Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus Richard “Shorty” W. Dickson, passed away on November 9, 2021. Mr. Dickson served on the board from 1972 until 1987 and then again from 1989 until April 2019. In those years he served as an officer of the board for 40 years, 29 years as chair, and 11 years as vice chair.
Mr. Dickson, a retired insurance executive of Bristol, served 45 years on the college’s board of trustees, one of the longest-serving trustees in the state of Illinois.
During his lifetime, Mr. Dickson oversaw remarkable achievements through his participation in more than 750 board meetings and nearly 50 commencement ceremonies. A conservative estimate of the number of volunteer hours he provided to the college is 5,000 hours.
The impact and influence of Mr. Dickson’s heartfelt advocacy to promote Waubonsee as a significant and vital part of the region remains seen today. Mr. Dickson volunteered his personal time to build a web of strategic partnerships, relationships, and friendships that put the college at the educational, workforce, social, cultural, and economic center of the community by consistently putting the college’s mission in front of decision makers at the local, state, and national levels.
During his tenure, Mr. Dickson helped steer the college from its rural foundation to one that serves one of Illinois’ largest and most diverse population centers. In addition, Mr. Dickson advanced the education of individual students through the Anita Memorial and Richard “Shorty” Dickson Scholarships.
Throughout this time, Mr. Dickson was an advocate for the conservation and preservation of the land surrounding Waubonsee’s four campuses. Also, during his tenure, Mr. Dickson oversaw the completion of the 2020 College Master Plan, five years ahead of schedule and on budget.
Dr. Christine Sobek, Waubonsee Community College President, said, “Mr. Dickson’s commitment and dedication to Waubonsee are unparalleled among community college trustees in Illinois and across the nation. He will forever be remembered as an extraordinary and selfless leader in our community who always put students first, enabling tens of thousands of Waubonsee Community College students to receive a quality education. His care and concern for the college’s students and employees are unsurpassed and his legacy will live on forever.”
Waubonsee Community College pays tribute to Mr. Dickson for his remarkable service and tremendous contributions to elevate the college to receive state and national acclaim for its innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Mr. Dickson’s consistent support of Waubonsee Community College’s mission, vision, and core values will always be cherished.
The Dickson Center, dedicated in honor of Mr. Dickson in 1987, which stands on the Sugar Grove Campus, will forever be an emblem of his remarkable commitment and dedication to Waubonsee. The Waubonsee Community College family extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Dickson family.
Visit https://www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com/obituaries/Richard-W-Shorty-Dickson… to read Mr. Dickson’s complete obituary.
