Elmhurst University announces endowed chair in STEM
A married couple who have ties to Elmhurst University have established a $1.5 million estate commitment to create its first endowed faculty chair in science, technology, analytics and mathematics.
The donors hope the endowed chair will help the university attract and retain brilliant scholars in mathematics and the sciences, highlighting “the importance of faculty research, which at Elmhurst usually includes students, as well as the role of excellent teaching in shaping students’ academic experience and long-term career goals,” according to a news release.
“Their commitment will leave a lasting impact by empowering Elmhurst faculty to innovate and discover through scholarship, and by inspiring our students to become the next generation of leaders in the critical STEM fields,” Troy Van Aken, university president, shared in the release.
An alum who earned a degree in economics at Elmhurst is one of the donors and both have had distinguished careers in STEM fields – joining biotechnology and health care analytics in their early days. The endowed chair, once funded, would be awarded to a faculty member in the School of Science, Technology and Mathematics.
Reception highlights La Grange Park’s accomplishments
La Grange Park officials and staff will host a State of the Village reception from 5 to 7 p.m. May 22 at Thirty North at Plymouth Place, 315 N. LaGrange Road.
The evening will highlight La Grange Park’s accomplishments and progress in the last year. All residents, business owners and community members are invited. RSVP by emailing sbakalich@lagrangepark.org.
Explore senses through wine in Oak Park
Those 21 and older with an interest in learning more about wine are invited to Blind Taste Race with Anfora Wine Merchants from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 22 at Cheney Mansion Greenhouse, 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.
Participants can test their senses as they discover how to taste wine using all of the senses, starting with a pop of the cork to smelling its bouquet and enjoying it on the palate. Leaders will cover tasting basics, after which each table will work together to match each win with its correct set of descriptors.
Admission includes light appetizers. If weather allows, the event will take place on the patio. Tickets cost $37 to $46. This program is offered by the Park District of Oak Park. Visit pdop.org to register.
Darien Garden Club hosts plant sale
Plant aficionados are invited to a plant sale hosted by the Darien Garden Club from 9 a.m .to 1 p.m. May 17 at St. John Lutheran Church, 7214 S. Cass, Darien.
Perennials, annuals and native plants will be sold, as well as houseplants, herbs and vegetables. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Information is at dariengardenclub.com.
First Presbyterian hosts free chamber concert
Fulton Chamber Players perform at 6 p.m. May 20 at First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, 150 S. Ashland Ave., LaGrange. The performance is free.
The Fulton Music Society aims “to transform what music means in the 21st century by nurturing thoughtful, well-rounded students through dedicated music study. We are working to connect the dots between student life and the professional world by emphasizing skills and experiences that translate beyond their instruments,” its website notes.
Information is at fultonmusicsociety.org.
Broadway musical selections featured May 19
The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents The Best of Broadway at 1:15 p.m. May 19 in the second-floor ballroom of its building at 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. It’s part of the Monday Enrichment Series.
Jacquelyne Jones and Devin DeSantis, accompanied by JoAnn Daughtery on piano, will perform selections from Broadway musicals.
Although admission is free, donations are appreciated. Monday Enrichment programs feature art, literacy, science, music and social sciences. Information is at www.nineteenthcentury.org.
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