NLU Alumni Magazine Summer 2025

STAY INVOLVED WITH NLU!

The National Louis University Alumni Association fosters lifelong connections among alumni and the university through events, programs, and services that engage alumni and support NLU.

BECOME AN ALUMNI MENTOR

NLU has a variety of mentorship programs available for alumni to mentor current students. We also have new mentoring programs coming in the year ahead. Please look out for our bi-monthly e-newsletters that will include these opportunities and how to sign up for them. Reach out to alumni@nl.edu for assistance in finding a mentoring program that best suits you.

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2025

Reunite with your classmates and friends on campus for NLU’s annual alumni traditions. Activities include:

All-Alumni Reception and REACH Alumni Awards Ceremony – Friday, October 17

Milestone Class Reunion Lunches for four class years –Saturday, October 18

We will be celebrating the classes of 1975, 2000, 2015 and 2024! A special thank you to Terri Edelman ’75 and other 50th Anniversary alumni who are assisting us with planning our Milestone Reunion Lunch.

PRESIDENT PERSPECTIVE

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

NLU GRANT FOR RESEARCH & INFRASTRUCTURE

SOARING TOGETHER: NLU DAY 2025

2024 COMMENCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

2024 REACH ALUMNI AWARDS

LEARN AND EARN IN THREE (LE3)

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE PAST

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: TERRI EDELMAN ‘75 & SHANNON BROWN ‘92

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: RUTH DAVIS ‘98 MAT, ‘11 EdD

SCENES FROM THE COLLEGES

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP

KENDALL COLLEGE

UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF PSYCHOLOGY & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

FLORIDA CAMPUS

ACCELERATE U

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS

NLU AROUND THE WORLD

“NLU HAS LONG BEEN A BEACON OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND WE CONTINUE TO CREATE NEW PATHWAYS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION”

PRESIDENT PERSPECTIVE

Dear National Louis University alumni,

Welcome to the 2025 issue of The View, where we celebrate the achievements of our alumni, highlight the institution’s continued growth, and honor the spirit of resilience and innovation that unites our NLU community.

Last year, we proudly marked another milestone with our 2024 Commencement ceremonies in Illinois and Florida, where we watched our largest class of more than 2,500 graduates step boldly into their future. Many of our graduates overcame obstacles with unwavering determination, and were supported by NLU programs designed to make higher education more accessible and attainable.

NLU has long been a beacon of educational excellence, and we continue to create new pathways to increase access to higher education. Most recently, our three-year bachelor’s program, Learn and Earn in Three (LE3) is making it possible for students to earn a bachelor’s degree while working full-time — reinforcing our commitment to designing affordable programs with our students’ needs and success in mind. LE3 turns the employment environment into a classroom so students earn credit for their work. The program features AI-powered personalized learning, job coaching during and after the program, and a focus on building competitive skills – such as collaboration, communication and problem-solving — that are critical in today’s employment market.

To meet the evolving needs of our students and the workforce, we are adding more programs in health professions. In just its second year, our School of Nursing enrolled more than 130 students, and we continue to grow the ranks of Medical Assistants and Registered Behavior Technicians (who work with individuals on the autism spectrum) through Accelerate U, our short-term workforce credential program. We have also just launched efforts to start offering programs in physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy — all of which will begin welcoming students in the coming years.

In the spirit of collaboration and partnership, I invite you to remain connected with NLU. Join us at events, mentor the next generation of students, and lend your expertise to our growing network. Together, we will ensure that NLU’s impact extends far beyond our campus walls, creating lasting change in the lives of our students and alumni.

Sincerely,

Nivine Megahed, PhD President

Vanessa Alequin Director of Advancement Operations

Heidi Bloom Director of Foundation Relations

Shari Boiskin

Advancement Associate, Major and Planned Giving

Christopher Chantson Vice President of Institutional Advancement

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT ALUMNI RELATIONS TEAM

SPOTLIGHT: LUCIE AND DESTINY

Juel Grange ’21 MPA Advancement Associate, Annual Fund

Destiny Jackson Advancement Associate, Alumni Engagement

Michael Kenahan Director of Major and Planned Giving

Rachel Kuhn Senior Director of Advancement Strategy

Yessica Orduño-Marin Institutional Advancement Coordinator

Joel Rittle Director of Annual Giving

Lucie Sandel Senior Director of Alumni Relations

Arlene Strong Director of Government Grants

NLU is proud to highlight two of our newest Institutional Advancement team members, whose responsibilities include engaging and connecting with NLU alumni across the country and the world. Lucie Sandel, Senior Director of Alumni Relations, joined NLU in December 2024, and Destiny Jackson, Advancement Associate, Alumni Engagement, in September 2024. Lucie comes to NLU with more than 15 years of experience in alumni relations, including lengthy tenures at Northwestern University and University of Chicago. Destiny — a Chicago native and recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis — first experienced the world of alumni relations while working at the Advancement office in her first year of college, and has brought her energy and passion for the field to NLU. Together, Lucie and Destiny are creating opportunities for alumni to connect with each other, with current students, and with the institution, thereby strengthening the NLU community and increasing our collective impact. Lucie and Destiny look forward to meeting you soon and helping you explore ways to remain part of NLU — whether with your time, talent, treasure or testimony, or any combination thereof. Reach out to Lucie at lsandel@nl.edu, or Destiny at djackson82@nl.edu

NLU AWARDED $3 MILLION GRANT TO EXPAND RESEARCH AND INFRASTRUCTURE

In Fall 2024, National Louis University (NLU) was honored to be one of five HispanicServing Institutions (HSIs) to receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen our institution’s research capabilities and infrastructure.

Colleges and universities are eligible for HSI designation if more than 25% of their undergraduate students are Hispanic/Latino. HSIs serve over 4.7 million students nationwide. NLU was designated as an HSI in 2016; today, 47% of our institution’s undergraduate students identify as Hispanic/Latino.

NLU’s $3.2 million grant under this program will increase our ability to conduct and disseminate high-quality research, which, in turn, will help grow the institution’s reputation and renown. Furthermore, this investment recognizes NLU’s strong track record of preparing students for successful careers and lives, and our ability to impact even more. We look forward to sharing updates on how this grant will further elevate our institution and the communities we serve.

THIS GRANT WILL INCREASE OUR ABILITY TO CONDUCT AND DISSEMINATE HIGHQUALITY RESEARCH, WHICH, IN TURN, WILL HELP GROW THE INSTITUTION’S REPUTATION AND RENOWN

NLU DAY 2025 UNITES AND INSPIRES

On April 22, 2025, National Louis University proudly hosted its third annual NLU Day: Help Our Eagles Soar — a day devoted to celebrating the spirit of the NLU community and elevating opportunities for student success. With events held both in person and virtually, NLU Day once again served as a powerful reminder of the collective impact made possible through connection, reflection, and giving. Midday, the Chicago campus Atrium was transformed into a lively hub of activity as student organizations showcased their missions and achievements during an expo that invited meaningful engagement between students, faculty, and staff. That evening, alumni returned to share their stories during a panel discussion, offering thoughtful insights on how NLU shaped their professional and personal journeys.

In addition to fostering community, NLU Day provided an important opportunity to invest in the future of our students. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of more than 350 alumni, faculty, staff, current students, and friends, NLU Day raised nearly $120,000, including $42,000 from the University’s Trustees and Life Trustees. We are grateful to all who participated this year and invite you to continue helping our Eagles soar.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AT NLU 2024 COMMENCEMENT

On June 15, 2024, National Louis University conferred degrees to more than 2,500 graduates at the University’s 138th Commencement ceremonies in Illinois and Florida. Graduates and their families gathered at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago for three ceremonies covering six colleges, and at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg for the Tampa campus ceremony.

Featured speakers included Sylvia Peters ’59, a nationallyrecognized educator and member of the National College of Education (NCE) Brain Trust (an advisory council comprising prominent NCE alumni), who told NCE graduates that “when people learn that you’re a graduate of this great institution, they’re going to know that their children and our country are in great hands.”

Ty Smith, a highly-decorated Navy Seal and tech entrepreneur, spoke to graduates of the Undergraduate College, and reminded them that as they go out into the world, “of everything you can be, be a human first. Love thy neighbor. You have no idea how you will touch people.”

DaZay Green ‘24, spoke at the Undergraduate College ceremony as a representative of the graduating class. Green grew up on the southside of Chicago and shared his plan to return

to and serve his community postgraduation by working as a drama and theatre teacher at his alma mater, Butler College Prep High School.

Dr. Brad Braxton, President of the Chicago Theological Seminary, spoke at the joint ceremony for Kendall College, Accelerate U, Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSBL), and College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (CPBS).

Dr. Braxton called the graduates to action, saying “I came this evening to enlist you in the herculean task of transforming the world and bringing about better days.”

Claudia Carabajal ‘24 reminded her fellow graduates to celebrate themselves, especially in light of what they had to overcome to reach graduation day. “It took me nearly fifteen years to muster the courage to return to school,” she said, “I pushed through this fear, gathered my courage, and pressed forward.”

NLU IS EXTREMELY PROUD OF ITS GRADUATES AND ALL THEY HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED AND HAVE YET TO ACCOMPLISH. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO THE CLASS OF 2024!

2024 REACH ALUMNI AWARDS

On October 18, 2024, NLU faculty, staff, and alumni gathered at the Chicago campus to celebrate the 2024 REACH Alumni Award recipients. These honorees embody NLU’s tradition of excellence and have made meaningful contributions in their careers, volunteer work, and communities.

Dr. Shenika Jackson ‘05 MA, ‘10 MS, ‘11 Cert, ‘12 Cert, ‘18 PhD received the 2024 Alumni Service Award for her outstanding philanthropic and volunteer engagement with NLU. A dedicated alumna in education and community advocacy, she has mentored students, supported research, and applied her nonprofit expertise to create pathways for underserved communities. A Chicago native, Dr. Jackson earned her PhD in Community Psychology from NLU, focusing on the educational challenges of African American males. Through her nonprofit, MY Foundation: Street Smarts to Great Starts Corp., she has secured funding and led initiatives preparing minority high school students for college and careers.

Dr. Barbara Schneider ‘67, ‘76 MS, a pioneering scholar in education and sociology, received the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for her remarkable achievements, leadership, and dedication to social justice. She currently serves as John A. Hannah University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, and previously held positions at the University of Chicago and Northwestern. Her research on student learning, educational policy, and inequality has shaped national and international discourse. She has mentored many graduate students and postdocs, and is a member of NLU’s National College of Education Brain Trust, the National Academy of Education, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Marshall L. Galbreath ‘21 received the 2024 Recent Alumni Professional Achievement Award for his contributions to the culinary field and commitment to community service. As Food Service Director and Executive Chef at A Safe Haven Foundation, Marshall leads a team that prepares and serves 1,200 meals daily for veterans, families, and individuals facing food insecurity. He also teaches culinary arts, certifying students with City of Chicago and ServSafe Manager credentials to empower their careers. Beyond the kitchen, he oversees off-site programs delivering nutrition education in food deserts and manages A Safe Haven’s community food pantry for low-income families. His leadership has secured key partnerships, reducing operational costs by $500,000 annually.

2024 MILESTONE CLASS REUNION LUNCHEON

On October 19, 2024, NLU relaunched the tradition of the annual Milestone Class Reunion Luncheon to celebrate the classes of ‘74, ‘84, ‘94, ‘04, and ‘14. Alumni reconnected with each other over a wonderful meal prepared by faculty and students of Kendall College at NLU, reminisced about their cherished memories at NLU, explored a curated archive of NLU artifacts and yearbooks, and learned about the exciting new programs introduced since their graduation. Notably, eight members of the Class of ‘74 celebrated their 50th anniversary as NLU alumnae.

SAVE THE DATE!

The next REACH Alumni Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, October 17, followed by the Milestone Class Reunion on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This special reunion will honor alumni celebrating their 1st, 10th, 25th, and 50th anniversaries — classes of ’24, ’15, ’00, and ’75, respectively.

REIMAGINING HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher education is at a crossroads. Today, many students face challenges in meeting their basic needs and they cannot commit to four years to complete a college degree, while also balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The traditional college model is also too expensive, often leaving graduates with debt. Furthermore, many educational programs are not always aligned with employers’ needs, meaning that graduates are not properly equipped with the skills that competitively prepare them for employment, such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

To address these critical issues, National Louis University (NLU) recently launched Learn and Earn in Three (LE3), a remarkable program that fundamentally reimagines higher education to meet student needs and prepare them for success. LE3 enables students to complete a bachelor’s degree in as few as three years, while also maintaining full-time employment. Students complete selfpaced online modules and instructorled classes, participate in activities as a cohort to build community, and receive personalized guidance from coaches throughout the program and up to six months post-graduation. In addition to an educational curriculum that focuses on durable skills, LE3 leverages the workplace as a classroom, allowing students to apply their newly-gained knowledge to their job in real time, while also earning college credit.

personalized study plans, and interactive problem-solving exercises that mirror real-world scenarios. The technology enables students to refine their skills in a supportive and dynamic learning environment that is also personalized to their abilities. Moreover, the AI system analyzes student engagement and performance, allowing instructors to provide targeted supports to individual students more intentionally, accurately and preemptively.

Students currently have two entry points into LE3. The first is through Accelerate U, NLU’s innovative workforce credential program. Launched in 2021, Accelerate U helps learners earn a credential in high-demand fields such as healthcare and information technology within six months, on their way to full-time employment. Accelerate U students earn up to 30 college credits which they can then apply to an undergraduate NLU degree. Upon entry into LE3, Accelerate U graduates can complete the degree program in twoand-a-half years.

NLU REINVENTS COLLEGE WITH LE3, A FLEXIBLE AND AFFORDABLE 3-YEAR DEGREE PROGRAM THAT LETS STUDENTS WORK FULLTIME, LEARN ON THEIR OWN SCHEDULE, AND GRADUATE WITH REAL-WORLD SKILLS.

Successful LE3 graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development, which opens up opportunities across multiple fields, and allows learners to build the necessary skills to grow in the career of their choosing. Students will master skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and ethical decisionmaking – all of which are highly marketable skills that are sought by employers in a competitive environment. In the future, we anticipate adding additional LE3 degree options in response to student interests and market needs.

A centrally-unique feature of LE3 is an advanced AI-powered learning system that transforms the educational experience. Unlike traditional online platforms, the LE3 system adapts to individual learning styles, providing real-time feedback,

The second pathway into LE3 is for students who have a full-time, benefitseligible job, and who have 30 or fewer college credits. Similarly, these students will complete coursework and receive credit for employment on their way to the LE3 degree in as few as two-and-a-half years. In keeping with our approach to cost-effectiveness and affordability, NLU has set annual tuition for LE3 at approximately $10,000. Eligible students will be able to leverage state and federal financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition benefits, enabling them to complete their degrees with minimal debt while maintaining financial stability through continued employment.

LE3 represents an opportunity to fundamentally shift higher education, with a model that is scalable, affordable, fast and sustainable. This innovative approach not only makes degree completion more accessible, but also ensures that students can apply their education directly to career advancement and long-term success. Through this comprehensive program, NLU is creating new pathways for economic mobility and professional growth, particularly for students balancing work and other life responsibilities.

SnapshotsFROM THE PAST

FROM PEP RALLIES TO GRADUATION DAY, THESE MOMENTS REMIND US OF THE ENERGY, PRIDE, AND TRADITION THAT DEFINE THE NLU SPIRIT.

Alumni

SPOTLIGHT

Terri Edelman ‘75

Terri Edelman, a proud graduate of the National College of Education (NCE), has built a remarkable career by blending her passion for teaching with leadership in the real estate industry. Her journey began with a prestigious high school summer program at NCE focused on critical thinking skills — an experience that prepared her for college and left a lasting impact on her ability to analyze, adapt, and lead.

FROM CLASSROOM TO COO, TERRI EDELMAN CREDITS NCE FOR THE SKILLS THAT SHAPED HER SUCCESS.

After earning her degree in elementary education, Terri began teaching in parochial schools. Facing financial constraints, she took a second job in property leasing. Her strong communication and organizational skills, honed through teaching, helped her stand out in real estate. She eventually transitioned into property management full-time, launching a successful career in corporate housing.

Terri’s career progression was extraordinary. She rose from leasing agent to Chief Operating Officer at a company that grew from 1,200 to 55,000 residential units. She credits her leadership success to skills developed as a teacher — patience, organization, and the ability to nurture growth in others. Mentorship remained central to her work, and she took pride in helping others advance.

Beyond her career, Terri gives back by serving on the board of trustees for her homeowners’ association and staying engaged with the NLU alumni community. She values the lifelong friendships she built at NCE and encourages students to embrace new opportunities, advising, “Don’t be afraid to try something new — every experience adds value.”

Shannon Brown ‘92

Shannon Brown’s journey from a package handler at FedEx to a global executive is a testament to his perseverance, adaptability, and commitment to lifelong learning. He notes that his rise to Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer was shaped in part by the education he received at NLU.

Shannon first encountered NLU while working in Atlanta, where the University had a satellite campus. Drawn to the Applied Behavioral Sciences program, he was able to apply prior credits and professional experience to complete his degree. He credits NLU with providing foundational knowledge in human behavior, leadership, and organizational dynamics — skills that proved instrumental as he transitioned from operations into HR and executive leadership.

SHANNON BROWN CREDITS NLU WITH SHAPING THE LEADERSHIP THAT POWERED HIS RISE FROM FEDEX TO THE C-SUITE.

At FedEx, Shannon played a pivotal role in pioneering the company’s diversity initiatives, launching programs in the early ’90s that became industry benchmarks. His ability to merge operational expertise with HR strategy distinguished him as a leader and led to global oversight of human resources. He became FedEx’s first, and only, Chief Diversity Officer, serving in that role alongside his executive responsibilities in operations.

Today, Shannon serves as CEO of ActionLogics, a transformative software startup focused on streamlining hiring, employee engagement, and workforce development. Personally recruited by the company’s founder, he came out of retirement to lead the organization, bringing his HR and technical expertise from his FedEx tenure. ActionLogics ensures applicants aren’t “ghosted” by potential employers and supports structured career growth for employees.

Shannon embodies the values of curiosity, adaptability, and excellence — principles rooted in his time at NLU and his ongoing pursuit of growth. His advice to aspiring professionals: “Take what’s in front of you, give it your best, and be open to the opportunities that follow.”

Staff

SPOTLIGHT

RUTH HAS SPENT HER CAREER CHAMPIONING INNOVATIVE PATHWAYS THAT SUPPORT STUDENTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

Ruth

Davis ’98 MAT, ’11 EdD

When visiting Ruth Davis at NLU’s Lisle campus, the first thing she might show you is the display of Froebel’s gifts — learning tools from the early Kindergarten movement — and artifacts from NLU founder Elizabeth Harrison in the lobby. She’ll point out the original University crest on an old course catalogue, which reads Kommt lasst uns unsern Kindern leben in German, rather than the Latin of today’s crest. Fortunately, Ruth is fluent in German, having been born in Turkey but having spent her childhood in Germany. The meaning of the motto, “Come let us live with our children,” is part of what brought her to NLU in 1996. Inspired by Harrison and the institution’s deep-rooted commitment to early childhood education — a philosophy that resonates with her from her own formative experiences — Ruth has served as an integral part of NLU for 28 years.

Throughout her tenure, Ruth has held a multitude of leadership roles within the NLU community. Among her many achievements is establishing a strong partnership with Lurie Children’s Hospital to enable Lurie employees to earn NLU degrees on-site at the hospital; this important initiative continues to flourish more than 20 years later. Currently serving in a strategic capacity focused on enrollment and marketing, Ruth is also an advocate for the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in education. Her passion lies in leveraging AI in ways that preserve empathy and creativity — qualities that align with NLU’s human-centered approach to learning.

Ruth believes that NLU’s strength truly lies in its ability to evolve with the world around it while staying true to its foundational values of inclusivity and human development. She sees this evolution in her current work, which focuses on strategy within enrollment and marketing.

A proud NLU alumna herself, Ruth has spent her career championing innovative pathways that support students from all walks of life. Her passion for NLU is something her whole family knows well. So well, in fact, that her daughter, Lorenna, recently completed an internship with NLU’s Marketing Department — eager to experience firsthand the university of which her mother speaks with such pride. Ruth and her husband are raising five children, with three currently in college and two in high school, continuing a legacy of learning, leadership, and love for NLU.

Scenes from the Colleges

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

NEW TEACHERS THRIVE—AND STAY—THROUGH FREE SUPPORT AND PAID CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS.

NLU’s National College of Education (NCE) remains at the forefront of educating teachers, principals, administrators and educators who will go on to impact children in schools across the country. Last year, NCE launched a new Teacher Induction Program to support NLU alumni who are in the first or second year of teaching, and to provide them with knowledge, skills and tools to be successful in their classrooms.

The goal of the Program is to increase teacher retention, which is particularly important, as data show that 44% of teachers leave the profession within their first five years. The Program offers monthly virtual discussion groups — facilitated by NLU faculty — that cover topics from classroom management and parent engagement, to coping with stress. In addition, participants have access to online modules on teaching pedagogy and receive continuing education credits that count towards maintaining their teacher license. This combination of training and peer support is invaluable in helping new teachers find their footing in the profession and in their classrooms. Thanks to private funding, the Program is offered free of charge to participants, and is also expanding to offer one-on-one coaching and site visits with NLU faculty and staff, and small-group discussions around special topics. Notably,

after completing the program, 100% of participants from the past year responded that they were likely or very likely to remain in the teaching profession for at least five years.

In addition, NCE’s alternative certification and residency programs are paving the way to place more qualified educators in schools, while making the process of becoming a teacher more affordable and attainable. More than 90% of schools in Illinois face a serious teacher shortage. These programs offer paid paths that allow participants to work in schools while obtaining their Professional Educator License (PEL), which is a requirement for those who wish to teach in public schools.

Alternative certification candidates start in the summer with intensive education courses before they begin working as the teacher-of-record in the fall with support from NLU and an experienced mentor. This path is designed to be completed in two years.

NCE’s one-year, intensive teacher residency program offers paraprofessionals and school community members the opportunity to learn alongside a mentor teacher four days a week while simultaneously completing coursework to earn a graduate degree and an Illinois teacher’s license.

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP

In summer 2023, NLU’s Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSBL) team took on the challenge of completely redesigning the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. The goal was to enhance accessibility by offering a streamlined, costeffective degree without compromising quality. Key changes included reducing the program from 39 to 30 semester hours and eliminating concentrations.

These revisions responded to student needs for a faster path to graduation and a more affordable option. The result was the introduction of the 12K MBA, an accelerated, executive-style program that can be completed in one year,

with total tuition costs of $12,000. Students now have the flexibility to choose between the one-year executive MBA or a five-term traditional MBA, making the program more student-centric.

To further expand access, NLU introduced a low-residency weekend MBA, available in the fall and spring, which combines online courses with regular opportunities for in-person learning and networking. This third modality has contributed to the program’s impressive growth, with weekend enrollments surpassing 100 students in a single term.

Scenes from the Colleges

KENDALL COLLEGE

NLU’s Kendall College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management continues to hold a stellar reputation as a top-five culinary school in the United States. Two programs in particular, Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry, regularly have enrollment waitlists. As well as reflecting a growing interest in the culinary field and Kendall College’s renown, the intense student interest points to the value of Kendall’s approach to training bakers at the highest level.

Kendall College also maintains a growing portfolio of partnerships with culinary and hospitality leaders, resulting in career and internship opportunities for Kendall students and alumni. Kendall has hosted numerous internship and career fairs this year, with employers including some of the Chicago area’s largest and well-known restaurant and hotel groups, including Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, Hilton Chicago, and The Alinea Group.

More recently, students in the Culinary, and Baking and Pastry programs competed in the third annual Kendall Cup. Culinary students created an appetizer and an amuse bouche. Once they entered the kitchen, they learned a mystery ingredient that had to be incorporated into one of those dishes: purple potatoes.

WITH TOP-RANKED PROGRAMS, ELITE PARTNERSHIPS, AND HANDS-ON COMPETITIONS, KENDALL COLLEGE CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD IN CULINARY EDUCATION.

Baking and Pastry students created a plated dessert and a mignardise (a bite-sized dessert) using the mystery ingredient of ruby chocolate. The event was judged by: Chef Kristine Subido ‘95, Director of Culinary for Compass Group USA; Chef Cesar Murillo, head chef of North Pond Café and upcoming Top Chef contestant; and Diana Gonzalez, Gourmet Sales Manager for Barry Callebaut.

UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE Scenes from the Colleges

FROM ZERO-COST DEGREES TO GLOBAL STUDY TRIPS, NLU’S UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE IS OPENING DOORS TO OPPORTUNITY AND GROWTH.

NLU’s Undergraduate College (UGC) continues to provide an array of accessible affordable programs and career paths for students. At its foundation is the Pathways program for traditional, first-time freshmen that has grown from 85 students in the program’s pilot year in 2015 to more than 1,600 annually. Pathways offers: convenient, hybrid schedules so that students can balance school with work and family responsibilities; clear and well-rounded course pathways to minimize the time to degree completion; a comprehensive array of support services to help students succeed; and embedded career preparation and coaching.

Annual UGC tuition is approximately $12,000 (among the lowest in Illinois), meaning that students who qualify for the maximum federal and state financial assistance potentially pay zero dollars out of pocket for their degree. Notably,

a recently-published study by the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab concluded that Pathways students showed a statistically significant improvement in college enrollment, persistence, and degree attainment compared to a subset of peers who chose to matriculate elsewhere.

More recently, the Undergraduate Honors Program (UHP) conducted its inaugural study abroad trip to Costa Rica in June 2024. Ten UHP students were part of an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience centered on cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability. The journey encouraged students to push beyond their comfort zones, engage with curiosity and empathy, and embrace personal growth through new challenges. Led by UHP Director Dr. Natasha Kohl, and faculty member Elizabeth Teahan Scola, the students embarked on a transformative week of exploration, connection, and learning.

Scenes from the Colleges

COLLEGE OF PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

NLU’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (CPBS) has four clinically-based programs that provided over 145,000 hours of mental health services in Illinois and Florida last year, addressing critical shortages in mental health care. This training model allowed students to gain hands-on experience while benefiting the community with accessible services. Provided with an hour or two hours of supervision, our students, in turn, were able to provide 10 to 20 hours of clinical services to the community.

Faculty and students also engaged in significant research efforts. A notable project includes a forthcoming book on resilience and adverse childhood experiences, coedited by several faculty members. Faculty members and students have been active in presenting their

AT THE 2024 MIDWESTERN PSYCHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE, 75% OF STUDENT PRESENTERS WERE FROM NLU’S CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM.

research findings at conferences. For example, at the 2024 Midwestern Psychological Association Conference, 75% of the student presenters were from NLU’s clinical psychology program. This highlights the program’s commitment to blend clinical training with research, thereby strengthening academic and professional growth.

CPBS’ annual Counseling Symposium expanded in scope and was held simultaneously across three Illinois campuses. The Symposium served as a professional development opportunity for students and community clinicians, offering free continuing education credits to those who supervise students. Attendance was at an all-time high, reinforcing cross-campus community engagement and networking.

Scenes from the Colleges

FLORIDA CAMPUS

NLU’s campus in Tampa, Florida has experienced significant growth and expansion in recent years.

One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, which provides teacher certification in just 15 months. The program aims to address Florida’s 10,000-teacher shortage and offers credentials in exceptional student education, English as a second language, and reading endorsements. The first cohort of students graduated with a 100% completion rate.

The Tampa campus has also expanded its impact in mental health education. Its clinical psychology and counseling programs hold prestigious accreditations from the well-regarded American Psychological Association (APA) and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring high

WITH RECORD ENROLLMENT, NATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS, AND NEW PROGRAMS, NLU TAMPA IS BECOMING A HUB FOR TEACHER AND MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION.

employment prospects for graduates. The clinical mental health counseling program has become the largest program, responding to the projected 40% shortage of mental health professionals in the United States by 2030.

Enrollment has surged, growing from 200 students in 2020 to over 600 in 2024. This rapid growth led to the relocation of the campus to a larger facility in Fall 2024, offering improved student amenities, study spaces, and a world-class gym. Additional faculty and staff have been hired to support the growing student body. NLU remains committed to expanding programs in Florida, including a medical assistant workforce credential.

VIEW OUR BEAUTIFUL TAMPA, FLORIDA CAMPUS

Established in 1988, NLU’s Florida Campus serves a diverse population nationwide with online and on-site opportunities.

Scenes from the Colleges

ACCELERATE U

A new model of workforce education, Accelerate U connects employers, learners, and higher ed to rapidly build skills, open doors to careers, and respond to urgent workforce needs.

NLU launched Accelerate U in 2021 to address the needs of learners who want to earn a workforce credential in six to eight months, and rapidly secure a full-time job in a high-demand sector. The first credential, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, continues to provide Accelerate U employer partners — including some of the Chicago area’s largest hospitals and community healthcare organizations — with a pipeline of well-prepared employees who are serving patients.

Accelerate U’s second credential, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), began in September 2022 to address the strong need for behavioral health professional in the Chicagoland area, especially those who work with children on the autism spectrum and/or with developmental disabilities. The program follows an “learn and earn” model,

ACCELERATE U BRIDGES EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND COMMUNITY NEEDS—HELPING LEARNERS LAUNCH HEALTHCARE CAREERS WHILE EXPANDING LOCAL ACCESS TO SERVICES.

combining classroom instruction with practical experience. RBTs can start working part-time during the course of the program, with career pathways leading to higher certification and earning potential.

Accelerate U is partnering with Total Spectrum, an employer specializing in behavioral therapy, to train and employ RBT students. Total Spectrum’s presence is most prominent in Arlington Heights and Lombard, so students were initially assigned clients in these suburbs. However, many students struggled with the long commutes to and between clients, and their Accelerate U classes. To address this issue, NLU transformed two classrooms in our Chicago campus into training spaces where students receive paid, hands-on experience working with children and families, while under the supervision of Total Spectrum staff.

Total Spectrum has received approval from the State of Illinois to use Medicaid funds to assist with families pay for these much-needed services. Children and their families from the Chicago community can now visit the training spaces for therapy sessions, making services accessible.

By integrating employer partnerships, community needs, and higher education, Accelerate U continues to support learners in earning a credential and securing full-time employment, while also expanding behavioral health services in Chicago and surrounding areas. This model exemplifies how strategic collaboration can create meaningful employment opportunities while addressing critical gaps in healthcare accessibility in the community.

NLU ALUMNI IMPACTING THE WORLD

Gerrie Aulisa ’24 EdD

One of six finalists out of 85 candidates for The Golden Apple Leadership Award in Illinois.

Michael Lubelfeld ’93 MAT, ’09 EdS

He is releasing his fifth book, Leading for Tomorrow’s Schools Today (Bloomsbury/Rowman & Littlefield) this summer!

Eva Aguirre-Beck ’11

Completed their Master’s Degree in HR Management from University of Illinois Springfield, and accepted the role of HR People Manager at the Chicago Athletic Association with Boka Restaurant Group.

Victoria Mullaly ’16, ’21 MS

Elizabeth Kotis ‘06 MEd, ’10 Cert, ’13 Cert, ’20 MEd

Named Principal of Three Hierarchs Orthodox Christian High School, the first Classical Pan-Orthodox High School in Illinois.

Michelle McClinton ’20

Rafael Rivera ’12 MBA, ’17 PhD

Promoted from the position of Chief of Staff to the Interim Director of the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery. In this role, he is responsible for the oversight of the Division and its multitude of programs, which include substance use prevention, intervention, substance use and gambling disorder treatment and recovery services, and overdose response. Additionally, he oversees programs and projects such as Medication Assisted Recovery NOW, Recovery Community Organizations, and prevention integration, among many others.

Recently transitioned back to the hospitality industry after a decade in higher education. She now serves as the Director of Events and Catering at Edgewood Valley Country Club in LaGrange, IL, where she brings her expertise in event planning and guest experience to create exceptional gatherings.

Ellen J. Wade ’24, EdD

Four-time Pushcart Award nominee and Literary Editor of the Anthology of Appalachian Writers, E.J.’s poems are published in the Anthology of Appalachian Writers, Women Speak, the New Ohio Review, Salvation South, Callaloo Literary Journal.

Family Service Worker at PLCCA Early Learning Center in Maywood, IL. She enrolls children for preschool.

Alvino Simpson ’20

Recently joined the Million Veteran Program, the largest research effort to improve health care for veterans.

LET US KNOW WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU! SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTE VIA OUR NLU ALUMNI PORTAL!

NLU ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD

With alumni residing in 77 different countries and over 5,900 unique cities, NLU’s influence extends far beyond its campuses, creating a diverse and multicultural network of professionals, leaders, and changemakers.

Within the United States, alumni are represented across all regions, with significant concentrations in Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Missouri. This widespread presence reflects NLU’s ability to prepare students for impactful careers in a variety of industries and communities. Internationally, NLU alumni are contributing to global industries and civic initiatives in countries such as the United Kingdom, China, France, and Mexico, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to preparing students for success in a multicultural and interconnected society.

This dynamic and geographically diverse alumni network underscores NLU’s mission of providing educational opportunities that inspire and empower learners to advance in meaningful lives and productive careers — whether they choose to make an impact in their local communities or on a global scale.

WITH ALUMNI IN 77 COUNTRIES, NLU’S GLOBAL NETWORK IS DRIVING CHANGE IN COMMUNITIES AND INDUSTRIES WORLDWIDE.

IN MEMORIAM

With deep respect and gratitude, we remember the alumni of National Louis University who have passed away this past year. These graduates are cherished members of our university family and their lives and legacies will continue to resonate with our community. They each left a unique mark on this world and we honor their memory and extend our condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.

Katherine Ackermann ‘67

Carolyn Amengual ‘88

Mary Armstrong ‘83

David Bennett ‘19

Leigh Bickmore ‘10

Basil Borders ‘61

Donald Bowden ‘92

Lynn Bowen ‘62

James Brophy ‘88

Betty Brownson ‘88

Charles Brummel ‘82

Raymond Busefink ‘96

Katharine Cambell ‘71

Jonas Chaney ‘74

Betsy Christensen ‘76

Arlyne Clacher ‘88

Margaret Corbett ‘89

Selene Cuevas-Diaz ‘17

Melissa Durkin ‘11

Janet Durr ‘52

Annette Faber ‘60

Greta Ferkel ‘19

Pauline Fischer ‘93

Howard Fleming ‘04

Paulette Foersterling ‘95

Walter French ‘88

Lorna Galich ‘85

Lois Gauger ‘57

Brian Gehring ‘94

Linda Gifford ‘09

Peter Grahn Jr. ‘90

Jean-Jacque Gregoire ‘01

Melva Grimes ‘90

Joshua Gunther ‘08

Marianne Handler ‘85

Lucile Harmon ‘72

Deanna Harper ‘97

Mary Harroun ‘87

Evelyn Havlik ‘50

Michelle Hernandez-Burke ‘99

Martha Hershenson ‘71

Catherine Hickey ‘79

Douglas Higgins ‘98

Phyllis Jaffe ‘62

Harold Jahnke ‘85

Rose Jenkins ‘99

Barbara Johnson ‘77

Jeanne Jordan ‘93

Paul Kattner ‘91

Marshall Keltz ‘88

Victor King ‘92

Rose Klauba ‘94

Daniel Klest ‘21

Marlene Leonard ‘87

Danita Lewis ‘98

John Lyon ‘91

Lynn Mathias ‘80

Sharon Maurer-Schwartz ‘90

Mary Lu McCall ‘58

Donna McDaniel ‘93

Mary McDonald ‘80

Claudia McGuire ‘92

Patricia McNally ‘85

Samantha Mitchell ‘20

Robert Muskeyvalley ‘06

Barbara Neumann ‘91

Joann Ophardt ‘89

Don Paullin ‘00

Editor’s note: this memorial list includes only those alumni whom our offices have confirmed have passed away since the previous issue was printed.

Megan Peoplis ‘08

Birdie Peterson ‘93

Craig Podolski ‘09

Mary Preigh ‘97

Janet Rancich ‘57

Susan Rasmussen ‘92

Jane Reid ‘84

Janice Richwine ‘63

Patricia Rinn ‘88

Diane Rosewall ‘82

Viola Ruona ‘68

Patricia Ryan ‘60

Paul Schafer ‘88

Mary Schutz ‘00

Phyllis Shafron ‘75

Dany Smith ‘92

Paula Steelman ‘92

MoDena Stinnette ’08 ‘22

Lorraine Tengan ‘57

Margaret Thomas ‘86

Arnold Toni ‘71

Lester Townsend, Jr. ‘95

Jo Ann Van Wilkin ‘65

Judith Ward ‘96

Diann Wardle ‘93

Suzanne Wheeler ‘62

John Willett ‘92

Mary Williams ‘04

Ruth Woodruff ‘92

Teresa Woods ‘10

Carol Emberg Yoshioka ‘88

Raquel Zickert ‘87

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NLU MISSION

National Louis University is an innovative community providing educational opportunities that inspire and empower all learners as they prepare for and advance in meaningful lives and productive careers.

NLU Board of Trustees

Officers

Ian G. Ross, Chairman

Marty J. Mickey, Treasurer

Diane M. Trausch, Secretary

Trustees

Penny Brown

Julie Chavez ’95, ’08 MBA

Peter B. Cherecwich

Michelle L. Collins

James A. Floyd, Jr.

Jack D. Furst

Natasha Galavotti

Cornelius Griggs

Bruce E. Hampton

J. Michael Locke

Justin T. Marquardt

Nivine Megahed, PhD, ex officio

Oliver R. Merrill

Louise L. Perrin

Celena R. Sarillo ’08 MEd

Andrea Sáenz

Life Trustees

Lynn B. Donaldson

Beverly Shaw Hayford

John A. Jeffries, Esq.

Joseph M. Kunze

John Jeffry Louis III

Margaret L. Moreland

Kathleen P. Nixon ’96 MAT, ’04, ’14 Cert

Diana Mendley Rauner, PhD

Richard M. Ross Jr.

Peter P. Rusin

Scott C. Smith

Robin M. Steans

NLU Alumni Association Board

President

Dr. Delores Mays 99’ MS, ’22 PhD

Secretary

Maryann Scarborough ‘00

Joy Bowling ’88, ’96 MEd

Joanne Bynum ’19 MS

Anna Emery ‘23

Ebony Humphrey ‘22

Saleha Jawad ‘22

N’Kose Jones ’19 MS

Diana Lehman ‘97

Jennifer Lonchar ‘02

Chrishon Lucien ’21 MHA

Norris Mayes ‘21

Rhonesia Moore ’11, ’13 MEd

Adrienne Newell ‘23

Pamela Pirtle ‘97

Wendy Randall ’02 MEd

Angela Schmitz ’21 EdD

Sidney Sims ‘24

Katrina Stoutmire ‘00

Philip Woods ‘16

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STAY CONNECTED TO NLU!

DISCOVER NEW WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH CLASSMATES THROUGH THE NLU ALUMNI PORTAL!

From alumni mentoring opportunities, news and events, reunions, career services to an exclusive alumni directory, this is your “one stop shop” to engage with your alma mater.

Use the portal to update your contact information, submit class notes, and more!