Waubonsee Community College is pleased to announce the recipient of its 2023 Distinguished Contributor Award. This prestigious award is given to individuals or groups who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the college and its mission. This year's Distinguished Contributor is Tim Tremain.
Tremain is the President of MTH Pumps, a company that specializes in manufacturing commercial and industrial pumps for various markets and industries. Under his direction, MTH Pumps provides employees with the latest equipment and robotics, continuous training, and a rewarding work environment.
Tremain was invited to join the Waubonsee Foundation Board of Directors by President Emeritus Dr. Christine Sobek in 2018. Prior to his involvement with the Foundation Board, Tremain established the David & Velda Tremain Endowed Engineering Scholarship in honor of his parents. This award is eligible for new or returning Waubonsee students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and are majoring in Engineering Science with the intent to transfer to a four-year institution. Tremain recently established the Velda Tremain Endowed Nursing Scholarship in honor of his mother. This award is eligible for returning students majoring in Nursing who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need, with a preference for those who have a history of volunteering or community service involvement.
Tremain's extensive knowledge of manufacturing and his passion for education make him a dedicated Foundation Director. As a member of the Scholarship and Nominating & Governance Committees, Tremain has played a vital role in developing the Foundation Board’s vision and mission statements which seek to help students achieve their educational goals by removing financial barriers. Additionally, Tremain is the co-chair of Waubonsee's Machine Tool Technology Committee.
“My interest in education and creating opportunities for students to learn through scholarships comes from my love for learning,” said Tremain. “I am a life-long learner.”
Tremain is a former Board Chair of the Valley Industrial Association (VIA), a group established in 1902 that has grown to more than 200 members. The VIA's mission is to add value to its member companies by providing strategic resources and educational and networking opportunities to exceed business objectives. In 2023, MTH Pumps earned the VIA SPARK Award for outstanding achievement in the Social Responsibility category, and was a finalist in three other categories of operations, innovation, and workforce development.
At MTH Pumps, employees benefit from three generous educational programs including their educational reimbursement policy, a student loan payment policy, and an Earn and Learn program. The Earn and Learn program helps employees earn an advanced manufacturing degree from Waubonsee. It covers tuition and books, as well as compensation for time employees spend in class and doing homework.
“Companies often set values, but do they do anything after they set them? We do not set values to put them on our wall,” said Tremain. “We are actively demonstrating our values to the community and hope this makes us attractive to people who are looking for jobs and who want to continue their education.”
In addition to fostering a work environment that embraces lifelong learning, Tremain initiated the Social Responsibility Group at MTH Pumps. It is a purpose-driven group of employees who aim to positively impact the world around them. The group has actively participated in several Waubonsee Foundation events, including the Walk, Run, and WIN with Waubonsee 5K Trail Race; the Annual Foundation Golf Outing and Scholarship Fest.
Tremain's active involvement with the college has not only benefited the Foundation Board but countless Waubonsee students. He generously contributes several thousand dollars to the Foundation annually in support of student scholarships, which aligns with his personal and company values.
The Waubonsee Community College Foundation was able to provide 364 scholarship awards totaling almost $363,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. For more information about the Foundation and how you can support its mission, visit waubonsee.edu/foundation.
Tremain was recognized at the State of the College Breakfast on September 19, which coincided with the Inauguration events and activities honoring Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College.
Tremain expressed his gratitude for receiving the award and acknowledged that continuing education is a crucial principle for himself and his company. He believes that supporting the Waubonsee Community College Foundation as a business partner in the college’s district is a logical extension of this value.
Pictured above: Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College (L) presents the 2023 Outstanding Contributor Award to Tim Tremain, President of MTH Pumps
