Alumni Spotlight

Economics professor bullish on Moraine Valley
Cyril Morong is among the many students who believe Moraine Valley Community College changed their lives.
“Coming out of high school, I was a so-so student. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I thought I should at least try college,” he said.

Enrolling at Moraine Valley turned out to be a life-changing decision for Dr. Morong, who went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Chicago and a doctorate in economics from Washington State University. The teachers at Moraine Valley made the class material interesting, he said, and it was then that he thought, “Wow. I really like studying and learning.” He credits Moraine Valley for preparing him for the rigors of class work at the University of Chicago. “My teachers at Moraine took their subject matter very seriously. I had to buckle down. The tests weren’t easy and I had to study if I wanted to do well. That’s what made all the difference for me,” he said.

Dr. Morong took economics classes at Moraine Valley because it was required, but he became motivated because of his instructors. “Plus, while reading the textbook in my macro econ class, something popped out at me and it made me realize this is what I wanted to major in,” he said.

“I was inspired intellectually at Moraine Valley,” Dr. Morong said. “The teachers changed my attitude about what I thought I could do academically.”

Read more about Dr. Morong, who is now an economics professor at San Antonio College, the largest single-campus community college in Texas.

From Playtime to a Professional Career If you asked her, Judy Nevell probably couldn’t recall a time in her life that didn’t involve a classroom. She’s been a student, a teacher, and now oversees what is taught in a dozen child care centers’ classrooms.

Graduate’s magical career began at Moraine Valley Matt Bailey spends time with more than 30 species of wildlife, including giraffes and zebras, and overhears harrowing shrieks in the Tower of Terror. He has made sure Chipper Jones was ready for the plate, warmed up Peyton Manning for the first big throw, and is what you might call the key guy at the Yacht and Beach Club.

Great Chemistry in Research and Development Bill Mahoney keeps a fast pace both at the office and at home.

Grad returns to serve as college trustee The best kept secret about Moraine Valley? It's the total package, says former student, Mark Weber who now serves on the Board of Trustees.

Making a difference in and for the world If you had to use one word to describe Sandra Biedron—you couldn’t. You’d need at least a dozen.

From student to staff—graduate comes full circle Lisa Bly feels very comfortable at Moraine Valley.

A Career with Interest? Bank on it! Melvin Branch used to roll the coins to make sure the bank had enough cash on hand. Now he oversees loans to make sure businesses have enough on hand.

Change of venue sends Lanigan to sunshine state Like thousands of college kids in the 70s, Tom Lanigan loved to hit the beaches in Florida for spring break.

A luminous career path You could say a light bulb went on for Gary Misicka that sparked a new career—and a bright future. While attending Moraine Valley in the early 1990s, Misicka, who had contemplated pursuing a career in law enforcement, began a part-time job at Lyons and Pinner Electric Companies, a job that quickly sparked his interest in a new career.

From Moraine Valley to McLean County Bob Freitag has been called a lot of names since his days as a student at Moraine Valley, but he's honored to be called each and every one of them.

Moraine Valley Grad’s Career Takes a Stormy Path It’s been said that in everyone’s life a little rain must fall. For Jim Purpura, it’s been more than just a little rain—it’s been hurricanes, tornadoes and flash flooding. But this Moraine Valley graduate isn’t complaining.

Traveling Calls Now a Good Thing for Former Hoops Standout For Moraine Valley graduate Bob Lanigan, the traveling calls used to come from a ref—now they come from customers and ESPN.

Parents Picked His First Community College—He’s Picked the Rest Sometimes—just sometimes—parents really do know best. “My father brought me to Moraine Valley,” said James Grant, reminiscing about his first campus visit in 1975. “I really didn’t want to be there, but I had no choice. My father made up his mind and that was that."

All of the “write stuff” for this Moraine Valley grad While other kids were watching weekend morning cartoons, Eram Cowlas was tuned in to CBS Sunday Morning News with anchor Charles Osgood.

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.

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.

Her Eye for Color Brings out the Best at Home For many, it’s their job to make sure people are happy and having a good time when they go out. For Beverly Ceko, it’s her job to make sure people are happy when they are home.

Brain Injury Doesn’t Deter Former Student Trustee It's nothing new for Moraine Valley graduate and former Student Trustee Brian Kelly to want to be involved and make a difference. People who know Brian know that when he set his mind to something, he would do whatever it took to make it happen.

Giving Back to the Community Lori Potter has gone far since her days at Moraine Valley—both geographically and in her career. Now a prominent environmental attorney with a prestigious firm in Colorado, Lori’s path to her successful career began with a Moraine Valley education.

Moraine Valley Experience Leads to Eventful Career in Radio Moraine Valley wasn’t part of Melissa Kennedy’s original plan, but as we all know, plans change.

Graduate Wears Several Hats If Michael Black wearing a badge and has a weapon at his side, he’s at the Matteson Police Department where he serves as an administrative sergeant and firearms instructor. If he’s got on his thinking cap and his hands are tapping a keyboard, he’s churning out another fiction crime novel.

Instructor’s Influence Adds up Big for Successful Accountant Dennis Shannon didn’t plan to attend a community college, but as it turns out, that was a great decision for his career.