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Dear Alumni Family,
There is a great deal to celebrate at Chicago State University! Over the past several months, we've welcomed significant growth in student enrollment, celebrated our inaugural NCAA Division I football season, and launched new academic programs in quantum science and semiconductor technology. These are important milestones, and I'm excited about the progress we're making.
I'm especially proud of the generosity our Cougar community has demonstrated this year. In September, our 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Aspire, presented by Northern Trust raised nearly $900,000 to support Chicago State students. This was an extraordinary accomplishment, made possible by alumni, corporate partners, and friends who believe in our students and the University's future.
As alumni, you are an important part of Chicago State's success. Whether through philanthropy, mentorship, advocacy, or simply staying connected, your involvement matters. You know firsthand the value of a Chicago State education, and your continued engagement helps ensure that future generations of Cougars have access to even greater opportunities.
I'm also pleased to welcome Marcus Hamlin, our new Director of Alumni Engagement. As an HBCU graduate, he brings an appreciation for the lifelong connections that make alumni communities so special. You'll have an opportunity to hear directly from him in this edition of the newsletter, and I hope you'll join me in welcoming him to the Cougar family.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay connected by joining the Chicago State Alumni Association (CSAA), attending an upcoming event, or consider opportunities to volunteer, and support our students. There are many ways to make a difference, and we'd love to see more of our alumni engaged.
Thank you for all that you do for Chicago State. We have accomplished a great deal, and I look forward to what we'll achieve together.
Warmly,
| | Melanie Sillas, President
Chicago State Foundation | | | 2026 1stGEN Scholarship Gala Raises Nearly $900,000 for Chicago State Students | | |
On September 25, more than 500 guests gathered at The Geraghty for the Chicago State Foundation's seventh annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Aspire, presented by Northern Trust, raising money in support of scholarships and student success initiatives at Chicago State University.
This year's celebration placed CSU students at the heart of the evening. The CSU Jazz Band welcomed guests during the cocktail reception, while the CSU Drumline made its Gala debut, leading attendees into the dining room and bringing an unmistakable sense of Cougar pride to the program. Throughout the evening, students shared their experiences, aspirations, and the impact of philanthropic support on their educational journeys.
The Gala also recognized three outstanding leaders for their contributions to public service, education, and the community:
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John C. Robak received the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Public Service.
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Mara Botman received the Cougar Servant Leader Award for Education Equity.
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Rep. Nicholas Smith received the Alumni Achievement Award.
Learn more about our 2026 honorees.
The evening's success reflects the generosity of our sponsors, alumni, and friends, whose investments help remove financial barriers, strengthen student support programs, and create opportunities for CSU students to earn their degrees.
Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or contributed to this year's Gala. Your partnership made this remarkable evening possible!
Save the Date! The eighth annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala will take place on Friday, September 24, 2027. We look forward to celebrating with you again!
| | 56 Alumni Step Up for CSU Football! | |
A special thank you to the 56 alumni who answered the call to support Chicago State Football through our 250 Alumni Challenge! Together, they contributed $5,800 by the campaign deadline, with total giving reaching $6,300 by the end of Homecoming weekend.
While the funds raised will make a meaningful difference for our student-athletes, we're equally excited about the alumni who stepped forward to participate. Every gift, regardless of size, represents a Cougar choosing to invest in the next generation and be part of this exciting chapter in Chicago State's history.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared the campaign, or encouraged a fellow Cougar to get involved. Your engagement matters, and we look forward to building on this momentum!
Once a Cougar, always a Cougar!
| | Chicago State Alumni Association Welcomes New Director, Marcus Hamlin. | | |
Chicago State University is pleased to welcome Marcus L. Hamlin as its new Director of Alumni Engagement!
A Chicago native, Marcus brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education advancement and alumni relations, with a strong background in building alumni networks, increasing engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for graduates to stay connected to their institutions.
Before joining CSU, Marcus served as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving at Columbia College Chicago, where he helped expand alumni participation, strengthen volunteer engagement, and launch new alumni initiatives, including the college's first Creative Homecoming. He previously held advancement roles at Northeastern Illinois University.
A proud graduate of Jackson State University, Marcus understands the lifelong connections that make HBCU alumni communities special. He is a life member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association and remains active in its Chicago Alumni Chapter.
At Chicago State, Marcus looks forward to strengthening relationships across the Cougar community and creating more opportunities for alumni to connect with one another, mentor students, volunteer, and support the University's future.
Please join us in welcoming Marcus to the Cougar family!
Connect with Marcus: mhamlin@csu.edu | LinkedIn
| | CSU Announces New Partnership with
Forest Preserve Golf | | |
CSU has established an exciting new partnership with Forest Preserve Golf, which will serve as the official home of the Cougars’ NCAA Division I men’s and women’s golf programs through the 2027 season.
This collaboration provides CSU student-athletes with access to Forest Preserve Golf’s extensive network of 10 golf courses and three driving ranges across Cook County, creating expanded opportunities for training, competition, and athletic development.
The partnership reflects CSU’s continued commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience while strengthening connections throughout the Chicagoland community.
| | Chicago State Celebrates the Legacy of Alumnus and Civil Rights Leader Albert "Al" Raby | |
Chicago State University was proud to join family members, community leaders, and supporters for the dedication of Al Raby Way, honoring alumnus Al Raby, a civil rights leader, educator, and advocate for educational equity whose work helped shape Chicago's history.
A graduate of Chicago Teachers College, now Chicago State University, Raby turned his experience as a Chicago educator into a lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice. He led the historic 1963 Freedom Day school boycott, helped bring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Chicago through the Chicago Freedom Movement, and later managed Harold Was
hington's successful campaign to become Chicago's first Black mayor.
The dedication of Al Raby Way and the proclamation of Al Raby Day on February 19, 2027, honor a legacy of leadership, service, and expanding opportunity. His life is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Chicago State alumni have made on our city and beyond.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Al Raby Foundation and its Executive Director and CEO, Katanya Raby, for inviting the University to participate in this special celebration and for their continued commitment to preserving and sharing his story.
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CSU Alumna Peggy A. Montes Honored by
Chicago Urban League
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Congratulations to Chicago State University alumna Peggy A. Montes, who received the Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award at the Chicago Urban League's 65th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner on November 7, 2026.
A longtime educator and community advocate, Montes is the founder and president of the Bronzeville Children's Museum, which she established in 1998 as the nation's first African American children's museum. A retired Chicago Public Schools teacher, she has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities, preserving African American history and culture, and advocating for women and children. Her contributions also include serving as chairwoman emerita of the DuSable Museum of African American History and helping establish the celebration of Women's History Month in Chicago.
Montes' commitment to education and community service also extends to her alma mater. A former member of the Chicago State University Board of Trustees, she currently serves on the Chicago State Foundation Board of Directors, continuing her longstanding support of the University and its students.
This recognition celebrates a remarkable legacy of leadership, service, and advocacy. We are proud to count Peggy among our distinguished alumni and grateful for her continued commitment to Chicago State.
Please join us in congratulating Peggy A. Montes on this well-deserved honor!
Read more about the Chicago Urban League's 2026 honorees.
| National Coalition Advances the Conversation on Predominately Black Institutions in Washington, D.C. | |
Chicago State University continues to play a leading role in advocating for Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and the students they serve.
As a co-founder of the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions, CSU joined higher education leaders, policymakers, and corporate partners in Washington, D.C., for the Coalition's fourth annual PBI Fly-In. Participants met with members of Congress and national organizations to discuss federal investments in higher education, workforce development, and economic mobility.
The convening also included a PBI Leaders' Summit, featuring conversations with corporate leaders from Northern Trust, McDonald's, Amazon, and United Airlines about preparing students for an evolving workforce, along with discussions on philanthropy, public policy, and collaboration among Minority-Serving Institutions.
CSU's leadership was also on display at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 55th Annual Legislative Conference, where the Coalition participated in a panel discussion for the first time. Hosted by Congresswoman Robin Kelly, the conversation featured President Z Scott and Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President of Medgar Evers College, and focused on student wellness and belonging at PBIs.
CSU alumnus Congressman Danny K. Davis, who championed the creation of the federal PBI designation, also participated, sharing how attending a PBI shaped opportunities for his family.
Today, 67 PBIs across 19 states serve more than 308,000 students. As Illinois' only four-year PBI, Chicago State is proud to help advance the national conversation about the essential role these institutions play in expanding educational opportunity and economic mobility.
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President Z Scott to be Honored
at Calahan Foundation Gala
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We are pleased to share that President Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott will be recognized at the Calahan Foundation's 18th Annual Celebration of Giving Scholarship Benefit Gala on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
The annual event recognizes leaders whose service and commitment to education are making a difference in their communities, while raising support for the Calahan League of College Scholars scholarship program.
President Scott's recognition reflects her leadership at Chicago State University and her commitment to expanding educational opportunities, supporting student success, and strengthening the University's role as an engine of economic mobility.
Please join us in congratulating President Scott on this well-deserved recognition!
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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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Celebrating Cougar Pride at the
2026 Presidential Alumni Homecoming Reception
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Chicago State University (CSU) alumni gathered for an evening of connection, celebration, and Cougar pride during the 2026 Presidential Alumni Homecoming Reception on October 29.
Hosted by the Chicago State Alumni Association (CSAA), the reception brought alumni together to reconnect with classmates, engage with university leadership, and celebrate the shared experiences and traditions that unite the CSU community.
Held on the fourth floor of Gwendolyn Brooks Library, the evening provided an opportunity to reflect on Chicago State’s legacy through the decades while strengthening relationships and keeping alumni connected to the university’s future.
As Cougars came together to celebrate their shared history, the reception served as a reminder that the CSU legacy continues through the lasting connections, pride, and commitment of its alumni.
| President Z Scott posing with gradates from the 20-teens decade. | |
See the complete collection of images from the night on our Facebook page.
Be sure to follow us on social media (linked above) so you don't miss invitations to this, and more alumni engagement opportunities.
| | Give Back This Giving Tuesday: Support CSU's Annual Collection Drive! | | |
This GivingTuesday, Chicago State University invites our alumni to join us in making a difference in the communities we serve! Each year, CSU student organizations and university departments lead collection drives benefiting a variety of local charitable organizations and community partners.
These efforts provide students with meaningful opportunities to fulfill their organizations' annual community service commitments while making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community. From collecting needed items to supporting local nonprofits, these student-led initiatives demonstrate the spirit of service, compassion, and Cougar pride that defines Chicago State.
We invite our alumni to be part of the impact! Consider supporting one or more of the collections (to be announced soon) and helping our students extend their reach beyond campus and into the community. You can also host your own collection by signing up here by November 20th.
Where: CSU's Student Union Building
When: Tuesday, December 1st from noon - 5pm
A complete list of participating organizations, collection needs, and donation details will be available soon. Stay tuned for more information and look for the opportunity to give back this GivingTuesday!
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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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