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September-October-November 2025
In This Issue: 
  • From the Executive Director: April Arnold
  • ACI Scholar: Kaydence H., Illinois College
  • ACI and Braven Partner to Support Rural Illinois Schools
  • ACI Webinars Prepare Campuses for the Future of AI
  • New Partnership with Noble Schools to Strengthen College Pathways
  • ACI Partner Michael Best Introduces Innovative Real Estate Strategy for Higher Ed
  • "Meeting the Moment" Virtual Session
  • Highlights of ACI Campus Life and Leaders
  • Fall Scholarships Awarded
  • Foundations, Organizations, and Individuals Support ACI Initiatives and Programs
  • Your Gift: Building a Stronger Future 
  • Upcoming Events
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April Arnold, ACI Executive Director
As we move through a chaotic year, I’m reminded of the vital role our independent colleges and universities play, not only as centers of learning but also as centers of community. Each campus within Associated Colleges of Illinois stands as a place where students are seen, supported, and inspired to lead lives of purpose.
 
Every day, ACI institutions open doors to opportunity, uphold excellence, and strengthen the bonds between education and the common good. Our campuses nurture both intellect and character, helping students connect their studies to service, innovation, and civic engagement.
 
We know that higher education is most powerful when it is personal—when it equips students to understand their communities, contribute to them, and imagine new possibilities for the future. Through partnerships among member schools, corporate allies, and supporters, ACI continues to advance this mission: preparing graduates who not only succeed in their careers but also give back, build bridges, and lead with empathy.
 
In this month of gratitude and giving, I hope you will make a gift that will help a student thrive and become better. Obtaining a degree is vital. No student should have to choose between meeting their basic needs and earning a degree to pursue their dreams.
 
Together, we’re meeting real demands, fueling success, and strengthening our communities.
 
In gratitude,
April Arnold, CFRE
Executive Director
312-263-2391, ext. 1                                                                                                                        Photo: Aleya Cydney Photography
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Student Spotlight: Kaydence H. – Illinois College
Support Empowers First-Generation Student to Lead with Purpose 
 
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Scholarships made all the difference for Kaydence, a first-generation student who transferred to Illinois College to pursue her passion for business and communication. Today, she leads on campus, studies abroad, and plans for graduate school—all made possible by scholarship support.
 
“Because of this scholarship, I could focus less on financial stress and more on becoming the leader I’m meant to be.”
 
Read her inspiring story here and learn of her contributions to the ACI community in our full feature.
ACI and Braven Partner to Support Rural Illinois Students
 
 
Through ACI’s partnership with Braven, forty students at member institutions will gain access to a nationally recognized program designed to build leadership skills, strengthen career readiness, and expand professional networks.
 
This fall, Braven funding was obtained to support 50 additional students from rural Illinois at no cost to their institutions. The initiative created an immediate opportunity for campuses to expand access and help more students prepare for success after graduation.
 
For participating rural schools,  Illinois College, Knox College, Millikin University and Quincy University, this collaboration means:
  • Closing opportunity gaps with tailored career and leadership development.
  • Connecting students with mentors, internships, and employers.
  • Equipping graduates with the confidence and skills to thrive in jobs or graduate school.
By joining forces with Braven, ACI enhances its mission to help students, especially those from underrepresented and rural communities, graduate career-ready and connected to networks that support their long-term success.
 
To give institutions a closer look at this transformative experience, ACI and BravenX will host a Virtual Site Visit on Wednesday, December 4, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. CST. Attendees will hear directly from student participants, observe Capstone Presentations, and explore how the program can support their own campus goals.
 
To attend the virtual site visit and see students in action, RSVP by Tuesday, November 26, to Leslie Scarpace at lscarpace@acifund.org
 
ACI Launches Partnership with Noble Schools to Strengthen College Pathways
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Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Noble Schools, a leading network of 17 open-enrollment public charter high schools that serves more than 12,000 current students and 31,000 alumni across Chicago.
 
Much like Noble’s mission, ACI is rooted in the belief that a college degree is the most reliable path to a choice-filled life and lasting, multi-generational impact. Noble alumni have already demonstrated strong outcomes at ACI member institutions, graduating 12 percentage points higher than peers with similar academic backgrounds at Illinois public universities.
 
Despite this success, the past five years have shown a decline in the number of Noble graduates enrolling at ACI colleges. Through this new partnership, ACI and Noble are working together to reverse that trend—focusing on increasing applications, improving admissions connections, and ensuring more Noble alumni can benefit from the supportive learning environments and career-ready outcomes offered by ACI member schools.
 
Noble and ACI are exploring ways to deepen collaboration across campuses through outreach initiatives, admissions partnerships, and strategies that strengthen student belonging and success from enrollment through graduation.
 
Together, ACI and Noble aim to open more doors for Chicago students, connecting them with the life-changing opportunities available through independent member colleges and universities.
 
AI Ready: Preparing Campuses for the Future of Artificial Intelligence
 
 
This summer, ACI partnered with the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to launch AI Ready: All Campus Essentials, designed to help campuses navigate the growing influence of artificial intelligence in higher education.
 
The structured series engages institutions in critical discussions about AI’s impact across campus life—from enrollment strategies and student advising to teaching, learning, and academic integrity.
 
Participating ACI member schools include Augustana College, Elmhurst University, Judson University, Millikin University, Monmouth College, Rockford University, and Saint Xavier University, with McKendree University joining CIC’s AI Ready Program 2.
 
As part of this partnership, ACI hosts a monthly “Fourth Thursday” discussion series for Illinois campuses, providing faculty, staff, and administrators opportunities to deepen their learning, share best practices, and explore collaborative approaches to AI readiness.
 
Each month, the program focuses on a specific group of campus leaders and relevant topics, such as:
  • August: Senior Leadership Decisions and Development
  • September: Admissions and Enrollment
  • October: AI Pedagogy and Curriculum Design
  • November: Retention and Student Success
Illinois institutions currently enrolled signal strong interest and a shared commitment to understanding how AI will continue to shape both education and the workforce. 
 
At the program’s conclusion, ACI will summarize lessons learned and examples of successful campus initiatives. Through this initiative, ACI and CIC continue to strengthen the independent college sector’s ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in an era of rapid technological change.
 
Build Campus AI Skills with Insights from the AI Engage Summit
 
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ACI welcomed Element451, an AI platform built for higher education, as a new corporate partner this year. Element451 helps colleges use intelligent, proactive AI tools to strengthen admissions, communications, and student engagement, empowering teams to work smarter, personalize at scale, and support students more effectively.
 
Element451 hosted the AI Engage Summit, a dynamic virtual event exploring how higher education can confidently harness AI today. Attendees learned practical skills around topics like FERPA compliance in the age of AI, optimizing web content for AI search, and assessing institutional AI maturity to prepare for next-stage innovation.
 
You can now access all sessions, each packed with practical ideas to improve outreach, retention, and efficiency through AI-driven strategies.
 
ACI thanks Element451 for its partnership and its commitment to helping member colleges adopt ethical, effective AI practices that enhance student success.
 
 
Navigating Current Legal Priorities in Higher Education
 
On November 4, ACI Trustees Emily Bothfeld (Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose, Ltd.), Daniel Kaufman (Michael Best), and Nick Simpson (Jackson Lewis P.C.) led an engaging session for ACI member school leaders on navigating today’s fast-changing civic and policy landscape.
 
They emphasized the importance of proactive preparation, as rapid developments can arise from government action or viral social media activity. Institutions should have a response plan and team ready to act quickly to mitigate potential risks. The trustees also encouraged schools to review and update their campus security protocols to ensure they can respond swiftly and clearly in the event of a safety incident.
 
As higher education continues to evolve, the panelists advised leaders to consult with their institution’s legal counsel for guidance and to take early, proactive steps to stay ahead of emerging issues.
 
Turning Real Estate into Revenue for Higher Ed
 
HigArticle Imageher education leaders recognize that succeeding in today’s environment requires creativity, strategic thinking, and innovative approaches to financial sustainability. At ACI, we are dedicated to exploring solutions that assist our member institutions in strengthening their missions while effectively serving students.
 
In a webinar on September 24, ACI’s long-time corporate partner Michael Best introduced the REPIF, an innovative investment model designed to help campuses adapt and thrive in the coming years. Unlike traditional market-driven income assets, a REPIF invests in a single, tangible asset that generates a controlled return through lease payments. This results in predictability and stability, creating a framework that benefits both donors and institutions.
 
To learn more about how REPIFs can support institutional sustainability, click here.
 Elmhurst University Opens State-of-the-Art Health Sciences Building
 
Elmhurst University celebrated a major milestone on October 3 with the official ribbon-cutting of its new Health Sciences Building, a 45,000-square-foot hub for learning, innovation, and community engagement.
 
The facility houses Elmhurst’s departments of Nursing, Public Health, Occupational Therapy, and Communication Sciences and Disorders, offering students cutting-edge resources for hands-on education. Designed to the highest sustainability standards and topped with over 300 solar panels, the building earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
 
The building features:
  • A 360-degree immersive virtual-reality lab, the first of its kind in the Midwest, allows students to practice procedures in realistic settings, from operating rooms to ambulances.
  • High-fidelity simulation labs where patient simulators breathe, sweat, have seizures, and respond to medical interventions.
  • A comprehensive Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic serving clients of all ages from nearby communities.
  • An occupational therapy apartment for practicing daily living interventions for people with mobility challenges.
  • The Jans Family Military and Veterans Center, a dedicated resource and gathering space for student veterans and active-duty military students.
“This building will serve as a hub for collaboration, academic excellence, and community engagement,” said Heather Hall, Dean of the School of Health Sciences. “It empowers our students to lead with knowledge and compassion while strengthening connections to those we serve.”
       
 
ACI Provosts Convene to Share Best Practices
 
In early October, ACI had the privilege of hosting its Provosts and Chief Academic Officers at Millikin University, a day dedicated to sharing best practices, collaboration, and innovation among member institutions. The group explored ways to foster meaningful partnerships across campuses and to better align academic programs with the evolving needs of students and the workforce.
 
A highlight of the day was lunch with Millikin’s incoming president, Dr. Dean Pribbenow, who reflected on his professional journey from Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at Elmhurst University to his new role at Millikin. His remarks underscored the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success, values that resonate deeply across all ACI campuses.
 
ACI extends its sincere thanks to Millikin University staff for their warm hospitality, and to the Council of Independent Colleges’ “Meeting the Moment” Grant, which helped make the event possible. This initiative supports collaboration among institutional leaders, equipping them with tools to address challenges and sustain the distinct value of independent higher education in Illinois.
 
Innovating Under Constraint
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois

Building on the momentum of October’s Provosts Convening, ACI invites presidents, provosts and corporates to engage in an all-day workshop. When resources are limited and systems feel tight, true innovation can emerge from constraint. This dynamic, collaborative workshop will help academic and corporate leaders transform limitations into breakthrough ideas.
 
Participants will explore the power of constraints to focus creativity, identify shared challenges that unite diverse sectors, and co-create solutions that drive impact. Through guided collaboration, reflection, and practical activities, leaders will leave equipped to turn barriers into opportunities for growth—discovering that the barriers faced can become the sources of their most powerful innovations.
 
North Central College Coffee Lab:
Brewing Business, Research, and Social Impact
 
At North Central College, innovation and impact come together in a truly unique way at The Coffee Lab, one of only a few collegiate facilities of its kind in the nation, and the first to focus primarily on the business of coffee.
 
Since 2006, North Central professors have led biannual trips to Guatemala, introducing students to the principles of social entrepreneurship and the global coffee economy. These experiences have inspired wide-ranging student research, from international coffee marketing and supply-chain management to studies in customary law and indigenous spirituality. 
 
Today, The Coffee Lab serves as a hub for learning, business, and collaboration that brings together students and faculty from multiple disciplines.
  • A Learning and Research Lab:  Students engage in hands-on, cross-disciplinary projects, from engineering design and coffee chemistry to social science fieldwork and business innovation. Programming also extends to community members, industry professionals, and partner institutions.
  • A Business with Purpose:  The Coffee Lab operates a full bean-to-cup business, roasting over 1,500 pounds of coffee each month. All proceeds are reinvested into the lab to support student learning and sustain direct trade partnerships.
  • A Hub for Connection: Beyond its role as a business, The Coffee Lab is a vibrant gathering space where students, faculty, and community members connect over coffee, mentoring, and shared ideas.
The Coffee Lab empowers students to become socially responsible leaders who understand how business can drive positive change.
 
“Jerry (Thalmann) and I are always willing to share what we have learned over the years of running the NCC alternative trade project,” said Matthew Krystal, Professor of Anthropology. “We’d love to meet other educators interested in launching a similar project.”
 
To learn more about how to start a coffee lab on your campus, contact Matthew Krystal at mbkrystal@noctrl.edu 
 
A variety of roasts, subscription services, and locally crafted products are available through The North Central Coffee Lab.
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Fall 2025 Scholarships Awarded
 
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ACI member schools received their FY26 Fall Scholarship Award Letters in the first week of October 2025. Each member school was awarded the Council of Independent Colleges/UPS Scholarship and McGraw Foundation Student Emergency Assistance Funding.
 
Additionally, some campuses received the Carole Whitcomb Scholarship and/or ACI Challenge Grant Scholarships. Thanks to the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Scholarship Challenge Grant, ACI Corporate Trustees, and other generous donors, ACI provided $15,000 in scholarship funding for second-year or higher students, with another $25,000 available in the Spring.
 
This fall, The total amount of funding awarded was $185,757. Financial aid officers at each campus have already begun looking for eligible students for the awards. 
 
The FY26 Spring Scholarship Awards Letters are scheduled to be sent out in early March 2026.
 
We Made Our “20 for 20” Scholarship Goal!
 
Thanks to the generosity of fifty-five foundations, companies, organizations, and individuals like you, ACI has successfully raised over $20,000 in new, renewed, or increased cash gifts and grants to meet our Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Scholarship Challenge Match.
 
The Council of Independent Colleges State Councils Scholarship Challenge Grant offered ACI a unique opportunity: by raising $20,000 in new or renewed donations, ACI unlocked an additional $20,000. These funds will directly benefit scholarship recipients in their second year or beyond during this 2025-2026 academic year.
 
Foundations, Organizations, and Individuals Support ACI Initiatives
and Programs 
 
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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 August 1, these generous foundations, companies, and organizations have awarded grants to ACI:
  • Council of Independent Colleges
In addition, these individuals and companies have taken part in ACI's monthly giving program or provided other gifts to ACI since August 1:
  • Angela T. Allen
  • Anonymous
  • Susy Best
  • Mike Briggs
  • Lyn Bulman
  • Caris Family Charitable Fund
  • Louis Diez
  • Touline Elshafei
  • Fissinger Family Fund
  • Toya Garcia-Bradow
  • William G. Hamik
  • Anthony Klemmer
  • Anthony P. LoBello
  • Tom Miers
  • Elizabeth Quilter
  • Joseph Skvara
  • Leah D. Wallace
  • Russ Weigand
  • William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
  • Sarah Wine
  • Erika Wood
ACI gratefully recognizes the commitment of these foundations, individuals and organizations that contributed to our mission. THANK YOU!
 
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 Daisy Gomez at 312-263-2391, ext. 0, for further assistance.
 
The Time Is Always Right to Help a Student in Need
 
Imagine growing up in a community where access to opportunity felt out of reach. For many ACI scholars, this is where their stories begin. With your support, these students are turning challenges into success and using their education to create lasting change.
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Rockford University student Ashley Harkey is pursuing dual passions in Psychology and Criminal Justice while exploring her lifelong fascination with the human mind. Scholarship support has allowed her to stay on track with a demanding double major while engaging in transformative experiences, including presenting at an international conference in Poland. These opportunities not only advanced her academic growth but also shaped her professional development, preparing her to give back to her community after graduation.
 
ACI scholarships also provide mentorship and emergency assistance that help students overcome obstacles. Ashley shared, “There was a point when I doubted whether I could make it, but guidance and support helped me stay on track. Your investment in my education is something I deeply value. I’m determined to make a positive impact and make you proud.” Your generosity ensures students like these can thrive, grow, and pursue meaningful careers.
 
Will you step forward again to help? Your gift—no matter the size—empowers students to achieve their dreams. Make your contribution today at www.acifund.org/giving and continue opening doors for deserving students.
 
P.S. Many employers match charitable gifts—check with your company to see if you can double your impact! 
 
Have questions? Contact April Arnold at aarnold@acifund.org to learn more about how your support transforms lives through ACI scholarships.
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ACI Breakfast Forum
 
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Partners in Progress: Connecting Institutions and Industry for Impact  
 
Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 8:00 AM -11:30 AM
 
ACI Meeting Dates:
 
Executive Committee Meetings
Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, 4:00-5:15 p.m.
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026, 4:00-5:15 p.m.
 
Board of Trustees Meetings
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, 4:00-5:15 p.m. (Hybrid)
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, 4:00-5:15 p.m.
 
Presidents Quarterly Conversations
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
 
Provosts Quarterly Conversations
Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 6, 2026, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
 
“NEW” Advancement Officers Conversations
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
 
Peer Mentoring Coordinator Meetings
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
 
Holiday Schedule (ACI Office Closed)
Thanksgiving Day: Thurs., Nov. 27, 2025
Day after Thanksgiving: Fri., Nov. 28, 2025
Christmas Eve: Wed., Dec. 24, 2025
Christmas Day: Thurs., Dec. 25, 2025
The Week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Dec. 26-31, 2025
New Year's Day: Thurs., Jan. 1, and Fri., Jan. 2, 2026
 
 
ACI Member Colleges and Universities 
Augustana College - Blackburn College - 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

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