A MESSAGE FROM the Executive Director | |
|
Dear Alumni Family,
As the autumn weather quickly brings new growth to a halt in our yards and neighborhood parks, at CSU growth seems to be our middle name.
From the growing sports expansion effort and new athletic conference, campus capital projects, our record breaking gala, and new alumni programming, I don't know where to begin. So let me start with the issues most important to you, our alumni.
This summer, we announced the reorganization of our new alumni association: the Chicago State Alumni Association, or CSAA for short. Since its launch in July, the CSAA has hosted a number of new events, secured a few new benefits, and the new CSAA Advisory Committees have begun work on specified tasks that include developing new ways to engage, identifying ways to support and uplift our CSU Cougars, and participating in legislative advocacy that will fight for a stronger Chicago State. Like all change, it might appear to be slow-moving from the outside, but the momentum taking place now will set the stage for an alumni peer mentoring program in 2025, alumni having a seat at the table for scholarship allocation, and the start of a CSU Cougars Hall of Fame someday in the future. This is all taking place among other large lifts that are the start of important discussions in offices and around conference tables across campus....all in the spirit of building community for alumni.
To be sure your interests are heard, take our alumni survey by December 31. This survey will inform alumni programming decisions for the next few years. Don't miss an opportunity to engage by joining the alumni association; seeking out some of our new volunteer opportunities; attending one of our upcoming alumni event or by exploring our growing alumni benefits.
Let's never forget that we are always stronger, together.
Sincerely,
| |
|
Melanie Sillas
Executive Director
Chicago State Foundation
| |
|
|
Alumna, Veteran, and Business Owner
Giving Back In Many Ways
| |
|
When a graduate crosses the stage at commencement, most don't give their alma mater much thought beyond the possible masters degree they seek later. Appreciation for the institution is often forgotten, but sadly, ongoing alumni support is needed for the institution to grow and evolve in a positive direction, equipping it to serve future generations. This need is even greater at Chicago State University whose dependence on state budgets can often be a hinderance to progress. Education alumna, veteran, and business owner Dr. Audry Blinstrup '07, '09, understands this, and gives back to CSU in several ways today.
Dr. Blinstrup's fitness career began in 1985 when she entered the United States Air Force as a Ground Radio Operator. After returning home from military training, she began to further engage in the fitness activities she began on duty, eventually sculpting her body into an award-recognized physique on a local and national level, earning her competition awards for the past 30 years. Somehow, Dr. Blinstrup was able to manage a full career in Education at the same time, starting as an English teacher and working up to superintendent of Ombudsman Schools, overseeing all four high schools' operations. Today she continues to adjunct at multiple universities.
A strong work ethic and impressive bandwidth enabled Dr. Blinstrup to open her own gym three years ago; Chitown Mecca Fitness, using her education background to fuel her business plan and communication strategy. Reminded of the importance of a college degree, she began to get more involved at CSU. She currently offers CSU alumni a discount at Chitown (see alumni benefits here), and recently became the Alumni Seating Section sponsor in our Jones Convocation Center (JCC). Her support of CSU doesn't stop there. Dr. Blinstrup serves on the Chicago State Alumni Association Board of Advisors, helping to shape and grow alumni programming that will ultimately lead to greater support of CSU programs and students.
Without alumni support, Chicago State University would not be able to provide wrap around services and programs ensuring student persistence and success.
Dr. Blinstrup returned to the competition stage at the 2024 Tampa Pro Masters at the age of 57, earning First Place in Masters Female Bodybuilding 55 and over class. She's now preparing for 2025. Congratulations Dr. Blinstrup and thank you for your ongoing support of CSU!
| |
|
Campus Collection Drive in its Third Year
The Chicago State Foundation's annual #GivingTuesday Campus Collection Drive is on again, this time coinciding with the campus holiday tree lighting festivities. Candy canes and Hot Chocolate will be on hand at the tree lighting while supplies last!
Clean out your closets and pantry, bring some school supplies and spare change, then visit the CSU Student Union Building on December 3rd between 12 and 5pm to support the community programs that our campus departments and student groups are helping this holiday season. See the list of collections here.
| |
|
1stGEN Scholarship Gala Breaks Record
This fall marked the tremendous success of our fifth annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Accelerate, presented by United. Over 500 champions for CSU scholars showed their support by attending the cocktail event held this year at The Geraghty in Chicago's vibrant Pilsen neighborhood. The success of the evening included a record-breaking fundraising of $705,020 for student scholarships.
Several guests of honor were awarded the Cougar Servant Leadership Awards:
- Valerie Jarrett was awarded for her leadership in Public Service.
- John Atkinson was awarded for his leadership in Education Equity.
- Congressman Danny K. Davis was awarded for his Alumni achievements.
We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, whose partnership knows no bounds. The generosity of all of our sponsors supports students of Chicago State, the only 4-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois graduating more college-trained professionals of color than any other university in the Midwest.
| |
With the reorganized Chicago State Alumni Association now up and running, our leaders are taking on the challenges of moving alumni programming in a positive direction to better serve you. Below is the current leadership, with more committees coming in 2025... | |
Cynthia Jenkins-Powell '91, CSAA Board Chair
CJ, as she is known, has been an advocate for CSU long before her time as our Board Chair. She joined the previous iteration in 2023, the CTC/CSU AA, and was a key figure in the smooth transition to the reorganized CSAA this year.
Her time on our behalf doesn't end there. CJ is a nearby resident and advocate in the community, serving on several local boards and committees, each fighting for a positive Roseland.
CJ choses to serve the CSAA as Board Chair "because of my deep commitment to Chicago State University and our alumni community. I am honored to be the inaugural Board Chair of the CSAA. It is my mission to do all that I can and encourage other CSU alumni to support the efforts of past, present and future students of the Chicago State University. I will forever be a proud CSU Cougar."
| |
Ron Lynch '88, CSAA Vice-Chair, Athletics Committee
Ron has been an advocate and athlete his entire life. A former track star at CSU, holding several school records to this day, Ron has been a coach, volunteer and teacher for 40 years. He's coached several track teams including but not limited to Rich Central High School, Homewood Flossmoor High School, and is currently the head coach at Olive Harvey Community College.
Ron chooses to volunteer on the CSAA Board because "I want to increase alumni engagement with the university, especially in building a community relationship and fan base for our Chicago State Cougars".
| |
Dr. Richard Glass '98, CSAA Vice-Chair, Engagement Committee
Dr. Glass is a lifelong educator who has served in various leadership positions including Legacy Charter Schools, Urban Prep Academy, Stephen F. Gale Academy, and CPS K-8 Math and Science Academy. He is currently the Regional Vice President of Operations for Ombudsman Chicago.
His dedication to CSU stems from his passion in supporting Black men on their academic journeys toward becoming the very best they can be. His doctoral dissertation titled "How Relationships and Relevance Influence the Scholastic Attitudes of Black Males" demonstrates this passion stemming from his own roots, and for CSU, as the only 4-year Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois.
Dr. Glass chooses to serve the CSAA in this leadership role because "I have a deep love for the university, and a commitment to fostering connections among alumni. I aim to raise awareness about the university's remarkable programs and strengthen our community ties."
| |
Paris Griffin '17, CSAA Vice Chair, Advocacy Committee
Paris joins the CSAA Board with over a decade of marketing, publicity and recruiting experience. Her time in human resources has influenced her path toward advancing equity and advocating for her community.
Paris is currently the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator for the Obama Foundation, and impacting change at CSU by leading our legislative advocacy effort. She was even on hand with fellow alumni and legislative representatives Marcus Evans and Nick Smith at CSU's recent Stroll to the Polls event, encouraging CSU students to make their voices heard by voting for the first time.
| |
Cougar Volleyball Take #1 | |
The Chicago State volleyball team made history Saturday Nov 23 defeating FDU 3-0 to win the Northeast Conference tournament title and will advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history
In just their first season in the Northeast Conference, the Chicago State volleyball team compiled a 13-1 record, earning the title as the NEC regular season champions!
The Cougars were dominant:
-
Head coach Tony Trifonov was named NEC Coach of the Year.
-
Sophomore Patrycja Lagida was named NEC Player of the Year.
-
Sophomore Wiktoria Zagumny was named NEC Setter of the Year.
Joining Lagida and Zagumny on the NEC First Team All-Conference squad were teammates Julieta Sandez and Andrea Calderon while Berenice Almeyda and Karly Klaer were named to the Second Team.
For being the NEC regular season champs, Chicago State earned the right to host the NEC Championship Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 and won, making CSU history! Congratulations, Ladies and Coach Trifonov!
| |
|
Dr. Garcia Named 2024 APS Fellow
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Edmundo J. Garcia-Solis on being elected as a 2024 Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). Dr. Garcia received this prestigious honor, as recognized by the Council of Representatives, "for his outstanding efforts in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of physics, advocating for physicists from underrepresented backgrounds, and providing global research opportunities for undergraduate students."
This is a significant honor for the university as well. As Illinois' only four-year U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), CSU is dedicated to educating diverse students who become leaders in STEM disciplines. Read more about this honor here.
| |
|
Several departments on campus want to hear from you!
We are collecting information that will inform programming in several ways. All surveys are brief. Read about each one below and determine which ones are most appropriate for you.
| |
|
The Chicago State Alumni Association (CSAA) is up and running and ready for alumni input. To help inform CSAA programing, we ask that ALL ALUMNI please take our first-ever all alumni survey. It will be open until December 31. It's brief, only ten minutes, and will inform programming decisions for years to come. Make your alumni voice heard today!
| |
Last year, CSU released an economic development plan with recommendations for 95th Street Redevelopment on CSU's campus that reflected feedback from hundreds of campus and community members. The engagement found significant campus and community interest for creating a university village experience with amenities that benefit our students and community. Your participation is crucial to the success of this transformative project.
| |
Were you an F-1 international student visa holder while you studied at CSU? The Office of Global Engagement would like to hear from you. Help inform their engagement decisions and affect current international students by taking their survey.
| |
Are you a graduate of our counseling program? CSU's Graduate Counseling Program is working on their CACREP Reaccreditation and needs your feedback. Take their survey to help the program remain at CSU. Degrees for this survey include School Counseling, Type 73 School Counseling Certification, and Clinical Mental Health (formerly community mental health).
| |
|
New Cougar Spotlight Webpage
Continuing to grow the spotlight on CSU's impressive alumni, we've launched a new Cougar Spotlight page, featuring Alumni Quotes, Alumni in the News, In Memoriam, and soon hope to feature Alumni Success Stories. Check out the page and fill out the Alumni Success Stories form to tell your story today to be a part of this inaugural showcase of the spectacular alumni from Chicago Teachers College and Chicago State University.
| |
|
Become an Alumni Ambassador
As a new alumni volunteer opportunity, refer prospective students to our Admissions team and share your CSU story to help shape the future generations of Cougars. Register today!
| |
|
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.
| |
Follow the CSAA on social media | |
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. | | | | |
