Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
At DePaul, thriving is more than an aspiration. It is a shared commitment to creating an environment where every member of our community is seen, valued, supported and able to flourish.
These are not just words we say. They are who we are and they matter most when they are tested. DePaul's commitment to you has not changed. Every member of our community belongs here. We will continue to stand with you, advocate for you and ensure you have the care and resources you need to thrive.
Grounded in our Catholic and Vincentian mission and the inherent dignity of every person, the Division of Belonging, Engagement and Mission (BEAM) is pleased to share several new initiatives and other news that will move this commitment forward across our university.
New leadership for Institutional Equity and Thriving
We are delighted to welcome Candice Dowd Maxwell as DePaul's new director of Institutional Equity and Thriving.
Candice brings more than 20 years of higher education experience as an educator, researcher, author and leader. Most recently, she served as assistant vice president of belonging at McHenry County College. Her work is grounded in cultural humility, equity leadership, strategic planning and organizational change.
In this role, Candice will work collaboratively across the university to advance institutional equity and cultivate the conditions in which individuals and communities can thrive. She brings a deep commitment to listening, building authentic relationships, honoring the knowledge and experiences within our community and translating our values into meaningful, sustainable institutional practices that last.
Please join us in welcoming Candice to DePaul.
Human Dignity Advocates
As some may have heard at convocation, President Rob provided a glimpse into this new, exciting journey we are stepping into. We are launching Human Dignity Advocates, a pilot that will establish a university-wide network of trained faculty and staff who can serve as trusted points of connection for students affected by a broad range of issues and barriers.
Human Dignity Advocates will walk alongside students, connecting them to the people and resources they need, from financial aid and employment to wellness, pastoral care and other barriers that may prevent students from thriving. Given the urgent needs of students affected by immigration-related uncertainty, we will begin by supporting that area and then expand to advocate for students facing other barriers.
By listening with compassion, responding without judgment and connecting students to the right support, these advocates will help ensure that every student feels seen, valued and accompanied.
Advocates are not attorneys and will not interpret immigration law. Instead, they will guide students to the right people and support resources. To learn more or get connected to a Human Dignity Advocate, contact Candice Dowd Maxwell at cmaxwe10@depaul.edu.
A new visual identity for Thriving Initiatives
We are excited to introduce a new shared visual identity for DePaul's growing portfolio of Thriving Initiatives.
The design brings together the DePaul shield with the Tree of Wisdom, an emerging vine and flourishing branches — symbols of our Catholic and Vincentian foundation, growth, connection and the everyday work of helping people and communities thrive. You will begin to see this identity across programs, communications and resources connected to the Thriving Framework and Initiatives.
Together, the components of this logo illustrate Thriving at DePaul:
The color green and the vine represent personal and community growth. The lowercase “thriving" reflects the idea that growth is ongoing and there is always room to flourish.
The vine forms an infinity symbol because thriving is infinite.
The lowercase "i"s symbolize people, as well as community and connection.
The Tree of Wisdom and “DePaul University" represent our identity and Catholic and Vincentian mission.
Thriving Student Fellows
Under the Office of Institutional Equity and Thriving, we are launching the Thriving Student Fellows Program to ensure that students are not only recipients of our Thriving Initiatives but also active partners in shaping them.
Thriving Student Fellows will elevate student perspectives, identify barriers to belonging and success and collaborate with university leaders on programs and practices that strengthen the student experience. Their insights will help us better understand what students need to flourish and ensure that our institutional efforts remain responsive to their lived experiences.
To learn more and apply, please go to our website at go.depaul.edu/thriving-student-fellows.
New website launching soon
A new site is launching soon, organized around Student Wellbeing, Campus Life and Academic Success & Thriving. More details will follow as we get closer to launch.
Together, these efforts affirm every person's dignity and belonging, advance equity and access and strengthen the community we share in pursuit of social transformation for the common good.
In the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, we are called not only to ask what must be done, but also to act — with courage, humility and care. Thank you for the many ways you help cultivate a DePaul community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are grateful to walk through this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Dania Matos
Senior Vice President
Division of Belonging, Engagement and Mission
DePaul University