By: Brian Kleemann
College of DuPage recently honored five alumni for their notable careers and achievements during the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards Reception.
Sponsored by Alumni Engagement in the Office of Institutional Advancement, the ceremony recognized Nahiris M. Bahamón, Rob Jannusch, Rowan A. Miranda, Jacqueline S. Ruiz and Josie Suter for their accomplishments.
“These five alumni exemplify the community college experience,” said College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo. “They came to us from all walks of life for help in reaching their goals, and they are now using their knowledge and skills to distinguish themselves at the highest levels.”
Learn more about COD’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni:
Josie Suter, Engineer
Josie Suter graduated from College of DuPage in 2018 with an Associate in Engineering Science degree and then continued her education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2020. At COD, Suter was a finalist for the Outstanding Graduate award and received the Benjamin P. Hyink Student Leader of the Year Award. Her work designing assistive devices for people with disabilities earned her the MechSe Student Outreach Award at UIUC. Suter is currently a robotics engineer at EarthSense, focusing on developing sustainable farming automation. She also established a scholarship at COD for engineering students.
Rob Jannusch, Corporate Paralegal
In addition to the three degrees he received from College of DuPage, Rob Jannusch holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and philosophy with a history minor from Duke University and a Master of Science in finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His achievements at COD include being the recipient of the 1998 Carter D. Carroll Excellence in History Award, a 1999 USA Today Academic All-American and a member of the College's nationally ranked soccer teams in both 1998 and 1999. He was also a graduate of the College's Honors Scholar Program and selected as the 1999 Outstanding Male Graduate. Jannusch established an endowed scholarship at COD, the Shirley M. Jannusch Memorial Scholarship, to be awarded annually beginning this year in honor of his late mother. Currently, he serves as a senior private equity/mergers and acquisitions paralegal at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, where he assists attorneys with private equity and mergers and acquisition transactions.
Nahiris M. Bahamón, M.D., FAAP, Pediatrician
Born and raised in Colombia, Nahiris M. Bahamón moved with her family to the U.S. as a refugee at the age of 18. She earned an Associate in Science degree in biology from College of DuPage in 2008, where she engaged in research opportunities, held leadership positions, and received multiple scholarships and awards that include the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship, the Guistwhite Scholarship, and selection for the All-Illinois Academic Team and the All-USA Second Academic Team. After graduating with distinction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in biology and anthropology, Bahamón served as an AmeriCorps health educator at a Chicago community health center. She then obtained her medical doctoral degree from Boston University School of Medicine while serving as a student leader for the LGBTQ+ and other advocacy groups. She completed her pediatrics residency as a LUCENT Scholar at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago. Bahamón has served on the Board of Physicians and in multiple advocacy roles within the American Academy of Pediatrics. In 2019, she was recognized for her efforts as a Chicago Scholars’ 35 Under 35 Young Leaders Making an Impact.
Rowan A. Miranda, Ph.D., Corporate Executive
Rowan A. Miranda is a skilled professional with expertise in government strategy, public finance and administration. He holds multiple degrees, including an Associate in Arts from College of DuPage, bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and master’s and a doctorate from the University of Chicago. He currently serves as the senior managing partner of government strategy at Workday, leading the public sector strategy. With prior experience as a CFO in city/county government and higher education, Miranda brings a wealth of financial and administrative knowledge to his roles. He also held teaching positions at institutions such as the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Chicago. Rowan is also a published author on such subjects as public budgeting, taxation and economic development finance.
Jacqueline S. Ruiz, Entrepreneur
Jacqueline S. Ruiz graduated from College of DuPage in 2006 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in marketing. She not only is the CEO of JJR Marketing/PR Agency and Fig Factor Media, she also established two nonprofit organizations and published 32 books, including the award-winning series “Today’s Inspired Latina.” A sought-after motivational speaker, Jacqueline has delivered talks globally for institutions such as the United Nations, Stanford Graduate School of Business and Macy’s. Her achievements have earned multiple awards, including the Emerging Leader Award, Entrepreneurial Excellence and Influential Women in Business Awards, and recognition as a finalist for Latina Entrepreneur of the Year. Her dedication extends to serving on various boards, including YWCA, Junior Achievement-Western Region, Publicity Club of Chicago, the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board and COD’s Chaparral Alumni Network. She is one of the few Latina sports airplane pilots in the U.S.
Pictured above, from left, Nahiris Bahamón, Josie Suter, Rob Jannusch, Rowan Miranda and Jacqueline Ruiz