Acts of Service

Group of people smiling indoors wearing matching navy blue shirts celebrating 140 years of National Louis University.

Acts of Service

For 140 years, the NLU community has stepped forward to make a difference. Explore the volunteerism, mentorship, and service efforts that reflect our mission in action.
Help us celebrate the positive impact that you are making in your community as an NLU Ambassador! Tell us about your next Act of Service, and we will send you a special 140th Anniversary t-shirt to wear while you volunteer. Click below to learn more and sign up
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January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

“I've always loved working with children, so taking the time to make something positive with the hope it brightens their day felt meaningful. There was such a sense of community. I am grateful for such a cohesive team and saw everyone really put effort in. It shows that NLU really cares.”

NLU Action of Service
Graduate Academic Advisor
Current NLU staff member
Maria Anderson
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

“I've always loved working with children, so taking the time to make something positive with the hope it brightens their day felt meaningful. There was such a sense of community. I am grateful for such a cohesive team and saw everyone really put effort in. It shows that NLU really cares.”

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

“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.”

NLU Action of Service
Student Success Advisor
Vince Cerasuolo
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

“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.”

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

"The Academic Advising department participated in the 'Act of Service' by making bracelets and holiday cards for children at Lurie's Hospital. The holiday season can be such a joyous time, but it can also be a time of worry and loneliness. So taking part in this act of service, and knowing that it may bring a smile to a child's face, really made me feel good."

NLU Action of Service
Graduate Academic Advisor
Current NLU staff member
Allison Whelehan
Psychology, Class of 2005, MS Counseling 2010
NLU Affiliation:

Alumni, Staff

"The Academic Advising department participated in the 'Act of Service' by making bracelets and holiday cards for children at Lurie's Hospital. The holiday season can be such a joyous time, but it can also be a time of worry and loneliness. So taking part in this act of service, and knowing that it may bring a smile to a child's face, really made me feel good."

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

“My team made cards & bracelets for Lurie's Children's Hospital! It was so special, and a great bonding experience with my advising team!”

NLU Action of Service
Student Success Advisor
Current NLU staff member
Erin Stevens
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

“My team made cards & bracelets for Lurie's Children's Hospital! It was so special, and a great bonding experience with my advising team!”

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

"Making bracelets and cards for children at Lurie Children's Hospital brought a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and purpose. Knowing these small gestures could offer encouragement to families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances made the work feel meaningful far beyond its simplicity. As a parent, I found myself reflecting on my own children's health — a blessing I don't always pause to appreciate. This experience embodied NLU's spirit of empathy and community care, reminding me that even modest, intentional acts of compassion can meaningfully touch the lives of others."

NLU Action of Service
Kate Gonzales
NLU Affiliation:

"Making bracelets and cards for children at Lurie Children's Hospital brought a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and purpose. Knowing these small gestures could offer encouragement to families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances made the work feel meaningful far beyond its simplicity. As a parent, I found myself reflecting on my own children's health — a blessing I don't always pause to appreciate. This experience embodied NLU's spirit of empathy and community care, reminding me that even modest, intentional acts of compassion can meaningfully touch the lives of others."

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

“Making bracelets for the children at Lurie’s was a really special experience, especially getting to do it alongside my colleagues. As I made each bracelet, I kept thinking about the kids who would receive them and what might make them happy, such as colors they might like or fun beads that could bring a smile to their faces. This project reminded me how important it is to bring joy to others, even in small ways. Taking time to do something simple can truly make a difference, and it felt good knowing these bracelets could brighten a child’s day.”

NLU Action of Service
Graduate Residency Advisor
Stephanie Collins
MA Teaching, Class of 2005
NLU Affiliation:

Alumni, Staff

“Making bracelets for the children at Lurie’s was a really special experience, especially getting to do it alongside my colleagues. As I made each bracelet, I kept thinking about the kids who would receive them and what might make them happy, such as colors they might like or fun beads that could bring a smile to their faces. This project reminded me how important it is to bring joy to others, even in small ways. Taking time to do something simple can truly make a difference, and it felt good knowing these bracelets could brighten a child’s day.”

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

“For my act of service, I had the pleasure of assisting in making care packages for the patients at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.  Participating in this event was a valuable reminder of NLU's commitment to serving our community.  It was a wonderful way to give, and I would definitely take part in something similar again!”

NLU Action of Service
Graduate Academic Advisor
Liz Botica
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

“For my act of service, I had the pleasure of assisting in making care packages for the patients at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.  Participating in this event was a valuable reminder of NLU's commitment to serving our community.  It was a wonderful way to give, and I would definitely take part in something similar again!”

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

“I felt grateful to volunteer along with my incredible colleagues to make bracelets and holiday cards for children at Lurie's hospital.”

NLU Action of Service
Assistant Director of Advising
Current NLU staff member
Emma NIendorf
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

“I felt grateful to volunteer along with my incredible colleagues to make bracelets and holiday cards for children at Lurie's hospital.”

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Image wishing happy holidays

“My act of service was incorporated into our department holiday gathering. As a team we made bracelets and cards for children receiving care at Lurie's Children's Hospital. This embodies NLU's service philosophy and was a perfect addition to the holiday gathering during a season of giving.”

NLU Image wishing happy holidays
Senior Student Success Advisor
Current NLU staff member
Leah Ott
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

“My act of service was incorporated into our department holiday gathering. As a team we made bracelets and cards for children receiving care at Lurie's Children's Hospital. This embodies NLU's service philosophy and was a perfect addition to the holiday gathering during a season of giving.”

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

"On 12/12/25, the NLU Academic Advising office made bracelets and holiday cards for Lurie's Children's Hospital. This act of service not only brought the team together but also reminded us of the importance of giving back. By performing service in the community in this way, we embodied the NLU spirit by fostering compassion, strengthening our sense of community, and making a meaningful difference beyond our campus."

NLU Action of Service
Graduate Academic Advisor
Current NLU staff member
Desiree Brady
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

"On 12/12/25, the NLU Academic Advising office made bracelets and holiday cards for Lurie's Children's Hospital. This act of service not only brought the team together but also reminded us of the importance of giving back. By performing service in the community in this way, we embodied the NLU spirit by fostering compassion, strengthening our sense of community, and making a meaningful difference beyond our campus."

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Image wishing happy holidays

"For my act of service, I made bracelets and cards for the patients at Laurie’s Children Hospital. It felt good to provide cheer but my heart was heavy thinking of someone so small having to go through something so hard. It reminded me that protecting the vulnerable isn't just an act of kindness. It's a responsibility we all share."

NLU Image wishing happy holidays
Student Success Advisor
Current NLU staff member
S. Adria Peery
NLU Affiliation:

Staff

"For my act of service, I made bracelets and cards for the patients at Laurie’s Children Hospital. It felt good to provide cheer but my heart was heavy thinking of someone so small having to go through something so hard. It reminded me that protecting the vulnerable isn't just an act of kindness. It's a responsibility we all share."

January 27, 2026 15:23
NLU Action of Service

"Crafting bracelets and cards for children at Lurie Children's Hospital was a rewarding team experience that reminded us how even the simplest gestures can offer real comfort and emotional reassurance to those who need it most."

NLU Action of Service
Director of Academic Advertising
Current NLU staff member
John Janso
MS Written Communication, Class of 2019
NLU Affiliation:

Staff, Alumni

"Crafting bracelets and cards for children at Lurie Children's Hospital was a rewarding team experience that reminded us how even the simplest gestures can offer real comfort and emotional reassurance to those who need it most."

Stories of Impact

Across generations, NLU students and alumni have transformed communities, industries, and lives. Explore the stories that define our legacy of impact—and illuminate our future. Let us know your stories! Share with the community how NLU has impacted your life. Click below to learn more.
Learn More

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.
Two graduates wearing caps and gowns embracing in a crowded auditorium.