Waubonsee Board Seats Student Trustee

At its regular meeting in April, the Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees seated Maria Santillan to serve as the student trustee for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Elected by the student body, the student trustee serves as the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Student Senate, representing student interests at the board level.

A proud Aurora resident, Santillan is rooted in her community, where she helps manage her family’s business, Santis Pizza. At Waubonsee, Santillan is known for her dedication to student engagement and advocacy, actively participating in seven student organizations. Her involvement includes serving as a recruitment member for the Campus Activities Board (C.A.B.), Chief Officer for PRISM (Pride, Raising Awareness, Involvement, Support, Mentoring), and a member of Latinos Unidos, the Socialist Club, Science Club, MEChA (Movimiento Estundiantil Chicanx de Aztlan) and the Student Senate.

“I believe that when students are connected to campus organizations and resources, they become more engaged in their academic success,” said Santillan. “My goal is to advocate for policies that promote equity, representation, and student well-being at Waubonsee.”

Santillan is pursuing an associate degree in Criminal Justice. She plans to transfer to the University of Illinois at Chicago to earn her bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law, and Justice, followed by a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation.