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December - January - February 2024
In This Issue: 
  • From the Executive Director: April Arnold
  • ACI Scholar: Joachim “Gabe” Calalang, Rockford University
  • New Event: ACI Breakfast Forum - April 11, 2024
  • ACI Welcomes New Corporate Partner Follett/Webinar on Feb. 6 Explains Enrollment Solutions with Greenlight
  • Program Update: Prolific Fellows Complete Program Year
  • ACI and BravenX Partnership
  • Mission Accomplished: Campbell Challenge Match Met
  • April Arnold Appointed to State Council Advisory Committee
  • Foundations, Organizations, Individuals Support ACI Initiatives and Programs
  • In Memoriam: Donald Campbell and Peter Willmott 
  • Your Gift: Empower Students at ACI Member Schools
  • Upcoming Events
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April Arnold, ACI Executive Director
As we start another year, we pause to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our valued supporters and friends. Your steadfast commitment and generous contributions have been pivotal in advancing our mission at ACI.
 
ACI is a tapestry of rich and varied student stories. Their journeys are not just about achievements but resilience against odds, hope that endures, and dreams chased with relentless spirit. Many of our students, the first in their families to pursue higher education, embody the true essence of determination.
 
Your support this past year has empowered them to continue their education with confidence during a time when costs for food, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs continue to rise.
 
Your belief in our cause and in them are a source of endless inspiration. It pushes us forward to help as many students as we can to make the greatest impact.
 
Looking ahead to the new year, we are filled with hope and enthusiasm. With your continued partnership, we are excited about the positive changes we can make together. May this upcoming year bring you joy, peace, and many reasons to celebrate. 
 
In gratitude, 
April Arnold, CFRE
Executive Director
312-263-2391, ext. 1                                                                                                                          Photo: Aleya Cydney Photography
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Joachim “Gabe” Calalang of Rockford University is the recipient of the Michele and Peter Willmott Fund for Minority Student Leadership Scholarship.Joachim “Gabe” Calalang – Rockford University
The Michele and Peter Willmott Fund for Minority Student Leadership Scholarship
 
Joachim “Gabe” Calalang lives by a motto tattooed on his arm, “Heart Over Height,” which he says encourages him, especially as a basketball player. Calalang played in high school and has been part of the Rockford University men’s basketball team the past three seasons. “I’m 5-6. I’m a point guard,” he says. “The meaning of Heart Over Height means that it doesn’t matter how tall you are, where you go, or where you’re from. If you have heart, nothing can stop you.” Those same words encourage Calalang in life and in his work to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Rockford University.
 
Calalang, the oldest of three brothers, is from Sterling, Virginia. He graduated in May 2023. He chose Rockford because he wanted to continue to play basketball in college. He wanted to go to college out of state, the coaches were interested in him, and Rockford had the nursing major. He liked the school’s small community and close connections with professors.
 
New Event: ACI Breakfast Forum - April 11, 2024
 
 
Please join us for the 2024 ACI Breakfast Forum: Harnessing the Power of Inclusion on Thursday, April 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Saul Ewing, Chicago.
 
This new event welcomes the sharing of ideas and perspectives to create actionable steps that enhance how we learn and work. Using the best strategies for inclusive engagement differentiates the most successful workplaces and campuses in Illinois.
 
Event Panelists/Speakers
  • Shannon Fuller - VP of Talent, Health Care Service Corporation
  • Tyronne Stoudemire - SVP of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Hyatt Corporation
  • Liz Gross - CEO, Campus Sonar
  • Toby Eveland - Chicago Managing Partner, Saul Ewing
  • More speakers and panelists will be announced soon.
The forum includes a continental breakfast, followed by a Q&A panel and keynote speaker, then designated time for roundtable discussions and networking. The event raises critical support for ACI programs that help transform the lives of underserved students attending ACI’s 25 member colleges and universities.
 
Tickets are $125 each and are available for purchase today! Click here to reserve your spot.
 
Current event sponsors include Saul Ewing, and Quest Food Management Services.
 
Sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Individuals and companies can purchase event recognitions ranging from $500 to $2,000. For additional information click here or contact April Arnold at aarnold@acifund.org, or call 312-263-2391, ext. 1.
 
This program has been funded through a First Opportunity Partners grant from the Council of Independent Colleges with support from the UPS Foundation.
 
ACI Welcomes New Corporate Partner Follett!
Webinar on Feb. 6. Explains Enrollment Solutions with Greenlight

The new year is an important one, and Follett is positioned to help you to better connect with prospective high school students and offer your current students more scholarships, internships, and jobs. Find out how by attending their webinar on Tuesday, February 6, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM CST.
 
At the webinar, you will:
  • Learn about the capabilities of the GreenLight platform to increase enrollment.
  • View a live product demo to see the features in action.
  • Be equipped to push out scholarships, jobs, and internships to your students.
  • Connect directly with Kevin Witt so you can reap the benefits at your campus immediately.
  • Participate in a live Q&A, and much more!
See the event flyer below for more information. Learn more about this partnership here.
 
If you wish to attend or have questions, please reach out to the "GreenLight Guy" Kevin Witt at kmwitt@follett.com.
 
 
 
Program Update: ACI Prolific Fellows Complete Pilot Program 
 
We're happy to announce the successful completion of ACI’s pilot program partnership with Prolific, a talent agency founded in 2020 by a group of former athletes and change agents that shared an altruistic burden to ensure that athletes across the world have access to the resources, coaching and mental health support needed to successfully transition to life, leadership, and service post sport. The organization's goal is to provide the same level of support that athletes receive while in sport once they graduate to ensure that they accomplish success in the business world that far exceeds their accomplishments within athletics.
 
The program, ACI PROLIFIC Fellowship for Athletes, generously funded by Fiducient Advisors, was composed of ten senior student athletes representing six ACI member institutions across a variety of sports. Upon completion of the program, cohort participants prepare to enter the workforce and continue to build upon the lessons learned during their fellowship.  Hadam Dicko, a track and field athlete player and Computer Science major senior from Knox College, spoke of his time in the program fondly, adding, “Nosa and the team at Prolific have helped me improve my soft skills, supported me from a mental health perspective, and helped me embrace a new found confidence in my last year of undergrad at Knox. I am grateful for the connections I have made in my industry and I am looking forward to my IT infrastructure internship next summer with Nisa Investments LLC.”
 
As ACI evaluates the best solutions partner to help member school students with professional development and internship opportunities, we thank Prolific Institute and Fiducient Advisors for their assistance with this wonderful cohort of student fellows.
 
First year Prolific Fellows
 
ACI and BravenX Partnership
 
If you missed the ACI and BravenX Information Session for ACI Presidents and Provosts on January 31st, there is still time to learn more!
 
BravenX is a 14-week virtual fellowship through which college students gain the skills, confidence, networks, and experiences they need to launch a strong career. BravenX Fellows meet weekly for 2-hour sessions with a small virtual cohort and engage in activities that prepare them to thrive in the workplace. Fellows receive a stipend upon completion of the course, as well as further career development support through six months after college graduation.
 
For more information on what you missed, contact Enya O’Riordan enya.oriordan@bebraven.org.
 
Mission Accomplished: Campbell Challenge Match Met 
 
In our last newsletter, we mentioned the generous opportunity provided by the late Donald A. Campbell, a longtime ACI Trustee, for the 2023-2024 year. The needed funds were achieved to reach and exceed a $25,000 challenge match.
 
We are proud to say that through the help of ACI supporters, the necessary funds, totaling $31,943, were received to not only match, but exceed the challenge. Thank you to all for your amazing support of ACI in honor/memory of Don! 
 
Let’s do it again to support more students!
 
In our November newsletter, we mentioned an opportunity provided by the Council of Independent Colleges State Councils for a Scholarship Challenge Grant for 2024-2025 academic year. The funds were conditionally awarded to ACI in the amount of $25,000 if matched with new, renewed, or increased cash gifts or grants raised specifically to meet the challenge. Every bit helps to reach this goal! Visit our giving page and note “CIC Scholarship Challenge” for your chance to help us make a difference in the life of a student.
 
You Care About Education. So Does Your Social Network! 
 
Will 2024 hold a milestone birthday or other fun event? Do you have friends and family members as caring as you are?  Start a peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraiser to help students in need in honor of your special day! You’ll find your friends and family members are glad to pitch in! New dollars can count towards the scholarship challenge mentioned above. Have questions? Contact April Arnold at aarnold@acifund.org for more information. 
 
April Arnold Appointed to State Council Advisory Committee
 
Congratulations to Executive Director April Arnold, who was appointed to a one-year term on the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) State Council Advisory Committee. April's term begins February 1st, and she will work with other leaders throughout the country to shape the work of the State Council Network by providing valuable advice and insights to the CIC. Congrats April! 
 
Foundations, Organizations, Individuals Support ACI Initiatives and Programs 
 
Several foundations, organizations and individuals provide funds to ACI over the course of our fiscal year to help the organization fund its mission to support member colleges and universities "by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, career and life."
 
Since November 1, these generous foundations, companies, and organizations awarded grants to ACI:
  • $120,000, Anonymous, for general operating support
  • $62,500, The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation, for scholarships
  • $40,000, PACCAR Inc, for scholarships
  • $20,805.24, Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), for a First Opportunity Partners Grant, with support from the UPS Foundation
  • $15,000, The John Buck Company, for programing
  • $10,000, Anonymous, for scholarships
  • $2,000, Arch W. Shaw Foundation, for use where needed most
  • $1,000, John A. and Catherine M. Koten Foundation, for use where needed most
In addition, these individuals took part in ACI's monthly giving program or provided
other gifts to ACI since November 1:
  • Angela Allen
  • James Applegate
  • April Arnold
  • Ellen Babbitt
  • Susy Best
  • Emily Bothfeld
  • John Brooks
  • Frank Cella
  • Louis Diez
  • Robert Dow
  • Clifton Fenton
  • Jerry Fuller
  • Jody Gauthier
  • William Goldsborough
  • Rick Harig
  • Nichole Johnson
  • Hasham Khan
  • Raymond Krouse
  • Anthony LoBello
  • Kimberly Marshall
  • Leslie Millenson
  • Leslie Sawyer
  • Scott Schweighauser
  • Marta Sukiennik
  • Debora Osgood
  • Paula Render
  • Tom Rubey
  • Leah Wallace
  • Mick Weltman
Please consider joining ACI’s monthly giving program to help students in need all year long. For more information, visit https://acifund.org/giving and select "monthly" or call Barbara Jolliff at 312-263-2391, ext. 5 for further assistance.
 
ACI gratefully recognizes the commitment of these foundations, individuals and organizations that contributed to our mission. THANK YOU!
 
 In Memoriam: Donald Campbell and Peter Willmott
 
Last year, the ACI community suffered a profound loss with the passing of two extraordinary individuals, Donald Campbell and Peter Willmott, both former ACI trustees. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds and spirits of students at liberal arts schools across Illinois has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
 
Don and Peter were not just donors; they were visionaries who believed fervently in the transformative power of education. They understood that liberal arts are not just about learning; they are about shaping character, fostering critical thinking, and preparing young minds to navigate the complexities of the world. Their dedication went beyond mere financial support – it was a commitment to the personal and intellectual growth of each student they helped.
 
Their support enabled countless students to pursue their dreams, many of whom might not have had the opportunity otherwise. Don and Peter's belief in the potential of every individual to contribute positively to society was the cornerstone of their philanthropy. They saw their contributions not as charity, but as investments in the future – a future they believed could be brighter and more inclusive. It is up to us now to carry forward their vision. We are committed to ensuring that their legacy of support and empowerment continues by providing endowed scholarships for students, making a difference in the lives of students for generations to come.
 
Their memories will forever inspire us to strive for a world where education is a right, not a privilege, and where every student is given the chance to excel.
Your Gift: Empower Students at ACI Member Schools
 
We invite you to continue this journey with us. Your support is vital in sustaining our commitment to excellence and accessibility in liberal arts education. Together, we can ensure that our colleges remain vibrant centers of learning, inspiration, and hope.
 
Help us empower more students at ACI member schools: https://www.acifund.org/giving.
 
Warm regards,
April Arnold
Executive Director
 
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  • Tues., Feb. 6: Enrollment Solutions with Greenlight Webinar, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  
  • Tues., Feb. 13: ACI Peer Mentoring Coordinator’s Meet via Zoom, 2:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m. 
  • Thurs., Feb. 22: ACI Board of Trustees Meeting via Zoom, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. 
  • Fri., Mar. 8: ACI Provost’s Quarterly Conversation via Zoom, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
  • Wed., Mar. 13: ACI President’s Quarterly Conversation via Zoom, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
  • Thurs., April 11: ACI Breakfast Forum: Harnessing the Power of Inclusion, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
  • Fri., April 19: ACI's President's Forum 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
  • Fri., April 19: ACI Presidents and Corporate Trustee Luncheon 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  
  • Fri., April 19: ACI Annual Meeting, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
 
 
ACI Member Colleges and Universities 
Augustana College - Aurora University - Blackburn College - Benedictine University - Dominican University Elmhurst University - Eureka College - Illinois College - Illinois Wesleyan University - Judson University
Knox College - Lewis University - McKendree University - Millikin University - Monmouth College
North Central College - North Park University - Olivet Nazarene University - Principia College - Quincy University
Rockford University- Saint Xavier University - Trinity Christian College - University of St. Francis - Wheaton College

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