Waubonsee Community College is pleased to announce that Ed Keating, of Geneva, and a longtime supporter and leader within the college’s Foundation, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Contributor Award. This award is given to individuals or groups who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the college and its mission.
Before retiring, Keating spent over 35 years in the financial services industry, focused on investment and trust management. For many years, he has dedicated time to community service, sitting on the board and finance committee of Geneva Community Chest, and serving as a member of the Fox Valley Estate Planning Council.
The Keating family has always had close ties with the college, as Ed’s wife, Doreen, and both their children attended Waubonsee. Keating joined the Foundation Board of Directors in 2016, becoming president in 2020. His tenure coincided with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but under his leadership, the Foundation not only weathered the uncertain times, but expanded its efforts.
“When I took over the board presidency, like everyone else, we had to adapt quickly,” Keating said. “We worked hard to advance the Foundation and educate our board members, helping them become even more effective ambassadors for the college. Our goals are always evolving as we discover new ways to support the students and community.”
One of Keating’s most meaningful contributions has been the establishment of the Doreen and Ed Keating Scholarship, launched in 2019 to assist students in financial need, with a focus on those pursuing career and technical education and students raising children.
“We saw a need to support non-traditional career paths – trade, public safety, and other fields not always emphasized in traditional K-12 education,” Keating said. “We’re inspired every time we read the scholarship applications. Balancing education, parenting, and work is no small feat, and these students’ dedication inspires us to continue giving.”
Keating’s involvement with the Foundation extends beyond its financial initiatives. He sits on all Foundation committees, including the Scholarship Committee, where he has reviewed hundreds of scholarship applications. The Keating family also sponsored the annual golf outing, the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, for many years.
“My time working with the college and the Foundation has educated me,” Keating said. “I have learned so much more about my own community, and much more about what the college does for our community. It really has been a two-way street – I've received so much more in return than I ever expected.”
As Keating and the Foundation look to the years ahead, he is excited to align with the college’s new strategic plan and remains committed to Waubonsee’s future.
“Our role is to support the college’s top priorities and engage our community around those goals,” he said. “Educated students make for stronger communities, and we are proud to contribute to that vision.”
The Waubonsee Community College Foundation was able to provide 377 scholarship awards totaling nearly $367,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. For more information about the Foundation and how you can support its mission, visit waubonsee.edu/foundation.
Keating was recognized at the State of the College breakfast on September 24, and at the Board of Trustees meeting on October 16.
Above: Ed Keating (middle) receives the Distinguished Contributor Award with Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Oliver and Waubonsee President Dr. Brian Knetl.
