Dominican University has joined an exclusive group of 55 colleges and universities nationwide recognized for measurable success in serving Latine students.
The River Forest institution earned the Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education, a national certification the organization introduced in 2018. Dominican was one of 10 schools earning the seal for the first time, according to the university's announcement. Leaders in higher education, business, government and philanthropy convened in Washington, D.C., for the recognition.
Seal-certified institutions represent less than 2% of all colleges and universities. They enroll 16% and graduate 18% of the nation's Latine students.
Dominican University President Dr. Glena G. Temple said the recognition affirms the university's efforts to align data, practices and leadership around students' needs as it celebrates 15 years as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). She called the work "central to our mission and our belief that a Dominican education can open doors to greater economic and social mobility for our students, their families and their communities."
Sarita Brown, Excelencia in Education co-founder and president, said seal-certified institutions have moved beyond enrollment to focus on creating clear pathways for students to earn degrees.
The certification highlights several Dominican programs. The university's Non-Employment-Based Opportunity (NEBO) fellowship, which supports professional development and internships aligned with students' academic interests, earned recognition from UNESCO for its innovation. Dominican also created the CHARISM alliance, a partnership with three other Catholic HSIs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to develop new academic offerings across institutions.
One student's trajectory illustrates the approach. Maria Sarango, a first-generation college student majoring in finance and economics with a minor in pre-law, served a term as a student trustee. She was named a Launchpad Scholar by Yale Law School, a program focused on improving student access to law school. Sarango aspires to a career in immigration law.
Dominican, founded in 1901, operates campuses in River Forest and Chicago. The university's operating budget is about $100 million, with roughly half directed back to students through need-based scholarships and merit aid, according to an April Dominican Star report. Undergraduate enrollment is at its highest level ever, though the 30-acre River Forest campus faces space constraints.
The university consistently ranks in U.S. News & World Report's top 20 Midwest regional master's-level universities. Forbes recognized Dominican among its top 500 colleges in America. Dominican's first-year retention rate is tied for the highest among HSIs in Illinois, according to the university, with graduation gaps between Latine and white students falling below the state average.
More information about the Seal of Excelencia is available at EdExcelencia.org.
