Welcome

Kerl LaJeune BArch ’92
President, UIC Alumni Board

Remarks

Marie Lynn Miranda
Chancellor

Timothy Killeen
President, University of Illinois System

Dinner

Leadership & Service at UIC 

Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu BS ’26, MS ’26
Immediate Past President, Undergraduate Student Government  

Awards Presentation

Chancellor Miranda

Remarks from Honorees

Closing

Kerl LaJeune

FIRST COURSE

Spring Garden Salad
Baby greens with green peas, radishes, rainbow carrots, artichokes and fresh basil, finished with a berry vinaigrette

ENTRÉE

Roasted Chicken
Fingerling potatoes, haricot verts and saffron cream

Vegetarian option
Roasted Eggplant Tagine (Vegan)
Garbanzo beans and Moroccan couscous, wrapped in a delicate filo purse

DESSERT

Raspberry cheesecake dome

We do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies reported, but please note that UIC catering facilities are not allergen free. Some items may be prepared on shared equipment with common allergens such as: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, dairy, soy, egg, wheat (gluten), fish or shellfish.

Matthew Swalek is a rising public servant advancing equity and healing in Chicago. A Pullman native and UIC alum, he serves as director of community healing in the Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice, managing the city’s Reparations Task Force. His work reflects a deep commitment to policy-driven change for underserved communities.

The Rising Star Leadership Awards recognize upcoming leaders who have shown outstanding leadership skills and have initiated meaningful changes within their profession or communities, whether local, regional, national or global.

Dr. Javette Orgain is a trailblazing family medicine physician whose career spans patient care, education and community advocacy in Chicago. A UIC faculty member and former Mile Square Health Center medical director, she shaped family medicine training, earned national honors and prioritized mentoring underrepresented students, continuing service through board leadership and elder health advocacy.

Dr. Chrissie P. N. Kaponda is a Malawian nursing scholar and public health leader whose career spans academia, research and national service. A USAID fellow at UIC, she advanced maternal-child health and HIV prevention, launched Malawi’s first nursing MS and PhD programs, secured NIH funding, and continues community impact through national initiatives and the Ekodda Foundation in Malawi.

The highest honor bestowed by the University of Illinois Chicago Alumni Association, the Alumni Achievement Awards recognize individuals whose exceptional success and national or international recognition in their fields demonstrates the value of a UIC education across a lifetime.

Peter Skosey exemplifies distinguished service through decades of leadership advancing UIC, its College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, and Chicago. A founder of the CUPPA Alumni Association, he launched mentoring and traditions that strengthen community. His planning career shaped Illinois policy and Union Station’s redevelopment, while continued advocacy includes endowing CUPPA’s Last Mile Fund to support students facing financial hardship as railway executive leader.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals or couples whose consistent and exceptional service to UIC has significantly contributed to the university’s well-being and the advancement of its mission.

Dr. Vijay Khiani founded New Life Volunteering Society at UIC and grew it into a nonprofit delivering health care, education and community support across Chicagoland. Through student engagement, longstanding tutoring and free clinic efforts, and numerous community service initiatives, NLVS has served many thousands. Khiani’s humanitarian leadership continues to expand community-centered care through sustained, volunteer-driven action.

The Humanitarian Awards recognize alumni whose outstanding dedication and leadership significantly improve the lives of others and humanity’s well-being. They embody UIC’s commitment to eliminating disparities in health, education and economic opportunity.

UIC Musicians

Jesse Campbell
Leslie Quintana
Alex Medina

UIC Alumni Awards and Nominations Committee

Booma S. Balasubramani PhD ’20
Barbara Johnson BA ’68
Lee LoBue BA ’04
Uche Onwuta MPH ’97, Committee Chair

We are deeply grateful to each of you for being with us this evening, from our remarkable alumni awardees to all who dedicated their time and talents to bring this celebration to life — especially the Awards and Nominations Committee of the UIC Alumni Board and our musical guests: