LEWIS UNIVERSITY AND ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE PLAN MERGER
The presidents of Lewis University and St. Augustine College have announced plans to merge both institutions, with both Boards of Trustees unanimously approving the decision.
Lewis University President Dr. David Livingston, together with St. Augustine College President Dr. Reyes Gonzalez, expressed excitement for the merger citing alignment of missions and values, and a dedication to providing life-changing education for students of all walks of life, especially those who are often underserved in traditional higher education.
Through this merger, we will build upon the legacy and tradition of St. Augustine College – the first bilingual higher-education institution in the Midwest – offering an expanded range of bilingual education programs, services and outreach to the growing Hispanic population in Chicago. No student today should face limited educational opportunity because of language. Especially when the Hispanic community is the fastest growing population in Chicago.
We are excited for this new chapter. Together, we will realize the dreams held by our founders; dreams of providing education to all, regardless of social class. We will create a wider bridge to economic prosperity for all students and will be a leader for productivity and opportunity in the entire region. Our work today will impact generations to come and help build an equitable and economically thriving Chicagoland.
The merger is subject to the approval of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Illinois Board of Higher Education, U.S. Department of Education and the governing bodies of Lewis University and St. Augustine College. Both schools will continue operating as independent institutions with no disruption to students or missions until the merger process is complete. During this time, collaboration and planning for a unified future will begin with the signing of the agreement.
As we move through this process, Lewis University Leadership will host information sessions for faculty and staff, as well as students. More information on the merger and the information sessions will be forthcoming.
