Year in Review ’24

Top 5 Metro Regions:

• Chicagoland, Northwest IN, and WI: 259,661
• Los Angeles, Long Beach, CA:  5,760
• San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, CA:  4,662
• New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania:  4,274
• Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, Arlington, VA, WV, & PA: 3,362

Top International Regions

• India: 4,846*
• China: 3,736*

*International locations not shown on map

• #1 in social mobility and #1 best value in Illinois – Wall Street Journal
• Top 10 in social mobility in the U.S. – U.S. News & World Report
• Top 40 among U.S. public universities – U.S. News & World Report
• Top 30 in ethnic diversity – U.S. News & World Report

• 1 in 3 Illinois pharmacists were trained at UIC
• 1 in 7 Chicago Public Schools students engaged with a UIC-prepared teacher

Each year, the Chancellor and the UIC Alumni Association honors alumni who demonstrate the highest level of professional and humanitarian achievement and dedication to the university. On April 18, 2024, the we honored seven outstanding alumni during the Alumni Awards Celebration. Our honorees have in common a UIC education that laid the foundation for careers in their chosen field that have changed the world for the better. We hope you will join us for our next Alumni Awards Celebration on April 10, 2025.

Rising Star Leadership Award

The Rising Star Leadership Award recognize upcoming leaders who have shown outstanding leadership skills and have initiated meaningful changes within their profession or communities, whether local, regional, national, or global.

• Erika Sánchez
  Award-Winning Poet and Author
  LAS, Honors College BA ’06
• Garth Walker, MD
  Chief Medical Officer at Rush Health
  Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine at RUSH University System for Health
  College of Medicine MD ’14

Humanitarian Award

The Humanitarian Award recognizes alumni whose outstanding dedication and leadership significantly improve the lives of others and humanity’s well-being. They embody UIC’s commitment to eliminating disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity.

• Michael Barrows, DDS
  Endodontist
  College of Dentistry DDS ’73, Advanced Certificate, Endodontics ’77, MS ’81

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals or couples whose consistent and exceptional service to UIC has significantly contributed to the university’s well-being and the advancement of its mission.

• Greg Cameron
  President and CEO of the Joffrey Ballet
  College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs MPA ’87
• Patricia Hausknost*
  Financial Planner and Teacher
  College of Liberal Arts and Sciences BA ’74
  *Awarded posthumously

Alumni Achievement Award

The highest honor bestowed by the University of Illinois Chicago Alumni Association, the Alumni Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose exceptional success and national or international recognition in their fields demonstrates the value of a UIC education across a lifetime.

• Eui Geum Oh
  Dean of the College of Nursing at Yonsei University
  College of Nursing PhD ’99
• Georges C. Benjamin, MD
  Executive Director of the American Public Health Association
  College of Medicine MD ’78

UIC CONNECTED

This past year, UIC Connected, our online mentoring and networking platform, has undergone a significant refresh, introducing a fresh look that greatly enhances the user experience. Our renewed commitment to strengthening the platform is evident as we leverage existing relationships with campus partners and work to actively engage students and alumni to support the platform.
Our online community continues to expand, making it easier than ever for alumni and students to connect. In 2024, UIC Connected experienced a remarkable 63% increase in student signups and a 19% increase in alumni signups.
We are excited about the upcoming year and look forward to continuing our growth in both numbers and impact. If you haven’t signed up yet, join us to help enhance the lives of our students and connect with other alumni today.

UIC Connected has gone through a refresh this year with a fresh look that has enhanced the user experience. We have reinvigorated our commitment to bolster the platform by leveraging existing relationships with campus partners and identifying students and alumni to help the platform. We continue to grow our online connections making it easier for alumni and students to connect. UIC Connected saw a 63 percent increase in student signups and 19 percent increase in alumni signups during calendar year 2024. We are excited about continuing to grow in number as well as impact for the upcoming calendar year. Log in or join now.

ALUMNI ADMISSIONS PROGRAM

Our exceptional Alumni Admissions Volunteers contacted 2,615 admitted students between March and May 2024. The volunteers contacted 271 of the students committed to attending UIC in Fall 2024. The UIC Alumni Admissions Volunteer Program, is a collaboration between the UICAA and admissions that facilitates a platform for alumni to share their experiences and success stories with prospective students. The goal is to inspire potential students to enroll at UIC. We invite alumni to participate in this fun and impactful program – it will open again this winter – please go here to find out more.

CONVOCATION AND NEW STUDENT WELCOME

The UICAA welcomed UIC’s newest students at Convocation 2024. The UICAA facilitated the Lighting of the Flame ceremony to introduce new students to the long-standing tradition. The 17^th annual event kicked off the 2023-2024 academic year, marking the official beginning of new students’ entry into the UIC academic community. The UIC Convocation and new student welcome program marks the official beginning of a new student’s entry into the UIC academic community. Parents and families attend this welcoming event.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FORUM

More than 100 alumni volunteered their time to serve as alumni judges at the 2024 Undergraduate Research Forum. The annual event allows undergraduate students to present their research and alumni are exposed to their outstanding work and help them advance in their fields by judging their presentations.  It is wonderful alumni volunteer opportunity to provide direct impact to our students. Save the date for April 21 to join us at the 2025 event.

RECENT ALUMNI PROGRAMS

In June 2024, the UICAA hosted its second recent alumni social, Sparky’s Summer Kickoff, at Top Golf in Naperville, bringing together new graduates and recent alumni for an evening of connection and camaraderie.. Attendees enjoyed reminiscing about their time at UIC, forging new relationships, and strengthening their ties to the university. Besides golf, the event featured networking opportunities and an exciting raffle.

The UICAA joined in the Homecoming festivities in November 2024 by hosting a table at the Homecoming Tailgate prior to the men’s basketball game. To help cheer on our Flames, alumni registrants received access to the tailgate, game tickets, commemorative UIC Alumni-branded items, and food vouchers as part of the experience.  It was an exciting evening and having alumni cheering on our UIC Flames helped them secure an exciting victory over Yale with a final score of 91 to 79.

CELEBRATING GRADUATING STUDENTS

In 2024, the UICAA partnered with the UIC Bookstore to host two graduation fairs for spring and winter graduates. The events offered a one-stop shop to gather information about graduation and an opportunity for graduating students to learn about the alumni association. The UICAA also welcomed UIC’s over 6,000 graduates to the alumni association through various print and digital marketing efforts, including a special UIC pin provided to each graduate at the commencement ceremonies.

GOLDEN GRADS

In December 2024, the UICAA continued its tradition of honoring Golden Graduates, alumni celebrating 50 years since graduating. The Class of 1973 was invited back to campus to participate in the December Commencement ceremony and celebrate together. This special annual ceremony continues to be a highlight for UIC as we honor our 50-year graduates.

ALUMNI AFFINITY NEWTORKS

Affinity networks bring alumni together in ways that are most meaningful to them through their strong connections while at UIC. Umoja: Black Legacy Alumni Coalition works to provide networking and community to UIC alumni, support student recruitment and retention, honor history and build traditions. Umoja supported UIC’s Black History Month programming by hosting a Men’s Basketball game reception in February 2024. The group also participated in the Black 2 School Barbecue picnic hosted by the African American Academic Network in August 2024.

Unidad: Society of Latine/a/o/x Alumni aims to build an alumni community, support student success, invest in a student-to-alumni-to-leadership pipeline, and establish and celebrate history and traditions. Unidad was established in June 2024 and hosted an inaugural reception in September 2024.

We are working to expand our affinity networks – please contact Janette Guzman, Assistant Director, Alumni Affinity Programs if you are interested in learning more.

UIC CHANCELLOR INVESTITURE

On April 4, 2024, UIC  celebrated the investiture of Marie Lynn Miranda as our tenth chancellor. The celebration included campus events, the investiture ceremony and a day of community service. During the investiture ceremony, the Chancellor  spoke passionately about UIC’s commitment to its values of access, vitality, empowerment, and creativity. The investiture featured University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen, speakers, faculty dressed in academic regalia and a special gift to UIC from the University of Illinois System, formally marked the moment Miranda was “vested” with the authority and responsibility to lead. The ceremony was part of a series of events celebrating Miranda’s investiture and UIC’s upward trajectory since Miranda officially began her role in July 2023.

UIC ALUMNI BREAKFAST WITH CHANCELLOR MIRANDA IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

The UIC Alumni Association hosted an Alumni Breakfast with Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda on March 21^st at the Yotel Art and Soul, Washington, D.C. The event included several DC area alumni including U.S. Congressman and UIC alumnus Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (BA ’98) and Jordan Tegtmeyer (MBA ‘03), UIC alumni board member. Several UIC students joined the event as well. The students participated in a two-day long University of Illinois System lobby day in Washington, DC. The UICAA is looking forward to establishing a tradition of hosting alumni events in Washington, D.C. It was a wonderful opportunity for DC area alumni to meet Chancellor Miranda, connect with alumni, and celebrate the accomplishments of the D.C. alumni community. Stay tuned for another UIC alumni event in D.C. in April 2025.

UIC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD AND COMMITTEES

The UIC Alumni Association  Board was established in the fall 2020 to advise and support meaningful alumni engagement that connects UIC alumni to one another and the university. Currently, fifty-six alumni volunteer  help support student success, encourage connections among alumni and promote advocacy that drives forward the mission of UIC. You can find out more about the alumni board here.

Alumni Advocacy Committee

The Alumni Advocacy committee attended several government relations programs including the UI State Government tour, U of I Lobby Day in Springfield, and several other events throughout the year representing UIC alumni and advocating for university priorities. Chair Peter Skosey (add in grad info)also leads a group of UIC students on visits with legislators to advocate on behalf of the UI system.

Alumni Career Services Committee

The Alumni Career Services committee hosted Alumni Career Month in June featuring a blog series with topics such as careers in technology, law, career coaching and career trends. They continued their work to enhance the UIC Connected platform for alumni and students. With the platform’s recent upgrades in August, there are now even more ways for alumni to enhance their profiles, mentor students and connect with other alumni. The committee also collaborated with the UICAA and the UIC Office of Careers Services to hold the inaugural Flames Connect event which brought together alumni and UIC students for an afternoon of networking, advice sharing, and pizza.

Alumni Loyalty and Benefits Committee

The Alumni Loyalty and Benefits Committee continued an audit of current alumni benefits on the UICAA website and made recommendations for enhancements, sent an outreach with the Annual Report to UIC/UICAA life members, and explored ways to welcome former UI Alumni Association life members to the UIC Alumni Association.

Awards and Nominations Committee

In the early spring, the Awards and Nominations Committee evaluated and slated 4 new Alumni Board members who where approved by the UIC Alumni Board and they began their term on July 1. The committees reviewed and selected the 2025 Alumni Award recipients in the fall of 2024. These individuals will be honored on April 10, 2025.

Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee explored ways for affinity groups to build relationships with campus student organizations and to increase marketing efforts to increase affinity group membership. The group also supported the Alumni Admissions Volunteer Program resulting in alumni contacting 2,400 prospective freshman students.

Student and Recent Alumni Engagement Committee

The Student and Recent Alumni Committee worked closely with the UIC Alumni Association to enhance Sparky’s Summer Kickoff, the UICAA’s involvement in UIC Homecoming, the UIC Student Involvement Fair in the Fall and the Kickoff to Commencement event to promote the UICAA and alumni benefits and resources. The committee continues to work to understand the current student experience (on campus, commuting and remote) and develop relationships with the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and the College of Business Student organization.

MEET OUR ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT ELECT

UIC Alumni Board President, Kerl LaJeune BA Architecture, Design ’92 and BA Architecture, Structure ’92

Kerl LaJeune assumed the role of Alumni Board President on July 1, 2024. He previously served as President Elect from 2022-2024. He also served as chair of the UIC Alumni Board Awards and Nominations committee. He is a founding member of the UIC Alumni Board. He has served in a variety of volunteer roles since his graduation from UIC including on the CADA A3 (Architecture) Alumni Board, UIC Alumni Engagement Advisors, Campus Alumni Advisory Board, University of Illinois (UIAA) Board of Directors, UIAA Awards and Recognition Committee and UIAA Board of Operations.

Mr. Kerl LaJeune earned two degrees from UIC in 1992: BA in Architecture, Design and BA in Architecture, Structure. Mr. LaJeune has more than 30 years of experience in project design, project management and creativity at leading architecture firms in Chicago. He serves as the director of planning and design at the Public Building Commission of Chicago. In this role, he oversees new and renovated projects as the Design/Construction Director of public facilities and infrastructure on behalf of the City of Chicago, Cook County and various sister agencies.

Architecture Magazine recognized Mr. LaJeune as an emerging architect for his project design excellence. He has experience in a broad spectrum of projects and industries, including higher education, institutional/commercial, clubhouses/arts and recreational, multi-family residential and custom housing, master planning, feasibility studies and corporate interiors. Many of his projects have won distinguished awards.

He has taught design and technology for a combined 15 years at the UIC School of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology and Archeworks.

Over the years, Mr. LaJeune’s active involvement and volunteerism has stretched from community-based organizations to not-for-profit groups, as well as student enrichment with mentoring and other activities linked to professional practice. His yearly participation as a head design juror and mentor for the Richard Newhouse Design Competition for high school students with the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) remains one of the endearing highlights of his professional career.

Prior to this role he worked at Walgreens for more than 10 years in varying roles including senior director, clinical solutions and senior manager of immunizations, clinical services and immunization research. Before joining the corporate sector, Dr. Cohen owned an independent pharmacy for many years.

Meet new UIC Alumni Association Staff

We are excited to introduce the newest members of our Alumni Association team who joined during the 2024 fiscal year.

Damaris Tapia, Executive Director
Damaris comes to us from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), where she served as the director of alumni relations for 13 years and reestablished the NEIU Alumni Association and Alumni Membership Program. Prior to that, she was the associate director of alumni relations at UIC’s College of Medicine. In her role at UIC, Damaris manages volunteer leadership and strategy for all alumni engagement efforts on behalf of the university. Damaris earned both a master’s and bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Communications.

Ashley Spell, Director, Alumni Engagement, West Campuses
Ashley comes to UIC with a rich background in constituent engagement and higher education administration. Most recently, she served as the Director of Education and Awards for AIA Chicago – the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Before joining AIA Chicago, she was the Director of Alumni Relations at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She studied art history and studio art at Virginia Commonwealth University and is a practicing visual artist.

Carl Hunter, Associate Director, Alumni Engagement, West Campuses
Carl joined us from the University of Chicago and brings experience in higher education, admissions, student involvement, multicultural student affairs, and alumni relations and development.  He is a graduate of Illinois State University in Normal, IL. where he studied History and Ethnic studies. He earned his Master of Arts in Conflict and Mediation from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. Originally from Harvey, Illinois, he is a connector of people, enjoys making processes equitable, and planning events.

Janeen Roland, Associate Director, Alumni Engagement, East Campuses
Janeen brings a wealth of experience in engagement and experiential marketing and in her role will focus on building partnerships, bolstering programming, and collaborating with colleagues in east campus colleges. Most recently, she brought together her academic knowledge and practical insights as an adjunct faculty member in Speech Communication at SAE Institute Chicago. Her career includes crafting impactful philanthropic campaigns and managing large-scale brand-building events.

We encourage you to reach out, connect, and get to know them better. They are eager to hear from you and to help make your alumni experience even more rewarding.

MEET SOME OF OUR VOLUNTEERS

Vera Mandilovitch BA ‘01

UIC Alumni Board member, Outreach Committee

Why do I volunteer, and why do I love UIC?

• The UIC community has helped me to become the person I am today and to achieve my professional goals and dreams. I chose to serve on the UIC Alumni Board to give back to the university and to support students that are on their own life journey at UIC. The values of inclusiveness and community that define UIC have helped to shape my own and I look forward to building and advancing alumni relationships for the university.

Bryan Hudson BArch ‘97

Immediate Past Chair, Umoja: UIC Black Alumni Legacy Affinity Group

Why do I volunteer? 

• Representation matters and while I find UIC challenging to get into it can be just as much of a challenge to get out i.e., Graduate.  Students need these resources and appearances to see that it can be done.

Why do I love UIC? 

• I love the school because of the AMAZING leadership opportunities that I was provided while attending and upon graduating.  I was the 1st President and founder of NOMAS Chapter and Treasurer for A3 -UIC Architecture Alumni Association.

Marvin Slaughter, Jr. BA ‘19

Past UIC Alumni Board Member (2022-2024)

 Why do I volunteer at UIC?

• “UIC will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only did I get to know myself here, but I also met some of the most amazing individuals. The brilliance that I encountered during my time at UIC served and continues to serve as a motivating factor for my higher education advocacy. I volunteer at UIC because I understand that investment into higher education has the best return economically and societally. An investment in time and resources is the least I can do for a university that has invested so much into me.”

Why do I love UIC?

• “My life’s purpose was revealed while at UIC, and every experience, conversation, course, and extracurricular activity worked in tandem to grow me for that purpose. UIC is home for me, I celebrated some of the best times of my life at UIC and was supported and loved through some of the worst. The one constant in the best and worst times was the endearing support and consistent encouragement that not only created strong relationships but adopted me into a legacy of being supportive and encouraging!”

Bernie Y. Castillo BA ‘77

Alumni Admissions Outreach and Alumni Judge Volunteer

Why do I volunteer at UIC?

• My university experience was one of immense, personal, and intellectual growth, allowing me to explore my interests, connect with diverse people, and prepare for a successful career at UI Health Hospital. UIC offers many opportunities for those interested in research. By participating in research projects alongside professors and peers, you’ll gain valuable experience that broadens your perspectives while honing your critical thinking and analytical abilities. At university, I experienced the value of diversity firsthand, as peers from all corners of the globe brought unique viewpoints that fostered empathy and open-mindedness. Volunteering is at the very core of being a human being. At UIC, I want to make a difference to help and serve.

Why do I love UIC?

• UIC is a world class university, with a world class education in a world class city. A college education furnishes students with a combination of specialized knowledge and practical communication and teamwork skills, thereby preparing us thoroughly for professional triumph. I always love our university! My wife Malou, daughters, and I are alumni, staff, and retirees of University of Illinois. Thank you as always. We love you UIC.

Thank you to all our volunteers! We appreciate all that you do for UIC!

Want to learn more about being involved and volunteering as a graduate?

• Mentor students and network with fellow alumni on UIC Connected.
• Update your contact information and let us know about life changes.
• Join an Alumni Affinity Network.
• Attend UIC alumni events throughout the year
• Serve as an alumni judge.
• Contact a UIC Alumni Coach to help you navigate your career journey.
• Sign up to be an Alumni Admissions volunteer and help recruit the next class of outstanding UIC students.
• Join Illinois Connect and advocate on behalf of UIC.
• Read the UIC magazine and the UICAA e-news to stay updated and connected.
• Join us on social media.
• Use a UIC banner on your social media sites.
• Be a part of the UIC Alumni Book club.
• Nominate fellow alumni for UIC Alumni Awards.
• Cheer on the UIC Flames.

Find more ways to volunteer and be engaged at https://advance.uic.edu/alumni-association/get-involved/

Throughout the year, UIC Alumni Board committee members dedicated over 1000 volunteer hours advancing the mission of the UICAA.  The Alumni Board members serve on committees focused on specific tasks to advance their goals.  Below are some highlights of the committee work over the last year.

Thank you to the UIC Alumni Board members for all that you do for the UIC alumni community throughout the year.

Special thanks to our outgoing board members whose terms ended June 30, 2024.

• Jessica Cybulski BA ‘09
• Naderh Elrabadi JD ‘02
• Peter Fraser BS ‘17
• Joshua Hahn MUPP ‘16
• Brian Havel BS ’15, DMD ‘19
• Patricia Martinez BS ’09, MEd ‘13
• David McEllis BA ’04, JD ‘12
• Joanne Meyerhoff BA ‘71
• Julio Nolasco BS ‘02
• Farid Peiravian PhD ‘14
• Angelo Poulikakos BS ‘04
• Marvin Slaughter, Jr. BA ‘19
• Kelly Anne Smith MSW ‘08
• Hugo Teruel

Congratulations to Bill Merchantz who served as the Immediate Past President from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2024, was designated as the first Emeritus Board Member of the University of Illinois Chicago Alumni Board.