Arturo Velasquez Institute to hold Community Fall Fest and celebrate its 30th Anniversary of service to Chicago

This event is free and open to the public. 

CHICAGO — (September 29, 2026) – The public is invited to join Richard J. Daley College’s Arturo Velasquez Institute (AVI) as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of service to the community on Saturday, October 3, 2026, during its Community Fall Fest. This event is free admission and open to the public. 

The 30-year anniversary celebration will center around the AVI Community Fall Fest, a day designed to foster neighborhood connections while showcasing AVI’s decades of contributions to local education and career readiness. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public and features a diverse lineup of activities, entertainment, and essential resources. 

“As the new President of Daley College, I have been deeply intentional about strengthening our community connections and meaningful partnerships. As a college team, we are incredibly excited to host our Community Fall festival and celebrate 30 years of service. This milestone is a testament to AVI’s legacy as a vital hub for education, career readiness, and upward mobility,” said President Isaac Zúñiga, Richard J. Daley College. 

Event details: 

What: Arturo Velasquez Institute 30th Anniversary & Community Fall Fest 

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 

Time: 11am – 3pm 

Address: Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 S. Western Avenue in Chicago 

Events and resources: 

•  Free flu vaccinations and dedicated resources for breast cancer survivors will be available through community partners. 

• There will be an education and career expo highlighting academic pathways, workforce development initiatives, and community services. 

• Entertainment and live activities include a car show, live music, and family-focused activities. 

• Food trucks will be on-site. 

“Leading Arturo Velasquez Institute is deeply personal to me, and celebrating three decades of service to the Pilsen, Little Village, and the surrounding neighborhoods is a profound honor. For 30 years, AVI has broken down barriers, bridging gaps in education, and providing essential resources to our families. This Fall Fest is our way of thanking the community that built us, while looking forward to many more decades of creating pathways to success for our students,” said Dean Alicia Rodriguez of AVI. 

Special thank you to these partners for their support and participation: 211MetroChicago.org, ALAS Wings, Alivio Medical Center, ChiTown Car Shows, Chicago Botanic Garden, CommunityHealth, Enlace Chicago, Get Covered Illinois, ILJNI, ILCHWA, Richard J. Daley College Student Government Association, Rincon Family Services, Rush Generations, Sinai Chicago, University of Illinois College of Agricultural Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension,  WURJ, 18th Street Casa de Cultura, and Rauner YMCA. 

For 30 years, the Arturo Velasquez Institute has served as an anchor in its community, working to empower a diverse population of adult learners and traditional students through accessible education, English language learning, and targeted job training. 

City Colleges of Chicago is currently enrolling now for its Fall 8-week, Winter 4-Week, and Spring 16-Week sessions. Fall 8-week session begins October 19, 2026. Register today and click here to apply.

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About Richard J. Daley College 

Richard J. Daley College is City College’s Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing programs. Industry leaders are working with Daley College manufacturing instructors to help align curriculum with new and evolving industry standards and ensure facilities provide the hands-on training needed to succeed on-the-job. Manufacturing classes are also available at Daley College’s Arturo Velasquez Institute. Advanced manufacturing at Daley College includes two program areas: Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Machining and Factory Automation.  

About the Arturo Velasquez Institute 

The Arturo Velasquez Institute (AVI) is a satellite campus of Richard J. Daley College located in Chicago’s Lower West Side/Pilsen area. AVI provides vital adult education, career programs, and community outreach designed to eliminate barriers to higher education and meaningful employment. To learn more about Arturo Velasquez Sr. and his legacy, AVI’s namesake, click here.  

www.ccc.edu / 773-COLLEGE