FACE TO FACE

ANNUAL REPORT 2011/2012

Jose Torres

Harry McGinnis

Read their success stories on Pages 24-25.

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WITH SUCCESS

Giving a Face to Success

In this annual report, we put Triton students “face-to-face” with the individuals who’ve contributed to their success and the success ofthis institution, showing how Triton is committedto helping students reach their dreams.

MISSIONTriton College is committed to student success through institutional and academic excellence, and providing a

student-centered, lifelong learning environment for our diverse community.

VISION Triton College is a model of teaching excellence and student success. We are a community college that embraces

the educational, training, and personal development needs of the diverse communities we serve through innovation in our programs and approach to learning.

Contents

Message from the President ...........................................................1

Student Success...........................................................................2-7

Institutional Excellence ..............................................................8-12

Partnerships/Community Service..............................................13-16

Innovation...............................................................................17-19

Faculty/Staff Recognition .........................................................20-22

Athletics ..................................................................................23-25

Triton College Foundation........................................................26-29

Alumni ....................................................................................30-31

Financial Summary........................................................................32

Looking back on the 2011-2012 academic year, I am reminded of our

institution’s focus and commitment to student success. Our engagement

in various institutional priorities has allowed us to forge new ground in

improving the learning environment and experiences for our students.

Through the renovation of several areas across the campus, the incorporation

of innovative technology and sustainable practices, and our continued work

to improve college readiness, I am proud to say that Triton College is truly

moving forward.

Our progress as an educational institution in providing the support students

need has been possible through the ongoing efforts of our administrators,

faculty and staff, as well as through the support of our surrounding

communities. The success of our students is at the heart of all we do,

sharing ownership in helping our students achieve their dreams.

Triton’s dedication to educational and community partnerships continues

to grow. Through combined efforts with local villages, universities, community-

based organizations and businesses, we have been able to enhance our

students’ learning experiences and effectively connect students to careers in

the workplace. We look forward to building more industry partnerships in

the coming year and creating greater work and career opportunities that

benefit our students.

Triton students are equally committed to their success. Through initiatives

like Commit to Complete, students are encouraged to commit to completing

their certificate or degree, addressing U.S. President Barack Obama’s call to

action to double the number of community college graduates by 2020. Also,

this academic year we’ve seen an unprecedented amount of GED graduates

at the college. More than 160 students graduated with their GED upon

finishing the college’s GED preparation courses. This shows us that our students

understand the value of an education and hold it in the highest regard.

On behalf of the board of trustees, administration, faculty, staff and students

of Triton College, I invite you to learn more about our college through the

lens of our current students, alumni, and those who have contributed to the

success of our institution.

Mark R. StephensChairman

Donna L. PelusoVice Chairwoman

Diane ViveritoSecretary

Irene Moskal Del Giudice Thomas Gary Elizabeth Potter

Glenn A. Stam

Triton College Board of Trustees

Andrew SmithStudent Trustee

A Message from...Dr. Patricia GranadosPresident

Student SuccessProviding students with a variety of outlets to succeed is an important part of Triton College’scommitment to student success. The Scholars Program at Triton is an outlet that challenges in-district high school students to achieve academicallyand rewards them with free tuition while enrolledat Triton.

It’s a rigorous program that accepts a maximum of 60 students annually who meet the program’s eligibility requirements and encourages the studentsto strive for their best and meet their educationalgoals.

From the small class sizes to curriculum that empha-sizes language, analytic and critical thinking, the program creates a close-knit community among thestudents in an intellectually-demanding environment.

Because of the program, more than $150,000 inscholarship monies was allocated in the spring 2012semester to students of the Scholars Program tocontinue their studies at a four-year institution.

The Triton College Student Association (TCSA) kicked off its Commit to Complete campaign to a resounding pledgemade by hundreds of students in support of completing their degrees or certificates at a student-led rally on Oct. 26 in theStudent Center Cafeteria.

The Commit to Complete campaign was created to address President Obama’s Completion Agenda, which calls for community colleges to double the number of graduates by 2020. The agenda is in response to the growing number of students not completing their degree- or certificate-related coursework at colleges and universities nationwide.

Students made their pledge official by signing a banner recognizing their commitment to complete. A resource fair, including student clubs and organizations, and campus resources to assist students with their academic success, complemented the rally.

Triton students pledge to complete degree or certificate at rally

Faculty/Staff Pledge

“I promise to support and help students reach their goals with wisdom and guidance.

I will engage with and involve you. If you need help, I will provide advice and direction.

If you have a question I am unable to answer, I commit to connect you with someone

who can.”

Student Pledge

“I promise to commit myself to

completing my degree and/or

certificate at Triton College.

I understand that there are

resources available to assist me

in taking the next steps on my

educational journey. I pledge

to utilize those resources to

their fullest extent.”

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Student SuccessProviding students with a variety of outlets to succeed is an important part of Triton College’scommitment to student success. The Scholars Program at Triton is an outlet that challenges in-district high school students to achieve academicallyand rewards them with free tuition while enrolledat Triton.

It’s a rigorous program that accepts a maximum of 60 students annually who meet the program’s eligibility requirements and encourages the studentsto strive for their best and meet their educationalgoals.

From the small class sizes to curriculum that empha-sizes language, analytic and critical thinking, the program creates a close-knit community among thestudents in an intellectually-demanding environment.

Because of the program, more than $150,000 inscholarship monies was allocated in the spring 2012semester to students of the Scholars Program tocontinue their studies at a four-year institution.

The Triton College Student Association (TCSA) kicked off its Commit to Complete campaign to a resounding pledgemade by hundreds of students in support of completing their degrees or certificates at a student-led rally on Oct. 26 in theStudent Center Cafeteria.

The Commit to Complete campaign was created to address President Obama’s Completion Agenda, which calls for community colleges to double the number of graduates by 2020. The agenda is in response to the growing number of students not completing their degree- or certificate-related coursework at colleges and universities nationwide.

Students made their pledge official by signing a banner recognizing their commitment to complete. A resource fair, including student clubs and organizations, and campus resources to assist students with their academic success, complemented the rally.

Triton students pledge to complete degree or certificate at rally

Faculty/Staff Pledge

“I promise to support and help students reach their goals with wisdom and guidance.

I will engage with and involve you. If you need help, I will provide advice and direction.

If you have a question I am unable to answer, I commit to connect you with someone

who can.”

Student Pledge

“I promise to commit myself to

completing my degree and/or

certificate at Triton College.

I understand that there are

resources available to assist me

in taking the next steps on my

educational journey. I pledge

to utilize those resources to

their fullest extent.”

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Charmi DesaiFor Triton College student Charmi Desai, taking part in the ScholarsProgram at Triton opened her up to a world of possibilities shedidn’t know existed to her. Initially, she didn’t know about Triton’shonors chapter Phi Theta Kappa, of which she became the Vice President of Fellowship; or a scholarship opportunity to ElmhurstCollege that she received through the program, allowing her to further her education. The Scholars Program, she said, put her on a path to success.

“The program encouraged me to work hard in my classes and allowed me to focus on achieving my education,” she said.

“If it weren’t for the program, I don’t feellike I would’ve been able to go as far ordone as well as I have.”

And because of her good academic standing and community service work with Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Desi was recognizedwith the Star Student Award. Today, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at Elmhurst College, with aspirations of entering aphysician’s assistant program or attending medical school.

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Michael FlahertyThe Scholars Program is a demanding curriculum, admits Program

Coordinator Dr. Michael Flaherty, but he has found that many of the students who apply for the program are prepared to

take on the challenge.

Scholars Program students must take 16 credit hours a semester (fouradditional credits than required for full-time students), which includes

two in-depth scholars classes, and participate in a service learningcomponent built into the program, providing students the opportunity

to give back to their communities.

“It’s a positive program for ambitious students looking to succeed at Triton and then go on to pursue at least a bachelor’s degree,”

Dr. Flaherty said. “This program has contributed tomany students’ education and career goalsand we hope to contribute to many more.”

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In March 2012, four members of the Triton College ModelUnited Nations team represented the school in the largest,most competitive university-level Model UN conference inthe world. The Harvard National Model United Nations(HNMUN) Conference in Cambridge, Mass., brought together 3,300 students from 100 colleges and universitiesin 37 countries.

Students Selidji Azogan, Mohammed Bekkour, RomeoRakistaba and Bobby Zinsou considered their participationa responsibility, rather than a privilege, to represent TritonCollege alongside the top-ranked colleges and universitiesin the world.

Triton students compete at Harvard Model UN Conference

Funded by a grant from the Office of Postsecondary Education’s TRiO program, the Student Support Services (SSS) programhas exceeded expectations in its first year with an overwhelming number of students in the program graduating with an associate’s degree or certificate, or transfering to a four-year university.

Out of 160 participants, the program, which provides tutoring, mentoring and financial advising to low-income, first-generation and disabled students, saw 97.5 percent of students continue their education at Triton from fall 2010 to fall2011 or graduate and/or transfer to a four-year institution, exceeding original expectations by more than 12 percentagepoints. In addition, 152 students remained in good academic standing. The program is on track to have 60 percent of itsparticipants graduate with an associate’s degree or certificate, or transfer to a university within four years.

Student Support Services program surpasses first-year projections

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More than 1,800 students determined to successfully complete their educational goals graduated with a degreeor certificate from Triton College in May. About 400 ofthose students took part in the college’s 46th AnnualCommencement on May 19 at Akoo Theatre in Rosemont,walking across the stage to receive their diplomas, greetedwith thundering applause from family and friends.

Triton College President Patricia Granados recognizedseveral graduates and their inspiring stories. “Students, beyond today, no matter where you’ve come from or whereyour journey leads you, you will always be part of TritonCollege,” she said. “You will possess an extremely valuablegift – a quality education – and I know you will use it well.”

Triton College students reach thefinish line at commencement

Daniel Johnson dreamed of becoming a paramedic and excelled in his Emergency Management Technology classesat Triton College. Everything he had learned at Tritonstayed with Johnson when he enlisted in the Air Force andenabled him to save the life of a severally injured soldier

while fighting inAfghanistan. Sadly,two days later, Johnson lost his own life in battle.

Johnson’s passionand bravery are recognized with an award given toEMT students whohave excelled at the

college. Megan Folkerts of Berkeley and Robert Casale ofMelrose Park each received the Daniel Johnson EMT-BExcellence Award at the October 2011 meeting of the Triton Board of Trustees, with the families of the awardrecipients and Daniel Johnson’s family in attendance. Theaward is sponsored by the Triton College Foundation.

EMT students receive newly established award honoring Triton student veteran

Congratulations tothe class of 2012!

InstitutionalExcellenceThe value of an education spoke volumes with Triton College’s GED preparation program thispast year. More than 160 students completed Triton’s GED program from fall 2011 throughspring 2012 to go on to graduate with their GED –that’s one of the highest totals in the school’s history and almost double from last year’s 87graduates! It was a monumental celebration for education and the students who made the decision to achieve their GED.

Several graduates of the June 21, 2012, GED completion ceremony received scholarships fromTriton and/or were inducted into the NationalAdult Education Honors Society that recognizesthe outstanding grades earned by students.

From its GED preparation program to English as aSecond Language (ESL) courses, Triton’s Adult Education Department offers resources studentsneed to put them in a position to pursue a highereducation and/or obtain a job.

Peter BeataAdjunct faculty for the Adult Education Department Peter Beatateaches language arts in Triton’s GED preparation courses. The freeclasses help put students on track toward passing their GED test.

Beata acknowledges that it’s not an easy decision for students toreturn to school to receive their GED. “They work full-time and havefamilies to take care of that it can be difficult to complete their GEDpreparation courses to prepare them for the GED test,” he said. “Iadmire all of these students for having the desire to go for theirGED certificate.”

With that in mind, Beata provides a positive learning environment

to help boost the confidence of his students. “I try to set upa comfortable atmosphere, where studentsaren’t afraid to ask questions,” he said. “Thoughstudents don’t have to take our preparation courses to take the GEDtest, many find our courses beneficial in providing the discipline theyneed to succeed. They also appreciate knowing that there are otherpeople in the same boat.”

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Triton College addresses college readiness and retention with mandatory placement testing

Triton College has consistently increased opportunity for moreand more students to experience success in education through itsmandatory placement test. The test, which determines students’college readiness, has seen a significant increase of students who’veeither taken the test or were waived from taking the test since themandatory test implementation in fall 2011.

The referrals for the developmental education classes, which allow for students to develop the skills they need for college-levelperformance, indicates little change from 2011 to 2012. However,the percentages of students referred to developmental courses areconsiderable and remain a focus in addressing college readiness.

“The college continues to explore strategies to increase studentsuccess in developmental education through curriculum andpolicy development,” said Triton College President PatriciaGranados. “We are truly committed to embracing and implementing the interventions that will be the most effective

for our students.”

Shanika MeeksThere was something missing in Shanika Meeks' life. The 30-year-old has a loving husband and two adorable children, and on top of that, she had a good-paying job. But her job didn't bring her

fulfillment. She wanted more, and she knew exactly what she wasmissing – her GED.

Meeks dropped out of high school due to family problems and triedgetting her GED through several programs, but constantly found

herself dropping out of the programs. It wasn't until quitting her jobafter consulting with her husband and enrolling in Triton College'sGED preparation courses that she was able to accomplish her goal.

"My instructors were very helpful and determined in helping me succeed. For the

first time, I felt like I was in classes withother people who were on the same level

as I was academically," she said.

Upon receiving her diploma, Meeks received a scholarship to continue her education at Triton, of which she is currently enrolled

at pursuing her degree in accounting.

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20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Fall 2010Fall 2011Fall 2012

% Tested orWaived

(all threesubjects)

% ReferredDevelopmental

Math

% Referred Developmental

Reading

% ReferredDevelopmental

Writing

57%

85%

93%

52%

69%70%

18%

24%21%

30%33%33%

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Community joins in festivities celebrating 30 years of student success at Nuevos HorizontesNuevos Horizontes, Triton College’s community center inMelrose Park, celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Aug. 13,2011, with a community street festival and ceremony that recognized the accomplishments of the center and the peoplewho have accessed its programs and services.

The ceremony included an awards presentation acknowl-edging the contributions and support of Village of MelrosePark Mayor Ronald M. Serpico; RSVP volunteers Thomasand Joyce Jurek, who teach English language classes; andTriton College President Patricia Granados, who served asone of five directors.

The first director of Nuevos, Sarah Bingaman, also sharedher sentiments at the event.

Triton College receives NSF andIGEN grants to build new programswith sustainability in mindIn early 2012, Triton College received a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program to develop an associate’s degree for Sustainable AgricultureTechnology (SAT) – a first for Illinois community colleges.The grant will fund a three-year process of curriculum development and implementation for a program that isscheduled for introduction in 2013 and will reach fromhigh school to higher education. The purpose of the ATEprogram is to increase nationally the number of trainedscience technicians to address 21st century workforceneeds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM) career fields.

Partnerships with area high schools, local industries, andcolleges and universities are important components in developing the program. With the grant, the college plansto host SAT-related workshops with a STEM focus forhigh school faculty and students. In addition, the college isutilizing the advice and expertise of SAT-related industriesand universities currently offering the program. TritonCollege has already launched a certificate for sustainablelandscape practices as a catalyst for its two-year degree.

Triton College was also awarded nearly $860,000, a portion ofa U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Educationgrant worth $19.4 million. The grant was coordinated by theIllinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) as part of theTrade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) initiative to create newgreen job training programs to assist dislocated workers.

With the grant, Triton will equip workers with specific skillsets employers are looking for and strengthen technology-enabled learning by allowing students and workers to accessfree learning materials online.

Proviso Township Mental HealthCommission makes donation toTriton to support program forpersons with developmental disabilitiesThe Proviso Township Mental Health Commission donated $20,000 to the college to help fund Triton College’s transitional program that serves designated individualswith a developmental disability, aside from a physical disability. The commission has donated funds to Triton’sprogram since the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Triton College launches new websiteTriton College launched its new website in November 2011,providing easier navigation than ever before. The new website presents information of interest about Triton’s programs, events, students, faculty, organizations and departments that are all committed to student success.

Triton College named Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Agricultural CollegeIn 2011, Triton College was named a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Collegesand Universities (HACU) for an increased Hispanic enrollment that constitutes about 25 percent of the totalenrollment.

In turn for being named an HSI, later in the year, Tritonwas certified as a Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Collegesand Universities (HSACU) institution by the U.S. Secretaryof Agriculture, and out of 71 identified institutions, is one ofonly two certified HSACUs in Illinois. The certificationrecognizes Triton as a qualifying HSI that offers accrediteddegree programs in agriculture-related fields.

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• The X-ray equipment of Triton’sRadiology Department was upgraded with new digital technology – produced byAMRAD Medical Equipment of Summit Industries based inChicago – that mirrors the technology and equipment currently used in doctor’s officesand hospitals’ X-ray rooms.

• As part of Triton’s move towardsustainability, the Triton CollegeLibrary was updated with new,energy-saving lighting andflooring made of 90 percent recycled materials. The lightingis part of a grant funded throughthe Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN), as part of theIllinois Community College Targeted Energy Savings (ICCTES) Program.

• Triton’s remodeled Testing Center, located in the A-Building, provides more convenienceand comfort to test takers to accommodate diverse testing needs across campus. The center can now accommodate up to 70 test-takers at one time, and also sports removablewalls and flexible furniture to expand the area during peak times. The availability of theTesting Center was also increased to six days per week.

Improving Triton’s campus with renovationsSeveral renovation projects on the Triton College campus were completed this past yearin an effort to enhance students’ learning environment.

Salute to Success — Serving our veteransRecognized by “G.I. Jobs” magazine in 2011 as a Military-Friendly School®, Triton Collegehas made efforts in addressing the needs of its student veterans by providing resources and services to aid in their transition from the battlefield to the classroom.

In late 2011, the college formed a committee charged with bringing together local businesses, organizations and parishes to serve all veterans in the surrounding community.The initiative aligns with President Obama’s Interfaith and Community Service CampusChallenge, which calls for interfaith cooperation and programming in service to others.The committee developed on-campus workshops and events to benefit and recognizeveterans and their service. They developed a webpage for veterans and hosted career decision-making and resume writing workshops, as well as held a Veterans Day Breakfast and the college’s first-ever Veterans Resource Fair that gave veterans an all-access pass to various resources on Triton’s campus and in the community.

As a participant of the President’s Interfaith Challenge, Triton’s campusserved as a hub for a first-of-its-kind event bringing together faculty and stafffrom Triton College andother colleges and universitiesin the Chicago area, alongwith representatives from the

White House and other federal agencies, to share their progress and plans related to theU.S. President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.

Portions of the meeting were broadcast on the internet to the White House and toschools across the nation.

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Campus Sustainability Compact byGov. Pat Quinn and the Green Governments Coordinating Councilfor incorporating sustainability intocampus operations, academic and research programs, student activities andcommunity outreach.

Triton’s sustainability efforts expand across Triton’scampus and into district communities

Triton College currently offers anA.A.S. in horticulture at Triton, aswell as certificates in floral design,grounds maintenance, landscape

design and sustainable landscape practices.

“Triton College’s commitment to sustainability is a model for Illinois, and those greenpractices will help save money and conserve resources,” Gov. Pat Quinn said. “Tritonstudents will also benefit from classes that prepare them to enter the green industriesthat are going to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the next century.”

Sustainable practices have spread across the Triton Collegecampus and its surrounding communities like a wildfirethis past year, sparking new initiatives and events to furtherthe college’s mission to inspire and educate on how to live agreener lifestyle.

One of the most significant initiatives was the establishmentof Triton’s Sustainability Center, which is a virtual resourcehub funded by the Illinois Green Economy Network(IGEN) designed to educate the Triton community and beyond on the latest sustainability initiatives and practices.

The Sustainability Center has accomplished this throughSustainable Thursdays, a free program with different sustainable topics each session, and various other eventswith a going-green focus through collaborations with areaorganizations and educational institutions. The Sustain-ability Center has also begun a campus-wide recycling program, inspired the installation of LED lighting in theparking lots and planted an experimental prairie garden.

Triton has even garnered national attention for its sustain-ability efforts by being recognized in the “Community College Journal,” October/November 2011 issue.

The college has also made strides in offering degrees andcertificates with a sustainability focus that has been recognized with a nod from Gov. Pat Quinn.

Triton was named a Bronze level recipient of the Illinois

Partnerships/Community Service

The Triton College community knows that well-rounded learning doesn’t just come from textbooksbut through experiences. That is why developingopportunities for Triton’s students to gain real-world experience, whether through its experiencedfaculty, updated learning environments and community partnerships, is of grave importance.

Triton’s architecture students received an opportu-nity of a lifetime that gave them a real situation toaddress through a hands-on project, while also pro-viding a service to the Village of Riverside.

Through the partnership, Triton’s architecture students drew up plans for reconstructing the village’s youth center and then formally presentedtheir recommendations to village trustees andbuilding managers during an evening meeting,complete with architectural models and drawings.

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WaterBotics & GADgET CampFor two weeks in July, Triton College’s Engineering Technology program provided youth with the opportunity toshowcase their creativity and work onprojects – related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) –during WaterBotics and GADgET, twoinnovative summer camps.

WaterBotics gave youth the opportunity to create a robot made out of Legos®

and program it to swim underwater; andGADgET camp, which was featured inthe “New York Times,” encouraged young

girls to learn about engineering technology through female mentors in the industry and by allowing them to create a “gadget” of their own imagination.

PATHE & ECAPStudents and teachers from Proviso East and West High Schools and ProvisoMathematics & Science Academy took part in PATHE (Providing Access toHigher Education) to Success, a conference aimed at promoting collegereadiness and awareness held on Triton’s campus. The annual fall conferenceis an initiative of the Community Alliance in which Triton College participates.The coalition combines the volunteer efforts of government, educational, community-based and religious institutions within Melrose Park, Maywood,Bellwood, Northlake and Stone Park.

Students attended sessions throughout the day on financial aid, college entrance exams and college choices, as well as learned about such fields ofstudy as health and wellness, informational technology and business law.

Garret EakinGarret Eakin, architecture faculty, said the Village of Riversideproject was a win-win for all. While students received the experience of researching, designing and presenting theirideas, the Village of Riverside received a look into what theiryouth center could look like and possibly proceed with plans of developing the site, Eakin said.

Students also learned to work together effectively and incor-porate sustainability as part of their one-of-a-kind designplans. Design concepts included a building block design, aswell as a design that drew on the shape of the river at thegiven site.

“Architecture is a public art, and I can’tthink of a better way to teach our stu-dents about architecture than throughreal projects in the community,” Eakin said.

Area youth explore career possibilities, collegeat inspiring events on Triton’s campusIn an effort to get youth thinking about attending college and career choicesnow, Triton College has hosted a number of events to inspire children to studyhard while in middle and high school to prepare them in accomplishing theirdreams.

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A similar program, the annual Early CollegeAwareness Program (ECAP) brought about 150middle school students to Triton’s campus to explore their college and career options. The program is designed to encourage middle schoolstudents to think about how they can prepare forcollege now, and ultimately, prepare for a career

in their field of interest. They learned about Triton’s programs in computer information systems, criminal justice, art, engineering technology, horticultureand biological sciences.

STEM Fair & the Des Plaines Valley Region CulinaryCook-Off

On April 26, 2012, the Triton community hosted itsannual STEM Fair that allowed more than 180area middle school students to explore high-demand career possibilities in forensics science,healthcare and architecture. With each hands-onactivity led by Triton faculty and students, theyouth learned the important role higher education

plays in obtaining a career in these fields as well as discovered that they can begintheir studies close to home at Triton.

The following week, the culinary skills of highschool students were showcased in Triton’s Hospitality Industry Administration (HIA) Department’s 2012 Des Plaines Valley Region Culinary Cook-Off. The competition tasked stu-dents with the challenge of creating several disheswithin an hour in Triton’s kitchen/classroom lab.

Mina RezaeianTriton student Mina Rezaeian had no idea that one class couldteach her so much. As a student in Eakin’s architecture class,

Rezaeian enjoyed learning about the architecture industry hands-on with the Village of Riverside project. Sheadded that the class also prepared her for her studies at the

Illinois Institute of Technology.

“You usually don’t receive the chance towork on projects as big as this at

community colleges, so it was great toget the experience,” she said.

Students were creative with their thought process, examiningvarious aspects of the proposed area to develop their designs.

They participated in the same types of activities as professional architects who are assigned to a project, including a list of requirements from their “clients.”

“It was very challenging but a learning experience to makeyour client happy and also try to make yourself happy with thedesign,” she said. “The project validated my passion for archi-

tecture even more.”

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Triton College celebrated two community partnerships thispast academic year with separate receptions. On Sept. 7, 2011,Triton staff, faculty, students and community membersgathered for a community celebration recognizing the Villageof River Grove in the college’s Botanical Gardens.

Triton College President Patricia Granados and Chairman Mark Stephens presented Village of RiverGrove President Marilynn J. May with a plaque, honoring the relationship between the college and itshometown.

And in the spring, Triton College honored its partnershipwith the Village of Riverside during a special event on May 2, 2012, held on Triton’s campus. The day recognized Village President Michael Gorman and the Riversidecommunity for providing real-world career experiences toTriton’s students.

Triton’s horticulture students had the opportunity to develop their skills by working with the internationallyrenowned landscape designs of Frederick Law Olmstedfound throughout Riverside. And Triton’s architectureclass was tasked with proposing a plan to redesign Riverside’s youth center.

Stories and memories about 9/11 shared during 10-year remembrance ceremony On Sept. 6, 2011, the Triton community and area residentsgathered around Circle Drive at the River Grove campus tocommemorate the tremendous loss experienced 10 yearsago on 9/11. Three thousand American flags representingthe number of lives lost on that fateful day waved in thebreeze on the campus lawn, as speakers shared their heart-felt feelings and memories.

Guest of honor and Village of Westchester President SamPulia recounted his efforts to help in the search and recovery efforts in New York City, then serving as deputychief of police for the Westchester Police Department. Puliahad a cousin, a New York firefighter, who was among themissing and was later identified as a casualty.

Following the Triton College ceremony, attendees were invited to sign a commemorative poster to be displayed inthe college center. A free movie showing of “In Memoriam:New York City, 9/11,” along with a panel discussion, tookplace at the Cernan Earth and Space Center later thatevening.

Triton College honors the Villageof River Grove and the Village of Riverside

InnovationThe President’s Leadership Academy continues to engageand encourage professional development among full-timeemployees since the start of the initiative in 2008. The fiscal year 2012 Leadership Academy learned that youdon’t have to be in a leadership role to be a leader, asthey participated in dialogue and workshops with oneanother and community college leaders who reinforcedmessages about what it means and the skills it takes tobe a good leader, while upholding Triton’s mission and vision.

As a group of 19 participants, they selected two projects tofocus on for the 2011-2012 academic year: Creating a wallrecognizing the accomplishments of 50 notable Tritongraduates for the college’s upcoming 50th Anniversary in2014 and developing a college prep program for at-risk orhigh-risk students as a means to improve college readiness.

SujithZachariah

If there is one thing SujithZachariah took away from

being part of the President’sLeadership Academy, it’s that

in order to grow professionally,one must step outside their

comfort zone. “It’s important to get

involved on campusand learn about thedifferent areas ofthe college,” he said.

Zachariah, who was promotedfrom the director of admissionsto the now associate dean ofenrollment services, does justthat by participating in variouscommittees, getting to knowhis fellow Triton employees

and conversing with studentsto learn how he can best serve

them in his position.

The President’s LeadershipAcademy inspired him to be more involved with the

college to ensure its success. “I appreciate being able to

contribute in helping studentstransition and by making surethey have the tools they need

to be successful,” he said.

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Triton College celebrated two community partnerships thispast academic year with separate receptions. On Sept. 7, 2011,Triton staff, faculty, students and community membersgathered for a community celebration recognizing the Villageof River Grove in the college’s Botanical Gardens.

Triton College President Patricia Granados and Chairman Mark Stephens presented Village of RiverGrove President Marilynn J. May with a plaque, honoring the relationship between the college and itshometown.

And in the spring, Triton College honored its partnershipwith the Village of Riverside during a special event on May 2, 2012, held on Triton’s campus. The day recognized Village President Michael Gorman and the Riversidecommunity for providing real-world career experiences toTriton’s students.

Triton’s horticulture students had the opportunity to develop their skills by working with the internationallyrenowned landscape designs of Frederick Law Olmstedfound throughout Riverside. And Triton’s architectureclass was tasked with proposing a plan to redesign Riverside’s youth center.

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Triton College honors the Villageof River Grove and the Village of Riverside

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Jackie WernerHelping students achieve theireducational goals is whatJackie Werner treasured abouther job at Triton College as thecoordinator for intake servicesin the Financial Aid Depart-ment. Being able to providestudents with the much-needed information to obtainfinancial aid to afford their education excited Werner, butshe was limited in helping students succeed while in theposition.

Three years following the startof her professional career atTriton, Werner is now the stu-dent success strategist for theDivision of Academic Success,where she has developed astudent-faculty mentoring program to assist students incompleting their studies. She credits her time with the President’s LeadershipAcademy in 2011-2012 for developing her leadershipskills.

“The academy rein-forced my belief inmyself and my pro-fessional goals,” shesaid. “I had the skills, but theacademy taught me how toutilize them better, so that Icould effectively lead.”

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SujithZachariah

If there is one thing SujithZachariah took away from

being part of the President’sLeadership Academy, it’s that

in order to grow professionally,one must step outside their

comfort zone. “It’s important to get

involved on campusand learn about thedifferent areas ofthe college,” he said.

Zachariah, who was promotedfrom the director of admissionsto the now associate dean ofenrollment services, does justthat by participating in variouscommittees, getting to knowhis fellow Triton employees

and conversing with studentsto learn how he can best serve

them in his position.

The President’s LeadershipAcademy inspired him to be more involved with the

college to ensure its success. “I appreciate being able to

contribute in helping studentstransition and by making surethey have the tools they need

to be successful,” he said.

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uEMT program trains students to handle real-life emergency situations

Emergency ManagementTechnology (EMT) instructor Bill Justiz believes in providing hisstudents with fast-paced,hands-on emergency scenarios to convey theimportance and reality ofa career as an emergencyresponder. Students areequipped with radios todispatch information onthe condition of the patient, like that of a real

responder, at various locations on campus. The use of dummies as patients and an ambulance simulator in the EMT Department adds to students’ hands-on learning.

iPad pilot puts students on the cutting edge of successThanks to a state grant, Triton College is one of the first community colleges in the area toprovide students with access to iPad2 tablets in the Academic Success Center (ASC).

The college recognized a need to equip Triton students with up-to-date technological resources and skills that support the learning process, especially in science, mathematics,and English. The iPads are available for use in the ASC under the direction of specially-trained ASC staff members during individual tutoring sessions or workshops. Pre-loadedapplications on the tablets provide a variety of opportunities to access immediate information,use 3D modeling, and engage in interactive learning – all keys to student success.

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Faculty/Staff RecognitionNothing is more gratifying for Triton College faculty and staff than tosee students succeed, whether it’s understanding their homework lesson,graduating with their associate’s degree or certificate or even going onto work their dream career.

Triton’s faculty and staff strive to engage students through technological advancements, a hands-on classroom setting and their own real-worldcareer experience that students seem to value.

Several Triton instructors were acknowledged for their leadership anddedication in teaching with the Faculty of the Year Award for 2012. The winners include:

Adjunct Faculty - Geoff Hiller, Business; Edward Konstanty, Criminal Justice Administration; and Robert Locke, Science

Faculty - Julie Gilbert, Accounting; and Peggy Murninghan, Business Management

Here’s a look at two of the winners and how they’ve contributed to student success.

Julie Gilbert Sometimes by simply providing students with the resourcesthey need is vital in helping them achieve their goals.Accounting faculty member Julie Gilbert saw a need toprovide additional homework assistance for her students,beyond what they were getting from the classroom.Gilbert started Homework Connection, which gave students the opportunity to study with the class instructorin attendance for help.

“It was a way to connect studentswith their homework, on-campus resources, other students studyingthe same subject and myself,” she said.“Our students work hard and have busy lives outside ofthe classroom that it’s important to make the resourcesthey need to succeed accessible to them.”

The sessions are held in a relaxed, casual atmosphere toencourage brainstorming and dialogue. “We’ve received areally good response from students,” Gilbert said, as wellas from other instructors who’ve begun something similarwith their classes. “I have students who’ve said theymight have dropped out of the class without these sessions to put them on the right path. I’m always lookingfor ways to motivate Triton’s students.”

Robert Locke Robert Locke, science adjunct faculty, is passionate aboutteaching science that he’s proven through his unfalteringdedication to Triton College for the last 41 years. Lockeholds an unprecedented record at the college, teachingfuture veterinarians, neurosurgeons, dentists and more

through his traditional style of teaching.

Locke works at developing a curriculum that engages students with hands-on opportunities because he wantsto see his students succeed. But, he reminds them, they

have to do the work. “There’s a lot of material in my classto learn,” he said. “But I motivate them and help them

learn it, giving them every chance to succeed.”

While retirement is nigh for the Triton instructor whoowns two testing laboratories, teaching Triton’s

students, he said, will remain part of his life. “Every student is unique and they never

cease to amaze me in the classroom,”he said. “Teaching them is a thrill for me.”

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• DAVID ANDERSON, Computer Information Systems: Presented Post-Secondary End User Security: Addressing theEnd User Challenge at EDULEARN2012, the InternationalConference on Education and New Learning Technologiesin Barcelona, Spain

• DEBRA KRUKOWSKI and MARIANNA DESMOND, Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Participated on the Educational Committee of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, the national organization of theprofession

• SANDRA HUGHES and MARY BIELSKI, Nursing: Presentersat the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing(NOADN) meeting on the success of the Introduction toNursing Academics course

• DR. WILLIAM M. GRIFFIN, Business: Visited Xi’an, Chinato participate in the opening of the first American CultureCenter for community colleges

• DANIELE MANNI, Psychology: Presented a paper titledThe Mimesis of the Self: Michael Foucalt’s on the Identity ofthe Subject in Plato’s Alcibiades at the Collegium Phaenom-enologicum in Italy

• DR. LISA GINET, Early Childhood Education: Presentedat the National Association for the Education of YoungChildren (NAEYC) annual conference in Atlanta

• MICHAEL M. KAZNJIAN, Behavioral Sciences: Presented apaper on philosophy and ethics at the American SociologicalAssociation Conference in Las Vegas and the MichiganAcademy of Arts and Letters

• LARISSA K. GARCIA, Library: Attended and moderated aportion of the Illinois Association of Colleges and ResearchLibraries (IACRL) Conference in Oak Brook; co-wrote apaper addressing the new and expanding roles of librariansin teaching digital information literacy, titled From Embedded to Integrated: Digital Information Literacy andNew Teaching Models for Academic Librarians

• DEBORAH FORD, Center for Accommodative and AccessServices; DEBORAH BANESS-KING, Academic Success; JOBETH HALPIN, Architecture; and ANTIGONE SHARRIS,Engineering Technology: National Institute for Staff andOrganizational Development (NISOD) ExcellenceAwards

• DR. ELIZABETH COLLINS and DR. ALLEN SALZMAN, History: Selected to participate in the National Endowmentfor the Humanities (NEH) Summer Scholars program

• DR. QUINCY MARTIN III, Student Affairs; LINDSEY

WESTLEY, Special Initiatives and Community Relations;ELAINE JAMISON, Computer Systems: Excellence inService recognition

• BILL JUSTIZ, Emergency Medical Technology: Awardedthe Davenport Award from Guerin Prep High Schooland Alumni Association for assisting in establishing theDaniel Johnson EMT award at Triton College

• LARISSA K. GARCIA, Library: Interviewed by the ALADigital Literacy Task Force as part of an environmentalscan on current effective practices in digital literacy train-ing in academic, school and public libraries

• On Feb. 22, 2012, the Triton College Library participatedin the 23rd NCTE National African-American Read-Inwith 35 students, faculty and staff, which was covered in the “Pioneer Press” and on the “TribLocal OakPark/River Forest” website

• SETH MCCLELLAN, Mass Communications; and DR. WILLIAM M. GRIFFIN, Business: Granted tenure

• LORE CARVAJAL, Behavioral Science and Psychology: Selected as a Midwestern Higher Education Compact’sCross-State Tuning Project Psychology Workgroup member

• DEBRA BAKER, Ophthalmic Technology: Elected presidentof the Commission on Accreditation for OphthalmicMedical Programs; currently an accreditation site visitorfor the Commission

• MARIANNA DESMOND, Diagnostic Medical Sonography:Serves on the Curriculum Sub-Committee for AdvancedPractitioners in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and theConference Management Committee of the Society

• SANDRA HUGHES, Nursing: Certified nurse educator

• ALEXIS SAROVICH, Education: Serves on the EveryoneReading Illinois Board (formerly the Illinois Branch of theInternational Dyslexia Association)

• AYDEE JANNEY and DR. LISA GINET, Early ChildhoodEducation: Participants in the Erikson Institute’s EarlyMathematics Education Community College Partnership Project

AWARDS AND PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION APPOINTMENTS CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS/PUBLICATIONS

DEBORAH BANESS-KING ANTIGONE SHARRIS ELAINE JAMISON BILL JUSTIZ LARISSA K. GARCIA

AthleticsSelf-confidence. Sportsmanship. Strength incharacter. These are just some of the qualitiesthe coaches, staff and faculty of Triton College’sAthletics Department instill in their students tocontribute to their success in their respectivesport and in the classroom.

And speaking of success, Triton College boastschampionship teams in a variety of its sports,which includes men’s and women’s basketball,men’s and women’s soccer, wrestling, volleyball,men’s baseball and women’s softball.

It has been an amazing year for Triton’s AthleticsDepartment and its athletes who’ve won regionaltitles and have received many awards for theirathletic contributions while at Triton.

Jose TorresTriton College student Jose “Shorty” Torres had low gradesthroughout his high school career and didn’t consider himself tobe a great wrestler but loved the sport. With no scholarshipprospects and financial issues, attending a four-year universitywasn’t an option for Torres but he did envision himself in college.He then discovered Triton, which would become his secondchance at life.

While pursuing an Associate in Arts degree at Triton, Torres joinedthe wrestling team, where he found success, winning national titles and All-American honors, and developed a support systemof teammates, friends and coaches.

“I sometimes wanted to quit wrestling because my family didn’t

support me,” he said. “But because of the guidance and support of my coach HarryMcGinnis, I continued to wrestle and succeeded. He never quit on me. He wasthe reason for my success in wrestling and even the books.”

Torres also thrived in the classroom, graduating from Triton with a 3.5 GPA. His success led to Torres receiving an athletic and academic scholarship to McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., topursue his bachelor’s degree – a task he is very proud of, maybeeven more so than his wrestling feats.

“If you can push yourself through all the hard work, pain andagony to achieve what you want to achieve, then the outcome isyour pride and success,” Torres said.

Triton Athletics: Highlighting theyear’s top accomplishments• The Trojan wrestlers concluded the 2011-2012 NJCAANational Tournament in Rochester, Minn., by qualifyingseven wrestlers to nationals and earning a fourth-placefinish in the Central District, with all seven men winningat least one bout.

• The Lady Trojans raised $1,000 during a special volleyballgame in October 2011 to benefit breast cancer research.

• Sophomore wrestler JOSE TORRES placed fourth in hisweight class at nationals and earned All-American honors,ending the season with 40 wins – the most wins in anyseason by an individual wrestler under head coach HarryMcGinnis.

• Basketball guard BRYANT ORANGE receives full scholarship to attend Ferris State University in BigRapids, Mich.; THIERNO NIANG signs his letter of intentto play basketball at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee;and JOSE TORRES receives an academic and athletic scholarship to McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

• The Triton College Athletics Department named JOSE

TORRES as Male Athlete of the Year, and CHRISTINA

CHRISTOPHER of the softball team as Female Athlete of the Year. Also, head men’s basketball coach STEVE

CHRISTIANSEN was awarded Coach of the Year.

• BRYANT ORANGE, JOSE TORRES and men’s soccer playerDIMITRIOS FLOROS were named NJCAA Division IIFirst-Team All-Americans. Each player was also namedMVP of their respective sport by Triton’s Athletics Department.

• STEVE CHRISTIANSEN won 2011-2012 Coach of the Yearfrom the North Central Community College Conference.

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Harry McGinnisWrestling head coach and Athletics Director Harry McGinnis

always saw a fighter in student Jose Torres. He fought to improve his wrestling techniques, as well as his GPA in theclassroom. The young wrestler left Triton as the first wrestler

during McGinnis’ 23-year tenure to reach the 40-win plateau ina single season and as the 31st All-American McGinnis

has coached.

“Jose is the complete package,” McGinnis said. “He exemplifies hard work not only on the matbut in the classroom and I’m proud of the

fact that he earned an academic and athletic scholarship to attend McKendree.Helping our student-athletes get to the

next step is what coaching here at Tritonis all about.”

As a testament to McGinnis’ commitment to his students, Torreshopes to become a wrestling coach. “I want to be a gym

teacher and coach wrestling to help students succeed in sportsand life, like my teachers did with me,” Torres said. “My rolemodel is coach McGinnis, and I want to be just like him!”

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Triton CollegeFoundationThe Triton College Foundation is yet another resource that contributes to the success of Triton’sstudents. The Foundation serves the college’s students, alumni and area communities by raisingfunds to put toward developing new programsand services, scholarships and updating campusoperations and facilities to ensure students haveaccess to the services and resources they need tobe successful at Triton. To raise funds for these initiatives, the Foundationholds two major fundraisers throughout the year:the President’s Reception in the fall and the GolfOuting in the summer. Both are met with praiseby participants who share in the Foundation’s mission of encouraging higher education.

Mary Ann LespinasseFor Mary Ann Lespinasse, third time’s a charm!The mother of four yearned to get her collegedegree to serve as an example for her childrenand to better her life, but she constantly ran intoobstacles that kept her from pursuing herdream.

From financial issues to family responsibilities,Lespinasse was unable to complete her studiestwice. It wasn’t until her third attempt that shereceived the support she needed as the awardrecipient of Triton’s Mid-Manager’s AssociationUnion Scholarship from the Triton College Foundation that she was able to pursue an associate’s degree.

“It was such a huge financial relief for me,”she said. “And although I could not afford topay the scholarship back, I thought anyway Icould help was only proper, so I volunteered to help out during the golf outing for Triton'sFoundation.

“I’m so thankful for thisscholarship,” she continued. “Now I’llbe able to attend National Louis University toget my bachelor’s.”

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Supporting student success at Foundation’s annualPresident’s Reception and Golf OutingGeoffrey Obrzut, president and CEO of the Illinois Community College Board; ThomasOlson, executive director of Marketing at Triton College; and Dr. Kathryn Robbins, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, were honored at the 19th Annual President’s Reception on Nov. 2, 2011.

The reception is a major fundraiser for the college’s Foundation, with funds used towardbooks and student scholarships, in addition to other programs offered at the college. Thereception garnered nearly $37,000 to support the Foundation.

In the summer, approximately 240 golfers showed their support of student success at the15th Annual Triton College Foundation Golf Outing on June 20, 2012, at White PinesGolf Course in Bensenville. The fund-raising event brought in more than $45,000 in scholarship funding – one of the highest amounts in the event’s history! Proceeds went toward scholarships and other funding for a broad range of needs at Triton College.

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Triton CollegeFoundationThe Triton College Foundation is yet another resource that contributes to the success of Triton’sstudents. The Foundation serves the college’s students, alumni and area communities by raisingfunds to put toward developing new programsand services, scholarships and updating campusoperations and facilities to ensure students haveaccess to the services and resources they need tobe successful at Triton. To raise funds for these initiatives, the Foundationholds two major fundraisers throughout the year:the President’s Reception in the fall and the GolfOuting in the summer. Both are met with praiseby participants who share in the Foundation’s mission of encouraging higher education.

David KingDavid King has led the Triton College Foundationfor the past 12 years as Board President, establishing relationships with area organizationsand companies as well as legislators who support Triton’s mission to cultivate studentsuccess. The Forest Park resident understandsthe value of the college as a Triton graduatewho experienced firsthand how Triton can be a stepping stone toward success.

“It’s an affordable option for students to receivetheir higher education,” he said.

“The college offers great programs, small class sizes and experienced faculty to helpstudents achieve their goals.

“The Foundation complements that with schol-arships to put more students on the path to accomplishing their dreams.”

King said the Foundation continues to raise thefunds needed to support the college and its students, including raising funds for the CulinaryEducation Center, which will expand the class-rooms and labs for Triton’s increasing-popularhospitality program. “Every year, the Foundationis moving forward, and I know that we’ll continue to exceed and excel.”

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New scholarships available The Triton College Foundation, which oversees most of Triton College’s scholarships, addedthree new scholarships to its list that covers a student’s tuition, books and fees. The three newscholarships are:

The Kay Langston Scholarship is named in honor of a retired Triton College administratorand is aimed at supporting students in achieving their goals and dreams.

The “Women Beginning Again” Scholarship is open to women who are 50 years old and upwith the intent of helping women who are beginning a new journey in life by assisting intheir exploration of a new career or subject.

The Triton College Foundation “President’s Scholarship” is provided by the Triton CollegeFoundation Board of Directors in honor of Triton’s current president, Dr. Patricia Granados.The scholarship is intended to recognize and reward exemplary students with strong leader-ship qualities and assist students who don’t qualify for federal financial aid, yet college tu-ition would prove to be a financial burden on the student and/or family.

Oak Park-River Forest community honors Triton College Triton College was honored for providing a quality education to the community at a privatereception at the Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park on Feb. 2, 2012. Oak Park-RiverForest businesswoman and former Triton staffer Dr. Mary Jo Schuler presented a scholar-ship donation of $5,000 to Triton College President Patricia Granados to benefit OPRFtransfer students who enroll at the college. Nearly 100 guests turned out for the event that included representatives from government, social service agencies, local businesses and noted village residents.

Supporting student success at Foundation’s annualPresident’s Reception and Golf OutingGeoffrey Obrzut, president and CEO of the Illinois Community College Board; ThomasOlson, executive director of Marketing at Triton College; and Dr. Kathryn Robbins, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, were honored at the 19th Annual President’s Reception on Nov. 2, 2011.

The reception is a major fundraiser for the college’s Foundation, with funds used towardbooks and student scholarships, in addition to other programs offered at the college. Thereception garnered nearly $37,000 to support the Foundation.

In the summer, approximately 240 golfers showed their support of student success at the15th Annual Triton College Foundation Golf Outing on June 20, 2012, at White PinesGolf Course in Bensenville. The fund-raising event brought in more than $45,000 in scholarship funding – one of the highest amounts in the event’s history! Proceeds went toward scholarships and other funding for a broad range of needs at Triton College.

AlumniThe Triton College Alumni Association is growingin numbers and reputation. After only a year ofbeing established, the Alumni Association has already welcomed more than 100 new members,with expectations of having more than 1,000 newmembers by the end of the spring 2013 semester.

Growing the Alumni Association is of great importance to Triton College, as alumni are Triton’s greatest advocates and ambassadors ofthe college’s mission of lifelong learning andstudent success.

Alumni Association members have enjoyed attending social events connecting them to their alma mater. Plus, they’ve appreciated opportunities to stay active with the college byreturning as guest speakers, serving as membersof advisory committees and/or instructors andinvesting in education through the Triton CollegeFoundation.

NURSING ALUMNI RECEPTION WITH BENEDICTINE

UNIVERSITY: The academic partnership between TritonCollege and Benedictine University was celebrated at anAug. 10, 2011, dinner reception on the River Grove campus,recognizing the continuing success and education of alumniof both institutions who hold a bachelor’s degree and advanced degrees in nursing.

Triton College and Benedictine University afford studentsthe opportunity to continue their higher education pursuitsfor select bachelor and graduate degree programs withcourses offered in Triton’s University Center.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ALUMNI RECEPTION: Triton Collegealumni of the Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) programs reconnected over laser target practice at the Criminal Justice Alumni Reception on Dec. 1, 2011, held on Triton’s campus.

Bringing an innovative and interactive approach to the reception, alumni networked and learned about theprogress of Triton’s current CJA program through a tour,presentation and a laser target practice station that highlighted a teaching tool utilized in several firearms-focused courses at the college.

Triton’s CJA program is the largest criminal justice programavailable in the state. Notable alumni in attendance

Triton College hosts alumni events

included 28th District State Senator John Millner (R-CarolStream; 1974 Triton graduate); Joseph Kozenczak (1970),former chief of police in Des Plaines and author of “TheChicago Killer,” which delves into the investigation ofChicago-area serial killer John Wayne Gacy; ElmwoodPark Chief of Police Frank Fagiano (2000); Tom Braglia(1974), a CJA adjunct faculty member and former Elm-wood Park chief of police; and CJA faculty member and46th District State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst).

ALLIED HEALTH ALUMNI RECEPTION: Graduates of Triton College’s Allied Health Careers program joinedfaculty and fellow alumni at a first-ever alumni receptionfor the program on April 12, 2012, on Triton’s campus in River Grove.

Triton College President Patricia Granados welcomedabout 80 alumni who graduated from 1973 to 2011, representing the Allied Health degree and certificationprograms in ophthalmic technology, diagnostic medicalsonography, nursing, radiologic technology, surgical technology and nuclear medicine technology.

MORE ALUMNI EVENTS INCLUDED:• Employee Alumni Breakfast• Alumni Social at Doc Ryan’s Bar and Grill in Forest Park

Zee BhimaniWhen Triton College student Zee Bhimani was pursuing culinary arts and restaurantmanagement degrees in Triton’s Hospitality Industry Administration program, he searchedfor an affordable source for chef uniforms heneeded for class. In the process, he discovereda profitable market and hasn’t looked backsince.

Bhimani, assisted by a friend, began sellingchef uniforms at reasonable prices. Bhimanideveloped, Zee’s Apparel, LLC, which offerscustom screen printing, embroidery and pro-motional products. The business has receivedpraise from customers for their products’ af-fordability and quality. He’s even provided hisproducts to Triton.

“Working in my family’s restaurants growingup, I became very passionate about food, mar-keting, sales and graphic design,” Bhimanisaid, “and I figured out how to tie all of it intothis business.

“Triton gave me a solid foundation to continue mycareer in hospitality and allowed me to pursue mypassion. Although I have left cooking pro-fessionally temporarily, I am active within theindustry.”

Bhimani intends to expand his business withthe intention of turning it into a nationally recognized company.

Lisa ScalessiDirector of Alumni Relations Lisa Scalessi isthe liaison between Triton College and its

more than 50,000 alumni. She develops themeans and opportunities for alumni to

reconnect with their alma mater through theAlumni Association.

“The Triton College Alumni Association fosters lifelong

relationships between alumniand Triton College through programs

and initiatives that both serve our graduatesand engage alumni in the future success of thecollege and our current students,” Scalessi said.

Triton’s alumni have shown an overwhelmingappreciation for having the opportunity torenew their relationship with the college

through events and workshops, social mediaoutlets, access to resources on campus andthe opportunity to showcase their academic

and career success through the college’s pub-lications and website. Plus, they are able to

give back to the next generation of students.

“As we continue to build our membership, ourfuture plans include establishing an AlumniAssociation Council that will help direct thefuture of the association and continuing todevelop ways of informing and involvingalumni in the future success of Triton,”

Scalessi said.

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Financial Summary

Summary of Fiscal Year 2012 Operating Budget

Expenditures by Program

RE V E N U E S A N D OP E R AT I N G BU D G E T

Other2%

Student Tuition and Fees45%

State Grants11%

Academic Support8%

Public Services3.5%

Auxiliary Services.5%

Institutional Support23%

Instruction35%

Summary of Fiscal Year 2012 Revenue

Student Services8%

Operations andMaintenance

22%

Local Tax Revenue42%

2009 2010 2011

First-Time Credential First-Time Credential First-Time CredentialSeekers Beginning Seekers Beginning Seekers Beginning

Fall 2006 Fall 2007 Fall 2008

Successful completion of credits attempted 75% 74% 73%

Advancement from remedial to gatekeeper courses English 73% 68% 68%(within 3 years) Math 34% 36% 40%

Enrolling in and successful completion of Englishgatekeeper courses (within 3 years) Attempt 48% 48% 45%

Complete 39% 38% 37% Math

Attempt 20% 20% 20%Complete 15% 16% 15%

Enrolling from one semester to the next TritonFall to Spring Retention 67% 67% 66%Fall to Fall Retention 48% 49% 49%

TransferFall To Spring Transfer 4% 11% 10%Fall to Year 2 Transfer 3% 3% 2%

Earning degrees and/or certificates(highest completion) Total 14% 14% 13%

Goal completion within 3 years (includes all graduates and transfers) 24% 29% 27%

Student Success Indicators

2000 Fifth Ave.River Grove, IL 60171

www.triton.eduE-mail: triton@triton.edu

(708) 456-0300

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark R. Stephens, Chairman; Donna L. Peluso, Vice Chairwoman;Diane Viverito, Secretary; Irene Moskal Del Giudice; Thomas Gary; Elizabeth Ann Potter;Glenn A. Stam; Andrew Smith, Student Trustee PRESIDENT Patricia Granados, Ed.D.Triton College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of theNorth Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

North Central Association of Colleges and SchoolsCommission on Institutions of Higher Education

30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400Chicago, IL 60602-2504

Telephone: (800) 621-7440Fax: (312) 263-7462

E-mail: info@ncacihe.orgWeb site: www.ncacihe.org