May 2008

Foundation
Board of Directors
President
David C. Heide

Executive Vice President
Cheryl Wilson

Treasurer
Bruce G. Nawara, C.P.A.

Secretary
Margaret Lehner, Ed.D.

Brian Andersen
Frank R. Barre
Hon. Irene H. Brodie
Vernon Crawley, D.Ed.
Maria DeCaprio-Sunta
Anthony Q. Drake
Philip T. Foster
Barry Gaw
Noreen Ligino-Kubinski
Katie Maier
Egon J. Menker
John Moore
Omar Najib
William J. Opelka
Debra Piscola
Dick Post
Maureen Ryan
Dennis Shannon
Carolyn Viverito
Sandra Wagner
Jon Weglarz

Executive Director
Sue Linn

Message from the President
As our class of 2008 graduates, it is my pleasure to extend our congratulations to them on behalf of the faculty and staff. These students join the ranks of past graduates who have been a tremendous source of pride for us at Moraine Valley. We are honored that these students, as well as all of our graduates, have entrusted us to help them meet their educational goals. We pride ourselves on student success, and I am very pleased to report we rank in the top 8 percent in the nation in degrees conferred and that 92 percent of our graduates are employed or continuing their education.

Our growth makes us the second largest community college in the state, but it is our continued commitment to student success that makes us one of the premier
community colleges in the nation.

Congratulations to our newest alumni and my sincere appreciation to all of our former students and community members for your sustained support.

As always, I invite you to visit our beautiful campus. Plan to join us this summer at the Fine and Performing Arts Center for a community art exhibit at the Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery or performances by the Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers, as well as the Jazz Ensemble, in the Dorothy Menker Theater, and Shakespearean plays on the campus lawns. We have a lot going on this summer, including workshops and classes to teach you ways to go green at your home or business. Be sure to check our Web site for future events for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Vernon O. Crawley
College President

Scholarship Golf Outing
Grab your clubs and tee off for a good cause at the Foundation’s 27th annual golf outing on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park.
Get a foursome together for a day on the links and enjoy a great meal with friends! Proceeds from the golf outing benefit scholarships and the student emergency needs fund.

Not a golfer? Lend your support as an outing sponsor.

To purchase tickets, or receive more information about sponsorship opportunities, call (708) 974-5480 or visit www.morainevalley.edu/foundation.

Ira Siegel and his career—
perfectly aligned

Look in the garage, and you’ll see what Ira Siegel drives. Look in the classroom, however, and you’ll see what drives Ira Siegel.

“One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing the student success,” said Ira, who is an assistant professor of Automotive Technology and coordinator of the Chrysler College Automotive Program (CAP). “I run into graduates and they tell me how well they’re doing. That’s what keeps me doing what I’m doing.”

What Ira is doing is overseeing the only such program in the state. As a matter of fact, the program at Moraine Valley is one of only a few offered in the Midwest and one of only 27 offered nationwide. CAP students receive manufacturer-specific training as well as opportunities for real-world, hands-on experience during a paid internship at a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership. Over the six-year partnership with Moraine Valley, he says, Chrysler has provided the college with more than $500,000 worth of vehicles and resources.

In addition to overseeing CAP and his classroom duties, Ira, who came to Moraine Valley in 2002, handles recruiting, monitors the students and dealerships, attends curriculum meetings, and oversees the Automotive Technology Program in general. He also is a driving force at a local newspaper. “I started the automotive section in the Southtown and have been writing a column for them since 1993,” said Ira, who also now pens an automotive column for Elite, a monthly magazine inserted in the SouthtownStar newspaper.

Ira is a huge proponent of CAP and the college’s Automotive Technology Program. “Some trade schools charge $25,000 to $30,000 for a one-year certificate. Ours is a two-year college degree accredited by the same agency, and students have spent less than $7,000 on education for a successful career,” Ira said. He’s also a firm believer that there always will be a high demand for mechanics. “It doesn’t matter what’s under the hood,” he said. “There’s always going to be those ‘wear and tear’ things that need repair. Today’s vehicle requires an individual with much more education in order to repair them, as compared to 10 or 20 years ago.”

“This is a great place to be,” Ira adds. “I definitely love it.”

From the Foundation President

The reappearance of spring coupled with the construction underway for our new and expanded facilities has brought about an air of excitement on campus. We certainly welcome the new season and most definitely look forward to the new programs and services that await our students upon completion of the campus expansion project.

This is the ideal time to make a gift to the college. While the building project is expected to be completed on time and within budget, there are many opportunities for philanthropic investment. The campus expansion project provides buildings, but we are looking to find ways to secure funds for equipment, technology and additional upgrades. For example, a monetary donation for equipment and technology improvements in the nursing and allied health labs will ensure our students continue to be well skilled at providing excellent patient services.

Work continues on the new Moraine Business and Conference Center.

Over the course of the campus expansion, the Foundation will be working hand-in-hand with the college to identify and fund enhancements that will benefit our students. I encourage you to consider a gift—one that will help to provide additional resources for the extra margin of excellence that puts Moraine Valley at the forefront of creating student success.

Please call our Foundation Office today to learn more about how you can be an integral part of the college’s future.

Sincerely,
David Heide

All of the “write stuff” for this
Moraine Valley grad

Could it be Osgood’s program that influenced the 2002 Moraine Valley graduate’s decision to pursue a career in television news? Possibly. But her passion for writing is truly what fueled her desire to be a part of the news industry.

“I always knew I wanted to be a writer,” said Eram, a producer for the 9 p.m. Primetime News segment at the Fox News affiliate WITI-TV 6 in Milwaukee. Reflecting on her time at Moraine Valley, Eram recalls a very active—but fun—lifestyle while on campus; crediting Glacier advisor Ted Powers and Speech Team coach Krista Appelquist with making her tenure at Moraine Valley a great time in her life. “Ted was a big help and Krista was an amazing coach. That team had a big influence on me.”

“I’ve been so lucky to have so many good opportunities,” she said. “There were many people to help me and show me that this job was about more than just inverted pyramids—it was about caring about the stories and the people.”

What are gifts in-kind?

One of the most frequently overlooked opportunities for individuals and businesses to help fund the success of Moraine Valley Community College students is a gift of goods or services to the Moraine Valley Foundation. These charitable gifts are known as “in-kind” gifts or donations and include a variety of resources, from technology and equipment to supplies and services.

Gifts in-kind to the Moraine Valley Foundation help multiply and expand the life of financial resources available to the college. Gifts of equipment and technology, like those provided by Chrysler Corporation for the award- inning Automotive Program (see related story on page 2) provide state-of-the-art equipment for career training that might otherwise be unaffordable to the college. Gifts of items for fundraising events like our Starry, Starry Night gala and our annual golf outing help the Foundation raise monies that fund scholarships and college programs. Gifts of services, such as printing, help to decrease overall costs for Foundation operations so more dollars go directly to student scholarships, equipment purchases and program enhancements.

These non-cash gifts given to the Foundation, a 501(3)c nonprofit organization, are tax- deductible to the extent allowed by law through a process that gives a cash value, or fair market value, to the items or services. Foundation staff will work with donors to help ensure that specific donations are eligible for deductions. To find out more about making an in-kind donation to the Moraine Valley Foundation or to obtain additional information about donations of cash, stocks, securities or planned giving opportunities, call the Foundation Office at (708) 974-5335 or e-mail linns@morainevalley.edu.

We welcome your support.

Moraine Valley students demonstrate
skills at Chicago Auto Show

Ed Kaczmarek (left), Master Technician at Gateway Chevrolet, observes Moraine Valley automotive students Roberth Rodriguez (center) and Doug Leonard as they install a chrome grille on a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Automotive Technology student Ray Jirsa (left) watches fellow student Jason Steinberg punch the spot where holes will be drilled for the installation of a spoiler on a Cobalt at the auto show. A dozen students from the college demonstrated several ways to accessorize a Cobalt at the Chevy Cobalt Tuner booth. The students also distributed information about the automotive programs and related careers at Moraine Valley.

Troy Swanson, teaching and learning librarian at Moraine Valley, has been named the college’s 2008 Master Teacher for his work on the college’s One Book, One College program, an interdisciplinary, public series intended to foster scholarly discussion among students, faculty, staff, and the community centering on the themes of a single book. Troy heads the committee, composed of staff, faculty and students, that selects a new book each year.

Troy has planned more than 50 events and has increased the Library’s collection of materials that support the selected books to aid students in researching related topics. In light of the college’s proactive approach to ‘green,’ next year’s book will be Garbage Land, a look at the journey of our garbage.

Troy works with faculty and staff to develop and promote library services to students, teaches information literacy instruction sessions, and conducts reference and research services. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree at Augustana College, a master’s degree in library information science from Dominican University, and is currently studying for his doctorate in the Community College Leadership Program at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

Foundation Honors Scholars—Moraine Valley 2007-08 Foundation scholarship recipients: (first row, from left) Krista Meyers, Joann Karen Basick Memorial Scholarship; Kimberly Macauley, Career Programs/ Nursing Scholarship; Kathleen Blake, Moraine Valley Alumni Scholarship; Patricia Chebat, Joann Karen Basick Memorial Scholarship; William Kalant, Developmental Education Scholarship; David Faulkner, Center for Disability Services Scholarship; Dr. Vernon O. Crawley, Moraine Valley president; (back row, from left) Mary Nolan, Moraine Valley trustee; Dennis Shannon, chair of Moraine Valley Foundation Scholarship Committee; Jestine Lenckus, Robert J. Bobb Memorial Scholarship; Michael Massura, Center for Disability Services Scholarship; Matthew Weibel, Moraine Valley Alumni Scholarship; Carol Bradtke, Liberal Arts Scholarship; Sandra Wagner, board vice chairman; and Joseph P. Murphy, board chairman.

Keeping businesses safe keeps his
business growing

Jeff Dencek sure has seen a lot of garbage since his college days, and now thanks to his booming business, there’s going to be plenty more in his future. You also could say he’s someone dumpster divers deplore.

After 23 years in the waste and recycling business, the Moraine Valley graduate seized a business opportunity designed to prevent personal information and important documents from getting into the wrong hands. “It’s amazing,” Jeff said.  “You don’t even realize just how much identity theft there is. People are dumpster diving all the time.”

As vice president of Shark Shredding, headquartered in Crestwood, Jeff oversees the destruction of professional documents from businesses all over the area. He says his business is thriving mainly because people are becoming more aware of the importance of destroying documents that contain personal information. “One of my biggest competitors is the personal shredder,” says Jeff, who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.

One of his most recent jobs brought him back to the halls of Moraine Valley. “I walked in to the college and saw Justin Synnestvedt teaching a class. That man was my philosophy professor; he was actually my favorite teacher. Seeing him brought me back 20 years,” Jeff said, reminiscing about the days he was a student on this campus. “I know a lot of people go to a four-year school first, but it was the best thing for me to go to Moraine Valley first. It allowed me to work and go to school, and save money for Loyola. Plus, I had a great time.”

Wishes really do come true

Everyone who visits Disney World probably wishes they could stay just a little longer. Former Moraine Valley student Lauren Salagaj was wishing the same thing when she went to Disney World in January 2007. She got her wish and, 16 months later, is still at Orlando’s Magic Kingdom.

Lauren first traveled to Disney World through the internship program at Moraine Valley. And it was more than just a little magic that has kept her there now as a full-time employee.

“The internship through Moraine Valley helped me get my foot in the door, and Disney has dozens of opportunities that can help me reach my dream of being an entertainer on stage,” Lauren said. “Disney is just the coolest place on Earth to work.”

Dancing and singing since she was 6 years old, Lauren was a mainstay in the choirs and musicals at Shepard High School and held two lead roles in performances at Moraine Valley. This past year at Disney World has brought about many exciting roles, including being a member of the opening ceremony cast of the 2007 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas parade. In February, Lauren was one of only 20 young ladies from across the country called back for the role of Elle Woods in a production of Legally Blonde. “Getting a call back was great. It was a big push for me, and I was really thrilled,” she said. “I don’t know what my next steps will be, but right now I’m really enjoying what I’m doing.”

In the five years Moraine Valley has been participating in the Disney College Program, more than 300 internship offers have been made to Moraine Valley students. These internships give students real-world work experience in positions that best suit their career interests, such as food and beverage service, hospitality, costuming, performing, and more.

Learn more about the Foundation, other alumni, scholarships and more!
www.morainevalley.edu/foundation

The glitz and glamour of the evening included a doorman greeting guests as they arrived.

Foundation President Dave Heide (second from left) supported the Foundation’s efforts with his wife, Karen, and Jay and Barb DeBoer.

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas with showgirls, doormen and the likenesses of celebrity icons jazzed up the Fine and Performing Arts Center for the more than 600 people who attended Starry Starry Night, the Foundation’s annual gala fundraiser April 12.

The featured headliner was Chicago entertainer Ron Hawking, who returned to the Dorothy Menker Theater with his production of “The Men and Their Music,” a repertoire of numbers from such vocalists as Bobby Darin, Ray Charles and Billy Joel to name a few. In keeping with the Las Vegas theme, patrons were treated to songs by Elvis impersonator Bob West, a piano performance by Nicholas Thomas, and amazing illusions at Mr. D’s Magic show. Guests also had an opportunity to bid on silent auction items and win raffle prizes that included two roundtrip airline tickets to Las Vegas with hotel accommodations, a diamond necklace valued at $1,800 from Tiffany & Co., and a six-month digital starter package from Comcast.

Enjoying the evening are Cheryl Wilson, executive vice president of the Foundation Board (left), Philip Foster, Foundation Board member, and his wife, Kathy.

Starry Starry Night committee chair Noreen Ligino-Kubinski thanked everyone for their support, especially the evening’s sponsors—PepsiAmericas, event sponsor; UPS, gold sponsor; Teng and Associates, silver sponsor; and bronze sponsors: Comcast, Delmonica Del Muro Associates LLC, IHC Construction LLC, and Legat Architects. She also thanked the special sponsors: Bisping Construction Company, Hickey Electrical Contractors Inc., Joseph Construction Company, and O’Connor Contractors. “Their support made the entire evening’s events possible,” she said.

Sue Linn, executive director of the Foundation, said proceeds from the event benefit the college’s Fine and Performing Arts Center programs. “These programs serve students and community residents and enhance  the cultural life of the community,” Linn said.

Next year’s Starry Starry Night, planned for April 4, 2009, will be a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the event as well as the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

The silent auction helped the Foundation raise additional monies in support of the Fine and Performing Arts Center and student scholarships.

Whether it's been 10, 20 or even 35 years since you completed classes, a certificate program or an associate's degree at Moraine Valley—we welcome the opportunity to reconnect with you.

Alumni involvement enables us to enhance the Moraine Valley experience for current and future students in so many ways. Serve as a mentor, volunteer on an advisory committee or assist in developing internship opportunities—the possibilities are endless—and rewarding.

We value you as alumni and invite you to reconnect with us.

• Enjoy excellent entertainment at the Fine and Performing Arts Center
• Utilize the library’s vast resources
• Feel great by joining the Health Fitness Center
• Enroll in courses to develop your skills or pursue a new interest
• Serve as a student mentor or on an advisory board
• And more!

Send all inquiries, comments and address changes to:
Moraine Valley Community College
Foundation Office, Rm. B240
9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937
or alumni@morainevalley.edu