Union League Club of Chicago

The Union League Club of Chicago (ULCC) was established in 1879 as a membership organization where people have gathered to work on a variety of civic projects as well as organize social and philanthropic events. Through the efforts of its dynamic membership, the Club has been a catalyst for action in nonpartisan political, economic and social arenas – focusing its leadership and resources on important social issues.

With the motto of “commitment to community and country,” the ULCC’s staff and members have exhibited a high interest in philanthropic endeavors and have spent endless energy in giving back to the community. This commitment led to a partnership with Econ Illinois more than 30 years ago, through the ULCC Public Affairs Department.

That partnership has benefitted from all that ULCC has to offer, including sponsorships for events and use of the Club’s excellent facilities. The Club hosts and co-sponsors the annual Econ Illinois 3M Economic Educators Award luncheon each October, providing a marvelous setting for this celebration. The ULCC has also been a supporter of the Econ Illinois American Dream dinner, both by purchasing a table for the event and providing items for the raffle.

In addition, the Club provides meeting space and accommodations for Econ Illinois staff and guests, including international guests from around the world, including educators from Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Indonesia, South Africa, Mexico, and Uruguay. International guests and Econ Illinois Board members have frequently been brought together for dinners or breakfasts at the ULCC to engage in conversation and share information about economic education in their countries.

Other guests have included high school students and their teachers from Illinois and other Midwest states. The Club has hosted the Econ Illinois’ high school Economics Challenge regional competition involving more than 100 students and teachers.

Most importantly, the ULCC has been represented on the Econ Illinois Board of Trustees for more than thirty years, providing outstanding expertise in guiding the work of the council. As a long-standing friend to Econ Illinois, the Club has brought many benefits to our work. Econ Illinois is grateful to the Union League Club of Chicago for its commitment to economic education.