精东影业

Scholarship Gala

Graphic for the 1st Gen Scholarship Gala titled 鈥淎spire,鈥 with the tagline 鈥淒ream Boldly. Achieve Bravely.鈥 Presented by Northern Trust, displayed on a blue, starry background.

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.

Banquet hall set for the 2025 1stGen Scholarship Gala, with round tables dressed in green linens, navy napkins, and floral centerpieces with candles. A place setting and event program reading 鈥淒etermined鈥 are visible in the foreground.

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.

  • 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
  • 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