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Waubonsee Community College made history by hosting its annual Career Programs Open House and Signing Day for the first time within its brand-new 100,000-square-foot Technical Education Center (TEC) on March 12, 2026. The event, which includes local high school students declaring their interest in studying skilled trades at Waubonsee, served as a full-circle moment for Waubonsee student Jacob Merrill and his twin brother Kyle Merrill.
Jacob and Kyle, of Oswego, spent their childhood immersed in the world of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), and this May, they will be among the first graduating class to have utilized the TEC’s specialized industry-standard equipment. Serving as the Automotive Service Technology Program’s Student Ambassador, Jacob’s role at "Signing Day" was to guide prospective students, but his real impact came from sharing his own story with the large crowd.
“It's a unique opportunity to say that you and your twin are among the first graduating class coming from the new building and the restructured program,” said Merrill.
Over 500 prospective students, family members, and guests met with expert faculty, industry partners and vendors, toured cutting-edge labs, and learned about high-demand and high-wage career paths in Automotive Service Technology, Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology, Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD), and Welding Technology.
“Having our Career Programs Open House and Signing Day in the TEC truly allows our prospective students and their families to see what this industry looks like from a professional and technical viewpoint,” said Guy Tiberio, Associate Professor of Automotive Technology. “Our goal is to be an inspiration to them as they pursue rewarding careers in the automotive field by joining our program.”
Regional representation included faculty, staff, and students from Batavia High School, East Aurora High School, Fox Valley Career Center, Indian Valley Vocational Center, Leland Grade School, Oswego East High School, Oswego High School, Somonauk High School, Somonauk Middle School, and the West Aurora - Weisner Family Center for Career Development.
“Being a Student Ambassador allowed me to realize how much I love helping others learn about the automotive field,” Merrill said.
While Jacob prepares for his next chapter, his goal is to return to the classroom as an instructor. He envisions a future teaching in Waubonsee’s Automotive Service Technology Program, the same program that has transformed his life. “I am excited knowing that when I leave Waubonsee, I will be successful in my career. I feel that Waubonsee has done a tremendous job at helping me get to this point.”
Pictured Above (L to R) Waubonsee Automotive Service Technology students Jadon Johanes, Jacob Merrill, and Matthew Meadows welcome more than 500 prospective students at the annual Career Open House and Signing Day.
