Chicago State Foundation

10/02/2026

What an incredible night. 💚✨

Thanks to the generosity of our CSU champions, the 2026 1stGEN Scholarship Gala raised nearly $900,000 in support of the 1stGEN Scholarship Fund—helping students prepare for college, persist through challenges and complete their degrees while advancing educational equity.

And the impact of Chicago State extends far beyond one evening.

🎓 One in every 10 Black college graduates in Illinois earned their degree from Chicago State.

📈 CSU ranks in the top 4% of colleges and universities nationally for the economic mobility of our graduates.

This is the legacy our supporters are helping build—and every scholarship and opportunity helps more Chicago State students reach their goals.

To our guests, donors, partners and generous sponsors: thank you for investing in our students and helping make these opportunities possible.

We came together to Aspire: Dream Boldly. Achieve Bravely. And we're proud to continue that work together.

Swipe to see a few highlights from an unforgettable evening. 📸

https://conta.cc/4hkw3Zu

09/25/2026

✨ TODAY IS THE DAY! ✨

Tonight, we gather for the 2026 1stGEN Scholarship Gala—an evening dedicated to celebrating the bold dreams and brave achievements of Chicago State University’s first-generation students.

Under this year’s inspiring theme, Aspire: Dream Boldly. Achieve Bravely., we’ll celebrate the students who are breaking barriers, pursuing their passions, and creating new possibilities for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Every dream deserves an opportunity. Every student deserves someone who believes in what they can become. And tonight, we come together to make that belief tangible through scholarships, support, and opportunity.

🎓 Tonight, we celebrate possibility.
💚 Tonight, we invest in futures.
✨ Tonight, we Aspire.

09/23/2026

Graduation is a moment. But what comes after can become a legacy. 🎓

For Chicago State graduates, the journey doesn’t end when the cap is tossed or the diploma is placed in their hands.

It continues in the work they do.
In the families they build.
In the communities they serve.
And in the students who see their success and begin to believe, “Maybe I can do it, too.”

Dr. Danielle James carried her aspirations beyond Chicago State and into her career in pharmacy—turning the lessons, opportunities, and support she received into a life of purpose and impact.

Because when one student rises, they can help widen the path for the next.

That is the power of Aspire: Dream Boldly. Achieve Bravely.

✨ This Friday, we celebrate the students who are becoming leaders, examples, and possibilities for the next generation.

09/21/2026

✈️ Chasing the Sun Escape! ☀️🌍

Dream boldly. Travel farther. Give back.

1 ticket: $25; 5 tickets: $100

Join the 1stGENScholarshipGala raffle and get ready to chase unforgettable adventures with an incredible travel package! 🌎✨

Note: You don't have to be present to win!

🏨 7 nights for up to 4 guests
📍 Choose from Mexico, Orlando, or the Bahamas
📅 Up to 3 full years to travel
✈️ Flexible travel options to help you plan your getaway

Your support helps make scholarships and brighter futures possible for first-generation students. 💚

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Email from Chicago State Foundation Choose the Vacation of Your Dreams! Golden Ticket Raffle: Choose the Vacation of Your Dreams! Take your dream vacation and decide between the vibrant culture and b

09/18/2026

A dream is more than something you imagine. It’s something you choose to keep creating—especially when the path isn’t easy. 🎨

For Mo’Nay Mosley, art is more than a major. It’s a way to express who she is, where she’s been, and where she hopes to go. Through her work, her professors and the community around her, she continues to turn challenges into opportunities to grow.

Mo’Nay’s story is what Aspire: Dream Boldly. Achieve Bravely. is all about—believing in what’s possible and making sure students have the support to keep moving toward it.

✨ Join us at the CSU 1stGEN Scholarship Gala and help us create more opportunities for students like Mo’Nay to dream boldly and achieve bravely.

🎟️ Get your tickets and be part of what’s possible.

09/14/2026

We’re back with Part Two of our Silver Sponsor Spotlight! 🌟

A heartfelt THANK YOU to these incredible sponsors for helping make the 2026 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Aspire! possible. Your generosity and commitment are helping create life-changing opportunities for first-generation students at Chicago State University. 🎓💚

Because when you invest in students, you invest in dreams, possibilities, and the future. ✨

The countdown to the 2026 1stGENScholarship Gala: Aspire is on… and we couldn’t be more excited! 🥂🌟

09/14/2026

A HUGE shoutout to our Silver Sponsors for their generous support and commitment to making a difference! Your partnership helps us empower and uplift first-generation students at Chicago State University, opening doors to opportunity, achievement, and a brighter future. 🎓💫

Here's the first half of the Silver Sponsors. And trust us… we’re just getting started! 👀

Stay tuned for Part Two, coming soon! 🎉

09/11/2026

Dream boldly. Achieve bravely. Rise with purpose. ✨

At Chicago State University, our students don’t just aspire—they rise.

They rise through challenges. They rise through hard work and determination. They rise in the classroom, on the court, through their creative pursuits, and in the communities they call home.

Meet students like Tania, whose journey remind us that when talent and ambition are met with opportunity, mentorship, and support, students can turn their aspirations into achievement—and their achievements into lives of impact.

Their stories are at the heart of Aspire: Dream Boldly. Achieve Bravely., this year’s gala celebrating the people and possibilities that help our students rise.

🎟️ Join us at the gala. Get your tickets and help us celebrate—and invest in—the next generation of bold dreamers and brave achievers: https://conta.cc/4xW57Wc

09/04/2026

A historic beginning. A healthier future. A community making an impact. 💚

This week’s Chicago State story is one of momentum and milestones.

🏈 History made: On Aug. 29, Chicago State Football took the field for the first time ever. From the program’s first touchdown to a standout performance by QB Ashton Pannell, the Cougars officially opened a new chapter in CSU history.

🤝 Building a healthier future: Chicago State and Advocate Health Care are expanding their partnership to support student-athletes, healthcare education, workforce development and healthier communities across Chicago’s South Side.

🔬 Faculty excellence: Dr. Mel Sabella was featured in APS News for his expertise on the federal research funding process, while Dr. Daniel Kerner was selected for Cohort 23 of the prestigious AACP Academic Leadership Fellows Program.

From the football field to the laboratory, classroom and community, Chicago State is building what’s next.

One historic game. Stronger partnerships. National recognition.
The next chapter starts now. 💚

Email from Chicago State Foundation Spotlight Stories, News and Events from Chicago State Foundation CSU in Motion A New Era Begins: Chicago State Football Makes Historic Debut The Cougars launched a

09/04/2026

Every bold dream begins with seeing what’s possible. ✨

At Chicago State University, young people have opportunities to explore STEAM, experience a college campus, connect with mentors, and discover pathways to their futures.

These experiences spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage students to imagine boldly what comes next.

That spirit is at the heart of this year’s 1stGEN Scholarship Gala:

Aspire: Dream Boldly. Achieve Bravely.

Join us as we celebrate the students and champions who turn aspiration into achievement.

🎟️ Get your tickets and be part of Aspire: https://conta.cc/4gscLAP