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News and Views From Your Community College October 2012
IN THIS ISSUERecognizing our partners in
education
Going green expands acrossTriton's campus and into district
communities
Renovating with sustainability inmind
Inspiring leadership with thePresident's Leadership Academy
Reconnecting Triton Collegegraduates through new Alumni
Association
Alumni Spotlight on Alesha Young
Providing new experiences, fun forfamilies at Fall Family Fun Fest
David King to be honored at the20th Annual President's Reception
on Nov. 14
New name for the HIA DiningRoom announced
'Like' President Granados' newFacebook page!
DATES TO REMEMBER
Through Nov. 16 Berwyn Art League art display,Triton College Art Gallery, Fine
Arts Building.
Oct. 29 Chamber Music Concert, 7:30p.m., Performing Arts Center inthe Robert M. Collins Center.
Nov. 7
Discover Triton: Explore YourOpportunities, 6 p.m.,
B-130A&B of the StudentCenter; Reservations are
recommended by calling (708)456-0300, ext. 3130
Nov. 8
Veterans Day Celebration,11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Student
Through guidance, newinitiatives, Triton Collegeaddresses college readinessand retention An overwhelming number of college students expect to succeed incollege and see it through to completion, but many don't, according toresults from the Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE)collected by the Center for Community College Student Engagementat the University of Texas at Austin. That's why it is up to colleges anduniversities nationwide to present new initiatives and programs thatwill encourage students to stay on track to completing their education. Triton College has consistently increased opportunity for more andmore students to experience success in education through itsmandatory placement test. The test, which places students intodevelopmental education classes based on their test scores, insteadof placing them into a more advanced course where they'll beunsuccessful, has seen a significant increase of students who'veeither taken the test or were waived from taking the test since fall2010 and following the mandatory test implementation in spring 2011. The referrals for the developmental education classes, which allow forstudents to develop the skills they need for college-level performance,indicates little change from 2011 to 2012. However, the percentagesof students referred to developmental courses are considerable andremain a focus in addressing college readiness. "The college continues to explore strategies to increase studentsuccess in developmental education through curriculum and policydevelopment," said Triton College President Patricia Granados. "Weare truly committed to embracing and implementing the interventionsthat will be the most effective for our students."
Center Cafeteria.
Nov. 9-11 and 15-18Triton College Performing ArtsDepartment present 'Art', 7:30p.m. Thursdays, Fridays andSaturdays & 2 p.m. Sundays,Cox Auditorium (Room J-108)
of the Fine Arts Building;Tickets are $12 for general
admission and $10 forstudents, Triton employees and
seniors.
Nov. 14President's Reception, 6 p.m.,Student Center Cafeteria. Visitwww.triton.edu/foundation forticket information and more
details.
Nov. 15 Green and Greet Game, 5:30p.m., Room R-221, Robert M.
Collins Center.
Nov. 15Sustainable Thursdays, 7 to 9p.m., Room B-204/210 of theStudent CenterAll events are
open free to the public, unlessotherwise stated.
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The Triton College UniversityCenter was recognized in a
Chicago Tribune article!
CONNECT WITH US
To further address college readiness, Triton is considering the newinitiative GoWeek to encourage engagement among students theweek before classes begin by building excitement and preparing themfor the new school year. "Having events where students can meettheir faculty, get to know the campus and learn about the resourceswe have available would be what GoWeek is all about," said Mary-Rita Moore, Associate Vice President of Strategic Planning. "Thisinitiative addresses college readiness and shared ownership of ourstudents' success." Moore said a GoWeek committee will be formed to develop the idea,contingent upon the research findings and plans of the No LateRegistration Taskforce committee.
Another way students are provided withaccess to resources they need to achieveis done through the use of Blackboard, anonline resource tool for students andfaculty. At the Aug. 24 Fall FacultyWorkshop, it was revealed that Tritonstudents mostly utilize the tool fromMonday through Thursday at 2 in themorning via their computer system.Accessing Blackboard via smartphonesand tablet computers was the next highest login platform. This mayincrease with Blackboard's new mobile application now available,announced Doug Olson, Vice President of Academic and StudentAffairs, providing even more efficient access for students and faculty.The app, he said, will be available for Android™ devices, BlackBerry®smartphone devices, HP webOS devices as well as iPhone®, iPodtouch®, and iPad™ devices. Triton College understands the importance of personal guidancewhen it comes to a student succeeding. The new mentoring program,TEAM, or Triton Employees as Mentors, was developed specifically toaddress the needs of full-time students who are taking two or moredevelopmental education courses in reading, math, or writing.According to Jackie Werner, Program Coordinator and StudentSuccess Strategist, the program is currently serving 87 first-yearTriton students - exceeding its goal for the first year by 45 percent. Werner said TEAM students have welcomed the extra support theirmentors provide, including motivation to keep up with their classes.
Dr. Amanda Turner and Phillip Prale presenting at the Annual Salute to Partnerships Reception.
"Our hope is that this program will continue to expand into the springsemester," she said. "We also intend to create a stronger link with ourdistrict high schools and inform counselors about the program andhow their Triton-bound students can benefit."
Student JocelynSanchez ofElmwood Parkappreciates theguidance she hasreceived from hermentor, Director ofAdmissionsIzabela Zurawska.Sanchez admitsthat, at first, shedidn't know wherethe college library
was located or that on-campus tutors were available to help with hercoursework. But with help from Zurawska, it wasn't long before shebecame acclimated to the campus. "The program has provided mewith a helping hand so that I can get adapted to Triton without feelingoverwhelmed," she said. Zurawska added, "It's important for Triton employees to be able toprovide our students - new and returning - with the information andguidance they need to be successful. This program provides thatthrough one-on-one interaction." Back to top
Recognizing our partners in education The success of a partnership between Triton College and Oak Park and River Forest (OPRF) HighSchool aimed at improving college readiness was highlighted at Triton's Annual Salute toPartnerships Reception. The Aug. 7 reception welcomed staff and faculty from area K-12institutions and four-year partner universities to acknowledge the need and positive outcomes thatcan result from collaborating toward the common goal of fostering student success.
Triton Dean of Enrollment Services Dr. Amanda Turnerand Philip Prale, Assistant Superintendent forCurriculum and Instruction for OPRF High School,presented their results from proctoring Triton'smandatory placement test to 200 OPRF high schoolstudents to measure their college readiness."Conducting this test with our juniors allowed us to seehow effective our educational program is so that we canwork on targeting what's needed to prepare ourstudents for college-level coursework," Prale said. Dr. Turner said the college is open to performing suchtasks with other local schools. "We want students to besuccessful and have the foundation to be successful atthe next level."
This statement is evident through Triton's University Center and its annual Future Focus CollegeFair, which both evoke a commitment to educating Triton's students beyond what the college offers.
Students, faculty and staff met with representatives fromthe University Center partners.
Students visiting with colleges at the Future Focus college fair.
Triton's University Center, which provides students with the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's ormaster's degree on Triton's campus, settled intotheir new location in the Student Center with anopen house this fall. Thanks to partnerships between Triton College andseveral four-year universities, students can chooseto pursue a degree from National Louis University,Benedictine University, Governors State University,Southern Illinois University Carbondale or EasternIllinois University. Hicela Castruita Woods, Associate Director of Non-Traditional Enrollment at Benedictine University,said, "Having this partnership is beneficial tostudents because they are made aware of thetransfer option early on and can make a four-yearplan that begins with their associate's degree." Triton student Johnson Onwe wants to transfer to afour-year institution but thought it was out of reachuntil attending the University Center Open House."It's great that I can still get my bachelor's degreeby taking courses on Triton's campus. Triton isclose to home, which will save me money in thelong run," he said. College is right around the corner for high school junior Jennifer Jackson. To research colleges, sheattended Triton's Future Focus college fair with her parents, Jackie and Tyrone Townes, on Sept. 18.
The fair, attended by more than 3,000people, brought together 100 colleges anduniversities nationwide to allow prospectivecollege students and their families to speakwith representatives from Triton College, aswell as other institutions, to learn aboutadmission procedures, program offerings,tuition expenses and financial aid. "There are colleges here I didn't even knowexisted," Jackson noted. "To have access toso many colleges in one place, really helpswith my college search and gets me excitedabout going off to college."
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Read all about it! The Triton College University Center was recognized in a Chicago Tribune article!
Going green expands across Triton's campus and intodistrict communities Sustainable practices are spreading across the Triton College campus and its surroundingcommunities like a wildfire, sparking new initiatives and events that will further the college's missionto inspire and educate on how to live a greener lifestyle.
The Triton College Greening the Campus Committee, co-chaired bybiology instructors Beth Cliffel and Joe Beuchel, ushered in the fallseason by expanding recycling efforts on campus, they planted a raingarden on Triton's mounds and hosted a community-wide recyclingevent on Oct. 6. In collaboration with the Triton College SustainabilityCenter, the committee is currently planning events for SustainabilityMonth in 2013 and developing sustainability-related ideas that meet theneeds of the college's master plan. Opening the door to new learning experiences for students, the TritonCollege Sustainability Center recently adopted the vast portion of awooded area adjacent to the campus from the Forest Preserve Districtof Cook County that will be maintained by the campus community andutilized for educational purposes. "This area has many species of native plants and a creek that flows into the Des Plaines River thatstudents and faculty of our environmental biology and sustainable landscaping courses will findbeneficial for hands-on learning," said Sustainability Center Coordinator Adrian Fisher.
Named Adena Woods, after a Native American tribe known toinhabit the land, the green space was introduced on Sept. 15when Triton College participated in the Forest Preserve District ofCook County's Des Plaines River Clean-Up Day. Triton studentsand employees joined in the clean-up efforts. Community members can visit Triton's campus for lessons onsustainability during its free monthly workshop series, titledSustainable Thursdays. Nov. 15 - Exclusive presentations from the 23rd Annual BioneersConference: Emergence, which was held in California in October,will be shown and discussed at the last Sustainable Thursdays
event of the season. Videos of selected talks will later be made available on the Triton LibrarySustainability LibGuide. Each workshop will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room B-204/210 of Triton's Student Center. For moreinformation, contact Adrian Fisher at [email protected] or call (708) 456-0300, ext. 3578. Also, on Nov. 15, Triton College President Patricia Granados will hosta pre-game reception with asustainability focus, called Green andGreet Game, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in Room R-221 prior to themen's basketball game in the Robert M. Collins Center. Students canlearn about Triton's sustainability efforts on campus and the meaningof "zero-waste" as well as meet Dr. Granados. The Green and GreetGame will include live music, refreshments and a raffle. Students areencouraged to attend the basketball game at 7 p.m., where they canalso take photos with the President during half-time. Back to top
Renovating with sustainability in mind Triton College is currently in the design development phase of renovating its Health & SciencesBuilding (H-Building), which incorporates many sustainable concepts to provide students and facultywith an educational environment that will be sustained into the future. The building will house sucheducational programs as Nursing, Surgical Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, NuclearMedicine and Ophthalmology, as well as provide classrooms for some biology and chemistrycourses.
Associate Vice President of Facilities John Lambrecht saidthe building will include an efficient, low-energyconsumption mechanical system; a cistern to collect roofwater that will be reused in washrooms; and a green roofwith granite chips that will reflect the sun back into theatmosphere, thus decreasing the wear and tear on thebuilding; and Lambrecht said many of the green featureswill help cut down on the cost of operating and maintainingthe building. Other features of the building will include surgicaltechnology and dissection labs, a relaxed seating area forstudents and a computer commons area with wi-fi
capability.
"We're really trying to look toward the future with remodelingthis building and provide our students with a state-of-the-artlearning environment conducive to their education,"Lambrecht said. The projected opening date of the building is fall 2014. Back to top
Inspiring leadership with the President's LeadershipAcademy Not everyone is born a leader, but it can be inspired. The members of the 2013 President'sLeadership Academy walked away from the group's September kick-off retreat inspired and enthusedabout what they had gained from the experience and ready to put their plans into action to further thecollege's mission. Composed of 22 selected faculty and staff members from a wide range of employment backgrounds,this year's Leadership Academy came together to begin the yearlong program designed to developemployees' leadership skills and encourage them to become leaders within their departments and theinstitution.
Keynote speaker Dr. Mark Milliron, former deputy director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundationwho is now chancellor of Western Governors University in Texas, encouraged members to thinkoutside the box when it comes to their jobs and the institution for the future. Other speakers includedTriton administration and faculty as well as presidents from other area colleges, such as ElginCommunity College and Illinois Valley Community College, who told leadership academy members tonot be afraid of taking the next step in their careers and shared their stories of the road to collegepresidency. Members also participated in strength-building and communication exercises anddeveloped a group project in line with the college's master plan. "No matter what position one holds at a community college, we are all leaders," said Triton CollegePresident Patricia Granados. "It is important to grow your own leaders and help them realize their fullpotential to someday step into leadership positions. The Leadership Academy is a great opportunityfor employees to gain a better understanding of what it takes to operate a college, enhance theirleadership skills, explore career opportunities and build relationships with colleagues acrossemployee groups." The members appreciated the opportunity to meet other employees at the college and learn how theycan become more effective leaders at the institution. "I left the retreat with a renewed desire and commitment to see the institution and our studentssucceed," said Richard Brown, Testing Center Coordinator. "I'm excited and energized at theopportunities that lie ahead for this year's class and our ability to support the institution through ourgroup project." "The retreat gave us all a chance to learn and get to know each other in an environment outside ofthe college," said Larissa Garcia, Faculty Librarian. "We each bring unique skills and institutionalknowledge to the academy, and I think this is a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate in new andexciting ways that will benefit both the college and our own professional development." Back to top
Reconnecting Triton College graduates through new AlumniAssociation The Triton College Alumni Association is growing in numbers and reputation. After only a year ofbeing established, the Alumni Association has already welcomed more than 100 new members, withexpectations of having more than 1,000 new members by the end of the spring 2013 semester. Growing the Alumni Association is of great importance to Triton College, as alumni are Triton'sgreatest advocates and ambassadors of the college's mission of lifelong learning and studentsuccess. "The goal of the Triton College Alumni Association is to foster lifelong relationships withalumni and Triton College through programs and initiatives that both serve our graduates and engagethem in the future success of the college and our current students," said Lisa Scalessi, Director ofAlumni Relations. Alumni Association members have enjoyedattending special events connecting them totheir alma mater, including a Chicago WhiteSox and Cubs baseball outing and socialgathering. Plus, they've appreciatedopportunities to stay active with the collegeby returning as guest speakers, serving asmembers of advisory committees and/orinstructors and investing in education throughthe Triton College Foundation. "As we continue to build our membership, our future plans include establishing an Alumni AssociationCouncil that will help direct the future of the association and continuing to develop ways of informingand involving alumni in the future success of Triton," Scalessi said. For Triton alumni interested in joining the Alumni Association, contact Lisa Scalessi [email protected]. Membership is free. For more information on becoming a Council member, visitwww.triton.edu/alumnicouncilnomination. Back to top
Alumni Spotlight on ... Alesha Young Alesha Young, of Oak Park, revived her childhood dreamof becoming a nurse
Alesha Young feels like a lifelong student of Triton College, asa two-time graduate of the institution. The Oak Park residentreceived her first associate's degree in Hospitality forHotel/Motel Management from Triton in 1995, complementedby a bachelor's degree in Hotel Management from WesternIllinois University in 1995. But when the hotel industry falteredfollowing 9/11, Young returned to Triton to pursue herchildhood dream of becoming a nurse. During her studies, shereceived her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential andgained experience working at the Hines VA Hospital. Tritonmade achieving a bachelor's degree in nursing a smoothtransition for Young with the college's University Center, whichprovides the opportunity to continue one's higher education pursuits at five universities withoutleaving Triton's campus.
Read more ...
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Providing new learning experiences, fun for families at FallFamily Fun Fest
Next up to the base to bat during Fall Family Fun Fest on Oct. 6was 6-year-old K.J. Zell of Forest Park. He prepared to swing ata ball practically the size of a melon that he couldn't see becausehe was blindfolded. All he could do was rely on listening to thebeeping of the ball as it came toward his bat. Young K.J.connected with the ball, as his dad and brother, Sid and 4-year-old Braydon, went wild. "I hit it," K.J. exclaimed. The Zells and many other families had a whirlwind of a time at
Triton College's Fall Family Fun Fest, where they participated in games and educational activitiesthat celebrated the fall season. New this year, the National Beep Baseball Association came out todemonstrate Beep Ball, which is similar to baseball but designed for play by blind athletes. A specialball that beeps and bases that buzz are used for play. "It's great to see something new like this for the childrento experience," Sid said. "We came to the fest last yearand had a great time. There's so much stuff here for thekids." The festival received a lot of families who've attended inrecent years, as well as new families, making it the bestattended year to date with 1,800 people. "I trulyappreciated seeing families enjoying themselves whilelearning," said Triton College President PatriciaGranados. "It was a perfect fall day, and Triton is veryproud to host this fun, fall educational fest for its community."
Five-year-old Makayla Davis of Maywood enjoyed theface painting, mask making and pumpkin paintingavailable at the fest. Her mom, Erica Davis, wassurprised by all the activities available at the event."There's a variety of things to do and see. There'sdefinitely something here for all ages," she said. Back to top
New name for the HIA Dining Room announced Submitting the "hip" and contemporary name Café 64 to recognize the year inwhich Triton College was founded, student Lauren Quinn of River Grove wasawarded first prize in the college's recent Name the HIA Dining Room contest.She will receive a complimentary dinner and beverage for
four people in the newly-named dining venue, along with a $10 giftcertificate to the college's student-run bakery. Sit down to a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience in Triton's Café64, which is open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdaysand Thursdays and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 6 inRoom B-204 of the Student Center (B-Building). Make yourreservations today by calling (708) 456-0300, ext. 3267 or 3387. Triton's HIA Bakery is also open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdaysthrough Fridays in the Student Center. Enjoy a sweet treat or placea special order at (708) 456-0300, ext. 3700 or 3387. Back to top
David King to be honored at the 20th Annual President'sReception on Nov. 14 King, who has served as President of the Foundation Boardsince 2000, will be recognized for his commitment andcontributions to the Foundation which serves students,alumni and area communities by raising funds to put towarddeveloping new programs and services, scholarships andupdating its campus operations and facilities to ensurestudents have the resources they need to be successful atTriton. A Triton graduate and Forest Park resident, Kingappreciates the recognition from his fellow peers and looksforward to furthering the mission of his alma mater incontributing to student success. "I've been very fortunate tohave met so many new people and made new friendships asa member of the Foundation, and I look forward to seeingeveryone at this amazing event to support the Foundation." The Foundation is widely known for its annual Golf Outing inthe summer. This year, the Foundation raised more than$45,000 at the golf event. "Every year, we're doing betterand better," said King, President of David King and Associates, Inc., a real estate firm based in OakPark. "We're moving forward, and I know that we'll continue to exceed and excel." The reception will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature the culinary talents of Triton's Hospitality studentsand local restaurants. Tickets are $60 per person and $440 for a table of eight. Sponsorshipopportunities and ad book reservations are available. There will be a silent auction. To purchase tickets in advance or for more information, call (708) 456-0300, ext. 3758 or [email protected]. Visit www.triton.edu/foundation to learn more about the Triton CollegeFoundation. Back to top
'Like' President Granados' new Facebook page!
Triton College President Dr. Patricia Granados recently launched aFacebook page and a Twitter page. Dr. Granados deems it important toconnect with students and the larger community through social media,as it is continually growing to become the preferred method ofcommunication for many people. "My goal is to extend communication for the purpose of greater studentand staff engagement as well as active engagement with the public,"she said. Check out President Granados' latest posts on Twitter andFacebook!
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From the Triton College President's Office
