Lewis University, St. Augustine College Plan Merger

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The presidents of Lewis University and St. Augustine College announced Tuesday a plan to merge both institutions, with both Boards of Trustees unanimously approving the decision.

According to a release from Lewis, both schools will now submit an application to the Higher Learning Commission to make St. Augustine College a part of Lewis University. St. Augustine's main campus is in Chicago, with satellite campuses in Chicago in Aurora.

The joining of both schools is centered around a shared mission to expand access and opportunity "for students who are often underrepresented and underserved in traditional higher education," the university said.

“Our two institutions are well-matched in mission and values,” Dr. David Livingston, Lewis University president, said in a news release. “We fill a unique niche within higher education, serving students from all walks of life with affordable programs that deliver a liberal arts core and an emphasis on career and workforce preparation. Through this merger, we will build upon the legacy and tradition of St. Augustine College, offering an expanded range of bilingual education programs, services and outreach to the growing Hispanic population in Chicago. No student today should face limited educational opportunity because of language. Especially not when the Hispanic community is the fastest growing population in Chicago.”

St. Augustine will align with the Lasallian global network, of which Lewis is a part. This network is one of the largest Catholic education networks in the world, according to a release.

With the unification, more degree programs will be at the forefront of an expanded bilingual educational experience, according to a release. Students are expected to be able to attend courses in bilingual format at urban or suburban locations.

“We are excited for this once-in-lifetime opportunity. La única,” Dr. Reyes Gonzalez, St. Augustine College president, said in a news release. “Together, we will realize the dreams held by our founders; dreams of providing education to all, regardless of social class. Our combined strength will allow us to support more students with a life-changing educational experience that equips them for success in the marketplace. We will create a wider bridge to economic prosperity, one that is as expansive as the enterprising spirit of our students. This is the educational experience that will make us a leader for our entire region.”

The merger is subject to the approval of the Higher Learning Commission, Illinois Board of Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education.

Both schools will continue operating as independent institutions with no disruption to students or missions until the merger is complete, according to the release.

Once approved, the merger process will be complete by the end of 2023, and both entities will operate as a single unified Lewis University by spring 2024.