Diane Shaar, of Tinley Park, was sworn in as a member of the Board of Trustees at Moraine Valley Community College during a special meeting in April.
Shaar received her Associate of Applied Science degree in respiratory therapy from Moraine Valley prior to earning her bachelor’s degree in health services management from Independence University. In addition to her career as a respiratory therapist, she was a preceptor for students on clinical rotations for over 20 years, including those studying at Moraine Valley. Shaar enjoyed sharing the value of education and making personal connections with students who needed support.
Following her retirement three years ago, Shaar decided she wanted to have a voice. “I thought that I could give my 100% right now,” she said. “Moraine Valley was always a special place for me.” An advocate for community college education, all four of Shaar’s children and one of her nephews attended Moraine Valley.
During her term, she looks forward to helping Moraine Valley grow. “The curriculum here is excellent, but there’s a lot we can do more of,” Shaar shared. She is eager to continue building on the college’s existing strengths through curricular advancements in AI and technology, efficient utilization of campus facilities and increasing student enrollment.
One of her priorities is ensuring course curriculum prepares students to be successful in the workforce. Additionally, she hopes to advocate for funding for campus resources and programs. “More funding for the school means more funding for students,” she shared.
She also is passionate about student mental health and connecting struggling students with the resources they need to succeed. Moreover, she looks forward to advocating for state legislation to expand community college education to include baccalaureate programs.
Shaar explained that students and faculty will play a key role in her decision-making, “Thinking about the faculty and the students is the number one thing.” She lives by the phrase, “’Put yourself in someone’s shoes before you form an opinion of that person.’ When putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, it gives you a different perspective and understanding from their side,” she said.
As a student at Moraine Valley, Shaar enjoyed the accessibility of campus and the resources, such as on-campus child care, provided to students. “A lot of students don’t have support, and a lot of them find Moraine Valley to be like a home. Once they’re here, it’s like a second home to them, where they have that comfort zone. It’s where you create your foundation. It might be a two-year program, but it’s a two-year program that can change your life,” she said.
Shaar looks forward to serving the community as a trustee and upholding the standard of education already established at Moraine Valley. She shared, “This is a great opportunity for me; I’m lucky to serve a school with such a history of excellence.”
