100 years later, Dominican鈥檚 local presence is felt more than ever
The connection between the two entities, fueled by collaboration and a shared set of values, has helped shape Dominican鈥檚 vibrant presence in the community today.
鈥淗aving Dominican literally down the block as a neighbor provides so many valuable opportunities and offerings to the village and its residents,鈥 said Cathy Adduci, River Forest鈥檚 village president. 鈥淒ominican is a phenomenal school with an enormous amount of credentials and that, of course, means a lot to the community.鈥
In the decades following Rosary College鈥檚 1922 opening in River Forest, the institution rapidly expanded its curriculum and reach. The growth led to more undergraduate offerings, the establishment of high-impact graduate programs, and an increased physical footprint 鈥 all of which heightened Dominican鈥檚 presence in the community.
Today, local leaders still continually notice Dominican鈥檚 growth and impact. Adduci noted that she鈥檚 seen Dominican grow during her tenure in two key areas: the university鈥檚 physical presence and its offerings to residents. She added that the university鈥檚 high-quality education, diversity of students and educators, enriching activities and cultural experiences all offer 鈥渕ajor benefits鈥 to the community.
The bond between River Forest and Dominican further strengthened in late 2020 when the village鈥檚 board of trustees unanimously approved a resolution supporting a community partnership to fight racial and social injustice. The resolution aimed to guide the village in becoming a more socially equitable place while also helping expand Dominican鈥檚 Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation efforts.
鈥淲e鈥檙e working side by side with the university on (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs and I think it鈥檚 good for us as a village,鈥 Adduci said. 鈥淎ll of it鈥檚 great. We established our own DEI committee to address the inequities that do exist and we want to make it better.鈥
Still, a century after Dominican planted its flag in the village, there are even new possibilities to further embed the university into the community.
鈥淲e鈥檙e constantly looking at ideas and ways that we can work better together,鈥 Adduci said.