At the April 19 board meeting, the Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees recognized the leadership of James K. Michels, P.E. with a special Resolution. The Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees adopted a Resolution on April 19 to recognize and honor Michels for his commitment, dedication, and many years of distinguished service on the Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees; it also bestows upon him the honorary title of Trustee Emeritus.
Michels, a Sugar Grove resident elected to the Board of Trustees since 1987, has worked tirelessly to provide higher education access for the greater community. During his time on the board, he served as Vice Chair for two years and as Secretary for one and half years. In addition, Michels served as a member of the Board of Trustees Policy Committee and as the Board Liaison to the Waubonsee Foundation.
In his 36 years on the board as Waubonsee’s longest-continuously-serving trustee, Michels has greatly aided the college’s partnerships and collaborations. Last year, the Illinois Community College Trustees Association recognized Michels for his dedicated volunteer service. He is one of only 15 community college trustees in Illinois to have served 35 years or more.
Throughout his tenure, Michels worked with three college presidents: Dr. John J. Swalec, Jr., President Emeritus, Dr. Christine J. Sobek, President Emeritus, and Dr. Brian Knetl. His invaluable support of initiatives in support of student success can be felt across the Waubonsee district. Two notable achievements during his tenure include developing and completing the 2020 College Master Plan, five years ahead of schedule and on budget, and achieving a bond rating of Aaa from Moody’s Investors Services.
Outside of Waubonsee, Michels has received several recognitions throughout the years, including Civil Engineer of the Year and professional recognition honors from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The founder of Engineering Enterprises, Inc., he was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in 2007 for lifetime achievement. He is also very active with the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and Center as Chair Emeritus and on the Finance Committee. In 2021, Michels coordinated a visit from the Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the United States to Waubonsee’s Sugar Grove Campus. Michels will complete his term as Trustee at the end of April.
Pictured above (from left to right): Waubonsee Board of Trustees Rick Guzman; Jimmie Delgado, Vice Chair; Rebecca Oliver, Chair; James K. Michels, P.E.; Tina Willson; Juan Chiu, Student Trustee; Greg Thomas; Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College
