News

Waubonsee Community College is hosting a networking event focused on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) experience in the STEM field featuring keynote speaker Cortez Watkins, a Waubonsee alumnus and the Senior Workforce Pathways Partnerships Liaison at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The free event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. at its Aurora Downtown Campus, located at 18 S. River St. While registration is encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome.  

If you want to achieve your educational goals in less time, Waubonsee Community College invites you to apply to its QuickPath Degree Program. This accelerated program allows motivated students to earn an associate degree in just one year. There will be an information session on Thursday, Jan. 25, and Thursday, Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. via Zoom. These virtual sessions are free and open to the public.

In the pursuit of higher education, finances prove to be a difficult hurdle for many students. However, at Waubonsee Community College, scholarships offered through the Waubonsee Foundation offer assistance to students unsure of how to balance the cost of college with their academic and professional dreams. 

Waubonsee Community College, in partnership with Ladder Up, will offer free tax services at the college’s Aurora Downtown Campus, located at 18 S. River Street. The services are available to the community on a walk-in basis.

Nominations are currently being accepted for Waubonsee Community College’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus. Nominations must be received by Wednesday, Jan. 31 to be considered for this year.

It's the start of a new year and a new academic semester, which marks the beginning of a journey toward continued growth. During this time, we frequently pledge individually and collectively to make new resolutions and do things differently to improve our lives and well-being. This is often a time to face any challenges that come our way with courage and creativity, viewing every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. By doing so, we allow new opportunities to arise as we also look back and celebrate our progress.

Sometimes, the greatest gifts arrive in the most unexpected ways. Recently, I received a message from a former participant of Waubonsee Works, a program funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The news brought more joy than the most expensive present. “I got the job,” the email exclaimed. While it is exciting news to hear someone received a new position, this email was particularly exciting, as I knew this job would change his life, his family members’ lives, and so many others.

For the 13th consecutive year, Waubonsee Community College has achieved national recognition as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution. Tree Campus Higher Education is a program established in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation that honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

This time of the year is often referred to as the festive season of giving, sharing, and joy. I, for one, look forward to spending extra time with family and friends in one place celebrating the gifts of life and sharing memories of the past. A time to gather, share, and laugh.  

Waubonsee Community College recognized its Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CAD) Program at its December board meeting due to its strong connections with local industry partners, like Fermilab, Entrust Solutions Group, Arco Murray, and Sterling Engineering.