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Jessica Dyrek

Katrina Nagle

Dyrek, Nagle are Outstanding Advisers
By Ken Reed

Jessica Dyrek (Villa Park), a part-time counselor and Katrina Nagle (Glen Ellyn), instructor, Engineering, have been named winners of the third annual Outstanding Adviser of the Year Award at College of DuPage.

Dyrek and Nagle, who were nominated by students, will receive a monetary award and a plaque during their recognition at the college's All-College Workshop this fall. They will also be invited to attend the National Academic Advising Association conference in Chicago in October.

Their selection was based on demonstrated leadership in their respective divisions, professional development opportunities in which they participated, their "Approach to Advising" essay, and individual comments from students on their nomination forms.

Dyrek was the designated counselor for the "Chicago Women in Trades" grant program at the college. She has been a contributor to the Student Success Workshops sponsored by Student Services and has represented the Counseling Department at Adult Fast Track orientations. She co-chairs the Counseling Marketing Committee.

In addition, Dyrek is active in the Illinois Counseling Association and the Illinois Career Development Association.

"I feel honored to be recognized by the students I work with and by my colleagues in Student Services," Dyrek said. "I honestly love all aspects of what I do at C.O.D."

Nagle initiated the college's Engineering Club and helped to establish the Women in Nanotechnology program. She conducts group advising sessions in her classrooms and has visited many mathematics classes to talk about opportunities in the engineering field.

Additionally, Nagle developed a monthly newsletter that details scholarships, internships, field trips and breaking engineering news that is sent to more than 300 current and potential engineering students.

"Knowing that so many of my students cared enough to take time out and nominate me means more than anything else," Nagle said. "I am really blessed to have such motivated and outspoken students in the Engineering program."