In the Spring of 1997, Dr. Shevawn Eaton, Director of ACCESS in Educational Services and Programs (ESP) at NIU was introduced to Chi Alpha Epsilon at a national conference and brought the society to CHANCE. Eligible students were identified and invited to join as founding members.
On December 10, 1997, Dr. Saddler came to NIU and inducted the founding members of the Alpha Eta Chapter, the 31st chapter, and the first in Illinois. University President John LaTourette was in attendance to accept the Charter for the University. The Charter document now resides in the CHANCE lobby in Williston Hall.