Associated Colleges of Illinois

Congratulations to North Central College, an ACI member school, on celebrating the largest graduating class in its history! With 932 graduates crossing the stage at its 161st Commencement ceremony, this milestone reflects North Central’s continued commitment to academic excellence, student achievement, and preparing graduates for meaningful lives and careers. 🎓

Read more: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/news/2026/05/05/north-central-college-celebrates-record-class-graduates

At ACI, we’re proud to support member institutions like North Central College that expand access to higher education and empower students to grow as leaders, thinkers, and changemakers in their communities and beyond.

Congratulations to Monmouth College, an ACI member school, and its newest Illinois Legislative Staff Internship Program participants!

Three recent graduates from Monmouth College’s 169th commencement ceremony have secured spots in this highly competitive statewide program, where they’ll gain hands-on experience in the legislative process and help shape the future of public service in Illinois.

Read more: https://www.monmouthcollege.edu/live/news/5920-new-legislative-interns

This achievement reflects the power of an education that combines academic excellence with real-world opportunity. At ACI, we’re proud to support member institutions like Monmouth College that equip students with the knowledge, leadership skills, and professional experiences needed to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

We're grateful for the support of Element451, an AI Workforce Platform for Higher Education. Element451 delivers AI-powered tools to drive student success across every stage of their journey. Their modular platform, Element Core, powers AI agent teams that enables institutions to onboard quickly with specific “teams” for Admissions, Engagement, Marketing, and/or Student Success based on their priorities.

Thank you, Element451, for empowering ACI’s mission and supporting the future of higher education!

Domenico Cucinella of Elmhurst University shared this reflection during his senior speech to the School of Business Class of 2026, highlighting how mentorship, connection, and community shaped his college journey.

His story is a powerful reminder that student success is about more than academics—it’s about belonging, opportunity, and the support that helps students grow into confident leaders. At ACI, we’re proud to highlight students like Domenico as they build futures of purpose and impact.

Last month, ACI President April Arnold joined Chicago Women in Philanthropy for its Annual Luncheon at the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile as a guest of Forvis Mazars US, a longtime supporter of Associated Colleges of Illinois.

Thank you, Forvis Mazars, for extending the invite and for the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, and celebrate the collective impact created through partnership.

Pictured: April Arnold, ACI; ACI Trustee Kimberly Marshall, Audit Managing Director, Forvis Mazars; Joyce Chacko, Forvis Mazars

This signature event celebrates women whose leadership has made a lasting impact on philanthropy and communities across Chicago. Founded in 1981, Chicago Women in Philanthropy has spent more than four decades fostering connections and advancing opportunities for women and girls.

Rockford University, an ACI member school, hosted a monumental 172nd commencement ceremony, where graduates crossed the stage celebrating not only academic achievement but the perseverance and determination that brought them there.

At ACI, we’re proud to support institutions that create pathways to opportunity and help students overcome barriers in pursuit of their goals. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓

Congratulations to the graduates of our ACI member schools! 🎓 As the spring semester comes to a close, we celebrate the hard work, resilience, and achievements of students across Illinois who are stepping into their next chapter. Your dedication has brought you to this milestone, and your future is full of possibilities.