In 2025, Elmhurst University’s most popular news stories celebrated historic firsts and exciting additions to campus. They also invited members of the University and greater communities to cultural events featuring iconic figures in history, music and more—thousands attended.
Looking back on the year, our news stories reflected both new developments—the official opening of the Health Sciences Building and the arrival of our VP for student affairs, for example—and beloved traditions such as the Elmhurst University Jazz Festival and our acclaimed public lectures.
Here’s our countdown of the 10 most-viewed Elmhurst University news stories from 2025.
10. A Historic Commencement
Elmhurst University’s Commencement exercises for the Class of 2025 debut in a new, weatherproof venue—the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Ill.
9. From Germany to Jazz Festival
Performing in the U.S. for the first time in decades, Germany’s WDR Big Band is among the featured performers at the 58th annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival.
8. A Faculty First
A $1.5 million philanthropic gift will establish Elmhurst’s first endowed faculty chair in science, technology, analytics and mathematics.
7. June Jazz Ushers in Summer
Acclaimed jazz artists Byron Stripling, Bobby Floyd, Sydney McSweeney and Jim Rupp, performing with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band, headline the 29th Annual June Jazz concert.
6. Ruling the Rankings
Elmhurst University ranks among the top 500 colleges in the country, including 18 in Illinois, on Forbes’ annual America’s Top Colleges guide to schools “that produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, with less student debt.”
5. A New Home for the Health Sciences
Elmhurst U. officially celebrates the opening of its state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 3.
4. Walter Isaacson Talks Timeless Leadership
Acclaimed biographer Walter Isaacson discusses how success came to exceptional figures in history such as Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci during this past spring’s Rudolf G. Schade Lecture.
3. A Fitting New Name
Elmhurst University names its nursing and public health department for longtime critical care nurse Diane Tyrrell, who, with her husband, Trustee Emeritus Thomas Tyrrell ’67, have been generous supporters of Elmhurst for nearly 50 years.
2. Front and Center for Students
After a nationwide search, Elmhurst welcomes its new vice president for student affairs, Keri Alioto, Ed.D.
1. Johnny Cash: Lyrics and Legacy
Grammy-winning producer John Carter Cash, son of music icon Johnny Cash, joins Chicago radio legend and Elmhurst alumna Terri Hemmert for a heartfelt conversation about a lifetime of songwriting by The Man in Black.