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Waubonsee Community College proudly hosted Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel Chris Welch on Thursday, December 4, at the college’s Sugar Grove Campus. He was joined by State Representative Matt Hanson. The visit focused on the critical role community colleges play in rapidly training a highly skilled, high-wage workforce across Illinois, particularly through the college's state-of-the-art Technical Education Center (TEC).
Speaker Welch and Representative Hanson were welcomed by Waubonsee Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Oliver, Trustee Rick Guzman, and Trustee Tina Willson along with President Dr. Brian Knetl, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy Dr. Toya Webb. The tour centered on the 100,000 square-foot TEC, which is the largest building on campus and is equipped with cutting-edge, industry-standard learning labs. The facility prepares students for high-demand, recession-proof fields including Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and Welding Technology.
“This tour demonstrates our board’s foresight and vision for how Waubonsee directly contributes to our community and workforce,” said Dr. Knetl. “We are very proud of our Technical Education Center. It is an anchor feature designed to put our students into high-wage jobs that support their families and drive regional economic development. We are committed to anticipating community needs and strengthening academic innovation.”
In addition to workforce training and preparing students for recession proof jobs, Speaker Welch and Representative Hanson affirmed to college leaders their commitment to Waubonsee's goals outlined in the college’s RISE strategic plan, led by Dr. Webb. The plan focuses on four overarching priorities: Redefining our Relationship with the Community, Investing in Academic Innovation, Strengthening the Student Experience, and Enriching the Employee Experience. Developed through comprehensive input from stakeholders, RISE ensures the college is responsive to the evolving needs of higher education and District 516. Learn more at waubonsee.edu/RISE.
Speaker Welch, who has served in the Illinois General Assembly since 2013 and is entering his fifth year as Speaker, provided updates on state priorities, reflecting his focus on improving classroom education, creating jobs, and helping the most vulnerable Illinoisans. He has been recognized with several awards for his legislative record including the prestigious Zeke Giorgi Award from the AFL-CIO and the Friend and Education Award from the Illinois Education Association.
Shown Above:
Back row: Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees Tina Willson and Board Chair Rebecca Oliver and Waubonsee President Dr. Brian Knetl are pictured with Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch and State Representative Matt Hanson next to Board of Trustees Member Rick Guzman.
First row: Student Trustee Mari Santillan, Faith Essenburg, and Student Government Leaders Connor Anderson, Ennis Ballines, Angela Bolanos.
