News

I shared the importance of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives on a recent podcast discussing the critical need to develop talent at community colleges. Speaking on this subject reinforced what has been at the heart of my work for so long. Community colleges provide new pathways for an amazingly diverse group of people to come together to realize their dreams and find a place to belong.

Sugar Grove – As required by Governor Pritzker’s new COVID-19 mandates, Waubonsee Community College is working quickly to develop processes to comply with the requirement of vaccination or weekly COVID-19 testing for all higher education students and employees. During this time, current mitigation measures remain in place and classes, services, and college operations continue.

Waubonsee Community College will commemorate the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 with an educational event of remembrance and renewal featuring a first-hand account of 9/11 survivor Joe Dittmar.    

It's the first day of class, and the professor is going over the syllabus, expectations, and strategies to pass the course. He asks us to take out our course textbook. I could feel an overwhelming amount of shame set in as I sank into my chair. Even if I tried, I know I wouldn't be able to come up with enough money for it before the semester ends. The assignment is due next week. I look over my shoulder and ask someone if I can make a copy of their book. I'm already falling behind.                    

Waubonsee Community College recognized two graduates, Anthony C. Medina and Skyler A. Garcia, who received their High School Equivalency (GED) certificates this summer. The partnership between Waubonsee Community College and the Kane County Sheriff's Office was built and launched in August 2019 to provide instructional services for individuals currently residing in the Kane County Jail. 

Waubonsee Community College will host several programs to educate and raise awareness about Latinx heritage during the National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week and National Hispanic Heritage Month. These hybrid events will commence with the college’s new Latinx Resource Center (LRC) staff meet and greet. 

Waubonsee Community College will be offering two walk-in, community-wide, COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the first week of classes. The clinics will offer participants the option to choose between receiving the first of two Pfizer shots or a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

David Voorhees, Professor of Earth Science and Geology, has been selected as Waubonsee's 2021 Outstanding Faculty Member. Professor Voorhees has served as a full-time Earth Science and Geology instructor at Waubonsee since 2002. 

In the early 1990s, the stigma of mental illness was continual, and I was not immune to its’ influence. Like many pre-licensure nursing students, I can remember dreading the start of my mental health nursing class, and my subsequent clinical experience only exacerbated those fears. 

At Waubonsee Community College, there is excitement in the air to adapt new pathways for student success and equity. The global pandemic highlighted and exacerbated common barriers that have historically blocked success for many at-risk students.