Lewis University College of Education and Social Sciences

08/20/2026

POV: You just got back to campus....

07/10/2026

07/09/2026

For Anna Opacian, education has always been about service, advocacy, and creating opportunities for others.

A doctoral graduate in Educational Leadership from Lewis University College of Education and Social Sciences, Anna’s journey spans all four of her degrees: Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, and now, her doctorate. As a bilingual educator and daughter of Polish refugees, she has dedicated her career to building inclusive, student-centered learning environments where every child and family feels valued, supported, and empowered.

Throughout her time at Lewis, Anna developed expertise in special education, bilingual education, instructional leadership, and advocacy for students with disabilities. Her doctoral dissertation focused on improving paraprofessional training to better support students with moderate to severe disabilities.

Originally from Homer Glen, Illinois and a graduate of Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, Anna will soon begin a new leadership role in the same school district where she first started as a student teacher. She will also return to Lewis as an adjunct professor, continuing the Lasallian mission that helped shape her journey and inspiring future educators to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose.
opacian

https://bit.ly/4dMDG7N

07/08/2026

Aletheia Johnson is dedicated to serving others through compassion, advocacy, and restorative justice.

As a Social Work graduate from Lewis University College of Education and Social Sciences, Aletheia developed a deeper understanding of what it means to be a helping professional through her studies in Social Work and Peace & Justice. In recognition of her commitment to service and social change, she was awarded the De La Salle Medallion for Excellence in Justice Advocacy.

After graduation, Aletheia plans to work within the justice system, advocating for rehabilitation and reintegration while supporting individuals often overlooked by society. She will also continue her educational journey this fall by pursuing a Master of Social Work at .

https://bit.ly/4e18Tod

07/07/2026

As a first-generation college student, Celeste N. Servin is turning her passion for education, advocacy, and mental health into a lifelong mission to support future generations.

A graduate in Secondary Education and Psychology from Lewis University College of Education and Social Sciences, Celeste used her time at to grow as both an educator and leader through meaningful mentorship, student teaching experiences, and a community grounded in Lasallian values. Inspired by the compassion and support she received throughout her journey, she hopes to create safe, inclusive classrooms where students feel valued, empowered, and capable of success.

Originally from Bloomingdale, Illinois and a graduate of Addison Trail High School, Celeste plans to promote mental health awareness while teaching psychology and social sciences in a way that encourages empathy, critical thinking, and personal growth. Through her work as an educator, she hopes to become the kind of mentor and role model students can rely on during important moments in their lives.

https://bit.ly/49u17BF

07/06/2026

Educator, mother, business owner, and lifelong learner—Monica Figueroa has shown what’s possible through perseverance, passion, and a commitment to serving others.

A Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education graduate from Lewis University College of Education and Social Sciences, Monica built upon the foundation she began at St. Augustine College while growing as an educator, leader, and advocate for young learners. Throughout her time at Lewis, she balanced family life, business ownership, and academics, demonstrating the dedication and resilience that define her journey.

Originally from Colombia and now a resident of Naperville, Illinois, Monica owns a bilingual child care program in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, where she creates a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for children and families. She plans to continue expanding her impact through early childhood education, leadership, and mentorship while helping shape the next generation of learners.

Monica's story is a powerful reminder that with determination, faith, and support, dreams can become reality.

https://bit.ly/43lVnqk

05/11/2026

CoESS students travel to Springfield for The Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities Student Lobby Day! ⚖️ 🏛️

Students Gabriella Garnica, Hayden Forthmen, and Nassar Nassar traveled to Springfield with CoESS Dean, Dr. Elizabeth Sturm, and met with Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (49 District), Senator Rachel Ventura (43 District), Representative Dagmara Avelar (85 District), and Representative Natalie Manley (98 District).

05/11/2026

📷 by : Congratulations to our President Evelyn Ramos, Vice President Horiandy Rodriguez and Secretary Brielle Gallo for their HRM Service and HRM Departmental Awards! We are proud to have them serve and represent Lewis culture 🎉

05/01/2026

Congratulations to De La Salle Medallions for Excellence in Mission student recipients, Gabriela Garnica (Criminal Justice BA, Minor in Latin American and Latina/o Studies) and Aletheia Johnson (Social Work BA, Minor in Psychology)! is extremely proud of our students making a difference on campus and beyond.

04/29/2026

Blessing and Open House for the new and improved CoESS Research Hub! 👩‍🔬 👨‍🔬

Swipe to see the before and after ➡️