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The 1886 Society: Join the Community that Expands Opportunity

Since 1886, National Louis University has believed that education has the power to transform lives. The 1886 Society honors alumni, friends, and partners whose annual generosity helps make that transformation possible.

Every gift to the 1886 Society opens doors to opportunity for students pursuing careers as teachers, healthcare professionals, business leaders, counselors, chefs, entrepreneurs, and other changemakers. Your support helps students overcome barriers, achieve their educational goals, and create brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Membership in the 1886 Society is more than recognition, it is a shared commitment to expanding access to education and investing in the next generation of leaders. Together, our members are creating lasting impact while strengthening the mission that has guided National Louis University for more than 140 years.

We invite you to become part of this tradition of generosity by joining the 1886 Society. Your annual leadership support helps ensure that today's students have the opportunity to learn, succeed, and make a difference for generations to come.

***Save the date for the 1886 Society Annual Donor Leadership Dinner on October 19, 2026.***

The 1886 Society honors the year that National Louis University was founded and celebrates alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and partners whose annual generosity continues that legacy today.

Since 1886, NLU has believed that education transforms lives, strengthens families, and creates opportunity. Members of the 1886 Society carry that tradition forward by investing in students whose determination, talent, and ambition will shape the future.

Through annual gifts of $250 or more, members help ensure that today's students have access to the education, support, and opportunities that have defined National Louis University for 140 years.

Invest in Students

Your generosity provides scholarships, emergency assistance, academic support, and flexible funding where it is needed most.

See Your Impact

Read inspiring stories of students whose lives have been transformed through philanthropy and see the difference your generosity makes

Connect With NLU

Build meaningful connections with University leadership, faculty, alumni, fellow members, and the students whose lives you help change.

Join a Legacy of Giving

Become part of a community of philanthropic leaders whose generosity has expanded opportunity since 1886.

Membership in the 1886 Society is based on cumulative annual giving of $250 or more during a calendar year.

Invitations to the Annual Donor Leadership Dinner are extended to current members and recent qualifying donors in advance of the event, ensuring newly eligible supporters are welcomed into the Society.

Access Circle

The foundation of the 1886 Society.

$250–$499

Opportunity Circle

Growing impact. Expanding opportunity.

$500–$999

Leadership Circle

Leading with purpose.

$1,000–$2,499

Innovation Circle

Investing in tomorrow.

$2,500+

DONATE

Members enjoy meaningful engagement throughout the year through impact stories, University updates, exclusive invitations, and opportunities to connect with students and University leadership.

  • Recognition as a member of the 1886 Society
  • Listing on the NLU Digital Donor Board
  • Invitations to exclusive events
  • Stories demonstrating the impact of philanthropy
  • University news and updates
  • Opportunities to connect with students and leadership

For more than 140 years, generous alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and partners have helped National Louis University expand access to education and transform lives.

By becoming a member of the 1886 Society, you join a community of philanthropic leaders committed to opening doors of opportunity for today's students and tomorrow's changemakers.

Make your annual gift of $250 or more and become a member today.

DONATE

Annual Donor Leadership Dinner

Monday, October 19, 2026

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

National Louis University

18 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 60603

 

Your annual support changes lives. Thank you for being part of the 1886 Society.

1886 Society members and those who join the Society by September 20 are invited to our Annual Donor Leadership Dinner.

Celebrate the impact of your generosity with fellow donors, University leadership, and students over an exceptional dinner prepared and served by Kendall College Culinary Arts students.

If you know you will be attending, you are welcome to RSVP today.

For more information, please contact Fernanda Valentino, Director of Annual Giving: fvalentino@nl.edu, 312.261.3259.

RSVP

I am unable to attend, but would like to make my 1886 Society Annual gift.

DONATE

Your Next Step is Within Reach.

With over 135 years of excellence and 70,000 alumni, we provide an extraordinary education that’s within your reach.

 
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