Daniel Geiter
President of Ward College
Class of 2009
Class of 2009
Dr. Daniel W. Geiter, of Chicago, is one of five alumni inducted into 2016 Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College.
“I am honored,” Geiter said of his selection. “My Moraine Valley years were important to my development into a ‘student’ and after four degrees, I felt like I had actually accomplished something unthinkable. This induction is a manifestation of the hard work and dedication of the educators and support staff at Moraine Valley who saw the best in me when I could only see the worst in me.”
Geiter earned an Associate in Arts degree from Moraine Valley in 2009. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago; and a doctorate degree from Benedictine University.
He serves as president of Ward College, founded to help ex-offenders get an education to help reduce their chances of being reincarcerated, and was chief executive officer at Catalyst Educational Research Center in Chicago. In addition, Dr. Geiter was a professor and a research specialist at Saint Xavier University, and an instructor for the general education degree program at the Langston Hughes Educational Initiative in Chicago. He is a member of the American Conference on Education, Urban League Educators of Chicago, American Association of African American Educators, and the American Association of Distance Educators.
“We are so pleased to have Daniel as one of our 2016 inductees,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Daniel is an amazingly positive person who always searches out the bright side of life. His journey as a felon to a college president is just remarkable not only in the fact that he made it through, but that he never forgot from where he came. His fight continues for young men who, like himself, feel helpless and lost. He truly is a shining example of the power of education.”
“I am honored,” Geiter said of his selection. “My Moraine Valley years were important to my development into a ‘student’ and after four degrees, I felt like I had actually accomplished something unthinkable. This induction is a manifestation of the hard work and dedication of the educators and support staff at Moraine Valley who saw the best in me when I could only see the worst in me.”
Geiter earned an Associate in Arts degree from Moraine Valley in 2009. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago; and a doctorate degree from Benedictine University.
He serves as president of Ward College, founded to help ex-offenders get an education to help reduce their chances of being reincarcerated, and was chief executive officer at Catalyst Educational Research Center in Chicago. In addition, Dr. Geiter was a professor and a research specialist at Saint Xavier University, and an instructor for the general education degree program at the Langston Hughes Educational Initiative in Chicago. He is a member of the American Conference on Education, Urban League Educators of Chicago, American Association of African American Educators, and the American Association of Distance Educators.
“We are so pleased to have Daniel as one of our 2016 inductees,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Daniel is an amazingly positive person who always searches out the bright side of life. His journey as a felon to a college president is just remarkable not only in the fact that he made it through, but that he never forgot from where he came. His fight continues for young men who, like himself, feel helpless and lost. He truly is a shining example of the power of education.”
Keith Karlson
Lawyer
Class of 1997
Class of 1997
Keith Karlson, of Chicago, is one of five alumni inducted into the 2016 Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College.
Karlson earned an Associate in Arts degree from Moraine Valley in 1997, a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s degree from Ball State University, and a juris doctorate from DePaul University College of Law.
“To be named to the Alumni Hall of Fame—well, it’s very humbling and flattering,” said Karlson, a partner in the law firm of Reimer Dobrovolny & Karlson LLC in Hinsdale. While at Moraine Valley he was active on the Speech Team, with the College Bowl and wrote for the college’s literary publication “The Mastodon.” “Without my experience on the Speech Team, I have no idea how my life would have turned out. I learned to write well and really develop my skills as a public speaker. I developed confidence as a communicator—and communication is the cornerstone of my profession.”
Karlson concentrates his practice in the area of public safety labor law, constitutional rights of public employees, and public section pension law representing police and fire unions in Illinois and Indiana. In addition to performing numerous pro-bono hours for disabled police officers denied federal benefits, Karlson serves as secretary on the board of directors for the American Blues Theater, deputy general counsel for the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association; and as a volunteer speech coach at Moraine Valley and North Central College.
“We welcome Keith to the Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Keith is the example of the true mission of Moraine Valley. He came here without a direction, yet it was here that he found his way. He has gone on to earn three degrees, and in his profession fights for people who feel they don’t have a voice. We are proud that he comes back to Moraine Valley as a Forensics coach where he continues to give back.”
Karlson earned an Associate in Arts degree from Moraine Valley in 1997, a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s degree from Ball State University, and a juris doctorate from DePaul University College of Law.
“To be named to the Alumni Hall of Fame—well, it’s very humbling and flattering,” said Karlson, a partner in the law firm of Reimer Dobrovolny & Karlson LLC in Hinsdale. While at Moraine Valley he was active on the Speech Team, with the College Bowl and wrote for the college’s literary publication “The Mastodon.” “Without my experience on the Speech Team, I have no idea how my life would have turned out. I learned to write well and really develop my skills as a public speaker. I developed confidence as a communicator—and communication is the cornerstone of my profession.”
Karlson concentrates his practice in the area of public safety labor law, constitutional rights of public employees, and public section pension law representing police and fire unions in Illinois and Indiana. In addition to performing numerous pro-bono hours for disabled police officers denied federal benefits, Karlson serves as secretary on the board of directors for the American Blues Theater, deputy general counsel for the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association; and as a volunteer speech coach at Moraine Valley and North Central College.
“We welcome Keith to the Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Keith is the example of the true mission of Moraine Valley. He came here without a direction, yet it was here that he found his way. He has gone on to earn three degrees, and in his profession fights for people who feel they don’t have a voice. We are proud that he comes back to Moraine Valley as a Forensics coach where he continues to give back.”
Kathleen Karwoski
Registered Dental Hygienist
Class of 1986
Class of 1986
Kathleen Karwoski, of Oak Forest, is one of five alumni inducted into the 2016 Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College.
“Winning this award means a great deal,” Karwoski said. “It is humbling that I am recognized by the college that has helped me achieve success in my profession. After the initial shock, I was thrilled and honored to be considered part of such a distinguished group.”
Karwoski completed science classes at Moraine Valley and the dental hygiene program at Prairie State College, has been a registered dental hygienist for more than 30 years. She created the Dental Personnel Placement Service, a temporary and permanent placement service for auxiliary dental staffing; and has coordinated dental seminars for more than 200 professionals bi-annually. She also has been a clinical instructor for more than 15 years.
Her philanthropic endeavors include providing dental service for pediatric patients through Healthy Smiles, fundraising efforts for St. Jude’s Research Hospital, and volunteer work with Special Olympics, Peoples Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Tender Loving Care (TLC) Animal Shelter, Smiles from the Heart, and Misericordia. Karwoski also has served on dental committees for Proctor and Gamble, 3M, and Phillips, as well served on the board for the Illinois State Dental Society for Allied Dental Personnel and the 3M Council for Innovative Dental Hygiene
“We welcome Kathleen to the Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Kathleen is like many Moraine Valley students who come here after being out of the educational environment. From that foundation grew a lifelong learner and now an educator. Kathleen has taken her skills as a dental hygienist and helped hundreds of young students as an instructor and as a professional. In addition, she is a very successful business owner.”
“Winning this award means a great deal,” Karwoski said. “It is humbling that I am recognized by the college that has helped me achieve success in my profession. After the initial shock, I was thrilled and honored to be considered part of such a distinguished group.”
Karwoski completed science classes at Moraine Valley and the dental hygiene program at Prairie State College, has been a registered dental hygienist for more than 30 years. She created the Dental Personnel Placement Service, a temporary and permanent placement service for auxiliary dental staffing; and has coordinated dental seminars for more than 200 professionals bi-annually. She also has been a clinical instructor for more than 15 years.
Her philanthropic endeavors include providing dental service for pediatric patients through Healthy Smiles, fundraising efforts for St. Jude’s Research Hospital, and volunteer work with Special Olympics, Peoples Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Tender Loving Care (TLC) Animal Shelter, Smiles from the Heart, and Misericordia. Karwoski also has served on dental committees for Proctor and Gamble, 3M, and Phillips, as well served on the board for the Illinois State Dental Society for Allied Dental Personnel and the 3M Council for Innovative Dental Hygiene
“We welcome Kathleen to the Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Kathleen is like many Moraine Valley students who come here after being out of the educational environment. From that foundation grew a lifelong learner and now an educator. Kathleen has taken her skills as a dental hygienist and helped hundreds of young students as an instructor and as a professional. In addition, she is a very successful business owner.”
Nicole Selvaggio
Adjunct Instructor
Class of 2013
Class of 2013
Nicole Selvaggio, of Oak Lawn, is one of five alumni inducted into the 2016 Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College.
“I am very honored to be selected to the Alumni Hall of Fame. This is really such a great feeling that the things I’ve done are worthy of this honor,” said Selvaggio, who is a Communications adjunct instructor at Moraine Valley and a Language and Literature adjunct instructor at Saint Xavier University.
Selvaggio earned an Associate in Arts degree in 2013 before going on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University and a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
While a student at Moraine Valley, Selvaggio played two years on the tennis team earning numerous awards for her athleticism and academics, including being an undefeated region and conference singles champion and a national qualifier. She also was the head women’s tennis team coach at Moraine Valley for three years, where she was named regional coach of the year, as well as conference coach of the year. Selvaggio served as a facility manager at the college’s Health, Fitness and Recreation Center, plus continues to serve as a volunteer at the Moraine Valley Speaking and Writing Center.
“Moraine Valley prepared me well. It has allowed me the privilege of working hard and being successful in the two fields I enjoy. I am committed to the mission of a community college,” she said. “With all honesty, I am proud of everything I’ve accomplished at such a young age: attending two universities full-time at the same time and earning straight As; earning my master’s degree in one year; running the top NJCAA D1 women’s tennis program in the state, earning four Coach of the Year awards; and becoming an adjunct professor in the subject I am passionate about.”
“We are pleased to add Nicole to the list of those being inducted this year into the Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Nicole has distinguished herself at Moraine Valley as a scholar athlete, coach and now as an adjunct professor. Her winning attitude, love and commitment to Moraine Valley make her an invaluable member of the school community.”
“I am very honored to be selected to the Alumni Hall of Fame. This is really such a great feeling that the things I’ve done are worthy of this honor,” said Selvaggio, who is a Communications adjunct instructor at Moraine Valley and a Language and Literature adjunct instructor at Saint Xavier University.
Selvaggio earned an Associate in Arts degree in 2013 before going on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University and a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
While a student at Moraine Valley, Selvaggio played two years on the tennis team earning numerous awards for her athleticism and academics, including being an undefeated region and conference singles champion and a national qualifier. She also was the head women’s tennis team coach at Moraine Valley for three years, where she was named regional coach of the year, as well as conference coach of the year. Selvaggio served as a facility manager at the college’s Health, Fitness and Recreation Center, plus continues to serve as a volunteer at the Moraine Valley Speaking and Writing Center.
“Moraine Valley prepared me well. It has allowed me the privilege of working hard and being successful in the two fields I enjoy. I am committed to the mission of a community college,” she said. “With all honesty, I am proud of everything I’ve accomplished at such a young age: attending two universities full-time at the same time and earning straight As; earning my master’s degree in one year; running the top NJCAA D1 women’s tennis program in the state, earning four Coach of the Year awards; and becoming an adjunct professor in the subject I am passionate about.”
“We are pleased to add Nicole to the list of those being inducted this year into the Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Nicole has distinguished herself at Moraine Valley as a scholar athlete, coach and now as an adjunct professor. Her winning attitude, love and commitment to Moraine Valley make her an invaluable member of the school community.”
Gina Leahy
Associate Editor
Class of 2012
Class of 2012
Gina Leahy, of Justice, is one of five alumni inducted into the 2016 Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College.
“I was overjoyed to be named to the Alumni Hall of Fame,” Leahy said. “Moraine Valley truly was my stepping stone. Being honored by Moraine Valley, being held in high regard, it’s amazing. It truly makes me feel so accomplished.”
Leahy earned an Associate in Arts degree from Moraine Valley in 2012, a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College and is expected to graduate in May 2017 from the DePaul University College of Law.
In addition to serving on the Indian Springs School District 109 Board of Education, Leahy is an associate editor of the DePaul Law Review. While at Moraine Valley, she was part of the honors program, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was active with the International Communication Partners organization.
She credits her successes to Moraine Valley. “I attribute my success to the hard work and dedication of all the professors that I encountered at Moraine Valley. I view most of them as mentors and role models. To this day, I believe that Moraine Valley was a challenging, inspiring, and culturally stimulating experience. Being part of the Honors Program allowed me to work closely with my professors. I could see how dedicated the staff members were to ensuring the student’s success and I just knew it was the right place for me.”
“We are pleased to include Gina in our Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Even at a young age, Gina was an accomplished young woman. With her sights set on becoming a lawyer, Gina went about it with a determination that few people possess. At Moraine Valley, she was an active member of several programs and organizations, and started her political career working for a state representative. She has used that drive to succeed to another level at DePaul University and beyond.”
“I was overjoyed to be named to the Alumni Hall of Fame,” Leahy said. “Moraine Valley truly was my stepping stone. Being honored by Moraine Valley, being held in high regard, it’s amazing. It truly makes me feel so accomplished.”
Leahy earned an Associate in Arts degree from Moraine Valley in 2012, a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College and is expected to graduate in May 2017 from the DePaul University College of Law.
In addition to serving on the Indian Springs School District 109 Board of Education, Leahy is an associate editor of the DePaul Law Review. While at Moraine Valley, she was part of the honors program, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was active with the International Communication Partners organization.
She credits her successes to Moraine Valley. “I attribute my success to the hard work and dedication of all the professors that I encountered at Moraine Valley. I view most of them as mentors and role models. To this day, I believe that Moraine Valley was a challenging, inspiring, and culturally stimulating experience. Being part of the Honors Program allowed me to work closely with my professors. I could see how dedicated the staff members were to ensuring the student’s success and I just knew it was the right place for me.”
“We are pleased to include Gina in our Alumni Hall of Fame,” said Patricia Trebe, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations at the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Even at a young age, Gina was an accomplished young woman. With her sights set on becoming a lawyer, Gina went about it with a determination that few people possess. At Moraine Valley, she was an active member of several programs and organizations, and started her political career working for a state representative. She has used that drive to succeed to another level at DePaul University and beyond.”
