Dr. Christine J. Sobek
Waubonsee Community College is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. Christine J. Sobek Endowed Scholarship Fund, in recognition of Dr. Sobek’s 21 years of distinguished service, commitment, leadership, and contributions as President of the college upon her retirement.
The Dr. Christine J. Sobek Endowed Scholarship Fund will pave the way for students to fully experience the power of education to change lives through involvement. The purpose of this scholarship opportunity is to encourage students to explore leadership opportunities as part of their experiences at Waubonsee. The scholarship will be open to returning students with a grade point average of at least 2.5. Applicants will be asked to provide an essay response regarding their interest and/or experience with leadership opportunities at Waubonsee. At least one award of $1,000 will be awarded annually and may be utilized for tuition, fees, or books.
On July 1, 2001, Dr. Sobek became the fourth president of Waubonsee Community College; in this role, she is responsible for the overall leadership of the college, which serves more than 14,000 students each year, employs approximately 1,100 employees, and provides educational programs and services across four campus locations. Dr. Sobek has contributed over 33 years of overall service to the college and over 21 years of service as the college’s longest serving president.
During her leadership, Dr. Sobek's efforts transformed and strengthened the college by achieving its infrastructure growth outlined in the 2020 College Master Plan five years earlier than projected and under budget. Under Dr. Sobek's stewardship, the college saw its most recent significant expansion with the construction of five new buildings on the college's Sugar Grove Campus, the opening of the new Aurora Downtown Campus location, and the opening of the new Plano Campus.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sobek has demonstrated an enduring commitment to developing faculty and staff. Prior to becoming President, Dr. Sobek led the creation of a Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT). Dr. Sobek envisioned and led a reorganization creating Faculty Development and Engagement (FDAE) and Employee Development departments replacing the CTLT in 2018. These new departments continue the focus on leadership and professional development specializing in the unique needs of all employee groups.
Under Dr. Sobek’s leadership, Waubonsee has received three consecutive Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions (Title V) grants from the U.S. Department of Education. These grants provide resources and opportunities to serve Waubonsee’s large percentage of Latinx, low-income, and underrepresented students of all backgrounds. One of our new Title V projects that will serve both our students and community members is the creation of a Latinx Resource Center at our Aurora Downtown Campus which recently held its Grand Opening.
Dr. Sobek recently announced her retirement, effective January 4, 2023. In recognition of Dr. Sobek's 21 years of distinguished service, commitment, leadership, and contributions as President of the college, the Board of Trustees has approved the bestowing of the honorary title of President Emeritus upon her retirement.
The Waubonsee Community College Foundation Board of Directors has pledged to match up to $10,000 for the Dr. Christine J. Sobek Endowed Scholarship Fund. Donors wishing to give may do so online by visiting Dr. Sobek’s presidential retirement recognition webpage at waubonsee.edu/drsobek or by calling the Waubonsee Community College Foundation at (630) 466-2316.
