Lewis launches campaign
Lewis University hosted its 11th annual Signum Fidei Celebration on Sept. 12 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. It was the perfect setting for the launch of the $30 million "Campaign for Lewis University: Touching Hearts and Minds."
More than 500 guests enjoyed the gala event, which included a reception, silent and live auctions, raffle, elegant dinner, entertainment and the presentation of the annual Signum Fidei Award. This year's recipient was William Rybak , Lewis alumnus and chairman emeritus of the Lewis University board of trustees.
The campaign is a $30 million initiative, the largest ever at Lewis University, to provide increased scholarship funding and expanded facilities to enhance learning. Nearly $20 million has already been raised toward this goal. The campaign will expand scholarship support with new and existing endowed scholarships, annual scholarships and the new Lewis Mission Fund, designed to assist students facing economic challenges.
The campaign was announced by James Goodwin, chairman of the Lewis University Board; James Gaffney , university president; and three current Lewis University students: Alaa El-Barqa , a sophomore physics major from Mendota; Tyler Harpster , a senior theater major from Downers Grove; and Phylicia McCline , a senior business administration major from Romeoville. The students and Gaffney launched the campaign by switching on a multimedia presentation to the crowd just before desserts were served by Palmer House staff.
"As a university that strives to consistently focus on our students, we were pleased to have these fine student representatives involved in launching the public phase of this campaign," Gaffney said. "Providing more scholarship funds for students, building a science center for 21st century learning, enhancing our Fine Arts Center to provide more opportunities in the arts, all of these worthwhile goals will ultimately be achieved as Lewis steadily advances as a regional university of academic distinction, marked by our commitment to innovation."
The more than $140,000 raised at this year's Signum Fidei Celebration will provide scholarships through the Lewis Mission Fund.
Dick Johnson of NBC Channel 5 was the master of ceremonies for the evening.
Guests were invited to bid on an array of silent auction packages before dinner.
Auctioneer Jim Miller provided both entertainment and auctioneering talent in the event after dinner. The auction included traditional travel and sporting event ticket packages, and this year also included an opportunity to fund a student scholarship gift.
Guests responded generously, giving $23,500 on the scholarship gifts alone.
The Peter Oprisko Quintet, Rhapsody Strings Trio and pianist Brian Conley provided music throughout the evening.
For more information about The Campaign for Lewis University, contact Jonathan Yordy at 815-836-5875 or yordyjo@lewisu.edu or visit www.lewisu.edu/campaign.
