Chicago State gala honors first-gen students and raises nearly $900K

By Candace Jordan
Crain’s Chicago Business

Outgoing board Chair and CSU Trustee John C. robak, CSU President Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott, Board of Trustees Chair Andrea Zopp and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

The Chicago State University Foundation hosted its sixth annual 1stGen Scholarship Gala, themed "Determined," Sept. 26 at The Geraghty. Presented by Northern Trust, the gala honored first-generation college students and raised funds to further scholarships and support programs at Chicago State.

Over 500 attendees, including alumni, community leaders, corporate partners, faculty and students, gathered to celebrate and invest in student success. WVON-AM/1690 radio personality Robin Robinson emceed the evening, introducing remarks by CSU President Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott; outgoing board Chair and CSU Trustee John C. Robak, who was also the honorary gala chair, along with Board of Trustees Chair Andrea Zopp; student scholars Amir Harmon and Kimberly Britt; and others.

"This year has not been without challenges. Like so many universities, Chicago State has faced real headwinds. But challenges like these only strengthen our resolve," Robak said. "The foundation has responded, expanding opportunities for giving, welcoming new donors and building the platform that helps sustain this university. And through it all, we have worked side by side with President Scott. Her vision, her courage and her extraordinary leadership team keep us focused on what matters most: CSU students and the future we are building together."

A highlight of the evening was the Cougar Servant Leadership Awards, presented to individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to public service, education equity and alumni achievement.

Among the honorees, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle accepted the Public Service Award. Robin Steans, who has more than three decades of experience advocating educational fairness, received the Education Equity Award.

The Alumni Achievement Award went to José Muñoz, a CSU alumnus and CEO of La Casa Norte, an organization that serves over 24,000 youth and families experiencing homelessness. Michael O'Grady, chairman and CEO of Northern Trust, accepted the gala's first Sponsor Award in recognition of his company's long-standing support.

The gala was the foundation's most successful to date, raising nearly $900,000 to benefit CSU's Cougar Commitment initiative, which focuses on enhancing access, retention and completion rates for students, especially Black, Latino and Indigenous students.

In addition to Northern Trust, key supporters included BMO U.S., ComEd, Paul and Cindy Vogel and gala Co-Chairs Spring and James Capers and Dia and Andrea Nichols.

Chicago State University, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago metropolitan area. It offers 60 programs through its colleges of business, education, health, arts and pharmacy.