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Sugar Grove – In a powerful demonstration of cross-campus collaboration, more than 100 employees from every corner of Waubonsee Community College came together to officially launch the implementation phase of the College’s bold RISE 2030 Strategic Plan.
The event marked a pivotal moment in Waubonsee’s history – one defined by shared purpose, and a commitment to transforming the future of the institution.
President Dr. Brian Knetl opened the gathering with an inspiring message grounded in courage, creativity, and connection. “This isn’t just a plan—it’s a shared commitment across our entire College,” he said. Quoting The Power of Moments, Dr. Knetl asked, “Do significant moments in our lives and in our institutions happen by chance or by design?” His answer: “We are the architects of Waubonsee’s future. We’re writing our own story.” Dr. Knetl also drew inspiration from the movie soundtrack, The Wild Robot, sharing lyrics from the song “Kiss the Sky” as a metaphor for taking bold, transformative steps.
He encouraged all in attendance to embrace the unknown and lead with courage. “In 2030, I hope we look back and see this as the moment we turned vision into action for our students, our colleagues, and our communities,” said Dr. Knetl.
RISE 2030, led by Dr. Toya Webb, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy, is the product of a deeply inclusive process. It focuses on Redefining our Relationship with the Community, Investing in Academic Innovation, Strengthening the Student Experience, and Enriching the Employee Experience. Guided by input from students, employees, and community partners, the five-year plan reflects the evolving landscape of higher education and the changing needs of the community Waubonsee proudly serves. Learn more at waubonsee.edu/RISE.
Photo: More than 100 Waubonsee employees came together on April 24, 2025, for the RISE 2030 Retreat, a dynamic day of cross-campus collaboration that ignited the next chapter of Waubonsee’s bold five-year RISE 2030 Strategic Plan.
