ACI Scholar: Josephine Chipp, Illinois Wesleyan University
Celebrate a Milestone in Our Peer Mentoring Program
Introducing Ray Martinez: Illinois College Mentee and Mentor
The Impact of ACI Partner BravenX
Maximize Your Impact with ACI’s Speakers Bureau
Events Impacting the ACI Community
Campus News: A View of A Few
ACI Awarded Scholarship Challenge Grant
Expressing Gratitude for Generous Contributions
From ACI Corporate Partner Uwill
ACI Fiscal Year 2025 Fall Scholarship Distribution
Your Gift: Turing Barriers into Opportunities
Upcoming Events and Save-the-Dates
As we face continued uncertainty about the outcomes of the recent election and its impact on our schools, businesses, and students, it's essential that we stay focused and work together. If we remain mindful of the underlying tensions and doubts around us, we’ll be better positioned to make sound decisions, engage in honest reflection, and move forward with clarity. Together, we can lift up students, help them graduate, and support them in securing a strong first job.
ACI was established over 72 years ago when a group of well-meaning presidents and corporate leaders came together to celebrate and protect the values of a liberal arts education to foster a rich and thriving society. Long-term success lies in recognizing team effort, the effort of our partnerships, our schools, our presidents, our board, our donors and funders, and of course, our team.
This newsletter celebrates the 10-year anniversary of ACI’s peer mentoring program in action to enhance student retention, along with intriguing updates on our partnership with BravenX to build student professional development skills for the workforce. We also announce $50,000 in scholarship support raised thanks to the generosity of amazing donors who helped us make the Council of Independent Colleges scholarship challenge match this September!
As we enter this season of gratitude, let's come together to create more opportunities and build an inclusive future for young people. By partnering with business and school leaders, educators, investors, and philanthropists, we can support the diverse pathways that help future leaders thrive.
Think back to when you needed a little help to get through college—your donation today can provide that same support to ACI students facing life’s everyday challenges. Every gift, no matter the size, is an investment in their success. Please join me in making a meaningful difference before Dec. 31st!
Illinois Wesleyan University A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Scholarship
Josephine chose nursing to make a difference in her community, inspired by the strong women in her family who put others first. At Illinois Wesleyan University, she found a supportive environment where students are truly seen and valued. IWU is highly ranked Nursing School according toTop 10 Best Nursing Schools in Illinois 2023 | Nurse.org
Thanks to the scholarship, Josephine can focus fully on her studies, taking part in clinicals and conferences that deepen her knowledge and commitment to the field. She’s setting higher goals, and getting more involved in volunteer work.
The ACI Peer Mentoring Program was established in 2013 to support first-year students at ACI member institutions who face risk factors that may hinder their ability to remain in school and graduate. Increasing college graduation rates among low-income (Pell Grant eligible), first-generation college students, and diverse populations is a top priority for both Illinois and ACI.
Evaluation data shows thriving outcomes, with 84% of program mentees and 92% of program mentors returning for the Spring 2024 semester. For the 2023-2024 academic year, we are proud to have ten schools participating:
Augustana College
Blackburn College
Eureka College
Illinois College
Millikin University
Monmouth College
North Central College
North Park University
Quincy University
Rockford University
Evaluation data shows thriving outcomes, with 84% of program mentees and 92% of program mentors returning for the Spring 2024 semester.
From mentee to mentor, a student's journey showcases the impact of connection and personal development through the peer mentoring program. See how support and guidance can foster success and encourage students to contribute to their communities.
Meet Ray Martinez, a senior psychology major and football player at Illinois College. Hisjourney through the ACI Mentoring Program and TRIO exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the power of connection.
Originally from Texas, Ray transitioned to a new environment far from his family, finding support and guidance through his mentor and the ACI community.
Today, Ray is ready to give back, inspiring others while paving his own path to success. Ray’s story highlights the impact of programs that helped him overcome financial challenges and grow as a student leader.
ACI looks forward to supporting member school in this way to further empower students in the future. We are grateful for the student success funding received by CME Group Foundation, BNSF Foundation, ITW Foundation and Siragusa Family Foundation.
Fall Update: ACI's Partnership with BravenX
We’re excited to announce that ACI’s partnership with BravenX is yielding strong results for students at Augustana College, Judson University, North Central College, and Rockford University! Participants are achieving enrollment, attendance, course grades, and assignment metrics that are 5-10 percentage points higher than the standard BravenX average.
BravenX offers a 14-week virtual fellowship that equips students with essential skills and experiences for career success. Fellows meet weekly in small virtual cohorts and receive stipends for course completion. BravenX supports fellows through their remaining college years and up until six months after graduation to assist in their job attainment.
On December 4th, ACI will host a BravenX virtual site visit to showcase our partnership in action. During this session, attendees will hear from current students about their experiences, observe their culminating Capstone Presentations, and explore how this program could benefit their college or university in the upcoming academic year.
If you're interested in supporting this initiative through volunteer participation or sponsorship dollars to help prepare more students for their futures, please reach out to April Arnold ataarnold@acifund.org.
ACI Corporate Trustees Connect to Campuses
Attention, ACI member campuses! We're thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders through the ACI Speakers Bureau. Our corporate trustees are eager to connect with students in sessions, sharing their expertise, experiences, and valuable insights on a variety of career and professional development topics.
Best of all? There’s no speaker fee! This is a unique chance to learn from some of the best in the business and gain inspiration for their future careers.
This year’s program offers a diverse lineup of sessions tailored to key aspects of institutional growth and resilience in higher education.
Speakers will cover a range of topics, from student-focused sessions like "A Day in the Life of..." and hands-on skill-building in "Resumes and LinkedIn," to sessions for staff, administrators, and leadership on finance, employee retention, and sustainability.
To explore available speakers and topics, please reach out to Leslie Scarpace at lscarpace@acifund.org. Don’t miss out on this engaging opportunity to enhance learning capabilities in the months ahead!
The Aspen Institute Stakeholder Roundtable
In October, The Aspen Institute facilitated a roundtable hosted at the Chicago Community Trust, where ACI Executive Director April Arnold and other leaders in education explored how partnerships across sectors can transform educational and economic outcomes. Their primary goal was to consider emerging financing and risk-sharing models to understand how they could benefit all stakeholders more equitably and strategically.
Dr. Aaron Kuecker, President of Trinity Christian College, shares insights on a groundbreaking approach that brings colleges, businesses, and communities together.
Discover his model for a connected, thriving future in higher education and the collaborative opportunities available for ACI partners in his reflection:
“Can Higher Education Cultivate an Ecosystem of Abundance?”
Women in Listed Derivatives (WILD) promotes networking and relationship-building among women in their industry through social and educational events. Their mission is to highlight and learn from industry role models, encourage career development, and support the advancement of women in listed and over-the-counter derivatives.
WILD Gives Back (WGB) has been an innovative and supportive partner of ACI through its named scholarship efforts. Since 2022, the organization has funded two $2,500 scholarships annually for full-time undergraduate female students studying finance. WGB has also hosted various fundraising events to support these scholarships and has been grateful for the valuable services ACI has been able to provide.
This past year, WGB increased its giving by $1,000 to take part in The Council of Independent Colleges State Councils Scholarship Challenge Grant, which matched new, reinstated, or increased donations earmarked for scholarships in the following academic year.
At WGB, engaging with scholarship recipients is a valued tradition, creating opportunities to celebrate their achievements, understand their aspirations, and support their professional growth.
Recently, the WGB Board invited the FY24 scholarship recipients, Elle (center left) and Brooke (center right), to dinner in downtown Chicago. This gathering not only celebrated the students’ accomplishments but also provided an opportunity to learn about their career goals and how WGB can assist them in navigating their professional journeys.
You, too, can be like WILD! Follow in their footsteps and hold a fun event to raise funds for scholarship. Start a peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraiser to help students in need by establishing a named scholarship. All new donations are eligible for matching funds from The Council of Independent Colleges State Councils Scholarship Challenge Grant. Learn more about this matching opportunity below.
At WGB, connecting with scholarship recipients and supporting their success is a cornerstone of our commitment to education.
Contact April Arnold at aarnold@acifund.orgto learn more about how you can start your P2P fundraiser today!
Pictured left to right:
ACI Corporate Trustee and WILD Member Elizabeth Cook, WILD 2023 scholarship recipient Lauren Wong, and WILD Immediate Past President Simta Gupta.
ACI Scholarship Challenge --Let's Do It Again!
We're happy to report that The Council of Independent Colleges State Councils Scholarship Challenge Grant for 2024-2025 has been conditionally awarded to Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) in the amount of $20,000. Similar to last year, it must be matched through new, increased, or renewed cash gifts or grants raised specifically to meet the challenge. Funds will support second-year or higher student scholarship recipients in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Students must be enrolled at an ACI four-year member college or university. The grant program intends to provide a marketable matching gift incentive to raise funds for student financial aid and attract new and renewed giving to the Council to broaden its donor base. Have questions? Contact April Arnold at aarnold@acifund.orgfor more information.
ACI Member Schools: A Powerful Force
in Illinois Higher Education
The Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) member institutions are dedicated to fostering a rich, inclusive academic experience, offering small class sizes, personalized learning, and strong student support. The scale of ACI’s combined enrollment underscores its vital role in Illinois higher education, where it provides high-quality, values-based education and equips students to excel across a diverse range of fields.
For families, students, and stakeholders invested in accessible and impactful higher education, ACI member schools represent a powerful choice—supporting Illinois’ next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators.
McKendreeUniversity’s Division of Nursing has been awarded $980,000 through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), secured by Senator Dick Durbin as part of the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This funding will cover tuition costs for 60 students enrolled in McKendree’s MSN Nurse Educator program.
The grant, titled "Building a Rural Nurse Educator Workforce through Academic-Practice Partnerships," aims to address the critical need for nurse educators in rural and underserved communities across 45 counties in southern and south-central Illinois. By providing BSN-prepared nurses with a master’s degree in nursing education, the program will help ensure an adequate number of educators in both academic and healthcare settings. The addition of 60 nurse education-prepared graduates will have a significant impact on these communities, supporting the development of the next generation of nurses.
North Central College has introduced its new Excel Program, designed to support students whose first language is not English. This one-semester program, available in both fall and spring semesters, allows multilingual and international students to earn college credit while enhancing their English skills.
The Excel Program is tailored for students who have previously taken English Language Learning (ELL) courses in high school, as well as international students pursuing undergraduate study in the U.S. It prepares students for success in college by improving their ability to read, analyze, and write academic texts, and actively participate in discussions—all while progressing toward their degree.
Patricia Draves Inaugurated as Monmouth’s 15th President
A hardy congratulations goes to Dr. Patricia H. Draves on her inauguration as the Fifteenth President of Monmouth College on October 4, 2024. A Rhode Island native, Dr. Draves has made significant contributions to higher education as both a teacher and leader in Arkansas, Ohio, Iowa, and Illinois.
In her inspiring inaugural address, "Rooted in Legacy, Growing Our Future," she pledged to “forge a path toward a future filled with promise, innovation, and opportunity." Reflecting her commitment to scholarship, leadership, community, and service, Dr. Draves reminded us that "while we honor our history, we must not be bound by it." We look forward to the bright future she will shape for Monmouth College!
Pictured from left to right are ACI member school institutional delegates President C. Andrew McGadney of Knox College, President Patricia H. Draves, and President Mary K. Surridge of North Park University.
Your gifts have been doubled! Thanks to the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), any new, increased, or reinstated contributions will be matched.
Thanks to the generosity of foundations, companies, organizations, and individuals like you, ACI has successfully raised over $28,000 in new, renewed, or increased cash gifts and grants to meet our “25 for 25” Challenge Goal.
The Council of Independent Colleges State Councils Scholarship Challenge Grant offers ACI a unique opportunity: by raising $25,000 in new or renewed donations, ACI unlocked an additional $25,000. These funds will directly benefit scholarship recipients in their second year or beyond during the 2024-2025 academic year.
ACI has already awarded half of the scholarships to member schools, and financial aid offices are currently working to identify deserving students. The remaining funds will be distributed in the spring semester.
CIC’s support enhances the power of independent higher education, which not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, all while emphasizing values, ethics, and responsibility.
In today’s economy, many students, particularly those from working-class families, face significant challenges in affording college. As the gap between financial aid and rising college costs continues to widen, additional scholarship support has become essential. Independent college presidents have identified scholarships as a key priority to assist deserving students and improve retention rates beyond the first year. This grant effectively addresses these critical needs.
We would like to recognize and thank all foundations, companies, organizations, and individuals who contributed to the “25 for 25” Scholarship Challenge. Your support has been invaluable!
Catriona Duncan
Donald A. Campbell Trust
Elise Awwad
Emily P. Bothfeld
Frank Cella
Fred Siegman
James Applegate
Jerry Fuller
John and Kathleen Schreiber Foundation
Jorja A. Porter
JW Croft Consulting Group
Karen Courtheoux
Liz Gross
Lyn Bulman
Marsh and McLennan Companies
Mary Deweese
Matthew Roling
Naomi Tselepis
Rebecca Starr
Saul Ewing LLP
The J. Rich Company, LLC
Thomas Rubey and Associates, Ltd.
WILD Gives Back, NFP
Foundations, Organizations, and Individuals Support ACI
Initiatives and Programs
Several foundations, organizations and individuals provide funds to ACI over the course of our fiscal year to help the organization fund its mission to support member colleges and universities "by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, career and life."
Since August 1, these generous foundations, companies, and organizations awarded grants to ACI:
The Council of Independent Colleges through its Scholarship Challenge Grant
DiMeo Family Charitable Fund
Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation
WILD Gives Back, NFP
In addition, these individuals took part in ACI's monthly giving program or provided other gifts to ACI since August 1:
Angela T. Allen
Susy Best
Louis Diez
Anthony LoBello
Please consider joining ACI’s monthly giving program to help students in need all year long. For more information, visit https://acifund.org/giving and select "monthly" or call Daisy Gomez at 312-263-2391, ext. 0 for further assistance.
ACI gratefully recognizes the commitment of these foundations, individuals and organizations that contributed to our mission. THANK YOU!
From ACI Corporate Partners
In each edition of the ACI Reporter, we invite our corporate partners to share valuable insights and content on higher education, offering our readers practical intelligence and actionable guidance.
In July 2024, Uwill acquired the Virtual Care Group and now supports more than 3 million students at 400+ institutions in 50 states and 40 countries.
Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform.
The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, urgent care telehealth, wellness events, real-time data, and support.
ACI member schools received their FY25 Fall Scholarship Award Letters in early October 2024. Each member school was awarded the CIC/UPS Scholarship and McGraw Foundation Student Emergency Assistance Funding. This year the CIC/UPS Scholarships increased by $300 from $3,200 to $3,500 per school. There has not been an increase in many years, so we are grateful.
Additionally, some campuses received the Carole Whitcomb Scholarship and/or ACI Challenge Grant Scholarships. Thanks to the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Scholarship Challenge Grant, ACI Corporate Trustees, and other generous donors, ACI provided $25,000 in scholarship funding this fall to member school students with another $25,000 available this Spring.
The total amount of funding awarded was $202,002. Financial aid officers at each campus have already begun looking for eligible students for the awards. The FY25 Spring Scholarship Awards Letters are scheduled to be sent out in early March 2025.
"Donors Turn Barriers into Opportunities"
Imagine growing up in a community where access to healthcare felt out of reach, witnessing inequities that shaped your perspective and fueled your determination to create change.
This is the story of Wendy Sancen. As a first-generation college student from a low-income household, Wendy has faced many challenges, but with the support of generous donors like you, she is thriving at North Park University, pursuing a nursing degree.
Do you remember the exhilarating moment when you realized the life-changing power of education? Thanks to your generous support, barriers are turned into opportunities. Students like Wendy, a first-generation college student, who has faced significant challenges, are experiencing that same transformation.
Your contributions are not just investments in education—they are catalysts for success, enabling students to thrive and create lasting change in their communities.
Wendy's own words best capture the transformative power of your support. “I would also like to share that, as a scholarship recipient, I’m even more committed to excelling in my studies and making a positive impact in my community. Your investment in my education is something I deeply value, and I am determined to give back and make you proud.”
Her heartfelt testimony shows the profound impact of your support—and the difference only you can make.
Will you step forward again to help? Your generosity is more than an investment in education; it’s the key to unlocking the potential of students like Wendy and empowering them to create lasting change in our communities.
Extend the positive influence on deserving students like Wendy. Transform a life today by visitinghttps://www.acifund.org/giving.
Board of Trustees Meeting
• Thursday, November 14: 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. - Virtual and in-person in Chicago
Board of Trustees Committee Meetings - Virtual Sessions
• Thursday, December 5: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Trusteeship • Friday, December 6: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Program • Friday, December 6: 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. - External Affairs • Wednesday, December 11: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Finance • Thursday, December 12: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Executive Committee
Provosts Quarterly Conversation
• Friday, December 6: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. via Zoom
President Quarterly Conversations
• Wednesday, December 11: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. via Zoom
Finding Major Donors: A Practical Approach
Sponsored by Louis Diez, Market Lab
• Friday, January 17: 11:00 am-Noon via Zoom Webinar
Office Closures:
November 28 and 29 - ACI office closed in observance of Thanksgiving
December 23 to January 2 - ACI office closed for Holiday Break
January 20 - ACI office closed in observance of MLK Day
Save the Date:
Thursday, April 10, 2025: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.- ACI Breakfast Forum, Bridging the Gap: College to Career
Friday, April 25, 2025: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Presidents Forum (Hybrid)
June 22-24, 2025: Mackinac Roundtable on Talent; Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Augustana College - Blackburn College - Elmhurst University - Eureka College - Illinois College - Illinois Wesleyan University - Judson University - Knox College - Lewis University - McKendree University - Millikin University - Monmouth College - North Central College - North Park University - Olivet Nazarene University - Principia College - Quincy University - Rockford University - Saint Xavier University - Trinity Christian College - University of St. Francis
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Meet Ray Martinez
aker fee! This is a unique chance to learn from some of the best in the business and gain inspiration for their future careers.
fun event to raise funds for scholarship. Start a peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraiser to help students in need by establishing a named scholarship. All new donations are eligible for matching funds from The Council of Independent Colleges State Councils Scholarship Challenge Grant. Learn more about this matching opportunity below. 
A hardy congratulations goes to Dr. Patricia H. Draves on her inauguration as the Fifteenth President of Monmouth College on October 4, 2024. A Rhode Island native, Dr. Draves has made significant contributions to higher education as both a teacher and leader in Arkansas, Ohio, Iowa, and Illinois.
Carl R. Hendrickson Family Foundation
