Northeastern Illinois University's College of Business and Technology Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence and Impact

Northeastern Illinois University's College of Business and Technology Marks Four Decades of Excellence

Northeastern Illinois University’s College of Business and Technology (CBT) recently marked its 40th anniversary, celebrating a remarkable journey filled with academic prowess, innovation, and significant community contributions. The celebration, themed "Building Brighter Futures," commenced on April 28 and continued until May 3, culminating in a special evening reception on May 3 at Biagio Events and Catering in Chicago.

Founded in the 1983-84 academic year, CBT has emerged as a pivotal institution in nurturing future leaders in business and technology sectors. Over the past four decades, it has consistently provided an industry-relevant education recognized globally as one of the top 5% of accredited business schools by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

Dr. Michael Bedell, the dean of CBT, expressed that this anniversary not only commemorates past achievements but also sets a forward-looking vision for continued growth and excellence. “Celebrating 40 years is about honoring our past achievements, recognizing those who made them possible, and focusing on a bold vision for the future,” he stated emphatically.

Throughout the anniversary week, a series of engaging events were organized, inviting alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members to partake in the joyous occasion. Highlights included a student leadership showcase, a chance to meet the deans, appreciation activities for staff and alumni, an alumni panel, and a research and creative activities symposium. A digital series was also launched to honor significant contributors to the college's success.

The anniversary reception featured keynote speeches from distinguished alumnus Lt. Col. George Vukotich, Ph.D., a 1980 graduate with a degree in Business and Management. He shared insights on the college's considerable accomplishments and aspirations for the upcoming decades, as well as addressing the evolving challenges facing the education landscape.

Northeastern Illinois University's President, Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., remarked on the significance of the College of Business and Technology: “Its graduates are leaders in their fields and serve our communities with distinction. This milestone reflects the dedication of CBT's faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners.”

Looking towards the future, CBT has initiated the "40 Years Further" campaign aimed at amplifying academic innovations, expanding facilities, and increasing student scholarship opportunities, thereby ensuring that the college remains a leader in education.

Several key sponsors are supporting this anniversary initiative toward the goal of raising $40,000, including Golden Eagle Sponsor Quintin and Olga Marx of New World Van Lines and multiple Goldie Sponsors associated with various businesses and alumni.

To celebrate its rich history while building a formidable future, the College of Business and Technology invites the broader community to join them as they embark on this exciting journey to further enrich the academic and professional lives of their students. For more details on events or to engage with the college, visit neiu.edu/cbt-40years.

About Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree pathways and over 50 options for graduate education, certification, licensure, and endorsements. Nestled within a 67-acre campus in a picturesque residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Northeastern is recognized as a Minority-Serving Institution and the oldest four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest, making substantial contributions to educational equity in the region.