City Colleges of Chicago Foundation: Seven Strong Benefit Nov. 15

As part of a larger and ambitious institutional advancement initiative for City Colleges of Chicago, the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation will host a first of its kind benefit on November 15th. Community colleges are increasingly recognized nationally for the vital role they play in providing quality, affordable post-secondary education. Likewise, City Colleges of Chicago, one of the largest community college systems in the country and the largest in Illinois, has had a profound impact on the lives of Chicagoans over its 100-plus year history.

By providing students with a bridge to upward mobility and helping to fuel an inclusive and growing Chicago economy, a strong City Colleges system is critical to the city’s future. With an eye to that future, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation is bringing together members of Chicago’s civic, business and social communities at Seven Strong: City Colleges of Chicago Foundation’s Inaugural Benefit, Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Avenue.

Chaired by Martin Cabrera, Jr. (Cabrera Capital Markets CEO and Founder), Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Chicago Community Trust President and CEO) and Robin Steans (Steans Family Foundation Board Chair), with Honorary Chairs Mayor Rahm Emanuel and First Lady Amy Rule, the Seven Strong Inaugural Benefit will showcase the talents of the Harold Washington College Jazz Band, the Truman College Drumline and the Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute and feature stories from each of the seven colleges exemplifying why together the City Colleges of Chicago are “Seven Strong.” A special highlight of the program will be the presentation of the inaugural Ella Flagg Young Awards for service and support to Chicago’s educational community to Bill Lowry, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Board Chair. Emcee for the evening will be Vicky Aguilera, former City Colleges of Chicago student Univisión TV (channel 66) personality.

Funds raised will support programs that eliminate barriers for City Colleges of Chicago’s diverse student population such as scholarships, emergency funds and additional resources for veterans. The benefit will also assist vulnerable student populations, including those who are undocumented or facing hunger and homelessness, as well as develop partnerships that create a seamless path from Pre-K through college education and expand partner relationships that provide students with in-demand skills that lead to employment and transfer success.

“Our Seven Strong benefit is an opportunity to generate support for our seven unique City Colleges, which work together to produce the next generation of thinkers, doers, entrepreneurs and dreamers,” said City Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees Chair Walter E. Massey, Ph.D. “It is also a chance to honor the impact City Colleges of Chicago has made on our city for more than a century and celebrate valuable opportunities the seven colleges hold for Chicago’s future and economic growth.”

“City Colleges is uniquely positioned to contribute to a truly inclusive Chicago economy that unleashes talent from across our communities,” said City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado. “We appreciate all of the generous partners who are joining with us to support Chicago’s community college students on their paths to further college, careers, and upward mobility.”

The evening’s award is named after Ella Flagg Young (1845-1918). City Colleges of Chicago first opened its doors September 11, 1911, as Crane Junior College. Nicknamed "the people's college," it was established under the Chicago Board of Education, helmed by Ella Flagg Young, as a way to provide high quality, affordable education accessible to all in Chicago. As Chicago’s Superintendent of Schools beginning in 1909, Young was the first woman in America to head a major urban school system. The National Education Association elected Dr. Young as its first woman president in 1910. She supported collaboration between students, teachers, and administrators; taught the importance of student personal development and citizenship; and sought a variety of other education innovations through her teaching, writing, and advocacy.

The award will be presented to Bill Lowry, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Board Chair, in recognition of his impressive history of service and support to Chicago, especially its education community.

Seven Strong: City of Chicago Foundation’s Inaugural Benefit takes place Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Avenue. Tickets start at $500. For tickets and information, visit ccc.edu/sevenstrong or contact Niki Morrison at 872.315.2328 or nmorrison@ccc.edu.