Spotlight

Dr. Abraha came to the USA from Ethiopia in 1980 to pursue education. Her degree in Chemistry enabled her to pursue a doctoral degree at Loyola and went on to her postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins and Northwestern. By 2002, she returned to CSU as a faculty member where she served as interim associate dean, did research on Alzheimer’s disease, and actively worked to increase the number of Black, Indigenous, other people of color, and women earning degrees in engineering fields. This work contributed to CSU’s proud position today as the leader in the nation of graduates of color in physics and other sciences.

After graduating from CSU in accounting in 1985, Mr. Osaghae went on to get his MBA and became a certified public accountant and a certified internal auditor, and owns his own accounting firm. Eventually, he returned to CSU as a professor of accounting, using his office as an accounting lab and earning Outstanding Professor of the Year before retiring in 2024. Mr. Osaghae and his wife, Mabel, celebrated his retirement by establishing a fund in the Chicago State Foundation to help offset costs of the CPA exam for CSU students. This new Osaghae legacy will remove the barrier of that financial burden from CSU students in order to increase Black and Brown representation in the field.

Like many students, Ms. Lindsay worked while attending CSU, choosing her classes at night and on weekends. She began her accounting career at the City of Chicago and went on to further her education with a master’s degree, eventually leading to a 24-year career at Blue Cross Blue Shield. She now leads it’s Medicaid operations and feels CSU was instrumental in her career trajectory.

Chicago State University is Creating Educational Legacy on the South Side
Student Kiana Cummings, and alumni Jamie-Denise Neal and Catherina Neal
Source: Rolling Out Magazine

Governor Pritzker Announces Four Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Beatrice Thompson ‘92
Source: Illinois Governor Pritzker’s Office

Natasha Robinson, Mortgage Loan Originator
Natasha Robinson ‘12
Source: Chicago Agent Magazine

Tali Letoi Joins ABC10 News in San Diego
Tali Laetoi ‘17
Source: ABC 10 News San Diego

Q&A - Derek Dow, Film and Professor, Chicago State University
Derek Dow ‘06
Source: N’Digo News

Annette Nance-Holt Set To Be 1st Black Woman To Lead Chicago Fire Department
Annette Nance- Holt ‘87
Source: WTTW News

Winona I. Wilson ‘14, BS
“I was able to finish my degree program and graduated homeless. At our graduation, Pastor Meeks came in the back room and went down the line and shook every student's hand and congratulated all of us. He didn’t know that I had no one there to support me and cheer me on…he may never know how much I truly appreciated him when I shook his hand, I was holding back tears of gratitude.”

Source: CSU Oral History Project “In My Words”

Jourdan Alexxis Facen ‘17
“I was heavily involved in student life. Serving in these different roles allowed me to develop my leadership skills. I was encouraged by the staff and faculty to pursue a master’s degree, which I did. I am grateful for the support I have received and am excited to continue my educational goals.”

Source: CSU Oral History Project “In My Words”

Maj. Gen. William J. Walker (Ret) ‘90, MS, Criminal Justice
“I’m proud to be an alumnus of Chicago State University. The professors were passionate about their craft in criminal justice and were practitioners, not just subject matter experts. I’m grateful for the foundation I received at Chicago State.”

Source: CSU Oral History Project “In My Words”

Peggy A. Montes ‘60, BA, Early Childhood Education
“I was a first-generation college student, so I had no one to share what college life would be like. My time at CSU was memorable. I learned a lot and it enabled me to go on to be an administrator, leader, and achieve my goals.”

Source: CSU Oral History Project “In My Words”

Lourdes Navarro ‘09, BS Political Science
“My experience at Chicago State University was a great one. I took classes in the evenings with other adults who were also working full-time jobs. The professors were very accommodating and flexible with our schedules. I learned a lot from the professors and gained valuable experience.”

Source: CSU Oral History Project “In My Words”