ACI Scholar: Mikalle Montgomery – McKendree University
Event Recap: New ACI Breakfast Forum - April 11, 2o24
Webinar Reveals Research on Student Voice on May 14 with Campus Sonar
ACI in Crain's Chicago Business - Letter to the Editor
Transformative Colleges Initiative Meeting - April Meeting
ACI Board Approves Budget, Re-elects Members and Appoints New Trustees
ACI Attends the 2024 State Councils Annual Conference
ACI in the Community
ACI Members in the News
Foundations, Organizations, Individuals Support ACI Initiatives and Programs
Your Gift: Invest in Student Growth at ACI Member Schools
Upcoming Events
This newsletter reflects an incredibly busy second quarter of the year for ACI! We have gained momentum in many ways from the new ACI Breakfast Forum, conversations with other State Councils, our new partnership with BravenX, and convenings around what the future looks like in shifting more conventional business models into transformative ones.
Of course, the progress around our “25 for 25” Scholarship Challenge has also kept us busy in reaching out to those who care about encouraging a college education and building a workforce that has the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing world. We have reconnected with former ACI Trustees and others who understand and appreciate the value that our member schools and their students bring to the wellbeing of Illinois.
At ACI, each student’s journey is a story of resilience and determination to obtain a degree. If you are able, I encourage you to read more about the challenge at the close of this newsletter and contribute today!
Your support enables students to confidently pursue their education, and your belief in our cause fuels our determination to make a greater impact for our member schools.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the positive changes we can achieve together by your continuing to join us on the journey.
Mikalle Montgomery – McKendree University Fiducient Advisors Knowledge is Power Scholarship
Mikalle Montgomery made a promise to her mother, Ypakka, before her death in March 2020, from a heart attack: that she would complete her college education and earn a degree. “I told her that college is not just for me. It’s for us,” she says. “Because not many Black kids in Chicago get to go to college.” Montgomery’s father passed away in 2015. The junior from Chicago lives on her own and attends McKendree University, majoring in sociology.
A reason why she chose McKendree is that she earned several college credits from a community college while she was in high school, and those credits transferred. At the university, Montgomery developed close relationships with professors and staff. “It’s a great place to network. I had all these people in my life that just kept me on track when my mom passed away. It hit hard, but they were pushing me the hardest to keep going,” she says.
On April 11, ACI hosted the 2024 Breakfast Forum: Harnessing the Power of Inclusion at the law offices of Saul Ewing in Chicago.
The first of its kind event for ACI brought together change agents from around the region to connect with one another to share key strategies for moving conversions forward about diversity, equity and inclusion on our campuses, in our communities and in our boardrooms.
Attendees heard from our rockstar event panelists and speakers: Marquis Miller, VP of Economic Development, Obama Foundation served as our keynote speaker, while Shannon Fuller - VP of Talent, Health Care Service Corporation, Tyronne Stoudemire - SVP of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Hyatt Corporation and Liz Gross - CEO, Campus Sonar served as Q&A panelists. Toby Eveland, Chicago Managing Partner, Saul Ewing served as the event moderator.
Post conversation, designated time was created for roundtable discussions and networking to continue the dialogue. Thanks to a great turnout of support from wonderful sponsors, the event raised nearly $65,000 in funding for future ACI programs and initiatives with added donations totaling $12,741. Major themes highlighted were:
The increasing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in various aspects of society, including education, the workplace, and economic development.
An emphasis on active awareness of community needs and the potential economic benefits of those needs being met.
How underrepresented groups face challenges in the workplace and creating a work environment that is not only psychologically safe, but also embraces the importance of changing attitudes towards work among younger generations.
To view photos of the event, please click here. To hear an audio version of the conversation, please click here.
The Forum has been funded through a First Opportunity Partners grant from the Council of Independent Colleges with support from the UPS Foundation.
Webinar Reveals Research on Student Voice with Campus Sonar
Join ACI and Campus Sonar for a webinar entitled Hidden Voices: An Analysis of Student Conversations about DEIB in Higher Education on May 14th at 3:00 p.m. Central to discuss trends impacting students on campuses today. Together, we will dive into two years of online conversation trends about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education to learn:
How students show up in the conversation
Volume and sentiment trends
Most common topics of discussion
Trends by identity
Our host for the conversation will be Liz Gross, CEO + Founder at Campus Sonar along with DJ Pepito Chavez, Senior Director at the Society for College and University Planning and ACI Executive Director April Arnold.
Campus Sonar conducted a social intelligence study on behalf of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) to inform inclusive integrated campus planning strategies. During this exclusive preview of the results for ACI, we’ll engage in a discussion about the implications of the findings for colleges, universities, and employers and explore ways to further center student voices in the higher ed DEIB conversation.
To register for the webinar, please click, here. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
For questions, please email Michelle Mulder, Senior Content Strategist, Campus Sonar at mmulder@campussonar.com.
ACI in Crain's Chicago Business - Letter to the Editor
In response to a recent Crain's article about the headwinds impacting DEI work, ACI submitted a letter to the editor about the topic. The piece is timely for what we are seeing in our communities and boardrooms and the potential impact on ACI students. Read the letter to the editor here.
When you have a moment, please read and share far and wide with your networks. It's important to amplify these conversations as much as possible to help improve the workplace conditions that will impact our ACI students.
Transformative Colleges Initiative Meeting
Below, April Arnold, center, back row, with ACI Board Member Leah Wallace and ACI Program Consultant Leslie Scarpace, back row, far right, joins other conversation participants Aaron Kuecker and Coté Soerens from Trinity Christian College, Andre Hebert from Chicago Scholars, and Dr. Claudia Mercado, Paula Hanley, and Joseph Saucedo from Partnerships for Education and Tamice Spencer-Helms from Sub:Culture Inc. for a post-session photo.
The Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI) serves as a groundbreaking convening platform for college presidents in Illinois, inviting them to rethink and shift their business models toward a collaborative approach with other institutions to innovate for college affordability. This initiative focuses on leveraging the abundant resources of local ecosystems to create proactive, upstream solutions to challenges such as student debt and enhancing student well-being.
Trinity Christian College has already began piloting solutions, which include redesigning academic schedules to enhance student well-being, reducing tuition costs, and creating real-world learning opportunities in partnership with local businesses. It has already shown promising results, such as significant reductions in the use of counseling services by students, a decrease in academic concerns and dismissals, and an increase in student retention rates. Additionally, local small businesses in the South Side of Chicago have benefited from growth funding and increased capacity through partnerships with students.
By inviting college presidents and other leaders to this convening platform, TCI hopes to create a learning community of peers that champions innovation based on mutuality, collaboration, and student-centered solutions.
To learn more about this initiative, please contact President Aaron Kuecker, Trinity Christian College at akuecker@trnty.edu.
ACI Board Approves Budget, Re-elects Members and Appoints New Trustees
On April 19, the ACI Board of Trustees met to discuss a robust agenda and plot the course of activity for the coming year. Among the meeting highlights, the Board of Trustees renewed the two-year term of Trustee Gene Crume, President of Judson University and approved the appointment of three new Trustees: Dave Barnett, DeVry University, Peter Fissinger, Fissinger Fundraising, LLC and Passion Johnson, Tawani Enterprises. Congratulations Gene and welcome Dave, Peter and Passion!
In addition, the Trustees reviewed ACI financials and approved a $1.1 million dollar budget for the coming year. The approved budget reflects the continuation of ACI school memberships and expected growth of events like the April 11 Breakfast Forum, as well as the deepening of partnership opportunities with organizations like Braven to further support member school students.
Finally, the Board heard a presentation on a recent strategic communications assessment that took place over the previous six months. The assessment explored ACI internal/external capabilities, messaging and branding as well as audience engagement. Recommendations include increased visibility for ACI leadership, members and partners, expanded digital and social media capabilities as well as continued enhancements to the ACI website.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.
ACI Attends the 2024 State Councils Annual Conference
Recently, Executive Director April Arnold and Director of Administration and Scholarships Daisy Gomez represented ACI at the 2024 CIC State Councils Annual Conference in New Orleans. Participants of the conference explored timely trends in fundraising and higher education, ways to effectively support member presidents, and leadership strategies and opportunities, with programming that offered communication tools and approaches to make the case for state associations.
The Annual Conference provides state executives, fundraising officers, and communication and operations staff with face-to-face networking opportunities as well as time to share best practices with colleagues. Participants also had the opportunity to think innovatively about State Council work and its impact on independent higher education.
Below, April Arnold, second row, far right, and Daisy Gomez, just left of center, join other conference participants for a post-session photo.
ACI in the Community
ACI Attends Hispanic Alliance of Career Enhancement’s (HACE) National Summit
ACI Executive Director April Arnold joined ACI Trustee Patricia Mota for the Hispanic Alliance of Career Enhancement’s (HACE) National Summit, where Mota serves as the President and CEO. The theme of the event was encapsulated in this powerful idea “Avanza—Where Momentum Meets Opportunity!”
As HACE blends its tradition and innovation, Avanza captures the energy of advancement and a relentless drive toward new heights in a personal and professional way. Mota and Arnold (pictured below) joined corporate leaders, educators, elected officials, employers and many professionals to discuss ways to promote, invest and support talent who can grow into leadership roles, defining the mission of diversity and inclusion for major companies. For over 40 years, Hispanic Alliance of Career Enhancement (HACE) has been committed to the Latinx community, specifically dedicated to the employment, development, and advancement of current and aspiring Latino professionals.
ACI Attends HSF Leaders Uniting and Networking for Advancement (LUNA) Meeting
President Susana Rivera-Mills of Aurora University and ACI Executive Director April Arnold recently attended the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Chicago convening for an opportunity to engage with the HSF network in the community. LUNA gatherings bring together HSF Scholars, Alumni, and other professionals to network, build relationships, and advance higher education. Pictured below, Rivera-Mills, a former HSF scholar herself, joins other HSF scholar alumni for a photo.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, Scholars, and Alumni as possible. HSF has awarded over $730 million in scholarships and provides a broad range of programs and support services for students, parents, HSF Scholars, and HSF Alumni. For more information about HSF, please visit HSF.net.
ACI Members in the News
Elder Appointed New President at St. Xavier St. Xavier University appoints Dr. Keith Elder as its 22nd President. Dr. Elder, a nationally renowed leader in higher education, began his tenure at St. Xavier on March 1st. For more information on the appointment, please click here to read the press release from St. Xavier. Welcome and congratulations Dr. Elder!
Judson University Acquires the Ambria College of Nursing
President Gene Crume announced that Judson University has acquired the Ambria College of Nursing, which is a significant milestone in their strategic vision to expand educational opportunities in the healthcare field. The acquisition aligns with the Judson University vision of “Shaping lives that shape the world."
President Crume stated, “Ambria has an exceptional reputation in nursing education, and together Judson and Ambria will continue to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers and make a positive impact in their communities. We look forward to integrating the Ambria College of Nursing faculty, staff and students into the Judson University community in the weeks ahead and continuing to uphold the highest standards of excellence in nursing education."
For more information on the acquisition, contact Cassidy Loeppky, Director of Communications and Marketing at cassidy.loeppky@judsonu.edu.
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 February 1, these generous foundations, companies, and organizations awarded grants to ACI:
$25,000, Donald A Campbell Trust
$12,500, Dillon Foundation
$10,000, Siragusa Family Foundation
$5,000, Environmental Design International inc.
$5,000, Hogan, Marren, Babbo, & Rose LTD
$5,000, Jackson Lewis
$5,000, PNC Bank
$2,500, DeVry University
$2,500, FORVIS Foundation
$2,500, Gallagher
$2,500, John and Kathleen Schreiber Charitable Fund
$2,500, The Virtual Care Group
$2,500, William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
$1,610, Saul Ewing LLP
$1,361, The J. Rich Company, LLC
$500, Fissinger Fundraising LLC
$500, Kensington International
$250, JW Croft Consulting Group
In addition, these individuals took part in ACI's monthly giving program or provided other gifts to ACI since February 1:
Ruben Abarca
Angela T. Allen
Ashley Allen
James Applegate
April Arnold
Elise Awwad
Ellen Babbitt
Celeste N. Baker
Jane Beatty
Susy Best
Jack Bloun
Emily P. Bothfeld
Lyn Bulman
Jonathan Chaparro
Elizabeth Cook
Karen Courtheoux
Louis Diez
Mary Deweese
Danna Dotson
Catriona Duncan
Anthony B Ferguson
Toya Garcia-Bradow
Liz Gross
Howard and Kristen Hamilton
Nichole Johnson
Anthony P. LoBello
Olivia Lorimer
Patricia Mota
Kassandra Olea
Steven D. Olson
Jorja A. Porter
Brian Powers
Matthew Roling
Leslie Sawyer
Pam Schilling
Fred Siegman
Rebecca Starr
Naomi Tselepis
Leah D Wallace
Arto Woodley
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 Barbara Jolliff at 312-263-2391, ext. 5 for further assistance.
ACI gratefully recognizes the commitment of these foundations, individuals and organizations that contributed to our mission. THANK YOU!
We’re Halfway to our “25 for 25” Scholarship Goal!
Join us as we keep pushing the boundaries to help more students! Because of generous people like you, we are already halfway to our $25,000 goal for increased scholarship support for the 2025 academic year. Your partnership is essential in our mission to provide an exceptional and inclusive liberal arts education.
Thanks to a $25,000 Scholarship Challenge Grant for the 2024-2025 academic year from the Council of Independent Colleges. We have already raised $12,525 in new, renewed, or increased cash gifts or grants to specifically meet the challenge. Every dollar helps to reach this goal by September to unlock an added $25,000!
Simply visit our giving page and note “CIC Scholarship Challenge” for your chance to help us make a difference in the life of a student. Together, let's make sure students have the support they need to obtain their degrees.
Help us now to empower more students at ACI member schools: https://www.acifund.org/giving.
In gratitude,
April Arnold
Executive Director
Tues., May 14: Student Voices Webinar with Campus Sonar, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tues., May 28 to Thurs. May 30: ACI Campus visits in Central and Southern Illinois
Wed., June 5: Presidents Quarterly Conversations, via Zoom, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri., June 7: Provosts Quarterly Conversations, via Zoom, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tues., June 11: Peer Mentoring Coordinators Annual Meeting, via Zoom, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wed., June 19: Juneteenth, ACI office closed
Thurs., July 4: Independence Day, ACI office closed
Thurs., July 11: ACI Board Meeting, via Zoom, 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Augustana College - Aurora University - Blackburn College - Benedictine University - Dominican University 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 - Wheaton College
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