Acts of Service

"I volunteered alongside the leadership team at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It felt great to contribute, even in a small way, to addressing food insecurity and hunger in our community. The energy from everyone who participated was contagious and the experience was incredible. At NLU, we’re committed to improving the lives of the communities we serve, and this experience was a meaningful reflection of that mission."

Serving as Team Captain for NLU's Chase Corporate Challenge team was an absolute joy. I was honored to help bring together nearly 50 faculty and staff members, amazed that so many signed up with almost no promotion. There were teammates meeting for the first time, cheering each other on, whether they ran, walked, or just enjoyed being part of the team.

As Staff Council Co-Chair and Wellbeing Committee member, creating opportunities like this is one of my favorite ways to serve. It felt like the NLU spirit in action: building community and proving that the best team-building happens in matching T-shirts after work.

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Performing my act of service at UChicago AdventHealth Glen Oaks Hospital made me feel like I truly belonged to a dedicated and hardworking team during the EMS Week Barbecue. I had genuinely good conversations with the administration, staff, and paramedics who came and spent time with us.

I was one of forty NLU faculty, staff, and students who represented NLU at the 2026 Chicago Corporate Challenge, transforming a day of friendly competition into a meaningful act of service. Through teamwork and school spirit, our community helped support Association House, an organization that has strengthened Chicago communities for 126 years through programs addressing education, workforce development, health, and family needs.

Our participation embodied NLU's 140 Acts of Service initiative — using our collective energy to uplift our neighbors and advance a more inclusive society. The event strengthened connections among our NLU community and reinforced our commitment to service and lasting impact.

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Performing my act of service was meaningful and rewarding, reinforcing my commitment to education, leadership, and community. At NLU, I've supported scholarship funds and the 140th Anniversary Fund, led faculty training, and mentored students across interdisciplinary courses — knowing even small contributions have lasting impact.

Currently, I'm attending the Future Talent Leadership Summit 2026 in Stockholm, engaging with global educators and innovators while representing NLU's commitment to access, innovation, and student-centered learning. This reminded me that service isn't limited by geography.

This experience embodied the NLU spirit — student success, collaboration, and service — and strengthened my commitment to education and leadership.

Participating in the Chase run/walk 5K while celebrating a milestone birthday felt incredibly meaningful. Joining NLU was a chance to make history and challenge myself, and celebrating through service made it even more memorable.

The walk itself was inspiring. There were moments I felt tired and wanted to give up, but encouragement from fellow participants motivated me to keep moving. Their determination reminded me we shared a common goal, and that unity helped me push through.

This act of service embodied the NLU spirit — perseverance, community engagement, and impact. It reinforced the importance of supporting others while accepting support myself, values central to the NLU community.

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I participated in the CHASE walk/run 5k on Thursday, May 14th with a large group from National Louis University.

In May, I got to represent NLU with my colleagues at the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge. It was a great way to bring the NLU team together and support the local community, not to mention a unique way to unwind after work.

While it was great to run the Chase Corporate Challenge with my colleagues, it felt more like a service from the university to me!

I did the walk/run Chase Corporate Challenge event on May 15.  We had a great team of 50 staff and faculty we had to do that charity walk. It was a great day!

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I completed a service day training clinic staff in Juárez, Mexico — approximately 20 physical therapy students and clinicians — in a setting where no occupational therapy services exist. I have been going to this clinic since 2006, using a three-part training model. First, I treat clients directly. Second, I teach caregivers the best ways to support their family members. Third, I train the providers who work in the clinic. For the last 20 years, I have used this treat, teach, and train model to help countless individuals regain independence in the things that are most meaningful to them.

I was shoveling snow for the daycare center and I wanted to make sure that the children were able to enjoy the winter weather and be able to play and be safe as well. Embodying the NLU spirit by doing this act of service makes me feel connected to the community.