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(C.O.D. Photo by Rich Malec)
'All the World's a Stage'
Jennifer Rodriguez (Wood Dale) combines singing with a recitation of her work for an Honors Scholar seminar during a recent Celebration of Academic Excellence at College of DuPage. The seminar, called "All the World's a Stage," consisted of an English Fiction Writing course taught by Jason Snart, C.O.D. associate professor, English and a Speech Oral Interpretation class taught by Chris Miller, C.O.D. assistant professor, Speech. In the seminar assignment, students were required to differentiate among characters by using different voices, focal points and gestures. More than 100 C.O.D. students were honored for their academic achievements during the annual ceremony.Here are the top news stories for the week of May 5, 2008, at College of DuPage:
Bahamon Wins Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
Nahiris Bahamon, a College of DuPage student majoring in Biology and pre-medicine, has been awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer scholarship.
Radiography Students Earn Top Honors
Four College of DuPage Radiography students took top honors in two competitions at the recent Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists conference.
Friends Reunite after C.O.D. Honors Ceremony
A recent Celebration of Academic Excellence at College of DuPage took on added significance for two C.O.D. students who shared a hospital room eight years ago.
C.O.D. Recognizes Academic Achievements
More than 100 College of DuPage students were recognized for their academic achievements at a recent Celebration of Academic Excellence event hosted by the college.
One-for-One Faculty Exchange: C.O.D. and Benedictine
A unique one-for-one faculty exchange in the Fine Arts programs at College of DuPage and Benedictine University will drive curriculum improvements at both institutions and encourage other cooperative initiatives, according to Wendolyn Tetlow, C.O.D. dean, Liberal Arts.
Forensics Team Finished 10th at Nationals
The College of DuPage Forensics team placed 10th out of 73 other college forensics teams in the 2008 Phi Rho Pi National Tournament held April 14 to 19 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.
C.O.D., Benedictine Art Students Display Work in Chicago
Eight art students from College of DuPage and Benedictine University will display their work this June in an exhibit at Café Mediterra in Chicago, thanks to a unique one-for-one faculty exchange.
Manufacturing Lean User Group to Begin
College of DuPage's Business and Professional Institute and the Chicago Manufacturing Center are offering a Lean User Group, with the first meeting scheduled for Friday, May 20.
Board of Trustees Honors Faculty, Students
The College of DuPage Board of Trustees honored both outstanding faculty and students during its April 24 meeting.
McKinnon Elected to Fourth Term as Chair
Micheal McKinnon was reelected by Board members to his fourth consecutive year as chairman of the Board of Trustees.
New Student Trustee Takes Seat on Board
Malek Zoubi was sworn in as the new student trustee during the April 24 Board of Trustees meeting.
C.O.D. Board Supports Harper College Bid for Bachelor's Degree Pilot Program
The College of DuPage Board of Trustees voiced support for a state bill that would allow community colleges to provide bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields like public safety and health care.
Hospitality Administration Students Win National Honor
Three College of DuPage Hospitality Administration students won first place national honors in a contest sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association.
Student Essay Contest Winners Announced
Amy Rollins of Wheaton has been awarded first place in the annual Student Essay Contest at College of DuPage.
Continuous Quality Improvement Grant
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has awarded College of DuPage $20,000 to support its programs in Continuous Quality Improvement, Program Enhancement and Innovation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) during fiscal year 2008.
All-USA Academic Team Winners
Two College of DuPage students, Nahiris Bahamon and Sandy Kim have been selected to the second and third teams, respectively, of the prestigious All-USA Community and Junior Colleges Academic Team.
C.O.D. Receives 'Storm Ready' Designation
College of DuPage has received a "Storm Ready" designation, making it one of only two institutions of higher learning in Illinois to receive the designation, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Students, Staff Embrace New West Chicago Facility
The new West Chicago Community Education Center facility at 950 E. Roosevelt Road is drawing rave reviews.
Dyrek, Nagle are Outstanding Advisers
Jessica Dyrek and Katrina Nagle have been named winners of the third annual Outstanding Adviser of the Year Award at College of DuPage.
Career and Technical Education Grant
A $5,000 grant has been awarded College of DuPage to enhance and improve Career and Technical Education programs at the high school and college level.
Lighting the Way
Seven College of DuPage faculty members have been recognized with Mary Beth Leone, assistant professor, Hotel and Lodging Management, as 2007-2008 Outstanding Faculty. Leone was named the college's Overall Outstanding Faculty member.
Summer Construction at C.O.D.
A variety of road and parking lot construction projects will continue this summer at College of DuPage.
BPI Offers 'Lean Training' Courses
The College of DuPage Business and Professional Institute (BPI) Center for Customized Solutions is offering a series of "Lean Training" modules in April and May at BPI's new offices located at 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 201, in Lisle.
Parking and Traffic Updates
Due to ongoing construction on the Glen Ellyn campus, including a two-year renovation of the campus parking lots, regular updates are availble on the Facilities Master Plan web site.
Pace Bus Route
Pace Bus Route 714 enables students and community members to travel to stops between Naperville, College of DuPage and Wheaton.
News Bureau
College of DuPage
Office of Public Information
OCC 143-45
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
Phone:
(630) 942-2480
Fax:
(630) 942-3737
Bahamon Wins Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
By Ken Reed
Nahiris Bahamon (Oswego), a College of DuPage student majoring in Biology and pre-medicine, has been awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.
Bahamon was one of approximately 50 community college students in the United States to receive the scholarship award, which is given to students planning to transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions.
The amount and duration of the scholarship awards vary by student based on the cost of attendance and the length of the program as well as other scholarships or grants received. The maximum available per student is $30,000 per year, which is the largest scholarship offered in the United States to community college transfer students. Bahamon's scholarship award has yet to be determined.
"I am thrilled to receive this scholarship," Bahamon said. "I just can't believe it."
Bahamon, who arrived in the U.S. from Columbia three years ago, has applied to Georgetown University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Miami and University of Florida.
Bahamon was recently recognized at the college's Celebration of Academic Excellence ceremony after she was named to the second team of the All-U.S.A. Community and Junior Colleges Academic Team.
She was also acknowledged as one of only 20 community college students in the United States to receive a prestigious $5,000 Guistwhite Scholarship. This scholarship award is based on academic achievement and participation in Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of community colleges.
Radiography Students Take Top Honors at State Competition
By Brian Kleemann
Four Radiography students from College of DuPage received top honors at this year's Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISSRT) conference recently held in Chicago.
In the paper competition, which included a presentation to the audience, Susan Higgins of Downers Grove took first place while Mary Massengill of Naperville captured second. In the poster competition, Susan Huggins of Downers Grove received first-place honors while Dominika Domingo of Westmont took second.
The conference also included a team competition with questions asked in a Jeopardy-style format from the Radiography Registry exam. Four C.O.D. students competed against 11 other teams from around the state but just missed moving into the final round. Team members were Amy Allison of Woodridge, Michael Fiorenzo of La Grange, Josh Kott of Countryside and Massengill. They were coached by Shelli Thacker of Romeoville, C.O.D. Radiography faculty member.
For more information about the C.O.D. Radiography program, call (630) 942-2434 or visit: www.cod.edu/RadTech/.
Friends Reunite After C.O.D. Honors Ceremony
By Ken Reed
A recent Celebration of Academic Excellence at College of DuPage took on added significance for two C.O.D. students who shared a hospital room eight years ago.
Amanda Grimston (Wheaton) and Mallory Mohring (Winfield) were among more than 100 C.O.D. students recognized during the college's annual celebration for academic achievements.
Grimston was acknowledged as an Honors Scholar program student and Mohring was recognized after her nomination by Sally Fairbank, coordinator of the Paralegal Studies program, for her outstanding academic work during the year.
Each of the students was recognized individually during the ceremony.
The pair had bonded during their stay in Central DuPage Hospital eight years ago. Grimston later attended Mohring's birthday party at a "build your own teddy bear" store. Grimston named her teddy bear "Mallory." After that party, the two friends lost touch and had not seen one another until C.O.D.'s celebration event.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Grimston approached Mallory. "I'm not sure if you remember me..." Grimston began. And the reunion ceremony unfolded.
"I never forgot you," Grimston said to Mohring. "And I still have my bear named 'Mallory.'"
"I was extremely surprised when Mandy approached me," Mohring said. "I haven't seen her in close to seven years. I was actually just talking about her the other day, wondering where her life had taken her. It was great to see her again."
"I definitely wasn't expecting that," Grimston said.
Mohring and Grimston said they will be getting together again. "We made a special bond when we met years ago," Mohring said. "There's something about dealing with difficulties that forges a fast friendship."
C.O.D. recognizes Academic Achievements
By Ken Reed
More than 100 College of DuPage students were recognized for their academic achievements at a recent Celebration of Academic Excellence event hosted by the college.
The college acknowledged students in the prestigious Honors Scholar program as well as students who were nominated by their teachers for excellence in a specific discipline.
Honors Scholar students must commit to taking a minimum of 18 semester hours of honors courses, including an honors seminar consisting of two courses offered in an interdisciplinary manner while studying at C.O.D. In addition, these students must maintain a 3.5 grade point average to receive Honors Scholars designation on their transcripts.
"Tonight's event is indeed a celebration," said Chris Picard, C.O.D. vice president of Academic Affairs, in opening the program. "It's a celebration of accomplishment, of perseverance and of true commitment to excellence both in and outside the classroom.
"This is a time when we acknowledge the best and brightest of our students."
In his remarks, Sunil Chand, C.O.D. President, told the students that their achievements demonstrate commitment to education and their desire for a bright and productive future.
"The inspirational quote chosen to grace this year's program is from Helen Keller and is very appropriate: 'When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.'
"Each of you being recognized this evening is here because, at some point in time - perhaps long ago, perhaps more recently - you made a commitment to be and do your best at College of DuPage."
Kory Atkinson (Roselle), a member of the college's Board of Trustees and Glenn Hansen, C.O.D. Professor of Photography and Faculty Senate president, introduced the faculty-nominated students.
Also recognized at this year's celebration were the 2008 Outstanding Male and Female Graduates, Robert Novak (Elmhurst) and Blaire Hufford (Carol Stream).
Novak started taking classes at C.O.D. in 2001 and at the same time founded his own business, Novak Custom Homes. He successfully completed the construction of two new homes.
Realizing he lacked the former education necessary to take his company to higher levels, he enrolled full-time at the college in 2006.
Since then, he has maintained a 3.83 GPA and completed the Honors Scholar program. Novak served as an officer of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society, and as a Student Ambassador. He was also an active member of the International Student Organization.
Novak was recently accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he plans to study finance.
Hufford joined Psi Beta, the academic honor society and competed on the women's tennis team, which won the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III title in May 2007. She has earned a cumulative 3.86 GPA.
While at C.O.D., Hufford majored in psychology, served as Psi Beta's co-president and as Phil Theta Kappa's Academic Pursuits officer.
In the fall, Hufford will attend Elmhurst College and is considering a double major in psychology and theology. She plans to pursue graduate degrees in psychology and theology and become a psychologist focusing in pastoral counseling.
Jocelyn Harney, C.O.D. vice president for Academic Affairs, presented Nahiris Bahamon (Oswego) and Sandy Kim (West Chicago), who earned second and third team honors, respectively, on the elite All-USA Community and Junior Colleges Academic Team. Amy Rollins (Wheaton) was recognized as winner of the college's Student Essay Contest, and Bahamon was acknowledged as winner of the Guistwhite Scholarship.
Following a presentation by Jennifer Rodriguez (Wood Dale), who is enrolled in an Honors Seminar called "All the World's a Stage," Honors Program coordinator Joyce Fletcher introduced Rodriguez and Rollins, recipients of Elmhurst College and North Central College scholarships, respectively.
Fletcher, assisted by Chand and Kathy Wessel (Wheaton), a member of the college's Board of Trustees, introduced this year's Honor's Scholars.
"The College of DuPage Honors program, now in its 24th year, has become a model for other community college honors programs across the country," Fletcher said.
"We are immensely proud of our program and even more proud of the students who make working with it a rewarding and exciting experience," she added.
For more information about the C.O.D. Honors Scholars program, call (630) 942-2749, or e-mail:fletcher@cod.edu.
One-for-One Faculty Exchange: C.O.D. and Benedictine
By Ken Reed
A unique one-for-one faculty exchange in the Fine Arts programs at College of DuPage and Benedictine University will drive curriculum improvements at both institutions and encourage other cooperative initiatives, according to Wendolyn Tetlow, C.O.D. dean, Liberal Arts.
She observed that the one-for-one exchange will also provide C.O.D. students with an opportunity to experience the quality of education at Benedictine.
Part of the formal agreement with Benedictine includes the acceptance of all courses in C.O.D.'s Associate in Fine Arts program into Benedictine's Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
According to Alain Hentschel, C.O.D. associate dean of Fine and Applied Arts, the outcome of meetings about curriculum articulation between C.O.D. and Benedictine helped faculty re-envision the associate and bachelor level courses as an integrated learning experience.
"This seamless curriculum highlights the academic strengths of Benedictine and the diversity of offerings at C.O.D.," Hentschel said.
The partnership agreement also offers C.O.D. students a private college education at state school prices.
The faculty exchange involves Jennifer Hereth, a C.O.D. art professor, who is now teaching an advanced studies class at Benedictine University and Bill Scarlato, a Benedictine professor of Art, who is instructing C.O.D. students in an advanced painting class.
"My students have gotten so much from Bill," Hereth said. She noted that while Scarlato's style is traditional, her teaching method tends to be narrative-oriented by exploring what a painting is about. "I bring to his students permission to use mixed-media materials," Hereth said. "I knew this faculty exchange would be wonderful because our teaching styles are so different."
"This has been a break in the routine for me," said Scarlato, who has taught at Benedictine for 19 years. "Teaching Jennifer's students has given me so many ideas and I have learned so much.
"This exchange has brought fresh ideas into both programs," he said. "My students are so grateful to have Jennifer."
Scarlato said that Benedictine's new Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a professional art degree and "needs the exposure of many points of view from a variety of faculty." He noted that his and Jennifer's styles are very different. "Jennifer is a great motivator and I am more formal."
"The faculty are feeling that they have grown and expanded as teachers from this exchange, and that there are opportunities for more collaboration in a number of areas," Tetlow said.
Maria de la Camara, Benedictine University dean of Liberal Arts, agreed. She said the program "has quality and it benefits from the assets of both institutions. It is a great opportunity for the students."
"Our students are enjoying Jennifer immensely," de la Camara said. "Certainly, they enjoy Bill, but Jennifer has a different approach. She has so much enthusiasm. She is making an impact and is a delight. And we are keeping her," de la Camara laughed.
In discussing program objectives, de la Camara said, "We hope to open up the horizons for the students and help them become artists and scholars."
Tetlow said one important cooperative initiative that has emerged from the faculty exchange is a joint C.O.D./Benedictine student art exhibition during June at Café Mediterra, 700 S. Dearborn, in Chicago. These C.O.D. students will be exhibiting works: Emmanuel Vazquez (Glendale Heights), Melaney Kolodziej and Veronica Leon (both of Hanover Park), Rachel Stellmach (Wheaton) and Jocelyn Ostling (Elmhurst).
For more information on the C.O.D. Art program, call Hereth, (630) 942-2057, or visit www.cod.edu/academic/acadprog/tranprog/Art_Tr.htm.
Forensics Team Finished 10th at Nationals
By David Hamilton
The College of DuPage Forensics team placed 10th out of 73 other college forensics teams in the 2008 Phi Rho Pi National Tournament held April 14 to 19 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, said Lauren Morgan, assistant professor of Speech.
"The team's success this year really rests on the fact that they embraced setting intentions and taking action to fulfill their intentions," said Morgan, who coaches the team with Chris Miller, assistant professor of Speech. "As a team, they set an intention to have 10 events break to the medal rounds and they receive 11. I think they were really empowered by learning that they really can achieve what they set out to do.
"They also really believed the adage that 'there is no #1 in team,' so everyone was recognized for their role in this team's success. It was truly inspiring."
College of DuPage team finalists and their awards and competition categories included Kacy Abeln of Lombard, silver both for Informative Speaking and Impromptu Speaking, and bronze for Prose Interpretation; Stephen Colbert of Naperville, silver for Parliamentary Debate, and bronze for both Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking; and Randy Daniels of Westmont, bronze for Speech to Entertain.
Also, Sam Uster of Lisle, gold for Informative Speaking, bronze for Prose Interpretation; and Heather Zupancic of Downers Grove, silver for Parliamentary Debate (with Colbert) and bronze for both Extemporaneous Speaking and Persuasive Speaking.
Also competing at the tournament and contributing the team's success were Stephen DeFalco (Lombard), Robert Hagglund (Wheaton), Ashley King (Naperville), John Schuhriemen (Naperville) and Jim Snyder (Bolingbrook), Morgan said.
For more information on forensics activities at College of DuPage, call Morgan at (630) 942-2007.
C.O.D., Benedictine Art Students Display Work in Chicago
By Ken Reed
Eight art students from College of DuPage and Benedictine University will display their work this June in an exhibit at Café Mediterra in Chicago, thanks to a unique one-for-one faculty exchange between the two institutions.
Three Benedictine University students enrolled in an advanced studies class taught at Benedictine by Jennifer Hereth, a C.O.D. art professor, and five C.O.D. students in Hereth's special projects class, will showcase their work from June 1 to 30 at Café Mediterra, 700 S. Dearborn. The student exhibit is called "Inheritance."
Bill Scarlato, a Benedictine professor of Art, is also participating in the faculty exchange by teaching C.O.D. students in an advanced painting class.
The exhibit is one important cooperative initiative that has emerged from the faculty exchange, according to Wendolyn Tetlow, C.O.D. dean, Liberal Arts.
The five C.O.D. students who will exhibit works are Emmanuel Vazquez (Glendale Heights), Melaney Kolodziej and Veronica Leon (both of Hanover Park), Rachel Stellmach (Wheaton) and Jocelyn Ostling (Elmhurst). The three Benedictine students are Hannah Miller (Joliet), Gabrielle Tufano (Winfield) and Karlo Ceredon (Bloomingdale).
Hereth said the participating students crafted two pieces of art for the exhibit. With the "Inheritance" theme in mind, one student created a family feature - a nose, while another student, who recently lost her mother, composed a cheek adorned with a tattoo her mother loved.
Another artist created a sculpture of DNA with beads and another composed a graffiti painting signifying Mexican roots.
An exhibit reception is scheduled at Café Mediterra on Thursday, June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information on the C.O.D. Art program, call Hereth, (630) 942-2057, or visit: www.cod.edu/academic/acadprog/tranprog/Art_Tr.htm
C.O.D., Chicago Manufacturing Center Launch Lean User Group
By Brian Kleemann
College of DuPage's Business and Professional Institute (BPI) and the Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC) are teaming up to offer a Lean User Group, with the first meeting scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, at BPI's Center for Customized Solutions, 2525 Cabot Drive, Lisle.
The group will provide a meeting place for manufacturing executives who are implementing Lean Manufacturing principles in their facilities and who want to expand their practical knowledge and achieve effective implementation. Mike Johnston, senior business adviser at CMC, will facilitate the May 30 meeting along with Tom Jarapko, CMC's Lean practice leader.
"The User Group will provide a confidential forum for company leaders to discuss how and why they decide to use Lean to improve their business and share the benefits they've achieved as well as lessons learned," Johnston said.
Monthly meetings will focus on topics selected by the membership and facilitated by CMC Lean experts. Enrollment in the initial Lean User Group is limited to 50, with members selected from non-competing businesses to foster open sharing of information. All members will pledge to hold confidential the information obtained at meetings.
"The Lean User Group was requested by some of our Lean Institute participants, and College of DuPage is pleased to offer this networking and learning opportunity - at no cost - to manufacturers in our area," explained Meryl Sussman, associate vice president of Economic and Community Development at College of DuPage. "Once the initial group is up and running, we hope to form additional groups. It is helpful for people to share their experiences in a confidential and supportive setting."
To register for the May 30 meeting or for more information regarding the BPI Lean Institute, contact Vicki Shargo at (630) 942-2180 or e-mail: shargo@cod.edu.
Board of Trustees Honors Outstanding Faculty, Students
By Brian Kleemann
In its annual recognition of excellence, the College of DuPage Board of Trustees saluted both outstanding faculty and students during its regular meeting on April 24 in Glen Ellyn.
The Outstanding Faculty for 2007-2008 was headed by Mary Beth Leone (Wheaton), professor of Hotel and Lodging Management, as the overall Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member, and Jeffrey P. Fisher (Bolingbrook), instructor of Motion Picture/Television, as the overall Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member.
Divisional Outstanding Faculty Members are James P. Africh (Tinley Park), Professor of Mathematics, Natural and Applied Sciences; Marianne C. Berger (Geneva), Professor and Reference Librarian, Library; Keith W. Krasemann (Sycamore), Professor of Philosophy, Liberal Arts; Denise L. Kruckenberg (Warrenville), Assistant Professor of Respiratory Care, Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Joel E. Quam (Lombard), Professor of Geography, Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Linda Slusar (Winfield), Professor and Coordinator of Library and Information Technology, Business and Technology; and Nancy L. Webb (Naperville), Professor of English, Liberal Arts.
Criteria for the recognition - which includes a $500 cash award from the C.O.D. Foundation - includes excellence in teaching, service to the unit or college, scholarly activity, community service and advising.
The Board also recognized the Outstanding Advisers of the Year: Jessica Dyrek (Villa Park), Part-Time Counselor, and Katrina M. Nagle (Glen Ellyn), Assistant Professor of Engineering.
The Board applauded this year's Outstanding Male and Female Graduates: Blaire Hufford of Carol Stream and Robert Novak of Elmhurst. Each will receive a $250 honorarium from the C.O.D. Foundation and will speak at Commencement on May 16.
Achievement in excellence was also on display by Nahiris Bahamon (Oswego) and Sandy Kim (West Chicago), named to the second and third team, respectively, of the All-USA Community and Junior Colleges Academic Team, sponsored jointly by USA Today, the American Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa. Only 60 students from 1,600 nominees were selected for first, second and third team honors.
The Board saluted this year's annual student essay contest winners, headed by first place honoree Amy Rollins (Wheaton). Sponsored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the contest is held every year at C.O.D., with the winning essay competing in statewide competition. Second place went to Emily Shields (Wheaton), third place to Tonya Doss (Woodridge), and honorable mention to both Michael Baier (Elmhurst) and Sandy Kim (West Chicago).
Finally, the Board honored the women's basketball team, which recently captured third place at the National Junior college Athletic Association Division III Tournament.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at the Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 2052.
McKinnon Elected to Fourth Term as Board Chair
By Brian Kleemann
Current College of DuPage Board of Trustees Chairman Micheal McKinnon was reelected by Board members to a fourth consecutive one-year term as chairman during the April 24 meeting.
An Oak Brook resident, McKinnon is currently serving his second six-year term on the Board, having been successfully reelected in 2003. McKinnon was previously chairman of the Board's Finance Committee from 1997 to 2002, served on the Facilities Master Plan (FMP) committee from 2001 to 2003, was the Board's Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) liaison from 1998 to 2002, and has acted as liaison to the college's Foundation Board.
Mark Nowak (Addison) was elected for the third time as vice chairman for a one-year term. Nowak, who was elected to the Board in 2003, served as vice chairman from 2005-2006 and 2007-2008.
The Board also unanimously approved the one-year reappointment of Karen Neely (Indian Head Park) as board secretary and the law firm of Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton and Taylor, Ltd., as legal counsel. Thomas Ryan (Lombard), vice president of Administrative Affairs at C.O.D., was reappointed to a one-year term as board treasurer.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at the Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 2052.
Malek Zoubi Is New Student Trustee
By Brian Kleemann Malek Zoubi of Lombard was sworn in as the new student trustee during the College of DuPage Board of Trustees meeting on April 24 in Glen Ellyn.
Zoubi was elected by his peers and will serve a one-year term. He replaces outgoing student trustee Hope Whitten (Woodridge), who plans to transfer to the University of Texas, Dallas, to earn a bachelor's degree in prosthetics and orthotics.
"I came here to learn but I also grew," Whitten told board members. "I feel indebted to C.O.D., and I will always be thankful for the opportunity (this school) has given me."
The Board also set the public hearing for the fiscal year 2009 budget for Thursday, June 19.
In addition, the Board approved the following bids: Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) supplies, Shore Galleries in Lincolnwood and Gil Hebard Guns Inc. in Knoxville, for a total expenditure of $64,336.74; Part-Time Faculty Recognition Dinner, Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, $20,510.10; Manufacturing Technology program equipment, Grainger in Downers Grove and Midwest Welding Supply in Naperville, for a total expenditure of $43,947.08; and printing of the Arts Center subscription booklet, J.D. Graphics in Elk Grove Village, $36,631.
Also, laser printer paper, Forms World in St. Louis, $22,925; one-year contract purchase of natural gas, CenterPoint Energy; regional centers snow plowing services, Steve Miller Inc. in Naperville and Midland Snow and Ice in Villa Park, for a total expenditure of $22,099; and printing of marketing guide brochures, Creekside Printing in Elgin, $11,651.
Also, the purchase of a new uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, CDW Government in Vernon Hills, $111,012.16.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at the Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 2052, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
C.O.D. Trustees Voice Support for Harper College Bachelor's Degree Pilot Program
The College of DuPage Board of Trustees voted overwhelmingly to support legislation pending before the Illinois General Assembly that would establish a pilot program to allow community colleges to offer select bachelor's degrees in vocational areas.
College of DuPage is the first community college to express support for the proposal by Harper College, which originated the legislation last year. College of DuPage does not intend to participate in the pilot program but supports efforts by community colleges to pursue innovative programs that enhance their value to the community.
Harper’s proposed pilot program, which will sunset after four years, requires no additional taxpayer funding and will only provide degrees in disciplines that are not available through area four-year colleges. The program was supported by six of the seven College of DuPage Trustees.
“Innovation is the key to the enhancement of our educational system,” said Micheal E. McKinnon, Chairman of the College of DuPage Board of Trustees. “Our colleagues at Harper College are seeking to give students new options and to create new opportunities for career growth, and that is the fundamental purpose of our community college system.”
Many fields that previously did not require a bachelor’s degree for entry or advancement are now only accepting candidates who have attained that educational level. This is particularly common in health care and public safety, two areas where community colleges have traditionally provided educational opportunities.
“This proposal has broad-based support,” said Chairman McKinnon. “It allows community colleges that are accountable to local citizens to be responsive to the changing needs of the job market. While this program is not a fit for us at College of DuPage, we feel it is important to support our fellow community colleges in the pursuit of new ideas to serve our constituents. Our mission is to make the best use of taxpayer dollars and prepare students for an increasingly complex workplace,” he added.
Under the proposal, community colleges would not become four-year colleges and could only award bachelor’s degrees in areas that local four-year schools had declined to offer. It would in no way impact funding for state universities nor require any additional state funding for community colleges.
“At a time when state funding for its universities is severely strapped, community colleges need to step up and help fill an increasingly important role in providing education and training in areas like public safety and health care that are booming,” Chairman McKinnon said. “We owe it to the taxpayers to support Harper’s proposal so community colleges will be given the freedom to pursue innovations and adapt to changing needs.”
House Bill 1434, which passed the House in 2007, is now pending before the State Senate.
For more information, call Bill Troller at (630) 942-2480.
Hospitality Administration Students Win National Honor
By Ken Reed
Three College of DuPage Hospitality Administration students captured first place national honors this month in a knowledge-bowl competition patterned after the popular television show Jeopardy and sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association.
The students, Sharon Balkey (Burr Ridge) and Laura Lerdal and Jamie Reid (both from Villa Park), competed against five hospitality colleges, baccalaureate-granting institutions and Harper College in the national contest in Denver. The students were accompanied by chef instructor, Timothy Meyers.
Meyers said the students exhibited knowledge in cooking, restaurant finance, marketing and personnel management in their national tourney win.
The students earned the national berth by winning a regional competition.
"I'm so proud of them," Meyers said. "They met one day a week for four hours to prepare. The amount of time and effort they put in was fabulous. I couldn't have asked for a harder working group."
For information on Hospitality Administration, visit: www.cod.edu/hospitalityadministration/.
Wheaton Student Takes First Place in Essay Contest
By Brian Kleemann
Amy Rollins of Wheaton has been awarded first place in the annual Student Essay Contest at College of DuPage.
Rollins received a first prize of $100 and will be entered into the statewide competition sponsored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). Also earning recognition are Emily Shields of Wheaton, second place, $50; Tonya Doss of Woodridge, third place, $25; Michael Baier of Elmhurst, honorable mention; and Sandy Kim of West Chicago, honorable mention.
All of the winners will be honored at an upcoming Board of Trustees meeting.
In her winning essay, "College of DuPage: Options and Opportunities," Rollins addressed the impact that C.O.D. has had on her life, especially in terms of the relationships she forged while at the college.
"I have become friends with people my own age, with women the same age as my mother, as well as with people who already have established careers," Rollins wrote. "They have all taught me that I should choose a field of study I love and that it's never too late to go back to school to learn something new."
In her essay, "C.O.D. IS My Second Chance," Shields explained how she returned to school after a 10-year absence and how she was made to feel immediately welcome.
"Very nervously, I went into the adviser's office. She made me feel like I belonged at this institution of higher learning," Shields wrote. "She had more faith in me, at that moment, than I had in myself. I walked out of that office with the help of my adviser knowing the exact track I was going to be on for the next few years. For the first time in months, I was excited about where I was headed with my life."
In her essay, "Nothing to Fear," Doss refused to let returning to school intimidate her.
"Being a student at C.O.D. gave me a courage I had never experienced," Doss wrote. "My professors' belief in me and continued encouragement made me realize there was nothing I couldn't accomplish if I tried."
To read all of the winning essays, visit the web site at: www.cod.edu/resources/studentaffairs/contest_winner.htm.
Continuous Quality Improvement Grant
By David Hamilton
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has awarded College of DuPage $20,000 to support its programs in Continuous Quality Improvement, Program Enhancement and Innovation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) during fiscal year 2008, said Carol Anglet, the college's Grants director.
"The funding will be used to develop electronic academic advisement materials to facilitate registration and degree completion," Anglet said. "These materials will permit more students to access information directly and maximize the effectiveness of the college's advising services."
Anglet said that the ICCB funds will also be used to support the continuous improvement of the CTE program by supporting the teaching efforts of the program's faculty members.
For information more information on the grant, call Anglet at (630) 942-2461.
All-USA Academic Team Winners
By Ken Reed
Two College of DuPage students, Nahiris Bahamon (Oswego) and Sandy Kim (West Chicago) have been selected to the second and third teams, respectively, of the prestigious All-USA Community and Junior Colleges Academic Team.
Bahamon and Kim, who were also named to the All-Illinois Academic Team, were recognized by the college's Board of Trustees at its regular meeting on Thursday, April 24.
Sponsored jointly by USA Today, the American Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society, the academic team honors 60 outstanding community college students as representatives of all students at the nation's two-year colleges.
The award criteria for the all-academic teams are designed to find students who excel academically and show intellectual rigor in their course of study; demonstrate academic/leadership/civic growth; and, most importantly, extend their community college education to better themselves, their schools and their communities.
Bahamon and Kim were among 60 students selected for this nationwide honor. Each student will receive a specially-designed medallion from PTK.
Bahamon and her family immigrated to the United States only a few years ago from Columbia. She plans to become a physician and last November was chosen to present a research project at the Eighteenth Annual Argonne Laboratory Symposium for Undergraduates in Science, Engineering and Mathematics.
She is the vice president of PTK, an active member of the Student Leadership Council and treasurer of the International Students Organization. She has earned a 3.74 GPA, and was one of only 20 students nationwide to receive the prestigious Guistwhite Scholarship.
"It is such a great honor," Bahamon said. "Two years ago, I never would have dreamed that it would come to this. It is nice that all of my hard work has been recognized."
Kim is a past president of the Student Leadership Council and co-founder of the college's Veterans Association and the Collegiate Council, designed to garner student opinions. She is also the administrative manager of the Phi Beta Chapter of PTK.
Kim, double-majoring in Biology and Religious Studies, has earned a 3.86 grade point average. She is also the recipient of one of only six statewide $1,000 scholarships awarded by the Illinois Community College Faculty Association Teaching and Learning Excellence Committee.
"It is a great honor to be named to an outstanding group of community college students," Kim said. "I am proud to represent College of DuPage."
C.O.D. Receives 'Storm Ready' Designation
By David Hamilton
College of DuPage has recently received a "Storm Ready" designation, making it one of only two institutions of higher learning in Illinois to receive the designation, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The designation indicates that College of DuPage has an efficient system in place to track storms and alert the college community. According to the NWS web site, Americans each year cope with 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and 1,000 tornadoes.
"College of DuPage is only the second educational institution in Illinois to be certified as 'Storm Ready,' with Northern Illinois University being the first," said Lt. Ray Snisko, College of DuPage Public Safety Police. "This nationwide community preparedness weather hazard program is operated and overseen by the National Weather Service, and it encourages communities to take a proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations."
In order to earn the Storm Ready designation, an institution must establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center and have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts to alert the public.
The institution must also create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, promote the importance of public readiness through community and college seminars; develop a formal hazardous weather plan that includes training severe weather spotters; and sponsor emergency exercises.
"Regarding the efficiency of our current system, I believe that we are better prepared today than we have ever been in the past. I also believe that our effectiveness in the future will only continue to improve," Snisko said. "Storm Ready is a significant accomplishment toward the college's goals of ensuring the safety of everyone at our campuses."
For more information on the Storm Ready designation, call Snisko at (630) 942-4277, or visit: www.stormready.noaa.gov.
Students, Staff Embrace New West Chicago Facility
By Ken Reed
The move by the College of DuPage West Chicago Community Education Center into a new facility last month means more than just comfortable surroundings, according to Debbie Black, the center's administrative assistant.
"The best thing about this move is that it really represents to our students how important they are to the community and to the college," Black said.
She said the college saw a need for the new and larger space and it responded. "It is just uplifting to see how the students respond to the facility and how the college supports them."
The new 7,800 square-foot rental space at 950 E. Roosevelt Road in the Lorlyn Plaza provides significantly more room than the old 2,480 square-foot facility.
Since beginning operation in the smaller facility two years ago, the center has experienced a huge influx of students, according to Carlos Romero, center supervisor. The center opened its doors to 78 students and this spring term served 625.
This huge jump in enrollment prompted the recent move. "The community has a hunger for learning," Romero said. "And the center is here, close to home, very accessible and flexible in terms of its class schedules."
Romero is elated with the new facility. "It is awesome and just what the West Chicago area needs. We can now accommodate our students with more services and in a comfortable setting that is conducive to learning."
Pedro Lopez of West Chicago agrees. "It is a very comfortable setting in which to study," he said.
Romero said he has been hearing other positive comments from students. "They are overwhelmed and appreciate the new space. One student said this was the most beautiful school he has attended. They are very happy about the size of the space and appreciate the opportunity to be here."
Romero noted the new facility has a computer classroom and that five computer classes are scheduled this summer semester, three in Spanish and two in English. Also this summer, the center will present 18 English as a Second Language classes, four General Educational Development classes and nine youth education courses.
With many general education classes also on the schedule, Romero said he hopes to increase enrollment by 100 students each semester.
He also points out that the center features an all-purpose room that the community can use for meetings.
For more information on the West Chicago Community Education Center, call (630) 231-3348, or visit www.cod.edu/RegionalCtrs/WChi_Reg.htm.
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."
For more information, call (630) 942-2454, or e-mail: johnsnro@cod.edu.
Career and Technical Education Grant
By Ken Reed
A $5,000 grant has been awarded College of DuPage by the Illinois Community College Board to enhance and improve Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the high school and college level by integrating math into CTE curriculums.
Carol Anglet, C.O.D. director of Grants, said the funds, which were distributed through the CTE Regional Collaboration grant program, will support the DuPage/Joliet Math-in-CTE Collaborative effort.
Anglet said math and CTE curriculum chairs and faculty representing C.O.D., Kennedy King College and the DuPage Area Occupational Education system, will pilot curriculum models created by a coalition that includes Joliet Junior College (JCC), high schools and career centers in the JCC district.
For more information call Ann Marie Rosen, C.O.D. associate dean, Career and Workforce Development, (630) 942-2592, or visit this Career and Technical Education web site: www.cod.edu/Gen_Info/DAEC/cod_techprep.htm.
Lighting the Way
By Ken Reed
"Education," said William Butler Yeats, "is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
Lighting the way for College of DuPage students are seven faculty members recognized with Mary Beth Leone (Wheaton), assistant professor, Hotel and Lodging Management, as 2007-2008 Outstanding Faculty. Leone was named the college's Overall Outstanding Faculty Member.
The seven are James Africh (Tinley Park), professor, Mathematics; Marianne Berger (Geneva), professor and reference librarian; Keith Krasemann (Sycamore), professor, Philosophy; Denise Kruckenberg (Warrenville), assistant professor/coordinator, Respiratory Care Therapy; Joel Quam (Lombard), professor, Geography; Linda Slusar (Winfield), professor/coordinator, Library and Information Technology; and Nancy Webb (Naperville), professor, English.
The outstanding faculty members were selected through a process that began with student nominations. Criteria for the recognition - which includes a $500 cash award from the C.O.D. Foundation - comprises excellence in teaching, service to the unit or college, scholarly activity, community service and advising.
Overall Outstanding Faulty Member Leone believes in connecting classroom learning with hands-on experience. In 2004, she organized a group of students who entered the Tabletop Competition at the National Housewares Show. Her students won first place honors and were showcased on Home and Garden Television (HGTV). She helped found the Hospitality Club at C.O.D. and serves as its faculty adviser. She maintains membership in several professional organizations and invites students to the groups' meetings.
Leone actively prepares her students for lifelong careers by placing them in internships, and she has received many letters from students expressing their appreciation for her assistance and dedication in preparing them for industry careers.
Mathematics professor Africh was cited as "one of the strongest mathematicians at C.O.D. and arguably one of the top mathematicians at any Illinois community college." With the bulk of his teaching load at night, he has affectionately been dubbed a "lighthouse" or beacon for part-time faculty and students. Africh was cited for his thorough dedication to his students, aiding and advising them beyond 11 p.m. on a regular basis.
He also shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for mathematics with colleagues. "… (It has been) said that a great skill is making those around you better," said a math colleague. "I know that I am a much better teacher due to Jim's support and guidance." With Africh as their coach, the C.O.D. Math Team has captured first place nine times in the Midwest Region national test of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges.
Professor and reference librarian Berger exemplifies excellence in librarianship with her strong work ethic and dedication. As head of the Library's Circulation Department, she ensures that the Library's Catalog, Circulation Services and AV Distribution areas function efficiently. She also works countless hours behind the scenes to manage the Library's computer system, which provides access to the Library's collections.
Berger teaches countless classes and works closely with faculty in the many Liberal Arts programs for which she is the liaison librarian. She is also an expert on copyright law, maintaining a copyright web site for the college and offering workshops to faculty. She has served on the college's Faculty/Administrative Review Board for many years, as well as the Epidemiology Committee.
Philosophy professor Krasemann in 1999 was selected as the college's Overall Outstanding Faculty Member. Krasemann teaches a broad spectrum of courses, including Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, Business Ethics, Critical Thinking, Social and Political Philosophy, Leadership Development, and History and Philosophy of Education. He helps students develop a greater appreciation for abstract philosophical inquiry and how philosophy relates to their everyday lives. Students over the years have commented on Krasemann's breadth of knowledge, the challenging and thought-provoking nature of his classes and his commitment to helping students learn.
Krasemann co-directs the National Endowment of the Humanities grant-funded project, "Philosophical Ideas and Artistic Pursuit in the Traditions of Asia and the West." He chairs the Asia Committee on campus and directs the Regional Center for Asian Studies Development program.
In addition, he recently organized the highly-successful National Conference of the Asian Studies Development Program. Krasemann is one of the original editors for C.O.D.'s anthology of student writing, ESSAI, and he initiated and serves as the adviser of the student Philosophy Club. He has six books in print and is completing two philosophy books that will be published later this year.
A practicing respiratory therapist, Kruckenberg brings passion and skill to her teaching. She treats sensitive materials with professional expertise and is able to interject an appropriate sense of humor to lighten some of the more serious topics in the program's curriculum. Kruckenberg has participated in department, Division and college service projects with diligence and sincerity.
Kruckenberg co-chaired the 2007 All-College Workshop and will handle those duties again this year. She has served as a team leader for the annual American Heart Association Heart Walks and serves on the Hospitality committee. Her commitment to enhance C.O.D. is evident in her dedicated work.
Geography professor Quam demonstrates daily care and concern for students, an extensive knowledge of subject matter, and a particularly distinctive methodology. Quam empowers his students to learn, remember, increase awareness and think critically. He employs many innovative techniques to help his students learn. In one activity - a combination final exam and party - Quam invited community members to mingle with his students and ask them questions about geography.
Having traveled widely, Quam brings a unique perspective to the field of geography. Highlights of his college committee work include acting as chair of the 2006 All-College Workshop Committee, serving as a faculty senator for three years and co-founding the Russia committee. Currently, Quam is writing an electronic textbook on the geography of Russia.
Library and Information Technology coordinator Slusar was cited as turning the college's Library and Information Technology program into a 21st century powerhouse. Under her leadership, the program has grown from a campus-specific to an international program with the addition of "Soaring to Excellence" teleconferences. The teleconferences are down-linked to more than 400 sites throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her leadership and achievements were featured in a front cover article in the Library Journal, which awarded Slusar its annual "Movers and Shakers" award. She received Library Mosaic's "Supporter of Support Staff" award in 2000 for "delivering one of the outstanding support staff programs in the country," and for increasing the availability of her program in alternative delivery modes.
Slusar helps her students create professional portfolios, which culminate in a "Portfolio Expo," attended by library professionals. She has established a student scholarship in Dominican University's Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program to enable students to obtain a graduate degree in this field. Slusar also developed two-way video conferencing and internet classes to help students throughout Illinois attain a degree that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
English professor Webb is an outstanding teacher, whose lively personality and creativity engages students and helps them learn. Webb spends many hours with her students during individual conferences. She acts as both mentor and adviser and guides them toward their future aspirations. Webb founded the college's Writing and Reading Center, which currently assists more than 2,500 students per year.
She also created the first Liberal Arts certificate in 2000 - the Technical Writing certificate. An internship program is a key element of the certificate and Webb has worked to develop opportunities for students to work in the field while they study. She serves as a part-time liaison for the Communications subdivision and provides orientation sessions for new part-time faculty in the Communications area.
For more information, call (630) 942-2454, or e-mail: johnsnro@cod.edu.
Summer Construction at C.O.D.
By Ken Reed
Construction will continue this summer on two major projects, the Health and Science Center (HS), located east of Lambert Road and the Technical Education Center (TE) just west of Lambert. In addition, Abbey Paving will concentrate on roads on and near the campus and the reconfiguration of one campus parking lot.
John Wandolowski, C.O.D. director of Facilities, Planning and Construction/Operations and Maintenance, emphasized that work will not interfere with the C.O.D. commencement ceremony on May 16 and several high school graduations hosted at the college.
"Those graduation dates are important in terms of how we try to be conscious of what is happening on campus, Wandolowski said."
The RPL3 project is scheduled to be completed this fall.
One of the largest summer projects is the repaving and reconfiguration of Parking Lot S, located north of College Road and east of the Russell R. Kirt Prairie. Angela Knoble, project manager, Facilities Planning and Construction, emphasized that work on the parking lot will be done in phases, starting with the south end of the lot.
Wandolowski said another major project is the removal of the current Circle Drive and drop-off location next to the Student Resource Center's (SRC) south entrance. That roadway and drop-off will be replaced by an attractive plaza featuring trees, grass and an outdoor performance area with terraced seating.
However, students, staff and visitors will still have access to a new drop-off area near the SRC's south entrance. This drop-off will be located just west of the new plaza along Prairie Drive, which connects College Road and Fawell Boulevard. The drop-off will be out of Prairie's traffic pattern so passengers can safely exit and enter vehicles.
Knoble said an attractive island will be situated in the drop-off, which will contain prairie plantings and represent an extension of the prairie to the west.
Handicap parking on the north end of Parking Lot S will be moved closer to the new plaza and a handicap entrance ramp constructed from that lot along the west side of the Seaton Computing Center to the south Berg Instructional Center (BIC) plaza.
"In designing the plaza, we are looking at its impact on students and how to make it a better space for them," Wandolowski said. "Handicap parking and the handicap entrance ramp, the common space and safety of students have all been improved. It is a good plan and an improved entrance for the students."
Also on Abbey's spring/summer docket is a widening of Lambert from Circle Drive to the new Tallgrass Road, which connects with Lambert. Tallgrass is an east-west roadway from Lambert to the McAninch Arts Center. Turn lanes will be added on Lambert at Tallgrass.
Further, a new traffic signal will be installed at the Lambert and Tallgrass intersection and the traffic signal at Lambert and Circle Drive removed. The Circle Drive roadway from Prairie to Lambert will be eliminated after the new intersection opens.
"Bringing the entrance to Tallgrass off Lambert will really change how people see the campus," Wandolowski said. "They will pass by the HS building on the north side for their first impression of the campus. It will be a dramatic change." A new sidewalk along Tallgrass will become the main pedestrian crossing between the east and west campuses.
Other construction changes include a right turn lane onto College from Lambert and widening College to the north from Prairie to Park Boulevard to allow for the addition of turn lanes into roads and parking lots.
In addition, sidewalks will be constructed on the west side of Lambert from Fawell to College and on College from Lambert to Park.
Knoble said these construction projects will increase parking capacity, improve the safety of all roadways, access drives and circulation, consolidate pedestrian movements, and reduce parking lot pavement and reflected radiation.
Moreover, 40 benches, 25 trash/recycle receptacles, 20 bike racks, 250 to 300 trees, three-quarters of an acre of natural plantings and improved lighting and storm water facilities will be part of the campus improvements.
Work also began this spring on a bridge spanning Prairie Drive connecting the SRC with the new HS building. A west campus power system upgrade is also being installed with an instantaneous switch gear, according to Wandolowski. The switch gear provides two separate power sources for the west campus. If something happens to one of the power feeds, the second feed comes online in less than a second. "It is a sophisticated approach to make sure we have power at all times," Wandolowski said.
Communication throughout these construction projects will be a high priority, according to Wandolowski. "We will communicate as rapidly as possible so everyone is aware of these projects." He said the college web site will be utilized extensively, as will new mobile lighted signs, which are currently in place on Lambert and College.
"It will be critical for students, staff and visitors to understand traffic pattern changes," he said.
For more information and construction updates on the FMP, visit this web site: www.cod.edu/facilities_plan/index.htm.
BPI Offers 'Lean Training' Courses
By David Hamilton
The College of DuPage Business and Professional Institute (BPI) Center for Customized Solutions is offering a series of "Lean Training" modules in March, April and May at BPI's new offices located at 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 201, in Lisle.
By partnering with Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC), BPI became the leading community college in Illinois to successfully offer this type of training in an institute format, said Lolly Frederick, Center for Customized Solutions manager. BPI will also offer the program on site at business locations where we can customize the program to fit the client's needs.
"Lean processes have turned around manufacturers throughout the country by helping them to streamline their processes and reap greater productivity and profitability in every area of their operations," Frederick said. "As a business solutions provider, BPI wanted to support local manufacturers by delivering Lean Training through our institute."
The Lean Institute includes 12 modules, each eight hours long, for a total of 96 hours of training. Clients pick and choose the classes that best suit their needs. All modules are taught by trained facilitators using curriculum developed by the CMC.
Topics covered include Principles of Lean, Lean Enterprise Transformation, Value Stream Mapping, Culture, Leadership, Change Management and Teams, 5S Visual Workplace, Pull/Kanban, Problem Solving, Quick Changeover, Cellular Flow, Total Productive Maintenance, Performance Measures and Kaizen Blitz Event.
Upcoming modules include TPM - Total Productive Maintenance, April 30; Performance Measures, May 7; and Kaizen Blitz/Event, May 14.
"Our initial efforts resulted in the delivery of on-site training to five different manufacturing companies in DuPage County," Frederick said. "In order to reach greater numbers of manufacturers and provide a more cost-effective way to deliver this training, we launched the Lean Institute in 2007."
To date, the Lean Institute has served 147 participants from 11 different companies and plans to serve even more in 2008, Frederick said.
Participants can use this training as the first component of the Lean Certification program offered by The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing.
"Two years ago, one of our DuPage County-based tooling and manufacturing clients told us that they were barely breaking even," Frederick said. "They knew they had to do something to regain their competitive edge. Years of the pricing pressures of a global marketplace had resulted in much of their business going overseas.
"Then something happened," Frederick added. "This small supplier started doing business with a Fortune 500 company that had implemented Lean Manufacturing Principles. They were introduced to the concept, thought it could work for them and then had to find a solutions provider. The Center for Customized Solutions offered them Lean Training and helped them fill out the state grant paperwork which subsidized a portion of the training cost. Today this client's business is thriving."
The cost for each module is $365 per person, which includes a boxed lunch and course materials. Each training session meets from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To register for this program call Vicki Shargo at (630) 942-2180 or e-mail: shargo@cod.edu.
Wheaton-C.O.D.-Naperville Bus Route
By David Hamilton
Pace Bus Route 714, the Naperville-College of DuPage-Wheaton Connector, is the first direct link between Naperville and Wheaton. The fare costs only $1.50, providing an advantage to students who feel the pinch of rising gasoline prices.
At various points along the route, transfers can be made to more than 20 other Pace routes and two Metra lines. The hours of service are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The route operates every 30 minutes during rush hours and every hour midday and evenings.
Route 714 offers student, faculty and community members a transit option to such destinations as Edward Hospital, the downtowns and Metra stations in both Naperville and Wheaton, the Danada Square and Ogden shopping malls and the College of DuPage Glen Ellyn campus.
Bus schedules are available in the college's Student Activities office and the Information Desk in the Admissions office, both of which are located in the Student Resource Center.
The Route 714 schedule and map are available on Pace's web site, www.pacebus.com. Travel information is also available by call the RTA Travel Information Center from any area code at 836-7000.
Pace Bus Map (PDF File)
Pace Bus Schedule (PDF File)
