‘I Hope Faith Compels You to Act’
Dominican University presented Raul I. Raymundo, founder and CEO of the Pilsen-based social impact organization The Resurrection Project, with an honorary doctorate degree during winter commencement on Dec. 14.
Raymundo delivered the commencement address during the ceremony, which took place in the Lund Auditorium.
He invoked Dominican University’s mission as he urged students to build relationships and alliances to effect action.
“I hope faith compels you to act,” he said. “Be successful in your career and your values should guide you to pursue truth and offer compassionate service so we can live in a more just and humane world that I know we will build together.”
The honorary degree recognizes Raymundo for his 35 years of social justice work and empowering immigrant and historically marginalized communities on Chicago’s southwest side through his leadership of The Resurrection Project. Since 1990, the organization has focused on strengthening neighborhoods through development and investment, community organizing, human services and advocacy. This has resulted in the creation of affordable housing, health clinics, early childhood centers, educational opportunities, immigration services, loans to help local entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and more.
In his commencement address he stressed the long history of impact that immigrants have had in the Pilsen community and in the United States as a whole.
“Pilsen is a microcosm of America; it exemplifies the American story,” Raymundo told Dominican’s graduates. “Immigrants have always been essential to the weaving of this national social fabric and are the major driver behind our country’s economic strength. Immigrants have always been contributors to the history of this nation.”
In 2023, as Dominican University expanded educational opportunities through a new associate’s degree program, The Resurrection Project’s partnership allowed for the opening La Casa dormitory in Pilsen to students enrolled in DU’s new Chicago Campus cohort, providing them with a transformative first-year experience.
In his address, Raymundo called the dormitory one of The Resurrection Project’s “proudest investments.”
“We are so proud to be part of this partnership and are looking forward to strengthening this opportunity for many, many students for many years to come,” he said.
Raymundo has been a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow since 1996. In 2024, he was presented with the Order of Lincoln Award, the state of Illinois’ highest honor for professional achievement and public service.
Raymundo currently serves on several local and national boards, including the American Business Immigration Coalition, the National Association of Latino Asset Builders, Start Early, UnidosUS, the Illinois Justice Project Advisory Board, and the North American Institute for Mexican Advancement. He is also a member of the leadership team for United Power for Action and Justice, and is active on several banking advisory boards, including BMO, CIBC, Huntington Bank and the local division of Self-Help Federal Credit Union.