Signum Fidei Celebration Raises Record $250,000 for Lewis Scholarship Fund

Lewis University's 2012 Signum Fidei Celebration, a fundraiser for the school's scholarship program, netted $250,000 --$55,000 more than last year.

The Sept. 8 event also honored Michael Hughes, trustee emeritus of Lewis' Board of Directors, and his wife Madeline. Both are longtime supporters of the Romeoville university, according to a news release from the school.

The 14th annual fundraiser was held at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago, with news anchorman Bill Kurtis, of WBBM-TV (Channel 2), serving as emcee.

Signum Fidei proceeds go to the Lewis Mission Fund, which provides assistance to the university’s most financially at-risk students. Nearly 160 students have been able to complete a degree at Lewis with the support of the fund, which was established in 2009, the release said.  

The Signum Fidei Award is presented annually to outstanding individuals who demonstrate the “Sign of Faith” in their contributions to society and to the university. 

Michael Hughes, president of the Huen Corp., served on Lewis' Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2002, before being named trustee emeritus. He's credited with "providing highly valued guidance and expertise during a period of transformation of the university’s Romeoville campus as well as the dynamic growth of academic programs," the release said.

He and his wife, who live in Oak Brook, also work with other groupsm including the Misericordia/Heart of Mercy Home which provides a community of care for those with developmental disabilities. 

Huen Corp. is one of the top five electrical contracting firms in the Chicago area, with several locations in Illinois, New York and New Jersey. Michael Hughes also serves as Director of the Huen Foundation, Inc., and company employees participate in various events for the community, the release said. 

In the past, he as served as board president for the Chicago Area Council of Boy Scouts of America and as an advisory council member for Misericordia. Madeline Hughes has worked with children with disabilities at Little Friends for many years and now spends many hours volunteering with the elderly, the release said.

The Signum Fidei Celebration included an opening reception with silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner, awards ceremony, live auction, raffle and entertainment.