I am proud and excited to introduce our visionary plan for Latinos at National-Louis University: Proyecto Comunidad. Proyecto Comunidad is a landmark initiative to recruit, retain, graduate and endorse our Latino students into successful professionals within Chicago's marketplace and the world. This is our goal, and your future is our motivation. We will continue to partner with the Latino community to promote and encourage both the possibility and the importance of a higher education. At the same time, we have developed a strategy to ensure that our students are supported while attending National-Louis University and as alumni. We are currently in the process of building a Latino Center that will provide you with information, assistance, mentorship and especially your own cultural haven on campus. Finally, we want to make certain that every Latino at National-Louis graduates and obtains a promising career that will carry with it, a lasting effect in our community. I am incredibly pleased to be a part of this initiative and I pledge to you, my guarantee that NLU is committed to these goals.

I was the Director of Latino Cultural Affairs at Columbia College Chicago and we had great success. I have been a devoted advocate of the progression and achievement of the Latino student and community for many years. I have found that it is a two-way street; You, the student, must do your part and take advantage of this program and ALL of its resources. You have my commitment and that of National-Louis University, to help you achieve your higher education goals. You can always count on me to be there for you. Now let's get to work!

Your Madrina,

Ana Maria Soto
Executive Director of Latino Initiatives
National-Louis University
Anamaria.soto@nl.edu
312-261-3003

Increasing Access for Latino Students in Chicago

From its beginnings in 1886, National-Louis University has stood for opportunity. NLU has deep roots in Chicago, roots that help prepare Latinos for Careers rather than jobs. National-Louis University welcomes you, the Latino student. Join us in our continuing involvement and commitment to your success. NLU has established more than 50 Latino initiatives throughout Chicago that are currently underway. An advising group has been formed and more Latino faculty is being sought after.

You may not know this but NLU has been a fostering the success of Latinos in Chicago for years. Nationally, NLU is ranked as a "top 100 university" in the country for Latinos/Hispanics who graduate. (Diverse: Issues in Higher Education 2007) NLU ranks 26th in number of master's degrees in Education earned by Latinos/Hispanics in the country. (IPEDS: Three-year period 2003-2005) And, NLU ranks 4th for ethnic diversity in the region. (2008 U.S. News and World Report)

In Illinois NLU ranks 1st for number of master's degrees in Education awarded to Latinos/Hispanics. (IPEDS: Three-year period 2003-2005) And, NLU's M.A. Psychology, non-clinical master's degree program (largest in Illinois) is made up of 40% Latino/Hispanic or African-American.