News

Waubonsee student Roland Asongakap, born and raised in Cameroon, Africa, spent much of his early childhood severely sick in hospitals. In Cameroon, mosquito-borne diseases are common across villages and often deadly. While these diseases afflicted Asongakap during his younger years, a passion for serving others and an appreciation for the medical science grew in his heart.  

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. 

Each year, the Waubonsee Community College Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to an outstanding graduate of Waubonsee Community College. Awardees have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession, have documented evidence of contribution and service to their community, and demonstrated a continued interest in lifelong education. This year's Distinguished Alumnus is Dr. Scott Mertes, Provost at Mid Michigan College. 

Waubonsee Community College will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 with commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 13, at the college’s Sugar Grove Campus Field House. Ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and tickets are required. 

As a sign of its strong financial stewardship, Waubonsee Community College’s credit rating was recently upgraded to Aaa — the highest rating possible from Moody’s Investor’s Service. In giving the rating, Moody’s cited the college’s commitment to strong financial management, including both the building of reserves and conservative budge

Waubonsee Community College welcomes Jami Hinshaw, of Spokane, Washington, to the position of Dean for Student Engagement. 

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recently presented Waubonsee Community College Professor of History Dr. Amy Powers, of DeKalb, with the 2023 Faculty Member of the Year Award. Dr. Powers was recognized April 3 during the Awards of Excellence Gala at the AACC Annual Conference in Denver. 

April is National Community College Month, a time when we celebrate the positive impact community colleges have on our community and economy. As an Instructor of Business at Waubonsee and having previously taught for over ten years at community colleges in Illinois, I often analyze community colleges' significant role in our community and economy. I am also grateful for how several community colleges have played a large part in my personal story and career. 

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation recently announced two Waubonsee students — Roland Asongakap, of Aurora, and 2022-2023 Waubonsee Student Trustee Juan Chiu, of Aurora, — as semifinalists for its highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. 

A Waubonsee Community College faculty member has been recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Denise Nakaji, Professor of Therapeutic Massage, was awarded the 2023 Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond what is required to ensure students succeed academically.