Spotlight
An Evening to Remember: PCC’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Partnership for College Completion celebrated its 10-year anniversary as an organization. Hosted at the Union League Club of Chicago in the heart of the Loop, this event captured the last decade of our organization’s efforts in Illinois’ higher education policy space, while ushering in a new era of action and advocacy for students of all backgrounds across the state.
Nearly 120 attendees enjoyed a special program, including a performance by a student ensemble from the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Each of our speakers shared their insight and personal testimonies on the importance of public higher education access in the state of Illinois. Beginning with opening remarks from our Executive Director, Dr. Kyle Southern, and PCC Board Chair, Dr. Wil Del Pilar (The Education Trust, Senior Vice President), attendees heard an array of speakers, including addresses from:
- Kimberly A. Lightford, IL Senate Majority Leader (D)
- Jonathan Lopez, PCC Director of Finance, Operations, and Organizational Effectiveness
- Maya McGrew, Former PCC Student Advisory Council Member
- Guillermo Franco, Former PCC Student Advisory Council Member
- Dr. Kyle Westbrook (Education Systems Center), Dr. Lisa Castillo Richmond (State University of New York), Dr. Kyle Southern (PCC), and Beth Swanson (A Better Chicago)
- Emelia Ibarra-Franco, PCC Student Board Member and Former PCC Student Advisory Council Member
