The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Waubonsee graduates who demonstrate exceptional achievement and meaningful, ongoing contributions to their professions, communities, and alma mater.
We welcome nominations for the 2026 award, including self-nominations accompanied by a letter of recommendation.
Submit Your Nomination Today!
The award shall be given to a graduate who meets the following criteria:
- The individual must have completed an associate degree at Waubonsee Community College.
- The individual must have documented evidence of a distinguished record in their chosen profession and/or occupation.
- The individual must have documented evidence of contribution and service to their community.
- The individual must have demonstrated a continued interest in lifelong education.
- The individual shall not be a current employee of the college.
Past Recipients
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Cynthia Gamboa ’05 Shannon Kennedy ’85 |
| 2023 | Dr. Scott Mertes ’92 |
| 2022 | Tim Buckley ’83 |
| 2021 | Dr. Indigo D. Triplett ’88 |
| 2020 | Mary Ellen Thielemann ’98 |
| 2019 | Chief Kristen Ziman ’93 |
| 2018 | Ashley Lewis ’09 |
| 2017 | Steven R. Henrikson ’77 |
| 2016 | Puamuh T. Ghogomu II ’98 |
| 2015 | Dwight Baird ’88 |
| 2014 | Pam Reilly ’92 |
| 2013 | Tom Muth ’78 |
| 2012 | Linda Chapa LaVia ’88 |
| 2011 | Dr. John Avendano ’92 |
| 2010 | Gregory S. Thomas ’80 |
| 2009 | Rev. F. William Etheredge ’76 |
| 2008 | Robin H. Renner ’78 |
| 2007 | Judge Timothy J. McCann ’80 |
| 2006 | Gail Johnson ’92 |
| 2005 | Dr. Jose Magaña ’88 |
| 2004 | Marilyn Michelini ’71 Penny Deligiannis ’85 |
| 2003 | Richard Samuelson ’79 |
| 2002 | Lourdes “Lulu” Blacksmith ’97 |
| 2001 | John Mertes ’86 |
| 2000 | David Stover ’74 |
| 1998 | Nina “Nikki” Kramer ’78 |
| 1997 | Davis Offutt ’74 |
| 1996 | Eduardo Gil ’85 |
| 1995 | Richard Randall ’73 |
| 1994 | Alma Harrell ’78 |
| 1993 | Michael Turner ’82 |
| 1992 | Joanne Collins ’71 |
| 1991 | James E. Pilmer ’81 |
| 1990 | Marissa Quiles ’84 |
| 1989 | Deborah Conlee ’83 |
| 1987 | Dale Von Ohlen ’76 |
| 1986 | Dr. Janet Sprague-Williams ’68 |
| 1985 | Jeffrey Schielke ’69 |
| 1984 | David Randall ’73 |
Contact
Development Office
Sugar Grove Campus
Akerlow Hall, Suite 230
(630) 466-2316
foundation@waubonsee.edu
