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�ڰ������� sponsored the , the nonprofit arm of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, for the second year in a row. The sponsorship is spearheaded by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and has had a number of benefits for both agencies.

“The Chicago Sky Foundation is the perfect partner for the College of Arts and Sciences and �ڰ������� as a whole,” said Dean of CAS Tim Libretti, Ph.D. “We share a common mission and set of values, so it makes sense for us to join forces in realizing this  mission.”

That mission includes supporting students, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); addressing health inequities; promoting mental health; supporting minority entrepreneurship and enhancing educational experiences for diverse populations across the Chicago metropolitan area.

“The Chicago Sky Foundation sponsors initiatives to support young women in STEM, financial literacy programs, efforts to address health inequity, and many more social impact programs to enhance people's lives, particularly for youth, in the city,” Dr. Libretti said. “At �ڰ�������, we have a lot of resources to support and enhance these efforts, especially the expertise of our faculty. The Chicago Sky Foundation has already supported our fundraising efforts to support scholarships for our students and provided speakers for events such as our Black Professionals panel, helping to give our students mentorship and a vision for the future.”

The Chicago Sky Foundation was established in 2007. It uses its platform to create pathways for learning, leadership and mentorship while driving sustainable growth through strategic programs, partnerships and advocacy. Its aim is to make opportunities more accessible and inspire lasting change in people and communities as a whole.

This year, as part of the sponsorship, �ڰ������� advertisements were displayed around Wintrust Arena during the Chicago Sky games on Sept. 3 and Sept. 11 and the University hosted an informational table to engage with Chicago Sky patrons. It was especially meaningful for �ڰ������� to be a part of the Sept. 3 game, as it was the Sky’s Hispanic Heritage Night. Tickets were made available to the �ڰ������� community for free, with a suggested donation for the College Undergraduate Scholars Program (CUSP).

“The NEIU community showed up in full force with the College of Arts and Sciences,” Dr. Libretti said. “We had over 200 members of our community on hand — students, staff, faculty, alumni, administrators — and it was wonderful.”

Dr. Libretti also shared that the diversity of audiences the Chicago Sky attracts presents a unique opportunity for �ڰ������� to increase its brand awareness and attract students who can find their place at the University.

“If you go to a Chicago Sky game, or any WNBA game for that matter, you'll see every night is PRIDE night and the culture and community are absolutely inclusive, fostering a non-sexist and non-racist environment; truly realizing and honoring the diversity of America,” Dr. Libretti said. “We look forward to continuing to grow this relationship and finding new ways to combine our energies to improve lives in the communities we serve and, of course, to provide opportunity and support for our students.”

Top photo: The jumbotron at Wintrust Arena with the �ڰ������� logo during a Chicago Sky basketball game.