More than 400 supporters attended the Chicago State University Foundation’s 20th anniversary Award and Scholarship Fundraiser Concert on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Chicago Marriott downtown, Magnificent Mile. The event, headlined by legendary R&B group The Whispers was part awards ceremony, part concert and show and all inspirational in its focus on helping CSU students complete their education. The theme of the Scholarship Fundraiser Concert was Still in the Business of Transforming Lives, a reference describing the Foundation’s commitment to helping CSU students. The dinner and awards were emceed by Summer Jackson of WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning.” Herb Kent, “The Cool Gent,” a member of the CSU faculty, hosted the entertainment portion of the evening.
You can click the gallery at the end of this article to catch a glimpse of the evening.
The milestone anniversary event included recognition of Willard S. Evans Jr., recently retired president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas who brought the audience to their feet several times during his acceptance speech. “There is no greater feeling than when you reach down and pull someone up, reach back and pull someone forward, reach out and pull someone in. As a leader, your success is defined by what others achieve,” said Evans. Illinois State Senator Jacqueline Collins, 16th District, a friend from Evans’ time at Northwestern University introduced him.
Comedian James Stephens III opened the entertainment portion of the evening with a comedy routine filled with impressions and audience interaction. CSU alum and R&B recording artist, Adam Emil kept the evening going with an R&B inspired after-party.
As it has for the past 20 years, the Annual Friends of CSU Award and Scholarship Fundraiser is the CSU Foundation’s major fundraising event with proceeds providing scholarships, technology enhancements and general support for Chicago State University. Approximately 6,200 students attend Chicago State University, with 95 percent of these students receiving some form of financial aid. CSU student ambassadors were an integral part of the evening’s program as they have been since the launch of the fundraiser in 1984. Sheila Collins, a junior at CSU commented, “I am grateful for this unique opportunity to serve as a student ambassador for CSU. I was able to volunteer, network and experience the famous Whispers!”
“CSU students are often times dependent on the generosity exhibited by the community present here tonight to pursue their education,” said Maurice Grant, chair of the CSU Foundation Board. “This event makes it possible for CSU students to achieve their educational dreams and reap the benefits of the success that a great education can bring.”
About the Chicago State University Foundation
The Chicago State University Foundation was chartered in 1967 and incorporated in 1968 as an independent, charitable organization with the sole purpose of soliciting, receiving, and administering private gifts to the Chicago State University. The CSU Foundation is committed to “helping one student at a time” by raising funds to support CSU students and programs. Donations can be made by visiting the CSU Foundation website. www.csu.edu/foundation. Visit the CSU Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoStateUniversityFoundation for more post photos and updates.
