Theresa Hattar
Senior Account Executive
Class of 2007
Class of 2007
Hattar, the first person in her family to earn a college degree, received an Associate of Arts degree in 2007 and a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in advertising and public relations at DePaul University in 2009. She currently works as a senior account executive for a Chicago publishing and marketing company that promotes Chicago tourism. While at Moraine Valley, Hattar was president of the Student Government Association and represented the college on the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Committee. She also worked extensively at the forefront of student support for Moraine Valley’s expansion initiatives. She received the 2017 Leadership Award from the River North Business Association for her work with the Magnificent Mile Association’s holiday light display and annual Thanksgiving Day parade, as well as for her work with the Chicago Loop Alliance. Hattar has played an integral role in the planning and execution of the annual tourism and hospitality trade show at Navy Pier, which puts her efforts to showcase Chicago on a global stage.
Brian Hopkins
Alderman of Chicago’s 2nd Ward
Class of 1986
Class of 1986
Hopkins earned an Associate of Arts from Moraine Valley and a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Illinois—Springfield. While at Moraine Valley, Hopkins was president of the Distribution Education Clubs of America, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. He also was active in the referendum that led to building the college’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. Upon graduation, Hopkins interned for the Illinois State Senate and was assigned to the Appropriations Committee. He was hired as the director for the Illinois Coalition to End Homelessness before becoming chief of staff to the Finance Committee for the Cook County Commissioners Office. In May 2015, he was elected alderman of Chicago’s 2nd Ward. He serves on the Budget Committee and has proposed a new subcommittee on homelessness.
Debbie Izzo
Registered Nurse
Class of 2008, Distinguished Alumnus
Class of 2008, Distinguished Alumnus
Izzo earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing in 2008, Associate in Arts degree, and successfully completed the Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy certificate programs. While working as a nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University. Izzo’s honors include a March 2017 Nursing Excellence Award from the March of Dimes; she was one of only a few nationwide to be cited for their “tireless efforts and valuable contributions toward improving the health of mothers and babies.” She also was a finalist for the 2017 Joyce Woytek Clinical Nursing Excellence Award. In addition, Izzo was cited by Advocate Christ Medical Center in recognition of her community service and by the Illinois Poison Center for her volunteer efforts to help create safer home, play and work environments.
Jehad Matariyeh
Dean of Students
Class of 1995
Class of 1995
Matariyeh, the first in his family to attend college, has an Associate of Arts degree from Moraine Valley, a bachelor’s degree in political studies from the University of Illinois in Springfield, a master’s degree in political and justice studies from Governor’s State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Concordia University Chicago. While at Moraine Valley, he was a student trustee and earned a leadership award from the Illinois Community College Board for his leadership and dedication to the Student Advisory Board. Matariyeh is employed at the Universal School in Bridgeview where he serves as dean of students and teaches American history and American government. He also takes students to volunteer at homeless shelters, arranges student-led interfaith activities and has volunteered for Sanad Social Services, an organization that provides food and clothing for people in need in the Chicago area.
