chicago's South Side. Read the full article here (subscription required).
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As we prepare for some exciting new alumni programming, join our new Chicago State Alumni Professional Network on LinkedIn. Connect with other professionals of all industries that have one important thing in common...the 30,000+ community of CSU alumni.
Join today and watch for new content and new ways to engage in 2024!
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Alumni Course Discount
With CSU's Options Program, you can join an active and creative community of lifelong learners in classes, workshops and seminars covering a variety of interests for all ages. Included are classes in computers, art and music, business skills, dance and fitness, personal development, and much more!
CTC/CSU Alumni Association Members get a 15% discount. Check out the Spring Course Catalog today. Below are some upcoming programs.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
We want to hear from you!
Share your significant accomplishments (i.e., promotions, new jobs, retirements, special recognitions or honors) with your fellow alumni!
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UPDATE MY ALUMNI PROFILE
Update your Alumni Profile to receive exciting campus news and invitations to alumni events and never miss an issue of this quarterly alumni newsletter. Your information will never be shared publicly.
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The Office of Alumni Affairs is operated out of the Chicago State Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising and engagement office of Chicago State University. | | | | |
