The nation’s community college system lost a dedicated supporter, faculty member and administrator, and Waubonsee Community College lost a valued retiree when Dr. Donald “Don” Foster passed away on Jan. 23. He was 76 years old.
“Dr. Foster’s leadership of Waubonsee’s educational programs in the late 1980s and early 1990s was invaluable,” said Waubonsee President Dr. Christine Sobek. “I personally had the privilege of working with and learning from him.”
Foster joined Illinois’ community college system in its infancy, becoming a faculty member at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Ill., in 1968. After more than a decade of teaching, he joined the college’s administrative team as Dean of Education in 1981.
In 1987, Foster joined Waubonsee Community College as Vice President of Educational Affairs. Five years later, he became the Executive Vice President of Educational Affairs and held that position until his retirement in 1995.
After his retirement from Illinois’ community college system, Foster’s contributions to higher education continued. He went on to serve as President of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Mich., for 10 years, retiring again in 2005 and earning President Emeritus status.
Visitation and funeral services are scheduled for Jan. 29 and 30, respectively. For details, visit Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Homes’ website at farrellhollandgale.com.
