DR. KENNETH C. CHESSICK
Class of 1984
#WhyIGiveToNIULaw
Donate now to the NIU College of Law
Dr. Kenneth C. Chessick MD, JD has devoted both his personal and professional lives – in medicine and law – to loving others. He expresses that love as a physician by saving lives, curing illness, relieving suffering, and preventing premature death. As a lawyer, he represents catastrophically injured victims of medical negligence and provides for necessary medical and other care and support to treat their injuries.
“For many years, my wife and I have been ardent supporters of NIU and its College of Law. We firmly believe that the true beneficiaries of philanthropy are the ones who give. Witnessing our contributions help students and seeing their success brings us immense joy and satisfaction. These heartwarming experiences are endless.”
For Dr. Chessick, it is simple. The most important reasons for why he gives to NIU and the College of Law are: NIU stands out for its exceptional education provided by professors and administrators who are committed to delivering a top-notch education and genuinely care about their students; the student demographics comprises individuals who are likely to offer valuable services to an underserved population, making NIU an excellent choice; and NIU educators welcome and encourage participation from alumni in the non-academic world, who can provide leadership, ideas, energy, and funding to improve the institution.
Dr. Chessick and his wife Ellen pay it forward through named and endowed scholarships for students such as the Kenneth C. Chessick Civil Justice Endowed Scholarship Program. This scholarship program honors his clients who were victims of medical negligence, educates students of the beneficial changes we make as lawyers in the lives of others, and emphasizes his love of The Law. Each year he meets with his scholarship recipients providing encouragement and words of wisdom on being successful in the legal profession.
The Kenneth C. Chessick Legal Skills Training Center was established at the NIU College of Law, which includes a “smart” courtroom and two classrooms. Their legacy at NIU also includes the Kenneth and Ellen Chessick Practice Center, a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility for student athletes, which opened in 2013.
In addition, and just as important, Dr. Chessick gives his time to NIU. He is a member of the NIU College of Law Board of Visitors, and he has also served on the NIU Foundation Board of Directors and the NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Dr. and Mrs. Chessick have been honored for their leadership, dedication, and generosity. Dr. Chessick was named NIU Alumnus of the Year in 2001. In 2012, he received the NIU College of Law Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and the NIU Foundation Award for High Impact Philanthropy. Also, Mrs. Chessick was named an Honorary Law Alumna in 2012. Most recently, Dr. and Mrs. Chessick were inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022 for being instrumental to the growth of Huskie Athletics.
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The College of Law is excited to kick off our year-long 50th Anniversary celebration with our #WhyIGivetoNIULaw series featuring donors who are making a lasting impact and want to leave a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Donate now to help us reach our fundraising goal of $250,000 for scholarships and other critical needs of the College of Law. Save the date to join us for our 50th Anniversary Gala on November 2, 2024. More details to come!
