News

Many people do not know this about me, but I am originally from Jackson, Mississippi. I am a product of two teenage parents and the local public school system that was far from perfect. Growing up in Jackson, diversity was not something I encountered very often. Everyone in my neighborhood was black. Everyone at my church was black. Easily 95% of the people at my school looked like me and were from similar backgrounds. I grew up with plenty of love, family, and good southern food, but there was not much diversity where I was raised.

Have you ever felt like you do not belong or felt out of place? Some people living in America feel this way. I grew up feeling this way because my parents are immigrants. However, America provides opportunities for all people and our community colleges are a great place to take advantage of opportunities for education and self-improvement. My father took advantage of  community college by taking classes to improve his English and small business.

Since our founding in 1966, Waubonsee has provided programs and services to more than 320,000 students and community members – and each year, we grow more committed to the importance and relevance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI matters at Waubonsee because we embrace the idea that Waubonsee is more than college, Waubonsee is community college. And as a community college, it is important for all members of our community to be seen, heard, accepted, and supported. When a prospective student, parent, faculty, or staff member walks across one of our four campus locations, visits our web site, or interacts with us virtually, we want them to feel like they belong, connect, and relate to the experiences and histories of the people around them. 

The Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT) recognized Dr. Christine J. Sobek, President of Waubonsee Community College, with the John J. Politi Legacy Award at their recent annual Summer Institute. 

Waubonsee Community College has several new faculty members as classes kicked off for the fall semester recently. 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, Waubonsee Community College is hosting several events for students, alumni, and the community to experience and enjoy Latinx tradition and culture together. The programming will revolve around family-fun activities and spotlight Latinx leaders who have positively impacted communities and different industries. These in-person events are open to the public and will be held from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

This September, Cadet Blake Rus, of Elburn, will say goodbye to the end of his chapter as a Waubonsee Community College Police Cadet with a deep fondness. The proud young alumnus reflects on his time at Waubonsee as invaluable to developing his character and finding his purpose in life. 

Waubonsee Community College is hosting its annual golf outing on Monday, September 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Aurora Country Club. All proceeds from the outing will directly benefit deserving area students through the Waubonsee Community College Foundation Scholarship Program. 

The Waubonsee Community College Foundation has received its largest single donation to date, in the amount of $348,000, from the estate of John (Jay) and LaVeral (Lea) Fitz. This gift establishes the “John and LaVeral Fitz Endowed Scholarship,” in memory of its benefactors. As per their wishes, the awards generated from this scholarship will be split equally toward students pursuing nursing or fine arts majors. 

Growing up, I became a major fan of "fútbol" soccer. My father introduced it to me when I was young. I remember watching my first game with him and just being so mesmerized by what I saw. I would be rooting with him for América to beat Chivas and be ready to celebrate when our team would score.