Fall 2022
A MESSAGE FROM the Executive Director
Dear CSU Alumni Family,
 
Gratitude is all that comes to mind when I think of my first few months in this job. My new colleagues have been welcoming and helpful, the university community has taken me in as family, and the alumni, donors and partners have inspired me through the depth and breadth of their generosity as champions for CSU scholars. With the holiday season now in full swing and as the fall semester comes to a close, I think we can all find something to be grateful for.

We've had a busy season at the Foundation: we hosted our third annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala benefiting CSU scholars, engaged new partners, and we are eagerly planning new alumni engagement opportunities for 2023. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage students, partners, and alumni in person on campus in the coming year and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. The CSU community has proven that as always, we are stronger, together. 

Sincerely,

Melanie Sillas
Executive Director
Chicago State Foundation
COUGARS Give Back
Alumni Legacy

Olive Blair Waugh was a two-time alumna and long time employee of CSU, working in various faculty and staff position between 1977 and 2005, most notably overseeing what is now called the Office of Career Development, Ms. Waugh passed away in 2020, but her friends and family did not let her CSU legacy end there. A group of fellow alumni and long time colleagues raised the money needed to purchase a bench in her honor. It was installed outside the Cordell Reed Student Union Building and dedicated this summer with the her family, friends, colleagues, and the CSU community.

The gift didn't stop there. In addition to the new bench, this group of alumni also collected enough money to award a scholarship to a student studying in the program Ms. Waugh graduated from years earlier. It was a beautiful day for such an event and a great opportunity to memorialize a loved one.

Click here to see the photos from the touching event. If you would like to explore giving opportunities like this, contact the foundation office via email.

1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Inspiration

This fall, the Chicago State Foundation hosted its third annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Inspiration, presented by Chase Bank. Thank you to all of the guests and sponsors, including the CTC/CSU Alumni Association who was a silver sponsor this year. The event filled the Harris Theater Rooftop on a beautiful, albeit chilly, fall evening. Current students in the CSU Jazz Band performed during cocktail hour, and the evening raised over $375,000 for student scholarships. Click here to see the pictures from the evening, and consider attending next year's event. Details will be released in the spring.
Be A Champion

During high school, Nick couldn't see himself in college. Like so many others, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do, until a passion opened his eyes to a career path that requires a college degree.

CSU's Rise Academy has enabled Nick to attend college and get an upper hand by participating in additional support programming not offered at other schools.

Thanks to the village of supportive donors, faculty and staff, Nick has not only been able to afford college this year, but the CSU community has helped him to do more than just survive college, he's thriving! His courses have challenged him and his professors are teaching him how to level up to meet those new challenges.
WHAT'S NEW at CSU
New Alumni Association Board Nominations Now Open

Have you been wondering how you might be able to get more involved with your alma mater? This is your chance.

The CTC/CSU Alumni Association Board of Directors seeks to fill open positions in 2023 for a two-year term to begin January 31, 2023. They are looking for dedicated, hardworking, and enthusiastic board members to foster and strengthen the bond between the Chicago State University and its alumni, students, staff, parents, friends and community. 

If you are interested in joining the Board, or have additional questions, please contact the Governance and Nominating Committee at [email protected]. 

Applicants will be accepted until 5pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Membership in the alumni association must be current to serve on the board. 
New Athletic Leadership

This fall, Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq. announced the hiring of Dr. Monique Carroll as the University's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The appointment follows a comprehensive nationwide search led by an internal search committee and supported by higher education placement firm Renaissance Search and Consulting.

Read about Dr. Carroll's extensive experience here and make a point to attend some great Cougar competition. See sport schedules here.
COUGAR Spotlight
Alumnus Receives MacArthur Fellowship

This fall, alumnus Ruben Johnathan Miller was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship. The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the MacArthur Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.

CSU College of Pharmacy
Celebrates 10 Years

On Saturday, December 3, 2022, the College of Pharmacy hosted its inaugural alumni reunion celebrating the College's first graduating class, the Class of 2012. Current and former faculty and administrators attended the event to commemorate the founding graduating Doctor of Pharmacy class. The event was held on the 3rd floor of Douglas Hall, College of Pharmacy. Congratulations to the College on this exciting milestone.
Alumnus Nominated For Awards

CSU CMAT alumni and current CSU Marketing colleague, Blake Reasoner has received his first post grad nominations as an actor. This fall, Blake was nominated for two Black Theater Alliance Awards. The first nomination is shared with his cast and crew mates with the “Negro Ensemble Company Award”. The second is his own as he is nominated for “The Bill Bojangles Robinson Award Best Featured Actor in a Musical”. The ceremony took place on October 4, 2022 at Columbia College Chicago and although Blake didn't win, he confirms that he was honored just to be nominated.

Congratulations, Blake!
Cougar Congratulations!

Dr. Patrice Boyles, '93, '00 - Appointed the new Dean of Continuing Education and Non-Traditional Programs.

Betty Edwards - Appointed Director of the Child Development Center.

Jason Carter, Esq., became a part of CSU as Vice President of Legal Affairs, Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel.

Niambi Smith has joined CSU as Assistant Director of Partnerships for Academic and Student Affairs.

Stetson Marshall has joined CSU as Chief Internal Auditor.

Jamar Orr, Esq. has joined CSU in the capacity of Associate General Counsel for Compliance and Title IX (TIX) Coordinator in the Office of Legal Affairs

This fall, the Chicago State Foundation welcomed new members to its Board of Directors; Yemi Akisanya, Kimberly Evans and Katrina D. Jackson.
Remembered with Love

It is with our heartfelt sympathy that we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all Cougars that have passed in recent months. Some of those include:

Barbara J. Kelly passed away December 5, 2022 at the age of 94. She met her late husband when she was a student at Chicago Teacher's College.

Rogers Clarence Mitchell passed away November 24, 2022 at the age of 96. He was a WWII veteran and became a lifelong teacher in CPS after earning his teaching degree at Chicago Teachers College in the 1950's.

Lois Joan Jansen passed away November 13, 2022 at the age of 91. She was a teacher in District 59 for decades, after earning her degree from CTC.

Patricia Laschober passed away on November 24 at the age of 76. She was a teacher and administrator in CPS for over 30 years, earning her credentials at CTC.
COUGARS Stay Connected
SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE

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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On behalf of the entire CSU community, may your holiday season be filled with joy and gratitude.
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