Board of Trustees Meeting: ICE, Budget, Student Concerns
The main entrance to the Blume Board Room in the Frick Center. EU’s fall board of trustees meeting was held there on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. (PC: Ian Murphy)
In a wide-ranging board meeting held on Oct. 3 at Elmhurst University, campus leadership and the Board of Trustees addressed major developments related to student safety, financial health, diversity and inclusion, and future infrastructure projects, among other reports.
The meeting began with an update from President Troy VanAken, who acknowledged that there was “a lot of angst over [potential] ICE” activity on campus and stated the administration’s commitment to distribute accurate information.
VanAken also reaffirmed his office’s commitment to student safety by introducing Executive Director of Public Safety John Escalante who shared his extensive background in public safety and reassured the board that there is a strong response plan and connections if anything were to happen on campus.
Faculty Council Chair Constance Mixon highlighted the emotional toll ICE-related fears are having on students — particularly among undocumented students and students with undocumented families. She asked the board to ensure they continue to support students as they have been and potentially research what peer institutions are doing, such as collective action.
The Student Government Association (SGA) report, delivered by club president Davionne Jakes, highlighted a strong sense of student belonging and involvement opportunities.
However, students expressed tension over Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) funding and viewed the dining plan as “a really growing pain.” They also requested more transparency over DEI funding, more printers, and an improved commuter lounge.
Trustee Sergio Acosta provided an update on the cancellation of the federal HSI grant after a nationwide legal challenge. While there is an expectation such funds are gone, Acosta maintained that the loss of funds should not prevent students from financially attending EU.
VanAken emphasized caution due to federal interpretations of race-based programs and that they are waiting to see what a no-cost extension could do for the university. He also commented on the university’s continuing priority to support all students.
“We are all for helping the underdog, whatever that underdog means,” said VanAken.
VanAken spoke on the possibility of adding a second individual to the position currently held by executive director for inclusion and belonging Alexander Blumenberg.
While the academic profile for EU remains strong, Trustee Michelle Lanter Smith noted a slight decrease in enrollment following national trends.
Trustee Julie W. Curran informed the board of the university’s budget performance. For the 2025 fiscal year, net assets increased by 14%, largely from endowments.
Additionally, the budget is up 2% from previous reports, largely due to an increase in healthcare insurance. The motion for approval of the 2026 operating budget was approved unanimously.
Curran said that it is best to “plan for the worst, and hope for the best,” and she hoped to avoid large surpluses if there were opportunities to improve the campus.
Trustee Hugh H. McLean provided an update from the buildings and ground subcommittee. There is a delay in expanding the stadium and upgrading facilities.
McLean discussed two major future projects: renovation of Hammerschmidt Chapel and supporting student athletes through renovation to the Tyrrell Fitness Center. The money for the renovations would most likely come from the $20 million special projects funds. The board passed a motion approving feasibility for the projects with one dissent.
Trustee Barbara J. Lucks provided a Human Resources report that maintained focus on future risks. She also spoke about the termination of nine staff members in July, which saved approximately $680,000 and resulted from the positions no longer serving the institution or students’ tuition dollars.
