News

Waubonsee Community College student Rudolf Vierecki’s research project was selected to be presented at the Louis Stokes Midwest Center of Excellence STEM Conference in Indianapolis last month. The selection marked a major recognition of a community college science project.

Waubonsee Community College Dean for Students Dr. Scott Peska was honored as Outstanding Community College Professional at the National Association for Student Personnel and Administrators IV East Regional Conference this month.

Biology, or the study of life, may date back centuries, but that doesn’t keep the Biology Department at Waubonsee Community College from being a model of innovation. For their commitment to working together, implementing technology in the classroom and collaborating with community partners, Waubonsee is pleased to recognize the faculty and staff of the Biology Department as this month’s Student Success: Featured Program.

As the to-do list season kicks off this month with holiday preparations and festivities, it’s no wonder that a less celebratory emotion tends to surface for many this time of year - anxiety. In spite of fun and memorable times with family and friends, the seasonal increase in social activity and sharing of life statuses can amplify the pressure to at least appear to have one’s personal and professional life in order. 

Less than two years ago, a group of local government leaders approached Waubonsee Community College’s workforce development department to request a one-day customized professional development workshop. They wanted to help their communities thrive amid growth and change, and they knew that to do that, they needed to make sure their municipal employees had the updated knowledge and skills to navigate changing times. Their request was reflective of a need that can be found in many local governments today: Ongoing professional development for municipal employees is vital to ensuring the highest levels of efficiency, effectiveness and ethics to the taxpayers they serve.

Waubonsee Community College and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training Program celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by recognizing a new degree program designed to help carpentry apprentices translate their education and work experience into a college degree.

During the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Jorge Arciniega was watching the news unfold with his classmates when the teacher – a veteran – suddenly shut off the television and asked the students if any of them planned to enlist. Not yet understanding that the country was headed to war, the class fell silent. In that moment, Arciniega was overcome with a desire to be different. He raised his hand.

Waubonsee Community College was recently awarded a five-year grant totaling $2.6 million from the Department of Education to improve student success through enhanced services and offerings.