Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: Roosevelt Hosts 2026 Harold Washington Legacy Brunch and Hall of Honor Dedication

Roosevelt University welcomed alumni, civic leaders and community members last weekend for its annual Harold Washington Legacy Brunch, held this year in conjunction with the dedication of the Harold Washington Hall of Honor. Together, the events celebrated the enduring impact of Chicago's first Black mayor and reaffirmed the University's commitment to equity, access and social justice.

Among the event's honorable guests was The Honorable Lamont J. Robinson, Fourth Ward Alderman of the City of Chicago, who also served as a featured speaker. He was joined by The Honorable Melissa Conyears-Ervin (MBA, 03'), Treasurer of the City of Chicago and a Roosevelt alumna. Additional honorable guests included Roosevelt alumni and former or current members of Congress Melissa L. Bean (BA, 00'), Mike Quigley (BA, 81') and Bobby Rush (BGS, 74'), whose careers reflect the University's long tradition of civic leadership.

Opening remarks were delivered by Roosevelt University President Ali R. Malekzadeh, who reflected on the shared legacy between Mayor Harold Washington and the University. He emphasized Roosevelt's founding mission of inclusion and opportunity and its continued role in preparing leaders committed to public service.

Held in partnership with the Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee, the event also highlighted the impact of the Harold Washington Legacy Scholarship. The Committee, a nonprofit organization founded in 2013, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Mayor Harold Lee Washington. Many of its founding members were directly involved in Washington's 1983 mayoral campaign or administration. Through this partnership, the scholarship supports Roosevelt students who demonstrate leadership, service and academic excellence.

A central moment of the program recognized Roosevelt student Aldo Brown as a recipient of the Harold Washington Legacy Scholarship. A student leader who is the President of Roosevelt's Black Student Union, Brown has helped foster connection, advocacy and leadership on campus, reflecting the values at the heart of the scholarship and Washington's legacy.

In their remarks, Robinson and Conyears-Ervin reflected on Washington's lasting influence and the continued relevance of his leadership in shaping a more equitable Chicago. Robinson spoke to Washington's role as a unifying force and a champion for communities historically excluded from power. Conyears-Ervin offered a personal perspective as a Roosevelt alumna, connecting her experience at the University to her career in public service.

Notably, all of the event's honorable guests, with the exception of Alderman Robinson, are Roosevelt alumni, underscoring the University's lasting impact on civic leadership at the local and national levels.

The dedication of the Harold Washington Hall of Honor served as a defining moment of the day, creating a permanent space on campus to recognize Washington's legacy and inspire future generations of leaders.

Jared Fritz-McCarty, Vice President of Advancement, led the dedication of the Hall of Honor and emphasized the significance of the event. He noted that the day reflected both a celebration of Washington's legacy and a continued commitment to supporting student leaders. He added that the Hall of Honor and the Harold Washington Legacy Scholarship ensure that Washington's legacy remains an active and guiding force at Roosevelt.

As the Harold Washington Legacy Brunch continues to grow, it remains both a reflection on the past and a call to action for the future.

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