Dr. Jehad Matariyeh, of Homer Glen, is one of four alumni being inducted into the 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame at Moraine Valley Community College.
“Words can’t explain how I felt when I heard I was nominated and then accepted into the Hall of Fame. I was speechless—for once in my life,” said Matariyeh, who lived in Burbank while attending Moraine Valley.
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.
Currently, Matariyeh serves on the board of directors for the Mosque Foundation of Bridgeview and the Southwest Interfaith Team. He has served as the Community Iftar Program chair at the Orland Park Prayer Center, has been a member of the Community Economic Development committee in Homer Glen, and a member and treasurer of the statewide Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee.
“This award brings such joy to me,” Matariyeh said. “Moraine Valley has always been a part of me. I’m one of the biggest cheerleaders of this college. Where I was and now where I am today—it’s Moraine Valley that made a difference in my life.”
Kristy McGreal, executive director of the Moraine Valley Foundation said she is pleased to have Matariyeh among those being inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. “Jehad’s dedication to his students, his family and his community stands out among his many fine qualities. He has continued to make Moraine Valley proud, and we are honored to have him among this elite group of graduates,” McGreal said.
Matariyeh, along with Debbie Izzo, of Evergreen Park; Alderman Brian Hopkins, of Chicago; and Theresa Hattar, of Chicago; will be inducted Feb. 22, at the dinner, which is sponsored by UPS, a Foundation platinum sponsor. For more information, contact Kristy McGreal at mcgrealc2@morainevalley.edu.
