Acts of Service

"I really enjoyed this experience.  It taught me so much about what it means to truly give back, and I also learned how acts like this help others in need.  The Greater Chicago Food Depository was quite the operation, in two hours, we packed 5,796 pounds of Starbucks food that could be used for families and others who are food insecure.  I texted my wife and told her that we have to come and do it as a family, it was truly inspiring and eye opening."

"Volunteering at the Chicago Greater Food Depository as a leadership team was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. We worked hard to pack food for two hours and it felt good to see the impact directly. We packed over 5,700 pounds of food that would reach homes and organizations across Chicagoland. Many NLU students have experienced food insecurity, so this felt deeply aligned with our mission. At NLU, we serve our students and empower them toward better futures — volunteering like this means extending that same commitment to our broader community. It was a truly impactful experience."

"Leading a Freedom Dreaming session for high school students at My Block, My Hood, My City was transformative. To hear young people so eager to reshape the future in ways that impacted them and others restored my faith in the future. The space was one of community and care, which is indicative of NLU."

"Donating blood was a humbling and meaningful experience. It reminded me that even a simple act can have a life-saving impact. I was grateful our Executive Director organized an on-campus bloodmobile campaign, making it easy for all of us to give back and make a real difference.

This act of service embodied the NLU spirit by reflecting compassion, community, and social responsibility. It reinforced that being part of NLU means showing up for others and contributing to something greater than ourselves."

"I was very grateful to volunteer with several colleagues in sorting and packing food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. As an NLU staff member, I find it deeply rewarding to feel part of something greater, to know that we're helping our fellow human beings, and to collectively strive to make the world a better place. I think that ethos is part of the NLU culture and drives us all to serve our students as best as we can, and to help them transform their lives, their families and their communities."

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"I donated double red blood cells which so far have saved 2 lives."

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"Being an advocate in my community, especially for families in need, has shown me the true meaning of leadership. Whether providing food, organizing small community events, or using my own finances to help others during difficult times, I’ve learned that service requires commitment and compassion. When government shutdowns and funding delays affect essential programs, it is often the most vulnerable families who suffer first. Stepping in, even in small ways, reminded me that leadership is not about titles but about action. Supporting families during hardship strengthened my understanding of resilience, empathy, and responsibility."

"I provided service to the Loved organization in helping to make blankets for foster youth in Wisconsin. I have a heart for children who are in foster care and living in temporary homes with temporary families. Given my background as a former elementary teacher, children are near and dear to my heart. I am dedicated to giving my time to help endure that their basic needs are met. Engaging in this service reflects the commitment to supporting all children that NLU and NCE inspire in me every day."

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"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."

"Last week, I had the privilege of volunteering with the National Louis University leadership team at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about strategy and vision — it is also about service. As we packed food for families across Chicago, I was struck by how naturally our team brought the same collaboration and work ethic we embody every day.

Serving together reinforced that impact does not always come through big initiatives. Sometimes it comes from simply showing up."

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"I felt it was a great bonding experience for the team while actually accomplishing something for the greater good.  I was happy about it and realized I need to do this more often."

"What a cool experience!  I'm so grateful to have had an opportunity to spend a few hours at the Greater Chicago Food Depository with NLU colleagues.  We collectively packed more than 5,000 pounds of food that will go to families and community members around Chicago. I left with an overwhelming appreciation for the GCFD and a renewed connection to the NLU colleagues I shared the experience with.  I'm proud of all the work we do at NLU and to be part of an institution deeply committed to the future of Chicago!"