Dominican University Announces 2026 Benefit Gala and 125th Anniversary Kickoff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dominican University
708-524-6317
specialevents@dom.edu
River Forest, IL—Dominican University is proud to announce the 2026 Annual Benefit Gala for Scholarships will be held on Thursday, May 14. This year’s gala will mark the official launch of Dominican University’s 125th anniversary celebration—an extraordinary milestone in the life of the institution and an opportunity to honor its rich legacy.
In recognition of this historic occasion, Dominican University will present the Heart of Dominican Award to President Emerita Dr. Donna M. Carroll. The award honors Dr. Carroll for her visionary leadership, devoted service and enduring impact on the university and the broader community. During her 27 years as president, Dr. Carroll led Rosary College’s transformation into Dominican University and helped shape its identity as a premier Catholic Hispanic-Serving Institution.
The Pillars Award will be presented to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, whose steadfast commitment to truth, justice and compassion continues to guide and inspire the university’s mission. As Dominican’s founding sponsors, the Sisters’ vision and unwavering dedication have shaped the institution from its beginning to the present day. They remain, in every sense, the pillars of the Dominican University community.
The Benefit Gala is Dominican University’s premier fundraising event, with all proceeds directly supporting student scholarships. One hundred percent of Dominican undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance, underscoring the university’s deep commitment to expanding access to higher education. Dominican is consistently ranked #1 in social mobility within Illinois, reflecting its success in empowering students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.
“Every dollar raised through the Benefit Gala helps transform lives,” said Tony Martinez Jr., vice president of University Advancement. “As we commemorate 125 years of Dominican excellence, we also celebrate the students who embody our mission and the donors who make their dreams possible.”
Dominican University invites friends, alumnae/i, and community partners to save the date for an evening of inspiration, celebration and community in support of student success.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact 708-524-6317 or specialevents@dom.edu.
About Dominican University
Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution with campuses in River Forest and Chicago. The university offers an associate of arts in liberal arts and sciences; bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Rosary College of Arts, Education, and Sciences, the College of Business, Information Studies, and Technology, and the Borra College of Health Sciences; as well as doctoral programs in information studies, applied social justice and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
As Chicago's premier Catholic Hispanic-Serving Institution, Dominican is consistently recognized as a leader in academic excellence and value. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican University in the top 25 of Midwest regional master’s level universities, and #1 in Illinois for Best Value and ensuring the social mobility of its graduates.