First Graduates from Dominican University’s Chicago Campus Earn Degrees
Chicago, IL—As Dominican University celebrates its 125th anniversary, students in the inaugural class of the university’s Chicago Campus in Pilsen marked their own milestones in higher education when they walked across the commencement stage in May.
Fifteen students received an Associate of Arts degree from Dominican University during the undergraduate ceremony May 10 at the Rosemont Theatre.
The graduates are members of the very first cohort of the Chicago Campus’ associate’s degree program, which was launched in 2024 to expand access to higher education and equip students with job-ready skills for their future. Each Chicago Campus student chose a career-focused concentration that was embedded within their AA program: certified nursing assistant, legal studies, cybersecurity or translation and interpretation.
Prior to commencement, a pre-graduation day celebratory event was held just for the students on the Pilsen campus. This occasion lauded their accomplishments in higher education so far and marked their transition to a bachelor’s degree program at Dominican’s River Forest campus or another college or university, or their first steps into the workforce. Whatever they choose as their next steps, each student is equipped with the real-world skills they gained through their Dominican education.
“These students who walked across the stage were the first to trust in us to steward their academic journey,” noted Dr. Barrington Price, chief executive officer of the Chicago Campus. “They were instrumental in not only understanding what the spirit of the Chicago Campus is, but also helping us refine how we live it. We as a campus are so proud of each and every student who are pioneers and trailblazers. They will impact so many other students to come.”
Student Camila Moran is transitioning to the River Forest campus to continue studying for a career in healthcare.
“One of the great things about the Chicago Campus, especially if you’re in the health career path, is that they offer a CNA course,” she said. “You can get certified to be a CNA and when you go on to continue for your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you can work as a CNA in a nearby facility.”
Chelsie Yanez-Lopez, another member of the inaugural class, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing, followed by law school.
"I’ve been able to learn a lot about myself and the career path I want to take after I leave Dominican,” she said.
Kaniyah Ware, who completed a legal studies concentration, said the small size of associate’s degree program provided the support she needed to meet any challenges that came her way.
“There’s a certain intimacy in the classroom that you don’t get at bigger universities when there are hundreds of students and one professor,” she said. “Your professor has a better connection with you when you have a smaller class.”
She also noted how the supportive environment she found there was crucial to her completing her degree.
“There were moments when I doubted myself, like many first-generation college students, but luckily, I had the help of my friends, teachers, advisors and my family to push me to continue through,” she said.
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.
