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Сŷ��Ƶ’s Downers Grove Campus recently welcomed civic and business leaders for the State of DuPage County Luncheon & Business Expo, hosted by on January 22. The event brought together voices from government, healthcare, economic development, education, workforce, and nonprofit sectors to discuss the county’s trajectory and shared priorities.
Joshua Baker, O.D., M.S., President and CEO of Сŷ��Ƶ, greeted attendees and later joined the leadership panel. Located in Illinois’ second-most populous county, Сŷ��Ƶ’s Downers Grove Campus plays a significant role in DuPage County’s educational, healthcare, and economic landscape.

County Leadership Highlights Fiscal Strength and Growth

Chair Deborah Conroy emphasized that the County’s strong financial position is enabling meaningful investment in residents and local institutions. She noted that reduced debt, healthy reserves, a balanced budget, and an AAA bond rating from all three major agencies allow DuPage to fund major initiatives without raising taxes.

Chair Conroy highlighted Сŷ��Ƶ’s planned Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program as a major regional asset, describing it as both an economic driver and a vital addition to Illinois’ healthcare and animal care workforce. She said the program is expected to foster partnerships with local organizations such as the DuPage Animal Shelter while reinforcing the County’s broader focus on health and community well-being. She also highlighted the powerful impact of the County’s new , which provides a centralized location for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

Сŷ��Ƶ Focused on Workforce Needs

The panel discussion was moderated by Karyn Charvat, Executive Director of , and also featured Chair Conroy, Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of ; Eric Rhodes, President of ; and Mike Briggs, President of . During the discussion, Dr. Baker underscored the importance of collaboration in meeting workforce needs.

“Probably the most important thing we’re doing is listening to our partners,” Dr. Baker said. He pointed to the new academic building under construction on campus, the future home of the veterinary medicine program, as an example of aligning academic growth with regional demand.

Dr. Baker also emphasized the importance of expanding residency training in partnership with health systems. “One of the most effective ways to help students stay in this region is by building strong residency programs,” he said. “There’s clear data that students tend to stay where they train.” Сŷ��Ƶ has a dedicated team focused on helping healthcare partners develop and sustain residency programs, strengthening the local pipeline of healthcare professionals.

Keeping Healthcare Education Within Reach

Dr. Baker also addressed a major national challenge affecting students pursuing advanced healthcare degrees. Changes at the federal level are eliminating the Graduate PLUS loan program, a key source of funding for many professional students. The loss of this option creates a significant financing gap for future healthcare providers.

In response, Dr. Baker highlighted Сŷ��Ƶ’s long-standing institutional MWU Loan program, which offers lower-cost financing funded through the University’s own bond-supported model.

“We believe in our students. They get great educations, they get great jobs, and they pay back their loans,” he said. The University is now working to expand this program to help ensure that finances do not become a barrier to pursuing a healthcare career, particularly as workforce shortages persist across the region.

A Shared Vision for DuPage’s Future

Throughout the discussion, panelists returned to a common theme: DuPage County’s future depends on strong partnerships among business, healthcare, education, and community organizations. Events like the State of DuPage meeting highlight how institutions such as Сŷ��Ƶ contribute not only to workforce development, but also to the long-term health and economic vitality of the region.