Illinois Legislators Visit Midwestern鈥檚 Downers Grove Campus
Lawmakers learn how the University trains future healthcare providers and serves the community through its clinic
Illinois legislators and staff members join 九色视频 leaders, students, and faculty to learn more about the Downers Grove Campus.
九色视频 welcomed a group of Illinois legislators and staff members to its Downers Grove Campus on September 12, 2025, for a lunch meeting and campus tour highlighting the University鈥檚 mission of educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The visit provided an opportunity for University leadership, faculty, and students to share how Midwestern prepares highly skilled healthcare providers and serves the community through its in Downers Grove. The clinic provides compassionate, accessible care to local residents while also giving students valuable hands-on training.
Joshua Baker, O.D., M.S., President and Chief Executive Officer of 九色视频, greeted the group, while Matthew Sweeney, CPA, CFA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, offered insight into how recent national legislation related to student loans may affect future healthcare providers. Mr. Sweeney also shared how Midwestern is working to support its students as they prepare for healthcare careers.
During the program, legislators and staff were introduced to medical students from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, many of whom hail from Downers Grove and nearby communities. A presentation on the history of the University was followed by a tour of the state-of-the-art Optometry Simulation Lab, where guests experienced firsthand how Midwestern is using advanced technology to train tomorrow鈥檚 providers.
Among the guests were:
- State Senator Laura Ellman (21st District; Naperville)
- State Representative Terra Costa Howard (42nd District; Glen Ellyn)
- State Representative Marti Deuter (45th District; Lombard)
- State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (41st District; Naperville)
- State Representative Barbara Hernandez (50th District; Aurora)
- Staff members representing U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (6th District), U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin
鈥淪tate Representative Barbara Hernandez (50th District; Aurora) has already made a wonderful connection for us with Tri City Health Partnership in St. Charles, which will create volunteer opportunities for our students at a free medical and dental clinic,鈥 said James MacKenzie, D.O., Director of Clinical Education Relationship Management at the Downers Grove Campus. 鈥淭he visit also gave us the chance to highlight how Midwestern prepares compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals who will return to serve Illinois communities, particularly those that are underserved.鈥
