Scholarship Gala

Join us on Friday, September 25, 2026, at The Geraghty for the Chicago State Foundation's premier fundraising event in support of Chicago
State University students.
The 1stGEN Scholarship Gala celebrates the determination, resilience, and achievements of Chicago State students
while bringing together alumni, corporate and foundation partners, civic leaders,
faculty, staff, and friends who share a commitment to expanding educational opportunity.
Proceeds from the evening provide critical scholarship support and invest in student
success initiatives that empower the next generation of leaders. Proceeds also strengthen
the Chicago State Foundation's ability to cultivate the partnerships and philanthropic
investments that are fueling the University's continued growth.
The evening will also feature the presentation of the Cougar Servant Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals whose visionary leadership, service, and commitment to advancing
their communities have made a lasting impact. Awards are presented in the categories
of Public Service, Education Equity, and Alumni Achievement.
Together, we will celebrate the transformative power of higher education and invest
in students who are aspiring, achieving, and leading the future.
View from last year's gala and to join us on September 25.

Sponsors
To become a sponsor for this year's gala, contact the Chicago State Foundation President,
Melanie Sillas at msillas@csu.edu or . To see the generous sponsors for this year's event click here.
| Pre/Post Reception Sponsor - $35,000 |
- Two (2) tables of ten (10) at the gala
- Opportunity to provide a 60-second corporate promotional video to air during gala
program
- Social media post highlighting company鈥檚 support of gala (10K+ distribution)
- Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor on website page promoting gala
- Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor in post-event social media promotion
- Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor via the print photo booth
- Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor on reception bars as well as the
napkins
- Verbal acknowledgement in remarks from stage
|
| Platinum Sponsor - $25,000 |
- One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala
- Opportunity to provide a 30-second corporate promotional video to air during gala
program
- Verbal acknowledgement in remarks from stage
- Social media post highlighting company鈥檚 support of gala (10K+ distribution)
- Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on website page promoting gala
- Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on invitation (print and digital)
- Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on event signage
- Recognition as Platinum Sponsor in all press releases, media alerts and PSAs
- Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor in post-event social media promotion
|
- One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala
- Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on website page promoting gala
- Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on gala invitation (print and digital)
- Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on event signage
- Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor in post-event social media promotion
|
- One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala
- Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on website page promoting the gala
- Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on gala signage
- Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on gala invitations (print and digital)
|
- One individual dinner ticket
|