Elmhurst University American Dream Fellowship: Gia Nitti
Lewis University Grant HRSA
Blackburn College: Brianna Sutton Named Teacher of the Year
Monmouth College: Dr. Patricia Draves to Attend ASU+GSV Summit
ACI Hosts Presidents’ Breakfast at CIC Presidents' Institute
Helping Students in Need
Upcoming Dates
Strengthening Connections, Driving Impact
In times of rapid change, staying connected and responsive is more critical than ever. At Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI), we rely on our member schools to share their challenges and needs so we can respond effectively. While increased student success funding is always a priority, we recognize the power of collective action. Whether through special convenings, collaborative initiatives, or shared solutions, it can make a lasting impact.
To that end, we are launching two feasibility studies for all ACI member schools: one focused on healthcare and the other on risk management solutions. By leveraging the size of our membership, we aim to create cost savings and provide the highest quality services possible. Thanks to ACI corporate advocates, Gallagher and Lockton, we can offer these studies to member schools at no cost.
We have also begun hosting virtual Talent Strategy Conversations with select HR officers to discuss their corporate culture, and to promote recruitment and internship opportunities with senior managers on campuses to find the best students to apply for job openings. Soon, we hope to develop added virtual sessions, entitled Career Talks, so students can ask specific questions about the company and the job opportunities available.
Insights like those mentioned above were created from feedback we received from members. ACI remains committed to responding to your needs with relevant webinars, programs, and resources that matter most.
All meaningful efforts begin with finding your voice and are brought to life through active participation. As we navigate new challenges in our industry and the world, I encourage you to engage fully. Supporting students in need is not the work of one but a weaving of support from many—institutions, communities, and individuals all coming together to create lasting impact. Let’s continue to collaborate, strengthening the fabric of opportunity for our students and the institutions that serve them.
The power of your participation as a partner is what makes everything possible. Thank you.
Spotlight on Success: Campus Roots to Swedish Sojourn
Zach Blair
Augustana College
A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Scholarship
Discover how the A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Scholarship transformed Zach Blair’s journey at Augustana College. From growing up with a deep connection to the campus to pursuing English, Creative Writing, and Scandinavian Studies, Zach shares how the scholarship empowered him to spend nine life-changing weeks in Sweden.
With candid reflections on the financial challenges of college and the hope that scholarships provide, Zach’s story is an inspiring reminder of how community support can open doors to incredible opportunities.
This year’s event will share strategies for successfully aligning all students’ education with workforce readiness to improve recruitment and retention. We will also discuss developing career-ready students and the benefits of a liberal arts education.
Event Panelists/Speakers
Keynote: Aries Pickett – Director of People Operations, National Women’s Soccer League
Panelist: Shannon Fuller – Vice President of Talent Solutions, Health Care Service Corporation
Panelist: Marie Trzupek Lynch – Chief People Officer, Morningstar
Panelist: Aaron J. Kuecker – President, Trinity Christian College
Panelist: Toby Eveland – Chicago Managing Partner, Saul Ewing
The forum includes a continental breakfast, followed by a Q&A panel, keynote speaker, and designated time for roundtable discussions and networking. The funds raised will be used to support ACI programs to help empower and transform the lives of students attending ACI’s21 member colleges and universities.
Tickets are $125 each and are available for purchase today! Click hereto reserve your spot.
Special thanks to our event sponsors: Environmental Design International Inc., Fiducient Advisors, Gallagher, Jackson Lewis, William Blair, and in-kind sponsors: Saul Ewing and Quest Food Management Services.
Learn more about event sponsorships and recognitionshere, contact April Arnold ataarnold@acifund.org, or call 312-263-2391, ext. 1.
Peer Mentoring Program Turns TEN: Impact and Growth By the Numbers
Through student cohorts, freshmen mentees are connected with student mentors who have faced similar challenges as freshmen.
Mentors serve as role models and offer vital social-emotional support, encouraging their mentees to take on mentorship roles themselves.
Since its launch, the program has experienced growth of over 250% in school participation, reflecting its expanding impact on student support.
ACI Announces Dr. Patricia Draves’ Selected to Attend ASU+GSV Summit
The Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) is proud to announce that Dr. Patricia Draves, president of Monmouth College, has been selected to attend the prestigious ASU+GSV Summit in April 2025, the world’s largest ed-tech conference. ACI secured the nomination slot to advance Dr. Draves’ application, which has been officially accepted by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC).
As the selected delegate, Dr. Draves will receive complimentary registration and a two-day hotel stay valued at over $3,500. ACI is excited to support college leaders like Dr. Draves in engaging with innovative ideas and global thought leaders to advance higher education.
Global Silicon Valley (GSV) and Arizona State University (ASU) share a collaborative mission to create a world where everyone has equal access to the future. They believe that scaling innovations in education and workforce skill delivery is essential to achieving this goal.
Rockford University Student Named 2024 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate
Rockford Universityproudly congratulates senior Julisa Gutierrez on being named a 2024 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. This prestigious honor is awarded to exceptional seniors who demonstrate leadership and service in the pursuit of bettering humanity, as well as excellence in both curricular and extracurricular activities, according to the Lincoln Academy.
In October, a ceremony was held to celebrate Julisa’s achievements. Chelsea Minor, the Director of Career Development and First-Year Programs, attended the event and shared, “Julisa has been an outstanding student leader and a role model on campus. Her dedication as a Regent Experience Guide and a Regents First Mentor has helped countless students navigate their university journeys with confidence and care.”
The Lincoln Academy honored top students from colleges and universities across Illinois during a ceremony held on October 26 at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Performing Arts Center. Each student laureate received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award certificate, signed by the Academy Chancellor, the Honorable Ron Spears; the President of The Lincoln Academy; and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Additionally, each laureate was awarded a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a $1,000 check from The Lincoln Academy.
Story and photo credits Rockford University
Winner of the American Dream Fellowship: Gia Nitti
Elmhurst University launched the annual American Dream Fellowship Competition in 2018 to celebrate and reward first-generation college students. Ninety-four high school students, all first-generation college students admitted to Elmhurst, entered this year’s competition.
To enter, students were asked to submit a video with their take on this topic: “The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success". They and their families were then invited to come to Elmhurst University—in person or remotely—for Round 2, where they met other contest participants, took part in a group project, and joined panel discussions about the college experience.
Gia Nitti, the 2024 winner of the American Dream Fellowship Competition, received a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to Elmhurst University.
In her first-place video, Nitti, who plans to major in exercise science at Elmhurst, described being raised to believe that the definition of success is “all the goals you’ve set for yourself and accomplished.” She spent much of her childhood and teen years winning awards and recognition in dance and athletics, always looking for the next challenge. She recently realized that true success wasn’t as much about accomplishing her goals as “learning to appreciate all the moments working towards them” with joy, friendship, and gratitude.
The second-place winner Armani Smith, a recent graduate of West Aurora High School, received a $10,000 renewable scholarship to attend Elmhurst.
Story and photo credits: Elmhurst University
Lewis University's HRSA Grant: Training Future Behavioral Health Leaders
Lewis University is making significant strides in addressing healthcare inequities, thanks to a $1.5 million Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This funding, awarded in 2021, has played a pivotal role in reducing workforce shortages that contribute to inadequate access to care in underserved African-American, Latino, and low-income communities, with a special focus on children, adolescents, and young adults.
The grant has supported 105 graduate students, including 76 Master of Social Work students, and 29 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -Master of Science in Nursing students.
Through the BHWET grant, students have participated in cutting-edge training designed to prepare them for challenges in behavioral health in topics covering Telehealth for Interprofessional Collaboration, Trauma-Informed Care, Cultural Responsiveness, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), and more.
These specialized programs ensure graduates are equipped to deliver culturally competent, trauma-informed, and integrated care to meet the unique needs of their communities.
Blackburn College's Brianna Sutton Named 2024Carissa Hug Teacher of the Year
We are honored to introduce Brianna Sutton, the 2024 Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year, recognized by the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children (ICEC).
Since joining Blackburn College in 2022, Sutton has led Blackburn and Beyond, the only program of its kind in downstate Illinois, which offers a holistic college experience tailored to neurodivergent students. The program focuses on academic achievement, career development, personal independence, and empowering students to achieve their goals.
Blackburn and Beyond provides a four-year postsecondary opportunity that equips students with essential skills for meaningful employment and independent living. With U.S. Department of Education approval as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), students can access federal financial aid.
Under Sutton’s leadership, the program partners with Blackburn College’s student-led Work Program, offering real-world experience and resume-building opportunities. She also serves as an advisor for Blackburn’s Student Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) chapter and has presented at various conferences on supporting students with disabilities in higher education.
Sutton’s recognition as Teacher of the Year highlights her commitment to ensuring every student feels valued and empowered. Congratulations to Brianna Sutton for this well-deserved honor and her vital contributions to special education.
ACI Engages Leaders at President’s Institute in San Antonio
Thanks to the sponsorship support from ACI Corporate Partner Graystone Consulting, ACI hosted a special President's Breakfast on January 5 at the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Annual President’s Institute in San Antonio, Texas. This year’s theme, "Engaging Communities," focused on how colleges and universities can strengthen connections, navigate change, and pursue new opportunities. A total of 269 college and university presidents attended this year's Presidents Institute, along with 9 State Council executives. The overall number of registrants was 671.
Member presidents who took part in the ACI networking breakfast were:
Patricia Draves – Monmouth College
Keith Elder – St. Xavier University
Barbara Farley – Illinois College
David Livingston – Lewis University
Brian McGee – Quincy University
Daniel Norton – Principia College
Jamel Wright – Eureka College
In addition to those who who were able to attend the ACI networking breakfast, the following presidents also participated in the Institute: Larry Lee of Blackburn College and Mary Surridge of North Park University.
ACI Executive Director April Arnold joined fellow State Council leaders Bob Bartlett, Ph.D. of Michigan Colleges Alliance, and Bill Spiker of The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges to present “Leveraging Career Center Collaborations to Build Student Success.”
The session showcased how collaborations between campus career centers, external providers, and businesses are driving career readiness for students at independent colleges. These partnerships are paving the way for successful internships and full-time careers. ACI is proud to lead these efforts, helping students secure meaningful internships and launch successful careers.
Foundations, Organizations, 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 November 1, these generous foundations, companies, and organizations awarded grants to ACI:
Anonymous (2)
Arch W. Shaw Foundation
DiMeo Family Charitable Fund
PACCAR Foundation
The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation
In addition, these individuals and companies took part in ACI's monthly giving program or provided other gifts to ACI since November 1:
Angela T. Allen
James Applegate
April Arnold
Ellen Babbitt
Dave Barnett
Susy Best
Emily P. Bothfeld
John Brooks
Frank Cella
Louis Diez
Donald A. Campbell Trust
Jerry Fuller
Toya Garcia-Bradow
Lauren Holhut
Nichole Johnson
Raymond E Krouse
Anthony P. LoBello
Christopher Miceika
Patricia Mota
Sage Learning Landscapes
Leslie Sawyer
Toni Smith
Leah D. Wallace
William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
Please consider joining ACI’s monthly giving program to help students in need all year long. For more information, visithttps://acifund.org/givingand 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
The Quest Food Management Services team builds community on campus through robust dining programs that meet a wide variety of food and beverage needs across multiple touchpoints. Quest embraces the unique culture and aspirational goals of each collegiate partner, instilling program confidence to attract new students and increase dining program participation.
Quest programs feature fresh, scratch made food and custom solutions, including convenient access to meals and snacks, and modern ordering technologies and amenities. Quest creates a vibrant gathering space for students to connect over food and has the experience to support a wide variety of campus-wide catering and special event needs. As a locally owned, privately held organization, Quest provides unparalleled access to leadership and corporate support, exceptional responsiveness, and touts industry-leading client retention rates.
CIC Scholarship Challenge Match: Help ACI Unlock $20,000 for Student Scholarships!
Great news! The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) awarded ACI a challenge grant opportunity for the 2025-2026 academic year. When ACI raises $20,000 in new, reinstated, or increased cash gifts and grants, CIC will match it—doubling the impact for students in need to $40,000! Visit our donation pagetoday and select “Scholarship Challenge Match” to help change the lives of students and reach our goal!
Tap Into Your Network!
Do you have friends and family who value education? Start a peer-to-peer fundraiser in honor of a milestone birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion! Every new donation helps us towards meeting our scholarship challenge goal. Together, we can make a difference—one scholarship at a time!
The Time is Always Right to Help a Student in Need
When Ashly Cedeno had the opportunity to join a mentorship program, she was unaware of how meeting with her mentor weekly would make all the difference. “We even shared some classes, which was reassuring—we bonded over the struggles of physics labs and exams”. Her mentor’s experiences reminded her that she wasn’t alone in facing academic challenges.
There was a point in Ashly’s freshman year when she doubted whether she could make it in her STEM program, but seeing her mentor succeed in similar courses gave her the confidence to keep going. “Her guidance and encouragement helped me stay on track. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that support”.
During that same year, Ashly received emergency funds from ACI which provided crucial financial relief in a time of need. That support ensured she could focus on her studies without the added stress of unexpected expenses.
Now, you have the chance to make a difference. Join us in supporting students bymaking a gift today. Every contribution helps provide mentorship, resources, and encouragement to students who need it most.
P.S. Inflation is a challenge for everyone, but especially for students. Will your company match your gift to double its impact? Your generosity goes even further with corporate matching!
er how the A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Scholarship transform
accepted by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). 
ents navigate their university journeys with confidence and care.”
