401 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200Springfield, IL 67201-1711

1-800-454-2282 (phone)217-528-8662 (fax)

iccta@communitycolleges.org (e-mail)www.communitycolleges.org

ANNUALAWARDSBANQUET

June 17, 2005Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel

Chicago, Illinois

Please join theTrustees Association

in saying “Thank you”to our convention sponsors

ICCTA President’s Reception sponsorIllinois Community College

Risk Management Consortium

Saturday breakfast sponsor

General sponsor

ICCTA REGIONAL CHAIRS

Ed AndersenSauk Valley Community College

Northwest Region

Carol ChiligirisRichland Community College

East Central Region

Dr. Joan DiLeonardiOakton Community College

North Suburban Region

Richard FreyKankakee Community College

South Suburban Region

James LaneIllinois Eastern Community

CollegesSouthwest Region

Dave MaguireSpoon River CollegeWest Central Region

Don PattonShawnee Community College

Southeast Region

James TyreeCity Colleges of Chicago

Chicago Region

Kathy WesselCollege of DuPage

West Suburban Region

ICCTA AWARDS COMMITTEE

Dr. Joan DiLeonardiChair

Oakton Community College

Carol ChiligirisRichland Community College

Larry LittellHeartland Community College

Mary NolanMoraine Valley Community College

Dr. Clare OllayosElgin Community College

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

June 17, 2005

This year marks the 35th anniversary of theIllinois Community College TrusteesAssociation. Created as an advocate for thestate's public community college boards, theTrustees Association has grown in influence andeffectiveness, just as the colleges have grown tomeet the needs of nearly one million studentseach year.

Tonight we welcome you to our annualcelebration of excellence in the Illinois system.We will honor several trustees and publicofficials who have been unwavering supportersof the community college movement. Inaddition, we will recognize the newest HonoraryMember and Lifetime Members of ourassociation, the winner of our Paul SimonStudent Essay Contest, and our outstandingcommunity college instructors and alumni.

A special welcome is extended to our conventionsponsors: the Illinois Community College RiskManagement Consortium; the law firm ofLinebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP; andNestle USA.

We hope that you enjoy tonight's banquet andaward presentations. Thank you for sharing ourpride in Illinois' outstanding system ofcommunity colleges -- where learning neverends.

Rev. Albert D. Tyson IIIPresident, ICCTATrustee, City Colleges of Chicago

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RAY HARTSTEIN TRUSTEE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award recognizes a currently servingtrustee whose exemplary board service and leadership sets the standard foroutstanding trusteeship in Illinois. The award is named after Ray Hartstein, thefounding chair of the Oakton Community College Board of Trustees and anHonorary Member of ICCTA.

Joan B. HallOakton Community College (1985 - 2005)

Joan B. Hall has served the cause of community colleges for two decades.As board chair at Oakton Community College, she supported the school’sefforts to negotiate the maze of technology challenges, leading Oakton tobecome the first community college in the country to adopt touch-toneregistration.

At the state level, Hall served on ICCTA’s Executive Committee andchaired its North Suburban Region. She also chaired the Excellence andTrusteeship Committee, where she compiled an “Idea Book” ofoutstanding college programs and services.

When the Private Industry Councils were replaced by the structures oflocal Workforce Investment Boards, Hall actively advocated for themandatory inclusion of community colleges as representatives ofpostsecondary education. Her efforts were recognized with theOutstanding Government Official Award by the Private Industry Councilin 1991.

In addition to her duties as an Oakton trustee, Hall has maintained anactive role in other civic organizations. In 1989 she was elected to a four-year term as Maine Township Supervisor, earning praise from thenPresident George H. W. Bush for exemplary community service. Duringher tenure, she established a task force on gangs; opened a drop-in centerfor young adults; initiated a monthly recycling program; published theMaine Township Access Guide for the Disabled; and coordinated a major reliefeffort for the victims of Hurricane Andrew.

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CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

Certificates of Merit are granted to individuals (usually former trustees orpresidents) who have made a significant contribution to the Trustees Association,the Illinois community college system, or an individual member college.

John J. DaleyTrustee (1993 - 2005)

Moraine Valley Community College

Jack Daley has been a leader during the best and worst of times. As chairof ICCTA’s Government Relations Committee during a robust economicclimate, he led the association’s 2001 efforts to secure a 37 percent increasein adult education funding and pass a five-year, $250 million capitalconstruction plan.

As ICCTA’s president during the fiscal downturn of 2002-2003, Daleypassionately fought against arbitrary cuts in state funding. He also broughtthe plight of community colleges to the Illinois Board of Higher Education,urging state officials to renew their support for adult education, dual-enrollment programs, and local control of operational funding.

Nick KachiroubasTrustee (1999 - 2005)

McHenry County College

At the age of 19, Nick Kachiroubas won election to the McHenry CountyCollege Board, becoming the youngest college trustee elected in Illinoishistory. Because of his youth and previous experience as a student trustee,he has taken an active role in the development of other student leaders. Heserves as advisor to the Illinois Community College Board’s StudentAdvisory Committee and organizes its annual Student Leadership Instituteeach summer.

In addition, Kachiroubas has presented workshops and orientationsessions for students on behalf of the Association of Community CollegeTrustees. In fall 2004, ACCT published Kachiroubas’ first book, EffectiveStudent Trustees.

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CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

Franklin F. WalkerTrustee (1978 - 2005)

Highland Community College

As board chair for nearly half his tenure as a trustee, Frank Walkerpresided over a successful tax referendum and the selection of threeHighland Community College presidents. He also introduced the conceptsof Servant Leadership and Policy Governance to Highland trustees,making the board a leader in policy development.

Walker also supervised the “extreme makeover” of Highland’s campusfrom a former cornfield with temporary buildings to a completed campuswith eight permanent buildings, a childcare center, a natural prairie, andathletic fields.

Patti WojcikowskiTrustee (1993 - 2005)

South Suburban College

Patti Wojcikowski’s influence on the Trustees Association will be felt foryears to come. A former ICCTA secretary and treasurer, she chairedICCTA’s South Suburban Region for two years and served on theassociation’s Executive Committee and 2004 Executive Director SearchCommittee. She also represented Illinois on the national Association ofCommunity College Trustees’ Nominating Committee. Most recently, shespurred the creation of ICCTA’s new Women in Leadership Committee,which encourages female trustees to take active roles at the local and statelevels.

“No one person or one college is bigger than the organization,” saysWojcikowski. “When we work together as a team, great things happen.”

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CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

Barbara BartonTrustee (1985 - 2004)

William Rainey Harper College

As ICCTA’s president during 1991 - 1992, Barbara Barton focused herefforts on enhancing trustee development and participation. Committeechairs were trained in presentation skills. A seminar was delivered locallyto trustee in three locations. The association even tackled a bylaws reviewand a realignment of its nine regions.

Legislative advocacy was another Barton legacy. She helped establish the“Breakfast with Legislators” as part of William Rainey Harper College’sgovernment relations program and developed a lobbying handbook as amember of the ICCTA State Relations Committee. “The more we tell ourstory, the more it will be heard,” she once said. Her children are livingproof: All six attended community colleges before transferring to four-yearuniversities.

Kris HowardTrustee (1981 - 2005)

William Rainey Harper College

Even before her election to the Harper College board, Kris Howardvolunteered as a goodwill ambassador by campaigning for the 1965referendum that established the school. She has since worked with all fourof Harper’s presidents to expand college enrollment, course offerings andcampus facilities. “I think Harper has trained half of the people in theNorthwest suburbs in how to use a computer,” she jokes.

In addition to serving at least one term each as board chair, vice chair,secretary, and ICCTA representative, Howard was the trustee liaison to theHarper College Foundation. In 2000 she was awarded the Lt. Governor’sIllinois Woman Achievement Award, in part for her work establishingHarper’s Women’s History Month Committee.

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CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

Dr. Richard C. KolzeTrustee (1993 - 2005)

William Rainey Harper College

After 20 years as superintendent of Palatine-Schaumburg High SchoolDistrict 211, Dick Kolze continued his service to education by completing12 years on the Harper College board. He took a vital interest in the workof the board’s Technology Committee, insuring that technology would beintegral to Harper’s strategic direction. He also served as a member of theCampus Master Planning and Construction Committee.

As board chair from 1997 to 2001, Kolze led the college’s search for a newpresident and successful passed an $88 million referendum to build ascience and health careers center.

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

ICCTA’s new Lifetime Membership program provides a special opportunity for anIllinois community college to honor its outstanding and retiring board membersfor their service and contributions.

David T. MurphyMcHenry County College

Steve SpiveyBlack Hawk College

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30-YEAR TRUSTEE AWARD

In honor of the Illinois community college system's upcoming 40th anniversaryin July 2005, ICCTA has created a 30-Year Trustee Award to recognize ourlongest-serving board members. All trustees with 30 or more years of service onan Illinois community college board will receive this honor, which will bepresented each year at ICCTA's annual convention.

CURRENTLY SERVING TRUSTEESWITH 30 OR MORE YEARS OF SERVICE

Rich AndersonCollege of Lake County

Don BrewerJohn A. Logan College

Richard DicksonWaubonsee Community College

John DuffyElgin Community College

Robert GaffnerKaskaskia College

Walter MaddoxKankakee Community College

Chris RinghausenLewis and Clark Community College

RETIRED TRUSTEESWITH 30 OR MORE YEARS OF SERVICE

Ray HartsteinOakton Community College

Don HuftalinKishwaukee College

James LumberCollege of Lake County

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HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

As the association's highest award, ICCTA Honorary Membership is reserved forthose individuals who have established the highest standard of service and whohave clearly benefitted the entire Illinois community college system.

At the request of the nominating institution, the identity of ICCTA’snewest Honorary Member has been kept secret until tonight’s officialannouncement.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

Meritorious Service Awards are presented to elected/appointed officials and otherfriends of community colleges who have contributed to the advancement of theTrustees Association and community college education in Illinois.

The Hon. Denny JacobsIllinois Senate (1987 - 2005)

Denny Jacobs’ commitment to higher education never wavered during his18 years in the Illinois Senate. As sponsor of the “equity tax,” he created apathway to millions of dollars in new funding for the Illinois communitycollege system. He also passed the Industrial Jobs Training Act, allowingcolleges to issue bonds to pay for training new workers.

An early supporter of Black Hawk College’s “2+2" articulation programwith Western Illinois University, Jacobs was one of the strongest advocatesof accessible and affordable education for residents in west central Illinois.“Denny Jacobs understood that quality education is the key to Illinois’economic prosperity, “says Trustees Association executive director MikeMonaghan.

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JOHN M. LEWISOUTSTANDING LEGISLATOR AWARD

The John M. Lewis Outstanding Legislator Award is presented to a member of theIllinois General Assembly who demonstrates, through his or her exemplary publicservice, recognition of the importance of higher education to society. The award isnamed after John M. Lewis, the founding president of ICCTA and the CarlSandburg College Board of Trustees.

The Hon. Emil Jones, Jr.President

Illinois Senate

Senate President Emil Jones has been one of education’s strongestsupporters throughout his 32 years in the Illinois General Assembly. Aspart of his long fight to ensure that education is equitably funded by thestate, he has sponsored and supported legislation to dedicate 50 percent ofall new revenue to education. One of his proudest accomplishments waspassing the continuing appropriation for education (similar to SocialSecurity on the national level) that increased per pupil spending for schooldistricts throughout the state. He has also successfully secured funding forspecial projects across Illinois.

Most recently, President Jones has joined with the Illinois Board of HigherEducation to launch the Illinois Retirees Volunteer Program, whichencourages retired university and community college employees to donatean hour a week to read, tutor and mentor students in local schools.

“President Jones recognizes that all children deserve a high quality ofeducation regardless of their originating community,” says Dr. WayneWatson, chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago. “He has made sure thateducational facilities such as the City Colleges of Chicago are treated withthe same amount of respect and consideration as the University of Illinois.

“President Jones believes that the future leaders of this state are not onlycoming out of the four-year universities but also from the communitycolleges,” says Watson.

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GIGI CAMPBELLSTUDENT TRUSTEE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Student trustees created this award in 1996 to recognize exemplary leadership bytheir peers. This honor is named after the late Gigi Campbell of Prairie StateCollege, who ably served her fellow students with her spirited advocacy ofeducational opportunity for all.

Meghan KennedyCarl Sandburg College

Meghan Kennedy has effectively nurtured lines of communication betweenthe student body and Carl Sandburg College administrators. In additionto participating in all CSC board meetings and retreats, she served on thefaculty-based Student Services Committee and helped initiate a quarterlynewsletter for the Student Government Association.

At the state level, Kennedy was chosen by her peers as the first IllinoisCommunity College Board-Student Advisory Committee liaison to theTrustees Association. “She has been the best student trustee to the boardwe have had in my six years at the college,” says CSC administratorMichael Walters.

OTHER GIGI CAMPBELL AWARD NOMINEES

Tonya Cody-RobinsonCity Colleges of Chicago

Danielle E. GainesRock Valley College

Debi GraeberLincoln Land Community College

Eric G. HansenPrairie State College

Justin MeyerJohn Wood Community College

Andy SimkoIllinois Valley Community College

William "Chris" WieblerKaskaskia College

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PAUL SIMONSTUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

Named after the late U.S. Senator (and cofounder of the Illinois community collegesystem), this competition is open to all students at ICCTA member colleges. Thestate winner will receive a $500 scholarship for fall 2005 educational expenses.

1ST PLACE ESSAYJoyce Woo

Kishwaukee College

“Growing Up”

Last week, a classmate asked if I wanted to “hit the bars” with her duringthe weekend. I smiled and politely declined the invitation, though flatteredthat this friend, a mature 22-year-old, would even consider asking aninexperienced 14-year-old to a socializing event outside the classroom.

I began attending Kishwaukee College a few years ago. It was obvious thatI was not the conventional student – my first day of class I got lost in ajumble of people who were two feet taller than me, and scared off a fewmore people with my terrorized face after being offered a cigarette.Initially, my instructors, classmates, everyone could sense my self-consciousness. One instructor even asked, without knowing my age, howit felt for someone like me to be on a college campus. I was too timid toanswer him, so he said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get over it.”

The truth is, I have not gotten over it, even now. I kept staying at KCbecause I loved the environment. I kept taking classes, meeting newpeople, and being offered cigarettes. I gained a perspective on political,social and academic issues and had friendly debates about them. I met aman who was once jailed for a crime and ended up earning one of thehighest GED scores, a woman who became pregnant at age 15, and acouple who fought in Iraq for 18 months. Learning about other peoplehelped me to begin interacting in class and offering my views on differentsubjects. I started to sit in the front row during lecture discussions andhaving hallway conversations between classes. I eventually realized thatI had received the opportunity to associate with various intelligent,

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established, and confident adults, something people my age rarely get toexperience. I have had a small taste of college life – its requiredindependence, discipline, and open-mindedness. In other words, I amthankful to be in a setting that is not only rich in academia, but also in self-discovery.

I could create an endless list of how my experience at Kishwaukee Collegehas changed my life. Nevertheless, the one thing I will always value aboutKC’s environment is the way it has helped me to think more broadly. It hashelped me to accept the opinions of others without becoming critical. Allthings considered, my community college has forced me to grow up.

Yesterday, a friend of mine asked me something after walking out of herfirst college class – “Kish is really different from high school, isn’t it?”

I replied like an old pro, “Don’t worry, you’ll get over it.”

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OTHER STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST ENTRANTS

Danielle ArmstrongWilliam Rainey Harper College

Darcy BreaultRock Valley College

Kristina BurtonLake Land College

Rachel FeddesJoliet Junior College

Jennifer FenwickSauk Valley Community College

Anne FinchHeartland Community College

Adrianne HawthorneElgin Community College

Diann K. HechlerJohn Wood Community College

Caraleigh HolversonTriton College

Allen JustusSouthwestern Illinois College

Shelsey KennedyIllinois Valley Community College

Mark KukerKankakee Community College

Bree MartinIllinois Central College

Linda McGonigleBlack Hawk College

F. Heidi MusserOakton Community College

Elaina OriCollege of Lake County

Jennifer ReddingLincoln Land Community College

Deborah RobertParkland College

Salvador SaucedoMorton College

Monica SealsKaskaskia College

Sally ShieldsSpoon River College

Vesal StoakleyCollege of DuPage

Carrie Ann StormoenSoutheastern Illinois College

Rebecca ZygmuntowiczMoraine Valley Community College

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BUSINESS / INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP AWARD

This award recognizes an Illinois business that has built a successful workforce-training alliance with a local community college.

AmerenEnergy GeneratingLake Land College

When AmerenEnergy Generating established operations in Effingham in2002, it was clear that Lake Land College would be key in supporting thecompany’s training objectives. Lake Land has already written more than300 standardized work procedures for Ameren. The partnership is nowexpanding regionally to include other Ameren sites, Illinois CentralCollege and Shawnee Community College, and will soon include twoMissouri community colleges as well. ”We are proud to be associated withour community college,” says Ameren vice president Robert L. Powers.

ConocoPhillipsLewis and Clark Community College

ConocoPhillips and Lewis and Clark Community College have joinedtogether to create a safer working environment for Conoco employees. Anew Contractor Safety Orientation Program has been offered to more than5,000 temporary workers, reducing the company’s recordable injury rateby 600%. The program is now being used by other area companies andcommunity colleges. “We are very proud to have developed newprogramming with Lewis and Clark that will not only enhance andstrengthen the workforce inside our gates, but will also benefit otherindustries in this region,” says Conoco refinery manager Herman L.Seedorf III.

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Continental Tire North America, Inc.Rend Lake College

With an annual payroll of $80 million, Continental Tire North America,Inc., is the largest employer in Rend Lake College’s district. The tiremakeris constructing a new training center within its plant, and RLC is providinga curriculum coordinator, computer equipment, and tuition waivers. Thepartnership is expected to generate 1,500 credit hours of employee trainingeach year. “Lifelong learning is the bridge between life and the workforce,”says plant manager Hank Eisenga. “By developing a long-term partnershipwith Rend Lake College, CTNA has put forward a new level of trainingexcellence.”

DaimlerChrysler Motors Company LLCMoraine Valley Community College

Moraine Valley Community College is the only Illinois school (out of 30colleges nationwide) to offer DaimlerChrysler Motors Company’sinnovative College Automotive Program. CAP provides area dealershipswith trained entry-level auto technicians, who must complete 1,280internship hours with a mentor technician. “The hard work of all involvedshows the enthusiasm between DaimlerChrysler and Moraine Valley,”says Daimler technical advisor Ken Miller. “We are happy to see theprogram growing in the Chicagoland area.”

Group O CompaniesBlack Hawk College

Black Hawk College graduate Robert Ontiveros started Group O in 1974by selling packaging material from his station wagon. Today, Group O isthe largest Hispanic-owned business in Illinois and the 55th largest in thenation. Its workforce alliance with BHC has spanned 10 of those years andincludes a wide variety of training programs. “Whether it is a blue-printreading class, a forklift safety class, computer skills, or professionaldevelopment, Black Hawk is our first contact for training assistance,” saysGroup O president Gregg Ontiveros.

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Provena United Samaritans Medical CenterDanville Area Community College

For more than 50 years, Provena United Samaritans Medical Center hasshared a win-win relationship with Danville Area Community College.The hospital provides clinical sites, equipment and instructors for severalDACC healthcare programs, while the college offers certification trainingfor hospital personnel. Most recently, Provena’s radiologic technologyprogram was moved from the hospital to the college. “We have suchconfidence in this move that we assisted DACC with the program’sfinancing,” says Provena president and CEO Mark Wiener. “I am sure thatour alliance will continue for many years to come.”

St. Elizabeth's HospitalSouthwestern Illinois College

Southwestern Illinois College’s partnership with St. Elizabeth’s Hospitaldates from 1970. Many SWIC allied health students complete the clinicalportion of their training at St. Elizabeth’s. In turn, the college is conductinga multi-year leadership evaluation and training initiative for the hospital’sstaff and administrators. Both SWIC and St. Elizabeth’s work closely toprovide career information to area grade school students and to postnotices about healthcare employment vacancies. “We are honored to haveour joint efforts with the college recognized,” says St. Elizabeth’sadministrator Tim Brady. “Thank you for considering our team effort.”

St. Mary's Good Samaritan Inc.Kaskaskia College

Kaskaskia College and St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital havecollaborated since the early 1970s, when SMGSI helped develop thecollege’s nursing program by providing classroom space until clinicalfacilities were constructed on campus. Most recently, the hospital formeda regional consortium to hire two new nursing faculty and fund nursingscholarships at the college – resulting in a 33 percent increase inKaskaskia’s nursing enrollment. “We believe that our partnership withKaskaskia College has been a plus for SMGSI, for the College and for thecommunity we serve,” says St. Mary’s Hospital president Bruce Merrell.

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LIFELONG LEARNING AWARD

ICCTA’s Lifelong Learning Award celebrates the accomplishments of Illinois'community college students over the age of 50. Nominees must be currentlyenrolled students who have completed at least six credit or non-credit courses atan Illinois public community college.

Anna BaxterFrontier Community College

“I have a thirst for knowledge,” says Anna Baxter, who began takingcollege classes 10 years ago with her two older daughters. “I liken myselfto a huge dry sponge, soaking up the new facts and ideas I encounter daily.Every college course I have taken has been a rung on the ladder in myclimb to greater self-worth and life enrichment.” Already the recipient ofone associate degree from Frontier Community College, Baxter is only twoclasses shy of her second degree – and plans to pursue her bachelor’sdegree through on-line courses.

Sam CorderoMoraine Valley Community College

Sam Cordero has been involved with Moraine Valley Community Collegesince the 1970s, when he first took gardening and woodworking classes forpersonal enrichment. As the creative director for a major Chicagoadvertising agency, Cordero again looked to Moraine Valley to helpupgrade his computer and graphic art skills. Now retired, he continues tosign up for computer classes and uses his newly learned skills in hisvolunteer work. “No matter my years, no matter my experience –professional or otherwise, I enter the classroom . . . a student,” saysCordero.

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Pamela CroissantSouthwestern Illinois College

In 1990, Pamela Croissant was laid off from a day-care position because shelacked a college degree in that field. She turned to Southwestern IllinoisCollege, where she became one of the first to earn its new associate degreein child care services. Croissant is now completing her second degree, thistime in a different field -- radiologic technology. “While I look forward tofinishing this degree and pursuing my new career choice, I have to wonderwhat future educational experiences await at my community college,” shesays.

Paul QuigleyKaskaskia College

Paul Quigley started his college education at Morton College andcontinued it at various community colleges throughout his 35-year careerin the U.S. military. Most recently he has taken tutor-training classes atKaskaskia College, where he mentors student through the “Reading Links”program. “I’ve encouraged both family and friends to take advantage ofthe community college system,” says Quigley. “There’s nothing like a smallclass and the availability of instructor attention to get the most out of thelearning experience.”

Viola R. SpragueJohn Wood Community College

A certified aerobics trainer and nutritional consultant, Viola Sprague is thefounder of a popular fitness center in Wichita, Kansas. In 2000 she movedto Quincy to help care for her 93-year-old mother-in-law. After she wasunable to find suitable work in her field, she enrolled at John WoodCommunity College. “This experience has been great!” says Sprague, whoplans to complete two associate degrees in nursing and psychology. “JohnWood has truly taken me from a self-taught woman, with a high schoolGED, to a professional woman who still has a bright future ahead.”

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Deanne WattjesParkland College

Deanne Wattjes originally enrolled at Parkland College in 1971, butmarriage and a family put her dreams of a degree on hold. While workingin Parkland’s adult education program, she was encouraged by hercolleagues to go back to school. This May she graduated with honors,joining her two daughters as proud Parkland alumni. Although she plansto transfer to Eastern Illinois University this fall, Wattjes says that “Hereat Parkland, there will always be one more class or workshop for me toattend.”

Martin WillerLake Land College

Martin Willer began work on his associate degree in 1975, although headmits that “after finishing the accounting courses, my college careerended.” In 2002, after retiring from a 36-year career with Firestone Tire andRubber Company, he was determined to jump-start his education: “Ireturned to Lake Land to begin college life. This time, however, my intentwas to leave with a degree in hand.” Willer successfully earned hisassociate degree in 2004 -- nearly 30 years after his first accounting class --and continues to take computer and business classes at Lake Land.

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PACESETTER AWARD

The Pacesetter Award honors those individuals who have graduated from anIllinois community college within the past five years. Taking advantage of theunique educational opportunities provided at reasonable costs, these recent alumnibegan their journey toward their personal or professional goals at their localcommunity college.

Jennifer BurkhartUndergraduate student • Roosevelt University

Wilbur Wright College (2003)

Jennifer Burkhart began her adult life as a high school dropout, a cocaineaddict, and a single mother of three with little hope of personal success.Today she is a PhD candidate in political science and the first City Collegesof Chicago student to win the Lincoln Academy of Illinois StudentLaureate Award. “Before enrolling at Wilbur Wright College, I was justanother statistic,” says Burkhart, who earned her GED at age 25. “Thecommunity college gave me opportunity.”

Dr. Gail BushurAssociate veterinarian

Newton Veterinarian Clinic and Richland Veterinarian CenterLake Land College (1997)

The youngest of 10 children, Gail Bushur is one of eight who havegraduated from Lake Land College. She also holds the distinction of beingICCTA’s first Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Award winner. Agraduate of the University of Illinois’ highly competitive veterinary school,she has returned to her hometown to practice large-animal medicine – oneof the few female vets to do so. “I do not know if I would have made it tobe a veterinarian if it wasn’t for my community college,” says Dr. Bushur,“and for that, I am constantly thankful for Lake Land College.”

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Tricia ClarkDistrict office manager • Office of State Rep. Robert Flider

Richland Community College (2002)

“Put yourself in my place: forty-something, insecure, two children, roughmarriage, desperate, and searching,” says Tricia Clark. “Where doessomeone like me find a new beginning? My oasis proved to be RichlandCommunity College.” Originally trained as a pediatric nurse, Clarkreturned to college after her divorce. She now assists others facing similarstruggles in her role handling casework and constituent services for StateRep. Robert Flider.

Jacqueline ColeRegistered nurse • Intensive care unit

Provena United Samaritans Medical CenterDanville Area Community College (2001)

Jacqueline Cole earned a perfect GPA at Danville Area Community Collegewhile working as a waitress and raising two children. Not content to stopwith her RN license, she has continued her education and will completeher master’s degree and Nurse Practitioner coursework this fall. “I wouldnot exchange my experience at DACC for a traditional college,” says Cole.“My time at DACC shaped the nurse that I am and provided me with thebest instructors available.”

Daniel DavisLegislative liaison • Illinois Department of Public Health

Southeastern Illinois College (2001)

As the youngest legislative liaison in Gov. Rod Blagojevich’sadministration, Daniel Davis promotes public health issues before stateofficials and the Illinois General Assembly. “Running with giants is ahobby of mine,” says Davis. “As a student at Southeastern Illinois College,I worked closely with educators who desired to not only teach information,but also to mentor on life. . . . They walked like giants and they encouragedtheir students to do the same.”

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Capt. Trevor HerrmannFirefighter / paramedic • Hampshire Fire Protection District

Elgin Community College (2004)

Trevor Herrmann had volunteered as a firefighter for six years when hewas hired as Hampshire’s first full-time firefighter/paramedic. Hisdedication has earned him two promotions and the George VanDeVoordeAward for outstanding leadership in emergency medical services (receivedthe same day as his Elgin Community College graduation). Herrmann sayshis ECC experience has impacted his life in several ways: “You get morethan an education in your area of study; your life takes shape.”

Joe LiebenroodRegistered nurse • Intensive care unit

Heartland Regional Medical CenterJohn A. Logan College (2003)

“After working in the healthcare field for many years, I decided to furthermy education,” says Joe Liebenrood. He chose John A. Logan College andits Associate Degree Nursing program. “I was recruited by a local hospitalbefore graduation. So I had a job waiting for me upon completion of theprogram. . . . . It is a wonderful feeling to know that hard work and a goodeducation really does pay off. Liebenrood adds that he is now in the“school mode” and will start graduate studies in nurse anesthesia this fall.

Dennis SanzUndergraduate student • Illinois Institute of Technology

College of Lake County (2004)

Dennis Sanz graduated at the top of his high school class in Bolivia. Whenhe moved to the United States in 2001, he took ESL classes at the Collegeof Lake County to improve his English skills. One year later, CLC hiredhim to tutor his fellow students in math and science, and he beganplanning a career in civil engineering. “The College of Lake County notonly prepared me with a solid foundation but also taught me that I shouldnever feel intimidated with challenges that come my way,” says Sanz.“CLC has been my runway from which I learned to take off.”

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Christopher C. SmithSafety specialist • Oak State ProductsIllinois Valley Community College (2001)

At age 26, Christopher Smith has already held three positions of increasingresponsibility in the safety industry. In his current position, he ensures asafe working environment for 370 employees. “Whenever I discusseducation and careers, I always recommend attending a communitycollege first, “ says Smith. “It’s the only way that makes sense.”

Jill TomaszewskiRecruitment placement specialist • Kaskaskia College

Kaskaskia College (2001)

Jill Tomaszewski served as a student trustee at Kaskaskia College and afounding member of the KC Core Values 101 team. After transferring toSouthern Illinois University, she continued to work part-time in KC’srecruitment office, despite an hour’s commute each way. “It was throughthese wonderful experiences that I have found my dream career – studentaffairs at the community college level,” she says. “My current position hasgiven me the opportunity to help reach out and guide the next waves ofcommunity college graduates.”

Mark WeberUndergraduate student • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Moraine Valley Community College (2003)

“Moraine Valley Community College gave me an opportunity that otherinstitutions would not,” says Mark Weber. “My transcripts had predicteda student who would be unable to succeed in higher education. But I wasable to prove to myself and to others that college was for me.” Thanks tohis alma mater, Weber has gained the leadership skills necessary to excelin his future law career, serving as MVCC’s student trustee and as studentmember of the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board ofHigher Education.

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Lynnette White-McIntyreUndergraduate student • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Parkland College (1997 and 2004)

A Navy veteran, Lynnette White-McIntyre has raised two children andearned two degrees while attending Parkland College. In 2004, she wasalso selected to give a presentation on financial aid issues on the floor ofthe U.S. House of Representatives. “There are many things in the world toexperience, but you must have the strength and the courage in your heartto want to experience them,” says this aspiring doctor.

Megan M. WilesAdmission counselor • University of Southern Indiana

Frontier Community College (2002)

Megan Wiles’ decision to attend Frontier Community College wasinfluenced by a health condition. “I had taken classes at my communitycollege while in high school, so I decided to enroll there immediatefollowing (spinal fusion) surgery,” she recalls. “In just one year, Icompleted my associate degree and was ready to move on to a university.”An advertising major, Wiles uses her training daily when counseling futurestudents at Indiana’s fastest growing university.

Quintin WilliamsUndergraduate student • University of Illinois at Chicago

Kankakee Community College (2003)

Like many non-traditional students, Quintin Williams attended KankakeeCommunity College while working 12-hour night shifts at a local factory.Badly burned in an industrial accident, his work experiences motivatedhim to pursue a career in occupational injury prevention. This fall he willenter the University of Minnesota’s PhD program on a full scholarship,bypassing a master’s degree. Recently featured on a KCC billboard,William says, “I think my mother really has started to understand what Ihave accomplished. . . . If it wasn’t for KCC, I don’t know how I wouldhave made it.”

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

This honor symbolizes the accomplishments of those individuals who graduatedfrom Illinois' community colleges more than five years ago. Many have achievedsuccess in artistic, technical and humanitarian endeavors; others have foundpersonal fulfillment through higher education.

Peter B. AlexanderOwner • Peter B’s Automotive

Parkland College (1979)

“Steady but unstoppable” is how Peter Alexander describes his successfulcareer in auto repair. From his first auto mechanics class at Parkland in1977 to national recognition as the NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year in1990, this business owner has worked hard to create one of the largest autorepair shops in central Illinois. “I attribute a lot of my success to thetraining I received at Parkland,” says Alexander. “I thank Parkland Collegefor helping me to achieve my dream.”

The Hon. Gerald C. BenderJudge, Domestic relations division • Circuit Court of Cook County

Wilbur Wright College (1958)

Young Jerry Bender’s career path was influenced by his father, a painterwho put his son to work painting and stripping the inside of closets.“When I graduated from high school, he gave me a choice, either go tocollege or be a painter,” Bender recalls. “I chose college.” His subsequentlegal career includes 25 years in private practice, 20 years as Nazi hunterSimon Wiesenthal’s pro bono attorney, and election as a Circuit Courtjudge. “I recommend community college to many parents and adults whovisit my court room, “says Judge Bender. “Community colleges can instillthe desire to continue one’s education and be economical.”

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Rodney BrownRegistered nurse

Shawnee Community College (1994)

Before obtaining his nursing degree from Shawnee Community College,Rodney Brown worked in the residential and commercial painting fieldand owned his own rental business. He now puts his medical training andbusiness background to good use as the co-owner and president of severalmedical facilities: Vascular Studies, Inc., Clearview Imaging LLC, andCustom Temps, Inc. Brown also serves as a trustee of the Village ofMcClure as well as a member of the Shawnee Unit District School Board.

Cynthia L. BunchOwner / board chair • Bunch & Associates, Inc.

John A. Logan College (1982)

With a client list that includes several Fortune 100 companies, Bunch &Associates has earned a reputation as one of the top employee advocatesin the worker’s compensation field. “I made one of the most importantdecisions of my life when I enrolled in a brand-new nursing program atJohn A. Logan College,” says Cynthia Bunch. “Some might have said thatan 18-year-old nursing student would never advance beyond the nursingopportunities in a small Southern Illinois town. I say to all those peoplethat if you can believe it before you see it, you can do it. I did.”

Jennifer L. CipflSuperintendent • Shiloh Village School District #85

Southwestern Illinois College (1994)

Jennifer Cipfl admits that initially she was hesitant to enroll atSouthwestern Illinois College. “There is no doubt; I was a bit fearful ofattending a college where my father was president, “she says. Despite herconcerns, “SWIC exceeded my fondest hopes. My community college wastruly in the business of people, where students’ goals, desires and dreamstruly matter.” Cipfl herself continues to excel in “the family business”– lessthan 10 years after her graduation from SWIC, she became superintendentof the one of the fastest growing school districts in metropolitan St. Louis.

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Dr. Terry D. CooperPsychology professor • St. Louis Community College at Meramec

Southeastern Illinois College (1975)

Professor Terry Cooper holds two doctorates, is the author of five booksand a dozen professional articles, and has earned three “OutstandingInstructor Awards” from St. Louis Community College. But “it often takessomeone else believing in us before we can learn to believe in ourselves, “he says. “I decided my very first semester (at Southeastern Illinois College)that I wanted to do precisely what my professors were doing. Twenty-nineyears later that is still what I am doing.”

Maria DeCaprio-SuntaWatercolorist

Moraine Valley Community College (1981)

A valued community arts leader and fundraiser, Maria DeCaprio-Suntadevotes considerable energy to such causes as her alma mater’s FoundationBoard and as a liaison to the college’s Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery,named in honor of her brother. “When I think about all the volunteer workthat I do in my life how, I can see how Moraine Valley Community Collegechanged me,” she says. “At Moraine Valley, I found the atmosphere andthe scale not intimidating, which allowed me to grow personally,emotionally as well as academically.”

B’Ann N. DittmarMarket president • US Bank

Highland Community College (1992)

B’Ann Dittmar has not let her age or gender hinder her progress in themale-dominated field of banking. Starting out as an entry-level teller inorder to “learn the ropes,” eight years later she was promoted to bankpresident at the age of 30. She now oversees two banks in the Galena area.“I believe that attending Highland Community College helped me todevelop the confidence and develop the leadership skills necessary to besuccessful in business today,” she says.

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Timothy HaakHead football / wrestling coach • Harvard High School

McHenry County College (1978)

Named one of the “Top 10 Coaches of the 20th Century” by the NorthwestHerald, Tim Haak is also the youngest coach to be inducted into the IllinoisWrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame. “I was fortunate to have hada positive experience in baseball and wrestling while earning my degree(from McHenry County College),” Haak says. “I feel honored andprivileged to know that if I have had any success in life, it can directly berelated to the MCC experience.”

The Hon. Emil Jones, Jr.President • Illinois Senate

Harold Washington College (1971)

The Honorable Emil Jones has served a total of 32 years in the IllinoisHouse of Representatives and the Illinois Senate. Now in his second termas the Senate’s chief presiding officer, President Jones has earned twohonorary doctorates and numerous awards for his tireless advocacy onbehalf of education funding and social justice issues. A 1971 graduate ofLoop Junior College (now Harold Washington College), he was inductedinto community colleges’ Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in2004.

Jim KulawiakHead women’s softball coach • North Central College

Morton College (1975)

Jim Kulawiak’s coaching expertise can be seen on the field and in theclassroom. In 1986 he led Morton High School to a state volleyball title, andhe has produced 52 Academic All-American Scholar-Athletes at NorthCentral College. “I majored in physical education (at Morton College) andI remember the outstanding faculty members,” says Kulawiak. “I just hopeI can mentor my students the way that teachers did for me.”

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Larry D. LillySuperintendent • Mattoon Community Unit School District #2

Lake Land College (1985)

Noting that he “barely finished in the top half of the 33 students in my highschool graduating class,” self-described “wide-eyed farm boy” Larry Lillyfound a warm and nurturing environment at Lake Land College. “TheLake Land instructors were there, waiting to help me learn and grow as aperson. . . . I found myself wanting to teach and help others much as theaforementioned instructors. They were wonderful role models who guidedme on course to be an educator.”

Randall K. MarchFirst vice president / senior regional manager • Metro Atlanta

Washington Mutual BankDanville Area Community College (1984)

Randall March worked his way out of Danville’s housing projects to builda successful career in finance. Now he mentors other young African-American men -- including a recent Danville Area Community Collegegraduate – to realize their potential. “I don’t know where I would haveended had I not attended DACC,” March says. “I drive through thecampus whenever I return home to Danville, to remind myself of thefoundation I built my life upon. Thank you.”

Rick W. MarshallStudent services coordinator • Lewis and Clark Community College

Lewis and Clark Community College (1996)

After a work injury ended his carpentry career, 42-year-old Rick Marshallbecame the first in his family to enroll in college. “An interesting thing thathappened to me during my coursework at Lewis and Clark CommunityCollege was the enrichment of my sensitivity toward diversity,” Marshallsays. “I now work at L&C . . . . helping people overcome some of the samebarriers that I faced.”

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Dr. Tara MillerChiropractor • Family First Chiropractic, L.L.C.

Carl Sandburg College (1997)

Tara Miller is another first-generation community college student who saysthat “Carl Sandburg College opened up a lot of doors for me as a youngadult. I was awarded a basketball scholarship that paid for a valuableeducation. . . . . While at CSC, I was able to flourish and grow as a studentand a person.” The new owner of a thriving chiropractic practice, Dr.Miller now helps other young adults flourish and grow as a mentor at twograde schools in South Carolina.

Martin M. PocsVice chair and managing director • DHR International

Rock Valley College (1981)

Martin Pocs oversees the fifth largest executive search firm in the world.The son of a Rock Valley College professor, he grew up believing in themission of community colleges. “Rock Valley College and a communitycollege education clearly was a foundation for future success,” says Pocs.“The intimacy created by having small class sizes in a community collegehelped me develop better learning habits; was a better forum forthoughtful discussions; and developed a better sense of community.”

Sue A. RichardsAssociate director of human resources • Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College (1983)

The fifth of six children, Sue Richards’ parents could not afford to send herto college. She worked full-time during the four years it took to earn herassociate degree from Elgin Community College. Motivated by her ECCprofessors, she continued her undergraduate studies and completed herhomework at night at the kitchen table beside her children. This month shereceived her master’s degree program in human resource management. Inline with Richards’ philosophy of “keeping family and faith first in my life,and remaining a lifelong learner,” her son is a Tech-Prep student at ECCwho plans on enrolling as a full-time student next year.

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Paul R. Rosteck, Jr.Retired senior research scientist • Systems biology department

Eli Lilly CompanyRichland Community College (1974)

Paul Rosteck’s career accomplishments include participating in thediscovery of the early-onset breast cancer gene, developing the technologyfor producing insulin and human growth hormone, and mapping genomesequences in bacteria and humans. A member of Richland CommunityCollege’s first graduating class, he says that “I am thankful that Richlandwas available to me at the right time, and I credit Richland with preparingme for these undertakings.”

Linda L. SandersWarden • Federal Correctional Complex • Forrest City, Arizona

Rend Lake College (1982)

One of only 17 female wardens in the federal prison system, Linda Sanderswas the first woman to head Kentucky and Arkansas’ correctionalcomplexes. “While I had never wanted to attend a community college, theexperience has been one of the events that shaped my development as asenior leader in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, “ she says. “While attendingRend Lake College I learned how to multi-task . . . . I think my communitycollege experience provided that budge to responsibility.”

Katherine TopelOwner • POWERSHIP®, Inc.

Kankakee Community College (1985)

Growing up in a farming family of six, Katherine Topel felt that “at onepoint, college seemed an unattainable goal, but I was determined to seekan affordable, quality education, and Kankakee Community Collegeoffered just that,” she recalls. That same determination drove Topel to co-found a computer consulting firm as well as her newest venture, whichspecializes in motivation and organizational development.

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Lawrence J. VendlTeam leader • Developments and new wells delivery

BP Exploration AlaskaCollege of Lake County (1974)

Despite his high school advisor’s warning that he was not “collegematerial,” Larry Vendl enrolled at nearby College of Lake County. “I hadno ambition to travel away from home to a distant college campus,” hesays. “The proximity to home allowed me to attend college, live at home,and take valuable time to make decisions regarding my academic interestsbeyond high school.” Vendl’s job as a petroleum geologist has since takenhim far from home to the oil fields of Texas and Alaska’s North Slope.

Julie R. VogeProfessor / Horse judging team coach • Kansas State University

Black Hawk College (1994)

While competing on Black Hawk College East’s horse judging team (andcoached by her father and BHC instructor Jon Wolf), Julie Voge won theWorld Champion title at the 1994 American Quarter Horse AssociationShow. She now coaches her own World Champion judging teams atKansas State University. “Since starting my teaching career at KSU, I havelonged to copy the personal attention and dedication to the student that Iobserved and received at BHE,” Voge says. “There is no other experiencesimilar – Aggies to the end!”

Dr. Mary Margaret WeegRetired chair • Division of humanities and fine arts

Illinois Valley Community CollegeIllinois Valley Community College (1951)

Mary Weeg’s legacy at Illinois Valley Community College includes thefollowing “firsts”: first co-editor of the student yearbook; first femalefaculty member to hold a PhD; and first woman to be appointed as adivision chair. “Even after achieving the doctorate, I was eager to get backto my campus and continue to “pay back” for what it had give me,” saysWeeg, whose teaching career spanned 33 years.

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Dr. Karen Kay ZellmerSuperintendent • Bartelso School District #57

Kaskaskia College (1976)

“Education has been the focus of my family for three generations,” saysKaren Zeller, who is the daughter of a school superintendent and thegranddaughter and sister of principals. “My brother and I have oftencommented that we have a ‘genetic defect’ in the family. . . . Without adoubt, I was fortunate in having a wealth of knowledge in my ownbackyard – both my family and Kaskaskia College.” Zeller has shared herown expertise in classroom management through her 2003 book ProblemSolving Skills 101: A Behavior-Management Program for Young Students.

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OUTSTANDING FACULTY MEMBER AWARD

Outstanding teaching helps make a college great, while faculty recognitionenhances a systemwide emphasis on excellence. This award honors Illinois'community college instructors and their invaluable contributions to their studentsand institutions.

Each Faculty Award nominee was asked to write a brief summary of his orher “Philosophy of Education.” Here are some excerpts:

Norma Anderberg-FreebergNursing

Rock Valley College

In teaching Psychiatric Nursing, I teach students to become aware of theirskills and behaviors so they become effective in providing nursing care.The teacher and the learner are often the same person. Many times I am thelearner, and a student is the teacher. We teach each other, and we learnfrom each other. We are change agents. . . . I often tell students that wecan’t always change the world, but we have the ability to change ourattitude toward it. The cycle becomes complete when we extend our caringattitude and relationships to the care of others.

Larry AultChemistry

Illinois Valley Community College

We all have stories and those stories have history. We stand on theshoulders of giants. We assist our students in finding their place in theuniverse, and it is a two-way dialogue. Teaching is teamwork. If I forget tosay this when asked what I do, please forgive me. I teach chemistry. No!I teach students about chemistry, and they teach me how to be a betterhuman.

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Susan BarnhartHealth science

Spoon River College

When I started teaching at the community college, I finally found out whatI wanted to be when “I grew up.” It is an honor and privilege to be a partof the students’ lives every day. . . . One must be passionate about whatthey teach and convey that passion to the students. One of my favoritesayings is that “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited”(Plutarch). My hope is that I ignite a passion in my students that willmotivate them to be lifelong learners.

Rhonda H. BasingerMusic

John Wood Community College

We want to cultivate a conscientious and hard-working attitude in ourstudents. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be gained from giving atask our all and doing it well. It is imperative that we expect a lot from ourstudents, but it becomes much more meaningful if they can see that weexpect a great deal from ourselves, as well.

Cheryl BernhardtBusiness

John A. Logan College

My philosophy of education is rooted in three simple words which I feelare the essential foundation to success in any educational endeavor:preparation, instruction, and evaluation. . . . If you take the first letter ofthe terms highlighted above, you will spell the word “pie.” In summary,my philosophy of education can be stated “as simple as pie” whenfocusing on the essential ingredients of Preparation, Instruction andEvaluation.

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John BouletMicrobiologyTriton College

We at Triton College have had the good fortune of John Boulet’s expertiseand service. His generous spirit has been manifested in his roles as aneducator, scholar colleague, mentor and innovator. . . . His integrity andethical behavior promotes similar behavior and values in the students thathe sends into the workplace. We are proud of his work in the classroom,and the way in which he embodies the core values of our institution.

– From a nomination letter submitted by Triton College president Patricia Granados

Joyce BremerEconomics

Oakton Community College

Ms. Bremer is a leader in her field and continually looks at the lifelonglearning concept to find the better way to teach. She believes that “realworld” applications are an essential part of the learning process. Whileeconomics requires the knowledge of numerous theories, this theoreticalknowledge alone is not sufficient to understanding the subject.

– From nomination materials submitted by Oakton Community College

Patty ClarkArt

Shawnee Community College

One of the joys of teaching is the ability to share my interest and passionfor art with others. It is important to share my knowledge and experiencewith the students and also remain a practicing artist myself. . . . I enjoyseeing students get enthused about art and opening their eyes to a wholenew world of knowledge. Most students will forget many facts learned inschool, but hopefully they will retain an appreciation for art that willenrich their lives for many years.

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Donald CurfmanAccounting

McHenry County College

I believe that having children of my own who are the same ages of ourtraditional students and coming from a community college background,being the first in my family to go to college, I can relate to the challengesthat many of our students are facing. In the end, watching students whomyou have helped to stay in school walk across the stage and graduate is thegreatest joy of my professional career.

Steven GinleySpeech and theater arts

Morton College

Group work and peer review, with the teacher reviewing the peerreviewer, are the centerpiece of my teaching scheme. We have as much funas we can, while taking the business of learning speech skills veryseriously. In my class you may find Abraham Lincoln’s Liquidatorscompeting against Sojourner Truth’s Trashers to see who can be the firstto spot the main point error being shown on the movie screen.

Barbara Kelly-GorbitzChair/coordinator • Dental hygiene program

Prairie State College

I have learned that enthusiasm is caught, not taught. When I teach, myexperiences as a student are brought back to life. I want students to feel thethrill I felt when I learned something new and experience the exuberancewhen that task is mastered. That feels like landing feet-first on the otherside of confusion. A strong teacher is never “easy,” but a standard trick ofthe trade is making difficult concepts seem easy.

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Dr. Sue HardebeckEnglish composition and literature

Kaskaskia College

What do students learn from their teachers? Is it just the material that iscovered in the textbook? Can we measure everything they learn with afinal exam or a writing project? Of course not. Students learn far morefrom their teachers than just the “stuff” of lectures, and they don’t alwayslearn it in a semester’s time, so it can’t always be measured. What I hopemy students learn from me, beyond the course content, is attitude: anenthusiasm for the material, a willingness to grapple with complex issues,an eagerness to become engaged in their writing, and an openness todiffering viewpoints and novel approaches.

Wendel HuniganSociology

Carl Sandburg College

I feel that community college instructors should be required to take adiversity course before they are allowed in the classroom, given the factthat a majority of our students are women, and that 75% of minorities inIllinois who are enrolled in higher education attend a community college.It is important that the teachers in our classrooms acknowledge thediversity of the students. . . . As one special education teacher said:“Students come to me like a gift and they’re wrapped different ways, and it’s myjob to unwrap them and help them discover what their gift is.” This is why Iteach.

D.J. JohnsonSafety

Rend Lake College

Magazine publisher Malcolm Forbes once said, “Education’s purpose is toreplace an empty mind with an open one.” I would agree. . . . Whatever aperson already knows is acquired learning. Anything else is theirignorance. My philosophy of education is to lessen ignorance throughlearning.

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James JonesMath

Richland Community College

A teacher cannot make a student learn but should provide an environmentwhere the student can learn best. Since not all students learn in the samemanner, this means implementing a wide variety of techniques andmethods of instruction. It also means varying what you do from semesterto semester and even class to class within a semester to best fit the studentsyou have in that section.

Dr. Leslie KingCoordinator • Counseling

Kishwaukee College

It has been a privilege to work as a counselor at a community college. Mymission is aimed at helping each person find and meet their personalpotential. Individuals approach college at many stages and ages of life.Each person has a dream. . . . I want to be “there” when students need totalk an issue through or construct a plan to meet a goal or overcome anobstacle. I believe that each person can meet their goal if given the propertools and support.

David C. LeakeNatural sciencesParkland College

First and foremost, we must understand that “science” is not a thing, buta process. It’s a way of knowing the world, but not the only way. You don’tmemorize it, recite it, or crunch numbers endlessly to understand it. Youhave to work with it and see it in action! . . . . The bottom line is thatstudents will learn if they see where the class fits into the big picture andit is fun! I have many non-science majors who often take an astronomyclass because they may not like their alternatives. I see this as anopportunity to “hook them” on science. We’re all scientists . . . . it justsometimes takes a while to realize that fact!

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Marcia LitrentaSpeech communication

William Rainey Harper College

Call me Mrs. Litrenta. The decision to be called Mrs. Litrenta in theclassroom reflects my philosophy of teaching. Learning occurs in anenvironment where students can “find their voice.” At the start of a class,students don’t expect that to happen, but are pleasantly surprised andempowered when they are enabled to express what they think and feel. Iinsist that the classroom be a “safe” place where all ideas can becommunicated and only respectful behaviors are tolerated. . . . My studentsmust call me Mrs. Litrenta, but only until graduation.

Donna K. MartinCommunications

Danville Area Community College

I believe in my students, and I strive to empower them. Many students Isee every day do not believe in themselves . . . . In order to hone their skillsand reshape their self-images to feel “worthy” of succeeding, I challengethem through class discussions, broaden their worlds through readingmaterials, and hold them accountable for everyday decisions aboutschoolwork. Through real-life examples, I strive to capture their interestand help them “see” themselves in similar scenarios. Am I am an actress?Of course! According to students, I’m a very good one!

Dr. Fred NesbitPsychology

Sauk Valley Community College

When young, I couldn’t wait to go to college, and once there I found theexperience so transforming that I didn’t want to leave. . . . I have lived the“Hotel California” experience ever since: “Check out any time but you cannever leave.” Four degrees and some 10 years of college later, I set uponthe career of college teaching. Now that the years have rolled into decadesand my students total some 16,000, I have never regretted that decision.

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Darice PalmierMusic

Southwestern Illinois College

The field of education provides one with an array of opportunities. Eachstudent is a prospect for success. Enthusiasm and passion for one’s field ofstudy is the starting point for drawing out the best performance fromstudents. . . . The experience gained from the opportunity to touch so manylives is invaluable. Interacting with and listening to students offers aneducator the richest opportunity of all.

Eric PetersonPhysics, engineering and math

Highland Community College

Enthusiasm is the paramount attribute in conveying a process of learning,to foster the continual improvement of each individual, and to show howthe pursuit of individual virtue can lead to a lifetime of success andhappiness. Understanding and wisdom are demonstrated as arising fromthe coupling of scientific knowledge with intuitive reasoning.

Dr. Steven E. RummelMath

Heartland Community College

Ultimately, the role of teacher and student blend together. The studentslearn from me and I learn from them. The active interchange that Iencourage allows me to learn how to make each lesson better, explorealternate explanations of concepts, deepen my understanding ofroadblocks to learning, and gain insights to how I succeed and fail as ahuman being. To be mutual contributors in each other’s education andlives is highly rewarding.

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Paul SirvatkaMeteorology

College of DuPage

Since starting at the college 18 years ago, my primary objective has alwaysbeen to help students think. I use meteorology as a tool to accomplish thatgoal. Thinking is active and, thus, I believe that one ought to be activeduring their educational experience. I find it difficult to separate life fromschool and work from play. It is a melding of all our experiences thatdefines life. To compartmentalize life’s experiences is to do a disservice tomy students. Stories of my experiences in life and my career field lendwholeness to my teaching that stimulates interest, giving students a chanceto see how life and education are complete only when together.

Jane SlaughterDental hygiene

Lake Land College

My philosophy of education was inspired by my mother. She always askedwhen I came home from school, “What did you learn today?” My usualresponse was, “Nothing.” She assured me that if I thought about it longenough I could come up with at least one thing, and that I should strive tolearn at least one thing each day. She was right, and I still look for whatI’ve learned as well as what I can teach each day.

John C. TenutoSociology

College of Lake County

Education is an act of courage on the part of the teacher, for it ofteninvolves standing in front of others and showing a genuine self, hopingthat such leads to a valuable experience for students. Education is an actof courage on the part of the student, for it often involves learningunfamiliar material. Sociology is something that must be shared, for itprovides gifts such as a sociological imagination and an appreciation forthe social world . . . . Ultimately, that is what education is: sharing.

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Michael TimmonsAnatomy and physiology

Moraine Valley Community College

Humans are visual and kinesthetic learners, and I have developed myinstructional delivery methods based on this philosophy. My educationalphilosophy combines essentialism and progressivism . . . . I expect all ofmy students to work to their full potential. By providing an excellent visualand interactive classroom experience, I believe I help students maximizetheir achievement potential and be successful.

Laurel VietzenParalegal studies

Elgin Community College

I believe that if the teachers enjoys the class, the class will enjoy the subject.If the students enjoy the subject, they will learn more effectively. . . . Theresearch and preparation I do for each class interests and excites me, andI find that my enthusiasm spreads to the class. I try to bring humor to eachclass and to “connect” with students as individuals, by using their namesin examples, or referring to comments they’ve made in the past. I hope thatmy students enjoy my classes as much as I do.

John VollmerCriminal justice

Lewis and Clark Community College

“One size doesn’t fit all” would be a good way to begin describing my ideaof teaching. I guess my background before teaching would help inexplaining how I could come to this conclusion. I had 17 years ofexperience as a metropolitan St. Louis police officer, dealing with peoplefrom all aspects of life, observing firsthand how individuals madedecisions that affected them and their families’ lives, and I came to realizethe importance of the everyday knowledge that people need. . . . Theteacher becomes a “facilitator” of information, a “designer” of criticaldecision-making assignments, and a “moderator” in each student’s level ofaccomplishments.

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THE ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1970, the Illinois Community College Trustees Associationrepresents the board members who govern the state's public communitycolleges. ICCTA’s two-fold mission is to provide trustees withopportunities for legislative advocacy and educational development.

2004 - 2005 ICCTA OFFICERS

Rev. Albert D. Tyson IIIPresident

City Colleges of College

Tom BennettVice presidentParkland College

Jim BeasleyTreasurer

Kaskaskia College

Dr. Clare OllayosSecretary

Elgin Community College

Jake RendlemanPast president

John A. Logan College