TRITON 2.0Innovating for the 21st Century

alumalumnneettTRITON COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER • FALL 2014

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE• First Recipients of Alumni Association Scholarships• Building a Greater Triton College• New Degree Programs Offered at Triton• Triton Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Rendering of proposed renovationof the Learning Resource Center

Troy the Trojan came down from Olympuslast September to become the characterambassador for Triton College. Troyspreads the word about all the great oppor-tunities and resources Triton has to offerthe community. We sat down with Troy tolearn more about the newest member of theTriton family.

What do you enjoy most about TritonCollege?I enjoy the people of Triton College. I enjoyengaging with the friendly students that arededicated to their education and the passion-ate faculty and staff that support studentsuccess.

What is your favorite spot on Triton’scampus?It’s hard to pick just one spot on campus. Ilike to interact with students in the cafeteria,pick up a book in the library, read on thecampus mounds or catch a game on the eastside of campus.

So far, what have you experienced in cele-bration of Triton’s 50th anniversary?

Greetings Triton College Alumni,

Fifty is a significant number for Triton College. Thisyear, we are reflecting on 50 years of Triton Collegehistory. We are celebrating the 50,000+ alumni thathave graduated with degrees and certificates. We arealso preparing for over $50 million in facility enhance-ments to position Triton as a premier academic institu-tion for the next 50 years.

In this issue of ALUMNET, we explore what is on thehorizon for Triton College. From enhanced facilities

and learning environments for our students to additional resources for ourcommunity to innovative degree and certificate offerings, Triton is preparing for50 more years of student success. I hope you enjoy learning about the excitingevents occurring on our campus and I invite you to witness the progress first-hand by visiting your alma mater for the duration of our 50th anniversary year.I encourage you to reconnect with Triton so we may celebrate your successesand secure your support of Triton College students both today and in the future.

To learn more about how to get involved with the Triton College Alumni Asso-ciation, visit www.triton.edu/alumni. I look forward to connecting with you insupport of Triton College and our students!

Best Wishes, Lisa ScalessiDirector of Alumni Relations

Dear Triton College Family and Friends,

For the past 50 years, Triton College has been aplace that many of us have considered a secondhome. As Triton prepares for the next 50 years,the place that we are all familiar with will beundergoing many changes to better serve studentsand the community.

Campus renovations, new scholarship opportuni-ties, a new mascot and new program offerings areall innovations at Triton that I am happy to share

with you in this issue of ALUMNET . I hope you feel the same sense ofpride in your alma mater as I feel when learning about the positiveimpact Triton will have on the next generation of alumni.

I encourage all alumni to join us in celebration of the past 50 years atTriton and the 50 years to come. I encourage you to take advantage of thismomentous time in Triton’s history to reconnect with your alma materand your fellow alumni through the Triton College Alumni Association.You all played an important part in shaping Triton’s history as studentsand graduates, and I hope you will join us to leave your mark on futureTriton alumni.

Best Regards,Lorenzo Webber, Class of 2010Alumni Association President

Questions with Troy the Trojan5So far, I stopped by Alumni Athletics Day andcheered on the student and alumni athletes. I viewed the new sundial installed on the campusmounds to commemorate the 50th anniversary.It was a sight to see! I plan to attend the GoldenAnniversary Alumni Celebration on Feb. 25,2015 and the 50th Anniversary Gala on April 25,2015. I hope to see many alumni at both events.

What are your favorite books, movies andsongs?I’d have to pick a couple classics for my favoritebooks, the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” by Homer.My favorite movies are “Remember the Titans”and “Troy”, since it bears my name. My favoritesongs are anything that gets me pumped upbefore Triton events. “We Will Rock You” byQueen and the Rocky theme song are two of myfavorites.

What do you like to do in your free time?When I have some free time you can find melifting weights with Triton athletes, dining atCafé 64 or buying sweets from the bakery oreven catching a show at the Cernan Earth andSpace Center.

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Letter from Alumni Association PresidentLetter from Director of Alumni Relations

Ken Hoch of Elmhurst is the first recipient of thenewly established Elmhurst College/TritonAlumni Council Scholarship that will help himcontinue his education toward an advanced degree.

Hoch is a two-time graduate of Triton College. He completed his associate’s degree in BusinessManagement in 2010 and a second associate’sdegree in general studies in 2013 at Triton. He isnow pursuing a bachelor’s degree at ElmhurstCollege in one of today’s most in-demand fields,Cyber Security, which is part of Elmhurst’s Accel-erated Degree-Completion program offeredthrough Elmhurst’s School for Professional Studies.

The scholarship opportunity, he said, alleviatessome of the financial pressures that often comewith the cost of higher education, allowing him tofocus more on his studies. “The scholarship offersme the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong educa-tional goals, while putting me on the path toward

Lawanda Wheat, the first recipient of the AlumniLegacy Scholarship, followed the footsteps of hersister toward a Nursing degree at Triton College.

Wheat found her calling as a nurse through workingwith clients with developmental disabilities. “Beingable to make a difference every day is very fulfilling,”she said. In order to provide the best care for thedevelopmentally disabled population that she enjoysworking with, Wheat decided to pursue an associ-ate’s degree and follow the educational path of hersister, Lena, by enrolling in the nursing program atTriton College.

“I chose Triton,” Wheat said, “because it works forme and what I need to accomplish. Triton’s tuition isvery affordable, the campus is near my home and Ialso have the opportunity to apply for scholarships tohelp me pay for school.”

She plans to use the Alumni Legacy Scholarshipaward toward payments for tuition, books andrequired uniforms for the nursing program.

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship was established in 2014 by the inaugural members of the Triton

Alumni Association Council to honor Triton Collegealumni, to support the education of immediate rela-tives of Triton College alumni and to promote a last-ing legacy of a Triton education. Students, likeWheat, will benefit from the scholarship opportunityby helping them achieve their educational goalswhile also promoting the tradition of a TritonCollege education among the families in ourcommunity. The Alumni Legacy Scholarship isawarded each semester to a current Triton Collegestudent who meets specific academic criteria and isan immediate relative of a Triton graduate.

Wheat plans to complete her degree at Triton inDecember 2015 and is exploring options to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing through BenedictineUniversity or Aurora University.

No matter what healthcare facility I go into in theChicagoland area, there is either a nurse that is aTriton graduate or someone who has heard of Triton’snursing program. The name speaks for itself.”

Wheat is anticipating the day that she, too, can callherself a Triton College graduate. Lawanda Wheat

For more information about the Alumni Legacy Scholarship or the Elmhurst College/Triton Alumni Council Scholarship,

call the Triton College Alumni Relations Office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3382, or visit www.triton.edu/alumni.

Ken Hoch

future success,” he said. “After graduation, I hopeto launch my career in the Chicago area, ideally,working for an IT company or the Department ofHomeland Security… Once I’m established in myprofession, I plan to become more involved in thecommunity.”

Elmhurst College and Triton College’s AlumniCouncil worked together to establish this scholar-ship as part of a statewide initiative to helpcommunity college students continue their educa-tion. The scholarship awards two outstandingTriton College alumni – one per term, in the falland spring – who are enrolled in one of Elmhurst’saccelerated degree-completion programs with$3,500 toward their tuition at Elmhurst.

Both institutions look forward to providingstudents with this new scholarship opportunitythat encourages them to further their education.

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Elmhurst Resident First to Receive Elmhurst College/Triton Alumni Council Scholarship

Alumni Legacy Scholarship Promotes Tradition of Triton College Education

Building a Greater Triton College

Triton College is on its way to making campus improvements that would notonly support economic development in the district but also prepare Triton’sstudents for a competitive job market.

Following Board approval of $53 million worth of bonds, the Triton CollegeBoard of Trustees and administration presented a Bond Revenue CampusRenewal Projects public meeting on Oct. 7 to present proposed campus renova-tions the institution plans to pursue. More than 100 individuals attended themeeting held in the Robert M. Collins Center Auditorium, sharing suggestionson what projects should take precedence over others.

Economic development is the common theme of many of Triton’s new propos-als. Training students for the jobs of tomorrow is the prime objective. Some ofthe proposed renovation plans include modernizing the Child DevelopmentCenter with an integrated childcare program and a lab school teaching environ-ment for Triton students. In addition, Triton is proposing to update the StudentCenter, modernize Triton’s on-campus greenhouses, improve academic andathletics facilities on the east campus and construct a demonstration kitchen andbistro lab for Triton’s hospitality students.

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Through the selling of the bonds, Triton College intends to modernize itscampus, which would address the needs of its students and prepare them fora highly competitive world economy, as well as create many new excitingjob creation opportunities for the residents of the west suburban area. Thenew dollars will position Triton as a leader in the economic development ofthe district.

During this past summer, through a series of public community presenta-tions throughout the Triton district, Triton College presented the proposalto rebuild its campus. At these meetings, the citizens of the district wereinvited to offer their suggestions.

At the Sept. 23 Triton College Board of Trustees meeting, the Boardapproved the bonds to fund multiple proposed projects that would beconstructed within three years of the approval date.

The Board of Trustees will announce which renovation projects the collegewill proceed with at the Dec. 19 Board of Trustees public meeting.

RENDERINGS OF SOME PROPOSED RENOVATIONS

Baseball FieldExterior of the Learning Resource Center

Exterior of the Industrial Careers Building

Student Center Cafeteria

Greenhouse

Fitness Center

Student Collaborative Learning AreaDemonstration Kitchen and Mixology Lab

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The Future of Education at Triton College

Triton College is consistently adding and improving its curriculum and programs toreflect the ever-evolving economy, presenting new certificate and degree programs inareas of study that are growing and innovative to the area, and even the state.• Triton will introduce a new Environmental Science Degree in spring 2015 to allowstudents to explore the relationship between organisms and their environment,with a particular emphasis on the impacts that humans place on their environment.

• Students can get a sharper focus on their career with the new Eye Care AssistantCertificate program. The program will prepare students for work in an entry-levelposition in ophthalmic technology.

• As the population of people continues to grow and age, the job demand for occupa-tional therapy assistants, which includes the responsibility of treating patients withinjuries or disabilities through therapy, is expected to grow with it. Triton’s HealthCareers Department is planning to offer an Occupational Therapy Assistant(OTA) program tentatively in spring 2016 to prepare students for a career in abooming market.

• The college is also looking to add new academic programs focused on renewableenergy. With the installation of solar panels on the Cernan Earth and Space Center,the college hopes to bring more examples of renewable energy to campus toprovide students with a hands-on, practical learning experience.

Alumni Show Pride in Triton at Family Picnic

It was a warm and wonderful day for fun and reconnecting at Triton College’sAlumni Family Picnic on June 14 in the Botanical Gardens. More than 150 peoplecame out to the event that celebrates Triton’s alumni as ambassadors of the institutionwhile providing an opportunity for alums to stay connected to Triton and each other.

“The Alumni Family Picnic is a great opportunity to showcase our growing campusand our growing Alumni Association,” said Alumni Relations Director Lisa Scalessi.“Our alumni and their families are part of the legacy of Triton College, so wewelcome every opportunity to recognize and reconnect with them on our campus.”

The family-friendly event included a scavenger hunt, face painting, bingo, and a bagstournament, in addition, to a stilt walker who entertained families with juggling andballoon animals.

Carolina Castaneda attended the event with her two young children and friend.Castaneda recently graduated with an associate degree in Management. “I like thatTriton always has events like this going on,” she said. “You never know who you’regoing to network with at these events. Plus, I like that it keeps you connected to thecollege.”

“It’s always great to have our alumni back on our campus,” said Triton College Presi-dent Dr. Patricia Granados. “A lot of our alumni have been curious to know aboutour renovation plans that they see happening on our campus. They like coming backand seeing how our campus is growing.”

Triton College 2014 graduate Sheila Harris, for one, is proud to see the campus grow.“I’ve watched Triton grow and get better and better as time goes by,” she said. “It’swonderful that they offer great events like this that shows that.”

Julie A. Andrews and her daughter Fanita Tipper make up two-thirds of threegenerations of Triton graduates. The mother and daughter attended the “inspira-tional affair” to show their support of the college, of which they credit for receiving a quality education toward their prospering careers in nursing.

“When my daughter received her degree and was part of clincals with Loyola graduates, her knowledge in the field surpassed the Loyola graduates,” Andrews said.

“I learned a lot about nursing from Triton, and the teachers here want you to besuccessful,” Tipper added. “And my daughter also received a wonderful educationhere. It’s a top-notch school.”

Alumni Athletics Day

Triton invited back its former studentathletes and coaches for the first-everAlumni Athletics Day on Sept. 20. Theday challenged current and formerTriton student athletes to go head-to-head in basketball, softball and soccergames.

“The purpose of Alumni Athletics Dayis to celebrate Triton’s 50-year history ofathletic competition by bringingtogether generations of alumni athletesto engage in friendly competition againstour current student athletes,” said LisaScalessi, director of Triton’s AlumniRelations. “It was an opportunity tohonor the past and also celebrate thefuture with the introduction of Triton’snew mascot, Troy. We hope to make thisa new tradition.”

Triton alum Gricella “Gi-Gi” Bueso,who graduated in 2012, enjoyed the

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Triton College Ushers in its 50th Year with Decadent Cake, Sundial Dedication

It was a joyous and celebratory occasionon Aug. 28, when the Triton Collegecommunity, as well as community resi-dents, area partners and dignitaries fromwithin Triton’s district, came out to helpTriton kick off its 50th anniversary cele-bration.

The event took place at Triton College’snewly remodeled Commons Area, outsidein the center of campus, where Triton’snew sundial, commemorating the mile-stone, was dedicated. The college held day and evening time ceremonies toaccommodate students’ and communityresidents’ schedules.

The college celebrates 50 years of provid-ing excellence in education, which will berecognized with more events coming in2015.

“This is a very special day as we kick offthe 50th anniversary celebration here atTriton,” said Triton College Board Chair-man Mark Stephens to the audience ofmore than 300 people. “Over the courseof 50 years, thousands of people havebenefited from the work that we do here

at Triton College. And we’re very proud,not only of where we’ve been, but wherewe’re going.”

Triton College President Dr. PatriciaGranados reflected on Triton’s past andshared her expectations for the future ofthe college. “Just like the very first day,back in 1964, when Triton College wasestablished, Triton continues to becommitted to that mission of beingfocused on student success and servingour community to ensure that we aredeveloping a strong workforce that helpsour communities have strong economicdevelopment,” she said. “We’re veryproud of our journey as a communitycollege… We’re excited to share thiswonderful institution with the commu-nity for the next 50 and beyond years.”

The sundial dedication was followed bycake and cupcakes prepared by Triton’sHospitality faculty and students in theStudent Center Cafeteria. There, an arrayof Triton memorabilia, donated by theTriton College community and commu-nity residents, was displayed for all to see.

opportunity to come back and playwomen’s basketball on Triton’s court. “Ithink this is a great event to see old teammembers and play the game I love,” shesaid.

Breann Schuh, 2009 graduate, learnedabout the event from her former women’ssoftball coach. “It’s great to see the girlsfrom my team again. We can’t always gettogether because some of us live apartfrom one another,” she said. “I’m ready tojust have fun.”

Being on campus, Charles Hudson remi-nisced about his time at the college.“Triton still has a beautiful campus, lotsof good people. It feels like home here,”said the 2004 graduate, who was pumpedto play against the current players ofTriton’s men’s basketball team. “I’mready to go and have fun, but at the endof the day, I’m trying to win.”

For more information about Triton College’s 50th anniversary, visit www.triton.edu/50.

Foundation Kicks Off Good to Gold!

Million Dollar Fundraising Campaign

In recognition of Triton College’s milestone 50th anniversary, the Triton College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) organization) recently launched a new and exciting fundraising

campaign – The Triton College Foundation Good to Gold! Million Dollar Campaign.

Current/former students, alumni and community members, you’re invited to etch yourforever mark in Triton’s history by participating in this extreme initiative.

The Good to Gold! campaign will consist of the Foundation offering a thousand $1000packages available for purchase with proceeds funding scholarships and benefiting the

students of Triton College – the ultimate beneficiaries.

Each package includes: one engraved paver brick around the 50th Anniversary Sundial;an exclusive anniversary sponsor ad (gold) in the Foundation President’s Reception ad

book and in the Triton College 50th Anniversary Black Tie Gala ad book; slide recognitionat each event; an exclusive anniversary sponsorship at the Triton College Foundation golfouting; recognition on the TC Foundation website and college publications; and more.

Here’s your chance to congratulate a graduate, commend a friend, recognize a familymember, memorialize a loved one, acknowledge Triton’s milestone celebration or

engrave a name in history – all in support of an extremely worthy cause.

Be one of a thousand that’ll raise a million – join in our bigger than big Good to Gold! crusade!

For exclusive details, please call the Triton College Foundation at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3758, or send an email to tcfoundation@triton.edu.

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Triton College’s 50th Anniversary

GalaSaturday, April 25, 2015

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 9291 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, IL

Triton College is pleased to host a special gala to culminate the year-long celebration of the institution’s 50th anniversary. The gala willrecognize the history and accomplishments of Triton College aswell as notable individuals who’ve contributed to the success of theinstitution. Tickets are $100 per person. Proceeds will benefit theTriton College Foundation which supports student scholarships.

For more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3201,or visit www.triton.edu/50.

Interact with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OfficialTritonCollege!

We’ll Reserve One for You!

The Triton College 50th Anniversary

Golden Anniversary Alumni Celebration Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, 6:30-9 p.m.Triton College Student Center

The first graduating class of Triton College will be recognized and honoredduring this semi-formal reception that will include the unveiling of the

Triton College Alumni Wall of Fame, featuring select Triton College gradu-ates and displays of historical videos and memorabilia.

All Triton College alumni are invited to join us for this special event.There is no cost to attend. Contributions to the Triton College

Foundation are gratefully appreciated.

For more information or to RSVP, please call the Alumni Relations Office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3382 or email alumni@triton.edu.

In honor of our 50th anniversary celebration, Triton College commemorative lapel pins have been ordered in a limited

quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis free of charge to community members.

Celebrate with us, show your Triton pride and wear your pin with honor to help us promote our golden anniversary celebration.

If you’re interested in receiving this unique Triton collectible that helps us promote our historical celebration, please call Tom Olson, communication relations associate, at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3460 or send

an e-mail to tomolson@triton.edu.

We’re grateful for the quality exposure and recognition we’ll get on your behalf when you wear the pin proudly!

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2000 Fifth Ave.River Grove, IL 60171Triton.edu(708) 456-0300

25TH ART KRAFT MEMORIAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENTSaturday, Dec. 13, 2014, 9 a.m.Triton College, River Grove, IL Robert M. Collins Gymnasium, Triton College

On Dec. 13, Triton College will pay tribute to former Triton wrestling coach, Art Kraft, who passed away on Nov. 29, 1985, with the 25th annual Art KraftWrestling Tournament. This has become one of the most prestigious events in the country. It has attracted teams and individuals from Wisconsin, Michigan,Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and, of course, Illinois. Visit www.triton.edu/athletics for more information.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY ALUMNI CELEBRATIONWednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, 6:30–9 p.m.Triton College Student Center (B Building)

Join us for a cocktail reception to honor 50 years of student success at Triton College. The event will recognize and honor the first graduating class of TritonCollege. The program for the evening will also include the unveiling of the Triton College Alumni Wall of Fame, featuring select Triton College graduates.Hors d’oeuvres and entertainment will be provided, with a cash bar available. Memorabilia and a special video presentation will be displayed, capturing therich history of Triton. Admission to the event is free. Donations to the Triton College Foundation are welcome. To RSVP for the event, please contact theAlumni Relations Office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3382 or email alumni@triton.edu.

50TH ANNIVERSARY GALASaturday, April 25, 2015, 6 p.m.Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 9291 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, IL

Triton College is pleased to host a special 50th Anniversary Gala to culminate the yearlong celebration of the institution’s 50th Anniversary. The gala willrecognize the history and accomplishments of Triton College as well as notable individuals who’ve contributed to the success of the institution. Event ticketsare $100 per person. Event sponsorship packages will also be available. Proceeds will benefit the Triton College Foundation which supports student scholar-ships. For more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3201.

ALUMNI FAMILY PICNICSaturday, June 13, 2015, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.Triton College Botanical Gardens

Join us for a family fun event of food, drinks, music, games and a chance to reconnect with fellow Triton College alumni and your alma mater. For moreinformation, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3382 or email alumni@triton.edu.

Visit www.triton.edu/alumni_events for more information about upcoming alumni events.

TRITON COLLEGE ALUMNI OFFICE2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, IL 60171F Building, Room F-210(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3382 www.triton.edu/alumni

UPCOMING EVENTS

ALUMNET is a publication produced for alumni of Triton College.The purpose of this publication is to keep alumni informed,involved and invested in the success of their alma mater, itsstudents and fellow alumni. ALUMNET is produced by theStrategic Marketing and Public Relations Department andAlumni Relations Office at Triton College. Please direct allcomments and questions to alumni@triton.edu.

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Triton College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

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