News

One of the wonderful things about attending college is the lifelong connections we often make. The people we meet along our academic journey become friends, colleagues and peers. At Waubonsee, we take great pride in the relationships we have with our students, faculty, staff, and the community. We constantly work to strengthen these relationships and expand the network of people we are connected to.

For many of us, some of our most enriching relationships were made in college. The diversity of thought represented by fellow students, faculty and staff expanded our views beyond those of our immediate family and social circle. This diversity continues to enhance the higher education experience and particularly the community college experience. Community colleges feature diversity such as generational differences, ethnic backgrounds, veterans status, religious affiliations, family composition, work experience and more.

The turn of the page on the calendar brings with it a turning of the page in the academic year. Many college students are returning to classes for the second term of the year while others are starting classes for the first time. Each student begins college at different times and with unique circumstances. Those circumstances are part of what makes the college experience valuable for all of us.

The signs of fall are all around us. There is a bit of a chill in the air and holiday decorations are going up in homes, businesses and across communities. With this time of year comes renewed attention on things to be thankful for and ways to help others.

Fall has finally arrived in the Fox River Valley, and with it all the trappings of the season. The leaves are changing and falling. Classes are in full swing and the students of Waubonsee are doing great things across all four campuses.

September is National Preparedness Month; an opportunity to assess and improve readiness for all manner of incidents. With the recent disasters of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma fresh in our minds, it can be easy to think that it is only necessary to prepare for the catastrophic events. Though it is important to consider those kinds of events, there are many other things to consider when examining personal and organizational readiness. At Waubonsee we regularly look closely at all of our systems of safety, prevention, and preparedness.

Students across the nation are preparing for the start of another academic year. For some, this will be their first year of preschool, kindergarten or first grade. For others, it may be their first year at a new school, middle school, high school or college.

Much is said about the affordability and accessibility of community colleges, and sometimes that conversation overlooks the world class research and work of community college faculty.  Committed to student success and excellence in teaching, the dedication, talent and passion of community college faculty are amazing and inspirational. 

We know that students who fully engage in their education both inside and outside of the classroom experience greater success in persevering to graduation and in their careers. Research has consistently shown that college students who get involved build their networks and community, gain valuable skills and accolades for their resumes, discover other passions and skills and stay focused on their goals. We are able to see that demonstrated daily by our own students at Waubonsee Community College. It is particularly evident at the end of the academic year.

The annual commencement ceremony at Waubonsee Community College is always a highlight, as the goals and dreams that students have worked so hard toward – with the support of dedicated faculty and staff – are achieved and celebrated. This year is especially memorable as we celebrate our 50^th anniversary.