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Dear Alumni Family,
As winter begins to loosen its grip, campus remains full of energy and progress. Even in the cold, there is a sense of momentum everywhere you look. Construction projects are wrapping up, new ones are getting underway, and each improvement reflects our commitment to building a stronger future for the entire CSU community. You can feel that excitement not only in our facilities, but in our students — including the growing number now on campus as members of our new football team, preparing to make history as Cougar Athletics continues to expand.
You’ve likely seen the headlines about the new Metra stop just steps from campus, and the exciting plans for University Village at 95th — a bold vision that will help transform both our campus and the surrounding neighborhood. At the same time, important work is happening behind the scenes: infrastructure repairs, facility upgrades, finishing touches on the new pool, and soon the installation of legacy bricks at the center of campus, honoring the supporters whose commitment to Chicago State will quite literally be set in stone for generations to come.
Chicago State is preparing for its next chapter — one defined by growing enrollment, expanding programs, and the student support systems needed to help every Cougar succeed. This kind of progress doesn’t happen alone. Our alumni family plays a vital role in sustaining this momentum, and your continued engagement makes a real difference.
There are more ways than ever to stay connected — by joining the Alumni Association, volunteering your time, attending events, mentoring students and recent alum, or taking advantage of our expanding alumni benefits. Every connection strengthens the pride and possibility that define Chicago State.
Let's continue to show the power of the CSU community—because we are always stronger, together.
With Cougar Pride,
| | Melanie Sillas, President
Chicago State Foundation | | | Alumni Generosity in Action | | |
Thanks to a generous $250,000 donation made possible by Chicago State University alumnus Michael Johnson, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County in Madison, Wisconsin, CSU students received free Dove personal care products through on-campus distributions.
This meaningful contribution reflects Mr. Johnson’s continued commitment to his alma mater and to supporting the well-being of CSU students.
We are deeply grateful for his generosity and proud to see Cougar alumni investing in the next generation—because supporting our students means meeting real needs, and because once a Cougar, always a Cougar.
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Become an Advocate for CSU's First-Ever
Day of Giving on March 24th
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For the first time, the Chicago State Foundation will host a CSU Day of Giving—a 24-hour celebration of generosity uniting the entire campus community in support of our students.
Every college, along with several non-academic departments, is participating—and you can, too. Whether you give, advocate, or spread the word, your involvement helps strengthen the programs and opportunities that move CSU forward.
You can be a part of the action! Become an Advocate, and share the campaign with your network, encouraging participation. Click here to see our Day of Giving Advocate Toolkit to help you spread the word far and wide.
Get your gift in early or click Become an Advocate here, and get a unique giving link attached to your name. Advocates with the most donors and the most dollars will get special prizes after the campaign is over. Watch for details as we count down to this exciting milestone day of impact.
| | Join CSU in Springfield on April 16th | | |
Join Chicago State University for a day of advocacy for adequate, equitable higher education funding from the State of Illinois. On Thursday, April 16th, CSU and other public universities will gather in Springfield to show our support for Senate Bill 13 and House Bill 1581.
We will educate members of the Illinois General Assembly on CSU's impact on the state economy, and raise awareness about the need to pass the equitable funding formula for all of Illinois' public universities. Your advocacy is critical to securing a historic investment that will ensure more students have access to affordable higher education and the campus experience they deserve at CSU after years of disinvestment.
Alumni, students, faculty and staff will travel together from campus on April 16, 2026. Join us by registering today!
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First-Ever Brick Campaign Installation Coming Soon
Chicago State has launched its first-ever campus brick program, giving donors a unique opportunity to leave a permanent mark on campus for generations to come.
The project will soon come to fruition by installing the bricks this spring, ahead of a celebration for all the donors shortly thereafter. Alumni account for more than 60% of brick purchases so far, joined by longtime faculty, loyal donors, and valued corporate partners who all share a deep commitment to CSU’s future.
Brick purchases will continue as an option for a couple of years, but to get in on the initial installation and celebration event, get your order in by April 1st.
Make your mark on CSU scholars with a brick of your own — honor your family, recognize your graduating class, or leave an inspiring message for future Cougars. Proceeds directly support student success initiatives and University priorities.
Get your brick today!
| | CSU's First-Ever Football Schedule Released | | |
CSU has finalized their first ever football schedule for the upcoming season this fall. The Cougar home field will be at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL. The Cougars will play as an Independent in 2026 before joining the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2027. The 2026 schedule features home games against Roosevelt, Kentucky Christian, Norfolk State, Fort Lauderdale, and Virginia-Lynchburg, among others.
Season tickets are on sale now at 773-995-2296, and Chicago State Alumni Association (CSAA) members are being honored with a special discount.
CSAA Members receive 20% off Season Tickets for the Inaugural Chicago State Football Season, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, and Volleyball. Support your Cougars all year long and be part of the excitement across every home venue. Call the Athletics Ticket Office at 773-995-2296 to receive your exclusive member discount code and purchase online at GoCSUCougars.com. Let’s pack the stands — Go Cougars!
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Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam Receives IEEE Student Branch Counselor Award
Chicago State University proudly celebrates Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST), on receiving the IEEE Student Branch Counselor Award with Citation from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The award recognizes his outstanding mentorship, leadership, and dedication to student success. The citation specifically honors his commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and the core values of IEEE. Under Dr. Salam’s leadership, CSU established its IEEE Student Branch—broadening opportunities for students to engage in research, develop leadership skills, and connect with national professional networks.
Congratulations to Dr. Salam on this well-earned and distinguished achievement.
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FOLLOW THE CSAA ON SOCIAL MEDIA
To stay in the know, be sure we have your updated email information here, and follow our CSAA accounts on social media below.
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Alumni can take advantage of some great alumni benefits, including several discount programs....
- Season ticket discount to Cougar Athletics events
- Campus Child Care Center Discount
- Local and national discount program
- Homebuyer Assistance program
- Health club membership at ChiTown Mecca Fitness
- CSU's Options Program
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Join CSU professor and Director of the CSU Counseling Center, Dr. Christine Brown, as she co-hosts a Restoration Room healing seminar for women.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
6 - 8 PM
Gwendolyn Brooks Library, Room 302
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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
and is located on CSU's campus.
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