Register for the Luncheon
Join the Celebration
Celebrating 140 Years of National Louis University
About NLU’s 140th Anniversary
National Louis University is marking 140 years of innovation, progress, and leadership in higher education. This site brings together key events, stories, and opportunities to participate, as we celebrate the impact of our extraordinary NLU alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members.
Acts of Service
See how fellow members of the NLU community are giving back through volunteerism. Every month, we’ll spotlight individuals who are bringing NLU’s values to life through service across the country.
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Stories of Impact
Discover stories from across the NLU community that highlight the accomplishments, careers, and contributions of those who continue to shape our university’s legacy and impact.
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Legacy of Impact
Explore NLU’s rich history through curated artifacts that showcase 140 years of innovation and impact. Whether in person or online, you’ll interact with images and memorabilia that have defined NLU’s journey.
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Join the Celebration
Attend the Anniversary Luncheon
Join alumni, faculty, staff, and friends for an in-person celebration and fundraiser supporting current and future NLU students.
Register for the Luncheon
Take Part in Acts of Service
Share how you are volunteering in your community as an ambassador for NLU.
Submit an Act of Service
Share a Story of Impact
Tell how NLU has shaped your life, work, or path forward.
Share Your NLU Story
A Celebration of Legacy, Leadership and the Power of Education
On May 18, 2026, our Anniversary Luncheon in downtown Chicago will bring together members of the university community to celebrate 140 years of NLU. Join us as we celebrate NLU’s remarkable impact and the transformational leadership of President Nivine Megahed, while raising support for current and future students. Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available; learn more by clicking the Registration button below.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Acts of Service
We invite you to join us in participating in Acts of Service as NLU ambassadors, and sharing your experiences as volunteers in communities across the country. Our goal is to document at least 140 Acts of Service during this celebratory year.
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"I worked with the Bread Team at what I consider the best organized community service event in my 50 years of volunteering — and I have volunteered with the Marie Wilkerson Food Pantry, Hesed House, Feed My Starving Children, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes, and my Sorority for decades. NLU's partnership with this Food Dispensary was an excellent teamwork experience for the good of the community. Those in need received excellent food, and we packed over 1,000 boxes of assorted breads in just 2½ hours. Wow!"
Joy Bowling
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“Volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave. With so many families facing reduced SNAP benefits, and the holidays approaching, the need feels heavier than ever. Standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow NLU alumni, and so many others who showed up to help, reminded me how powerful community can be when we choose to show up for one another. I was genuinely moved by the stories, the shared purpose and the simple act of doing something that makes someone else’s day a little easier. I’m grateful for the opportunity and already looking forward to going back.”
Jennifer Lonchar
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"Volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository filled me with gratitude, purpose, and humility. Sorting and preparing food boxes made me deeply aware of how many families depend on these resources just to get through the week — and reminded me not to take my own stability for granted. More than volunteering, it felt like directly contributing to someone's peace of mind. This experience helped me embody the NLU spirit by pushing me to live out empathy, service, and leadership — because showing up and doing the work is what real leadership looks like."
Sidney Sims Jr
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"I had the privilege of volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. I worked with the bread group, where together we repacked 10,128 pounds of bread—enough to provide servings for approximately 8,440 households. It was incredibly rewarding to know that our collective effort would help so many families in need. This experience truly reflects what it means to serve as an NLU ambassador—leading with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose. In these challenging times, it felt uplifting to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared the same commitment to making a positive difference. Volunteering not only allowed me to contribute to my community, but also reinforced the importance of service, collaboration, and empathy—values that are at the heart of NLU’s mission.”
Chrishon Lucien
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“For my Act of Service, I participated with the NLU Advising Team in creating handmade cards, bookmarks, and bracelets for children and families at Lurie Children’s Hospital. This experience was both humbling and deeply meaningful, as it reminded me of the power of small acts of kindness. Watching our team collaborate with care and intention demonstrated how service can strengthen community and bring comfort to others. Coming together for a shared purpose reinforced the NLU's values of service, generosity, and empathy. This act of service allowed me to reflect on gratitude and the importance of supporting those facing difficult circumstances.”
Vince Cerasuolo
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Stories of Impact
Stories of Impact share how NLU has shaped lives, careers, and communities. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and trustees describe what NLU has meant in their journeys and why they feel connected to this community.
Learn More
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140th Anniversary Host Committee
140th Anniversary
Host Committee
We remain grateful to these individuals who believe in National Louis University and the power of higher education in transforming lives.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Elizabeth and J. Jeffry Louis
Penny Pritzker and Bryan Traubert
Committee Co-Chairs
Michelle L. Collins
Sheau-ming and Ian Ross
Martha and Scott Smith
Committee Members
June and Tiffany ’11 ’15 ’20 Allen-Smith
Julie Chavez ’95 ’08 and Ronald Antolec
Lynn Donaldson and Cameron Avery
Diana and Carlos ’75 Azcoitia
Anya Amelichkina ’18 and Kevin Boehm ’25
Andrea Sáenz and John Bracken
Carolyn ’70 ’78 and Christopher Brandt
Patty and Bob '78 Bryant
Denise ’97 and Dave Bunning
Sharon ’74 and Richard Burstein
Patricia Cassin-Graft ‘57
Scott Klapperich and Christopher Chantson
Gina Stewart and Peter Cherecwich
Sue and Jim Colletti
Pamela and James Floyd
Thomas Formolo
Debra and Jack Furst
Natasha and Luciano Galavotti
Anne Johnson Gilford ’79
Alicea and Kayne ’14 Grau
Markuail Turnipseed and Cornelius Griggs
Audrey and Bruce Hampton
Family of Marianne Handler ’85 ‘90
Lisa ’21 and Gregg Hassler
Beverly Shaw Hayford ’79
Alison and Steven Hilsabeck
Janet and Ken Hooten
John A. Jeffries, Esq.
Rose ’79 and Robert Johnson
Tatiana Morales Guerrero and Nathan Kenyon ’19 ‘20
Irida Nikolla, MD and Andi Koritari
Jennifer and Joseph Kunze
Judy and George Litman
Heather and J. Michael Locke
Nicole and Paul Lussow
Margaret and R. Tighe Magnuson
Traci and Justin Marquardt
Melissa and Oliver Merrill
Jan and Marty Mickey
Peg and Joe Moreland
Lydia ’83 and Rev. Gillian Murphy-Stephans
Nivine Megahed and Rick Neal
Kathleen ’96 ’04 ’14 ’25 and Geoffrey Nixon
Emiyuki and Juan F. ’09 Ortiz
Pamela and Richard Pappas
Mary Fackiner Payton '68 and Charles Payton
Louise and Carl Perrin
Sylvia ’59 ’24 and Jan Peters
Ashley and Eddie Phillips
Claudie ’85 and William Phillips
Linda Caradine-Poinsett ’05 ’07 and Alexis Pierre Poinsett, Sr.
Penny Brown and Jeffrey Rappin
Diana and Bruce Rauner
Russ Riendeau ’96 ’99 and Cheryl Riendeau
Peter Rusin
Celena ‘08 and Nick Sarillo
Barbara ’67 ’76 and Lewis ’65 Schneider
Lois Shelton '66
Marcia Jean Taub ’84 and Peter Swain
Elizabeth and Don Thompson
Veronica and Darrell '16 Williams
Patty and Rick Yaconis
Mary Vermilion ’97 ’98 and Richard A. Young
More 140th Content Coming Soon
More 140th content
Coming Soon
Welcome to the first phase of NLU’s 140th Anniversary experience. In the months ahead, we plan to add additional pillars, including Legacy of Impact and the Future of Education Forum, along with archival content, event highlights, and new stories as the celebration continues.
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