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Spring 2024

The official newsletter of the Chicago State Alumni Association.

Catch up on back issues here.

A MESSAGE FROM the Executive Director

Dear Alumni Family,


Last month, Chicago State University held its 371st commencement ceremony, conferring degrees upon nearly 600 graduates. The Class of 2024 is a unique group because many of them began their college careers during the pandemic, throwing everything they knew about how to learn into a tailspin.


Clearly, Chicago State was up to the challenge, and this group proved resilient, pivoting their lives accordingly to stay the course. The Class of 2024 is representative of the entire University community. Through the decades, there have been challenges, and yet, for 157 years, Chicago State perseveres specifically because it is a part of the fabric of this community.


This commitment to the values of Chicago State are visible in the continued growth and evolution on campus and surrounding neighborhood. Infrastructure improvements continue and alumni are making their mark with increased giving, seeking more opportunities to get involved, and representing their interests as advisors for issues that impact the community, including the 95th Street Redevelopment Project and legislative advocacy.


The growth facing CSU is made possible with the support of a dedicated alumni community, and we would not be capable of such strides without you. Let's never forget that we are always stronger, together.


Sincerely,

Melanie Sillas Signature
Melanie Sillas
Executive Director
Chicago State Foundation

COUGARS Give Back

Alumni Rise to the Challenge

Alumni donors with President Z Scott at this year's 1stGEN Scholarship Gala last October.

Alumni make up the largest group of the Chicago State support system. Through financial investments in current students, connections to corporate partnerships, volunteering on campus and even speaking to classes or on panels, CSU alumni step up and lean in. This has never been more prevalent than this academic year. This year, alumni make up more than half of this year's individual donors, compared to only 35% just two years ago. Way to go, Cougars!


You'll read below about alumni representing their communities in Springfield, being honored at commencement, showing up for the largest alumni gathering we've hosted in years thanks to the Chicago Cubs, and even alumni singing on Wrigley Field. As we bring this academic year to a close, we are preparing for even more opportunities to engage alumni, ways to tell your stories, and connect you to the parts of CSU that mean the most to you. Look for more this summer as we roll some of this new programming out.

Alumni Advocacy


IL Rep Nick Smith


CSU was thrilled to have several alumni join us for an advocacy trip to Springfield this spring to meet with one of our State Representatives and fellow CSU alumnus, Nick Smith '00. The group included alumni Spring Capers '83, Yvette Warren '84 and '16, Cynthia Jenkins-Powell '91, and Dr. Marlo Barnett '06.


Together with members of CSU leadership, the alumni spent the day at the Capital for the Illinois Higher Education Reception, which included remarks from Governor Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Stratton, and our own President Z Scott.

IL Rep Marcus Evans


CSU had the honor of hosting alumnus and Illinois State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. for an insightful conversation on his journey from CSU to Illinois leadership.


Current students and alumni gathered for a candid event filled with thought-provoking questions and critical insights. Representative Evans shared invaluable experiences about his path to public service, inspiring everyone present to consider their roles in shaping the future. From discussing how ideas become legislation, to policy challenges, as well as sharing personal anecdotes - it was an enlightening time for all.

WHAT'S NEW at CSU

Welcome Class of 2024


CSU's 371st commencement ceremony celebrated the unwavering dedication and hard work exhibited by the graduates who have now become a part of the more than 30,000 strong Chicago State alumni community. Our newest alumni join a global community from 28 countries and all 50 states.

Notable Highlights included:


  • Commencement speaker, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, whose inspirational address resonated deeply with our graduates, urging them to effect positive change within their communities.
  • Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees were received by Peggy A. Montes '60 and Che "Rhymefest" Smith, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to society and their steadfast commitment to excellence.


Cougars, your resilience, perseverance, and unwavering determination have culminated in this remarkable achievement. We look forward to the bright futures ahead, where our Cougars will undoubtedly emerge as leaders, innovators, and catalysts for positive change! Watch for information via email just for you, our Class of 2024, regarding your free one year membership in the Chicago State Alumni Association. Details will be emailed later this summer.

COUGAR Spotlight

Alumni Oral History Project

The year-long Alumni Oral History Project, In My Words, is nearly finished. Here's a sneak peak at the cover of the 300 page coffee table book, filled with over 600 alumni stories and images collected over months. A digital version will be made available this summer as well.


If you ordered the book when you were interviewed, your copy will be mailed to you this summer.

CSU Day at Wrigley Field


On May 5, 2024, CSU students, alumni, and fans watched the Cubs secure a win over the Brewers. Over 300 attendees from our CSU community, most of whom are alumni, received a special edition, co-branded Cubs and Chicago State cap as a keepsake.


A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales was donated to the Chicago State Foundation with CSU Board Chair, Andrea Zopp, Chicago State Foundation Board Chair, John Robak, President Z Scott, and Chicago State Foundation Executive Director, Melanie Sillas, accepting the check.

Additional highlights from the game include Dr. Monique Carroll, CSU’s Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, throwing the first pitch and CSU alumni and students singing the National Anthem. Pictured here are singing alumni Gerald Crawford '20 and Tanabe Gatlin '21, and current student Malachi Davis '26.

Cougar Congratulations!

Women's Tennis Makes CSU History

The Chicago State Women's Tennis team made CSU history this spring with a 4-2 victory over Cleveland State University, in the championship match of the Horizon League Women's Tennis Tournament.


"All of the work we did this season came down to the this moment and the ladies seized the opportunity. I could not be more proud of them for how they represented themselves, their families, and this university. This is a first for our program and these ladies earned their spot in writing a part of CSU history. This accomplishment is legendary and it's a great day to be a Cougar," Jack Barton, Head Coach, CSU Women's Tennis.


The historic season ended earlier this month with a 4-0 loss at No. 3 Michigan in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Women's Tennis Championship at the Varsity Tennis Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This Cougars season began with a 3-9 record but the resilient squad turned things around and won 13 of their final 14 matches to capture their first regular season title, first Horizon League Tournament title and first NCAA Women's Tennis Championship berth.


The team was also recognized at the conference level as head coach Jack Barton was named Horizon League Women's Coach of the Year.

Sadly, this season is the last for Coach Barton, as he pursues the next step in his career. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach Jack Barton for his exceptional dedication and contributions to Chicago State University for over a decade," said Dr. Monique Carroll, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "We thank him for his time at Chicago State, his remarkable achievements, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors"


Good luck, Coach Barton! Thank you for the many memories.

Dr. Mosley-Milford Named American Council on Education Fellow


CSU alumna and Dean of Student Success, Dr. Nayshon Mosley-Milford '14, has been named one of only 26 American Council of Education (ACE) Fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year. The ACE Fellows Program, known for its history of success, cultivates skilled and promising leaders, driving the growth of a diverse and talented higher education leadership pipeline, according to ACE President Ted Mitchell. Dr. Mosley-Milford is the first-ever Dean of Student Success at Chicago State, overseeing the Rise Academy and other student success initiatives. Read more about this impressive honor here. Congratulations Dr. Mosley-Milford.

VP Michael Holmes Inducted into the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame


CSU congratulates Vice President of Administrative Services Michael Holmes on his induction into the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame! Coach Holmes served the Chicagoland coaching community for over 35 years. 


During his tenure, he served his alma mater Leo Catholic High School as head coach for over 25 years and was head coach at Fenger High School for 6 years. 


His award-winning coaching career includes his induction into the Leo Catholic Hall of Fame, his receipt of the Chicago Area Prep Magazine Coach of the Year and a three-time winner of the Tony Lawless Coach of Year award in the Chicago Catholic League.

Congratulations, Mr. Holmes!

COUGARS Stay Connected

FOLLOW THE CSAA ON SOCIAL MEDIA


This summer, we are rebranding our Chicago State Alumni Association (CSAA) and are excited to launch some new alumni programming to connect you with the 30,000 others who hail from 28 countries and all 50 states. It's only just begun, but we will communicate about it via email and social media this summer. To stay in the know, be sure we have your updated email information here, and follow our newly branded accounts on social media below.


Alumni Benefits


We are growing our alumni benefits one at a time, and we have plans for more in the coming year. Below are a few highlights but you can check out all the alumni benefits here.


Fitness Discount at ChiTown Mecca Fitness, an alumni-and-women-owned fitness center in the nearby Back Of The Yards neighborhood.


HBCU/PBI Homebuyer Assistance Program thanks to a partnership between BMO and NAREB.

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.


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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The Chicago State Alumni Association is operated out of the Chicago State Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising and engagement office of Chicago State University.