Associated Colleges of Illinois

Congratulations to Lewis University on earning recognition for six graduate programs in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate School Rankings! These rankings reflect the university’s dedication to education, nursing, occupational therapy, social work, and speech-language pathology programs, highlighting Lewis University's commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers that strengthen our communities.

Learn more: https://www.lewisu.edu/news/newsarticle.htm?PArticleID=13466

At ACI, we're proud to support member institutions that advance academic excellence and help students succeed in college, career, and life.

Congratulations to ACI member schools, Blackburn College and Millikin University, on establishing a new MBA Direct Admit Partnership that provides a seamless pathway for qualified Blackburn graduates to advance to Millikin's Accelerated MBA program. The partnership also includes opportunities for graduate assistantships, helping students gain valuable leadership experience while earning an advanced degree.

This collaboration demonstrates how ACI institutions are finding innovative ways to expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce preparation, and help students move confidently from undergraduate study to advanced degrees and meaningful careers.

Read more about the partnership: https://blackburn.edu/blackburn-college-and-millikin-university-establish-mba-direct-admit-partnership/

At Quincy University, an ACI member school, the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation empowers students from every discipline to turn ideas into action through hands-on learning, business pitch competitions, mentorship, leadership development, and real-world problem-solving experiences. The Center also offers entrepreneurship coursework, a minor in entrepreneurship, and a makerspace where students can prototype and create.

Learn more: https://www.quincy.edu/academic-affairs/center-for-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/

At ACI, we believe student success means preparing graduates to become innovators, leaders, and creators of opportunity, and programs like Quincy University's Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation help students build the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

We're proud to recognize and thank Graystone Consulting, an institutional consulting business of Morgan Stanley, for their valued partnership with ACI.
Since 1973, Graystone has remained committed to setting the standard in institutional investment consulting—offering holistic, objective advice, innovative strategies, and deep-rooted client relationships built on trust.

Thank you, Graystone, for your support of higher education and for helping us advance opportunities for students across Illinois.

At Augustana College - Illinois, an ACI member school, alumna Kira Banks ’23 is putting her education into action through global public health research in Morocco, helping address critical health challenges while collaborating with international experts. Her journey demonstrates how interdisciplinary learning can prepare students to think critically, adapt across cultures, and make meaningful contributions around the world.

At ACI, we believe the value of a liberal arts higher education extends beyond the classroom. By combining academic excellence with experiential learning, member institutions like Augustana equip students with the skills, perspective, and purpose needed to succeed in their careers and strengthen their communities.

Read more: https://www.augustana.edu/about-us/news/liberal-arts-action-across-borders

As our nation marks 250 years, we celebrate the enduring promise of education to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and prepare future generations to lead with knowledge, purpose, and service. At ACI, we're proud to support the independent colleges and universities that help students discover their potential and make a lasting impact across Illinois and beyond.

Here's to 250 years of learning, innovation, and opportunity, and to the students who will shape the next 250.

Associated Colleges of Illinois congratulates ACI Board Member Patricia Mota, President and CEO of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) , on her recognition as an "Imagine Your Impact" Changemaker at the Obama Presidential Center.

Patricia is one of 33 global changemakers featured in the Center's "Imagine Your Impact" exhibit, which highlights individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to community have created meaningful and lasting change. Through interactive digital displays, visitors learn how everyday people are transforming lives and strengthening communities through purpose-driven leadership.

Patricia's recognition is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, education, and opportunity, values that align closely with ACI's mission to help students realize their potential and create brighter futures. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that individual success is rarely achieved alone; it is built through communities that encourage, support, and invest in one another.

Congratulations to Illinois College, an ACI member school who has earned a second consecutive Gold Medal at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London for its collaborative orchid conservation research exhibit! 🌿

Through hands-on research and international collaboration, Illinois College students are gaining real-world experience while contributing to important conservation efforts on a global stage. Opportunities like these demonstrate the power of undergraduate research to prepare students for meaningful careers and impact beyond the classroom.

Read the full story here: https://www.ic.edu/news/06-2-2026/illinois-colleges-orchid-research-collaboration-earns-second-gold-medal-row-2026

At ACI, we're proud to support member institutions that provide transformative learning experiences and empower students to tackle complex challenges facing our world.

Congratulations to Olivet Nazarene University, an ACI member school, on celebrating the accomplishments of 782 graduates during its 113th Commencement ceremony. 🎉This milestone reflects the power of higher education to shape future leaders, expand opportunity, and prepare students to make meaningful contributions in their communities and careers.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4uCxg2y

At ACI, we’re proud to support member institutions like Olivet Nazarene University that empower students through academic excellence, personal growth, and transformative educational experiences that help them succeed in college, career, and life.

113th Commencement Ceremony Celebrates the Academic Accomplishments of 782 Olivet Graduates | Olivet Nazarene University Highlights from graduation weekend 2026