Waubonsee recognizes the professional and academic accomplishments of its faculty and staff.
Shawn Ballee, Assistant Professor of Industrial Systems Technology, authored 23 chapters of a new textbook titled Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics and just completed authoring the accompanying workbook. The textbook is a comprehensive, standards-based text that provides curriculum support for college-level Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) programs. The text carries the exclusive endorsement of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and prepares students to earn up to nine of the nationally-recognized ITM credentials from NIMS.
Ken Kunz, Professor of Automotive Technology, was awarded MOPAR Local certificates of completion for training updates in Minivan Door and Latch Removal, Ram Folding Mirrors Operation and Reset, Safety Recall, Sun Visor Recall Supplement, Technical Training Curriculum Update, Water Leak Diagnosis, and Wrangler Soft Top Zipper Repair Procedure. He was also awarded certificates of completion from Dorman University for successful completion of Comprehensive Active Air Suspension, Drive Shaft Assembly Program, Doorman’s 600-405 Wheel End Coupler, Fluid Reservoirs, Loaded Knuckles, Medium Duty Program, 2017 Service Dealer Guide – Volume 2 and 2018 Service Dealer Guide – Volume 1.
Monica Ionutas, Accounts Receivable Manager, earned the Higher Education Certified Collection Professional Certificate.
Dr. Jeanne McDonald, Professor of English, was a historical consultant for the play “Against the Tide: Illinois College and Abolition,” by Tara McClellan McAndrew. It was performed October 27 and November 1-3, with a special performance November 9 at the Illinois Governor's Mansion in Springfield. The play was funded in part by a Forgotten Illinois Community Grant from Illinois Humanities supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Illinois General Assembly in honor of the Illinois Bicentennial in 2018.
Brandon Blagg, Instructor of Manufacturing Technology, earned certifications in CNC Lathe Operations and CNC Mill Operations from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Juan Fernandez, Adjunct Instructor of Photography, presented Dialogic Image Maker: Juan Fernandez at the Midwest Chapter Conference for the Society for Photographic Education. The event was held at the School of Art and Visual Studies at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky.
The Student Leadership Council received the Midwest Organization of the Year Award for the second time in a row at the Midwest Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities conference in Schaumburg. Meg Junk, Student Life Coordinator, is the council advisor and accompanied five Campus Activities Board students to the event.
Harriet Parker, Small Business Development Center Manager, served as a business coach at the Accion Small Business Coaching event at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. Approximately 50 local entrepreneurs and small business owners attended the event and had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with industry experts from a variety of fields for 20 minute speed-coaching sessions.
Lorrie Stahl, Assistant Dean for Mathematics and Sciences, served as conference co-chair for the National Conference of American Agri-Women in Springfield, IL. American Agri-Women is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women with more than 50 organizations united to promote agriculture.
Robert Cook, Upward Bound Manager, assisted on the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Promise Grant Committee. Promise Grants support charitable community organizations that provide services to underserved and marginalized populations in DeKalb County. Mr. Cook also serves on DeKalb’s Mental Health Board.
Dr. Kathleen Gorski, Dean for Learning Outcomes, Curriculum and Program Development, was selected to be a member of the inaugural Illinois Community College System Program Review Advisory Committee. The committee will serve to support the ICCB’s efforts to coordinate a statewide system of review of instructional programs of study provided by community colleges throughout the state.
Dr. Lulu Blacksmith, Dean for Student and Community Engagement, has been invited to join the East Aurora School District #131 Superintendent’s Community Partners Advisory Council.
Waubonsee congratulates all of these employees. Their ongoing work and contributions to the college reflect the quality of the educational opportunities at the college. Visit www.waubonsee.edu for more information about Waubonsee’s programs and opportunities.
