Bernadette Knudsen’s use of “real-life settings” as a volunteer tutor in working with English-as-a-Second Language students at Morton College makes her very popular among her Monday/Wednesday group.

Knudsen received the Morton College Project CARE George C. Russo Tutor of the Year Award June 18 during the group’s annual volunteer/student recognition dinner. The award named after the late George Russo, who headed Morton College’s Project CARE program. Russo is best remembered for his commitment to literacy and willingness to help others.

Project CARE is Morton College’s adult volunteer literacy program. The event recognized volunteers for their commitment to adult literacy.

Knudsen, a tutor with Project CARE since March of 2005, describes her class as a combination of current events, history and English all rolled up into one. She uses the daily newspaper, maps and other real-life materials to educate her students, according to Karin Johnsey, Morton College’s Academic Support Specialist for Project CARE.

Knudsen also is fluent in Spanish and adds in her love of cognates, which are words in two languages that have a common etymology and thus are similar or identical. Knudsen believes that if her Spanish-speaking students can pick up on word patterns between the two languages, their knowledge of English increases, according to Johnsey.

“Bernadette also strongly believes in the value of field trips,” Johnsey noted. “She does this to help her students become familiar with Chicago.”

Knudsen’s field trips include the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Chicago History Museum as places her students have visited, according to Johnsey.

Knudsen is a former teacher who also has done volunteer work with hospitals and domestic violence shelters.

“Bernadette is very motivated to see her students succeed,” Johnsey said. “She shares her joy of learning with her students. Bernadette is among the many Project CARE volunteers who make our program a success.”

The late David Vaughn also was acknowledged at the dinner. Vaughn, who provided countless hours as a Project CARE tutor since 1989, died in September of 2008. He and his wife, Veronica, were both recognized for their 15-plus years of service.

“Project CARE is truly grateful for all of David’s years of service,” said James Young, Dean of Adult Education, Community Programming and Outreach. “His dedication will always be remembered.”

Also honored were:
{10-plus years}: Linda Anderson.
{5-plus years}: Darryl Kupperschmidt, Vivian Rogala, Alice Walter.
{3-plus years}: Linda Dougherty, Bernadette Knudsen, Dawn Kordelewski, Karen Latham-Williams, David Liesse, Alan Pryka, Helen Sebastian.
{1-plus years}: Esther Chase, Jackie Gallardo, Wilda Garcia, Hilary Hanson, Amy Jacksic, Judith Jedlowski, Eileen Kelly, Josefina Mayorga, Sara Medina, Ana Minjares, Myrna Mulac, Cynthia Robles, Larry Schulman, Scot Schulman, Terita Smith, Earl Tomkinson.
{Less than 12 months}: Rosario Bickert, Honorata Dabrowska, Laura DiGiacomo, Rachel Espada, John Flores, Susannah Jensen, Analynda Lara Lagunes, Nicole Manning, Leonor Marmol, Tonia Osby, Judith Peterson, Donna Pittman, Theresa Riley, Concepcion Rodriguez-Molina.

Call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 383 to volunteer or learn more about Project CARE.

Former Morton College science instructor Walter Bliss congratulates Stacy O'Connor, the first recipient of a scholarship named after Bliss and his wife.

Stacy O'Connor received a new scholarship set up through the generosity of former Morton College science instructor Walter Bliss and his wife, Dolores.

Stacy received the scholarship at Morton College's Student Leadership and Scholarship Banquet this spring.

She expects to complete her nursing degree requirements at Morton College in May of 2010. Stacy has watched her mother, also a nurse, care for patients with great compassion for over 25 years and she wants to follow in her footsteps.
 
Stacy already is a license Emergency Medical Technician Basic. Her eventual goal is to get a master's degree in nursing, specializing in adult critical care.

Norbert Pranger lives four blocks from Morton College and often drove past the campus.  He always thought about returning to college, but had a ready excuse.

“Finally, I realized that I had a job, not a career,” Pranger said. “I thought that with a college education, I could get that career.”

Pranger grew up in Antioch, a north suburb, and is the youngest in a family of seven. He started studying Computer Information Systems at Morton College and landed a job working on Morton College’s Information Technology Help Desk.

The combination of Morton College’s program and working on the Help Desk gave Pranger a great edge in today’s competitive job market. Three days prior to graduating this spring with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Morton College, Pranger was offered a position as a Help Desk Engineer for an IT computer consulting company in Oak Brook.

“I was given the opportunity of a lifetime because of the experience and knowledge that I gained from working at Morton’s IT Help Desk,” Pranger said. “I take part in a great team atmosphere where we are responsible for monitoring customer networks and suggesting upgrades and improvements to ensure network stability.”

Pranger came away impressed with the quality of the faculty and the software at Morton College.

“I got the opportunity to work on actual equipment that is used in the industry, not just read about using it,” Pranger said. “I was taught by people who actually have or are currently working in the field.

“I can’t begin to say enough about the instructors. From people like Cynthia Walley, who understands the difficulty adults have juggling school, work and family. To instructors like Dr. Audrey Styer, who can motivate anyone to do more than they thought that they could.

“To someone like Scott Ulbrich, who always makes time to answer the questions that you have. The instructors are one of the great reasons that someone would consider attending Morton College.”

Pranger considers his experience at Morton College as a turning point in his life.

“Morton College helped me get to the position that I am in,” Pranger said. “Morton doesn’t look at you like you are just another student passing through – they want everyone to succeed to their fullest potential. Through attending and working at Morton College, I changed my life and my career for the positive.”

You, too, can start your success story at Morton College. Register for classes now! The Fall semester starts Monday, August 24th. Call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or visit www.morton.edu for more information.

Morton College gave Oscar Uribe the chance to be a leader.

The former Student Representative on Morton College’s Board of Trustees always will appreciate that opportunity as he heads off to DePaul University in Chicago to study interactive media.

“I did more at Morton College than I ever I thought I would accomplish,” said the Berwyn resident. “I never thought I would join so many clubs and be a student trustee. All I thought I would do is take classes.”

Uribe faced what probably is the most important role of a trustee at Morton College when the Board faced the decision of selecting a new President of the College. He was involved in the process that led to the hiring of Dr. Leslie A. Navarro as the College’s President.

“It was rewarding to be involved in the process in selecting a President who will continue to move this College forward,” said Uribe, who served a one-year term on the Board. 

The elected Trustees appreciated Uribe’s contributions to the Board.

“We want to say, ‘Thank you,’” said Fran Reitz, Chair of the Morton College Board of Trustees at Uribe’s final meeting in March. “You have the Board’s complete appreciation. Your contributions are very much appreciated and you have been a complete asset.”

In addition to his role as student representative, the graduate of Morton West High School participated in Morton College’s MAP (Morton Ambassador Program), CAB (Campus Activities Board) and Entrepreneurs Club.

Uribe hopes to master the art of web page design at DePaul as well as get into video and photo editing. He also would like to study the aspects of making movies with the eventual goal of creating his own cartoon movie.
 
“Morton College opened the door for my future,” Uribe said. “It’s where my roots started – it’s just a great place to start. It offers many opportunities and opens many doors for students. The staff is very supportive of students and there’s a friendly environment.”

You, too, can start your success story at Morton College. Register for classes now! The Fall semester starts Monday, August 24th. Call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or visit www.morton.edu for more information.

Morton College completed its 13th year as a host for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, an overnight event held May 29 and 30 that celebrates survivorship and raises money for cancer research and support programs.

Cheryl Schoepf, the team captain of Morton College’s Friends for Life team, reported the event was a great success.

“It’s great to see all the survivors,” said Schoepf, noting there were 42 in all. “The survivors are what make the event. It’s so amazing and touching to watch them take that opening lap.”

Schoepf also thanked members from Morton College student leadership groups MAP (Morton Ambassador Program) and CAB (Campus Activities Board) for their support as well as student from the College’s Massage Therapy Program.

Instructor Linda Moore and her students provided free massages for Relay for Life participants.

“Not only did they donate their time, they donated all their tips to the American Cancer Society,” Schoepf said. “That was very generous.”

In addition, this year’s Relay featured a number of activities. Brian Baschnagel from the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team signed autographs with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. There also was an auto show and performances from a flame thrower and belly dancers, added Schoepf. 

As of June 4, Morton College’s Relay for Life team raised $12,600, according to Schoepf, who added 29 teams took part in the event that brought in over $75,000 for the American Cancer Society.  

The 24th annual Morton College Athletic Association ‘Slivers Open’ golf day is Friday, July 31st at Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club, 19433 Renwick Road, Crest Hill.

Members of the Retired Professional Football Players of Chicago have been invited to participate. Chances to meet and play golf with former NFL players are available.

The event starts with a shotgun start at 9:15 a.m. Dinner is at 4 p.m. Prairie Bluff is a soft-spike course.

Proceeds benefit the Morton College Athletic Association’s Henry and Marie Vais Scholarship Fund and the Morton College Foundation.

Golf and dinner are $110, while golf alone is $85 and dinner is $38. Dinners also are available for two for $70.

Information about playing and//or sponsorship is available by calling Tim Visk at (708) 656-8000 Ext. 302 or George Fejt at (708) 656-8000 Ext. 370.

More information on Morton’s intercollegiate athletic programs or joining the Morton College Athletic Association is available by calling (708) 656-8000 Ext. 370.

Salvador Sanchez discovered Morton College opened his eyes in more ways than the Cicero resident ever could have imagined.

His new perspective on life will help Sanchez when he starts the next chapter of his life this fall at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Sanchez will study psychology with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D.

“I always try to figure out why people act and think the way they do,” said Sanchez, who received his Associate of Arts degree from Morton College in May. “I want to be in a school setting and go to a place where I’m needed the most to help reach young people. I’m debating between high school and junior high.”

Sanchez was considering a four-year school right after Morton East High School, but decided Morton College would be the right place after acceptance into its Bridge Scholars Program.

“When I took a tour of Morton College, I liked the feeling I got here,” Sanchez said. “It felt like a real at-home atmosphere. I knew I’d get the help I needed because there’s a real friendly atmosphere. People here want to see you succeed.”

The Bridge Scholars Program assists high school students with the transition to college life. In addition to the academic end, students are encouraged to participate in clubs and activities.

Erubey Diaz, a support specialist in the Student Success Center, steered Sanchez into MAP (Morton Ambassador Program). Involvement in CAB (Campus Activities Board) and Project Green soon followed.

He also was one of the founders of a new club at Morton College called SLiCK, a student-based service organization that stands for Soul, Leadership, Identity, Culture and Knowledge. Sanchez says Morton College students follow the principles of a program set up by Consuelo Kickbusch, a retired Army officer who now travels the country doing motivational speaking to young people.

Sanchez, who worked as a student aide in Student Activities, also thrived in the classroom as well. He completed the Spring Semester with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and had an overall GPA of 3.6. Sanchez’s academic success enabled him to be accepted into Morton College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community colleges. 

“I loved all of my classes,” Sanchez said. “I got something out of every class I took. Morton College is a great institution. You’ll get the same education here as you would at a four-year school, but for a lot less.”

In addition, Sanchez enters Roosevelt with a $4,000 scholarship from his new institution. He also was a recipient of Morton College’s Olga H. Bush Scholarship, which goes to the top graduating students.

“I’m sad to leave Morton College because I’ve made so many good friends,” Sanchez said. “I’ve graduated – that was a milestone I set for myself that I reached.”  

As a club member, Sanchez was able to represent Morton College at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute and National Council of La Raza national conferences. While at the NCLR conference in San Diego, a local TV station interviewed Sanchez for his opinion on the 2008 Presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain.

“Being involved in clubs and activities was great,” Sanchez said. “I would tell future Morton College students to make sure they get involved. It expands your horizons.”

Sanchez remains in touch with a number of the people he met at the USHLI and NCLR conferences.

“I was able to find my niche,” Sanchez said. “If I had started out at a major university, I definitely would have been lost. Morton College put me on the right path to success.”

You, too, can start your success story at Morton College. Register for classes now! The Fall semester starts Monday, August 24th. Call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or visit www.morton.edu for more information.

Seeing the benefits of physical therapy for a brother with Down syndrome was one of the many reasons why Marisol Duran chose to enter the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Morton College.

“Watching what therapy did for my brother got me motivated to do the same for other people,” Duran said. “I felt like I could make a difference in the lives of others, helping them get back to a functional life whether it was through walking or moving again.”

Another reason was her sister, Dolores Morales, who completed Morton College’s PTA program a year ago.

“I was working on my general education requirements when my sister was in the program,” Duran said. “My sister would tell me how great the teachers are, so I decided to apply and see if I could get accepted.”

Duran was accepted, but she faced some other challenges. Her daughter was just three months old and her husband was stationed with the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan.

“I wanted to do it,” said a determined Duran, who balanced the demands of a raising a child, going to school and the uncertainly associated with having a loved one off fighting a war. “I didn’t want to waste any more time.”

Duran walked across the stage at Morton College’s Commencement May 22 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant. She anticipates starting a full-time job at the Manor Care West in Oak Lawn soon.

“The PTA program is great at Morton College,” Duran said. “(Dr.) Fran Wedge (PTA program coordinator at Morton College) is a great person to learn from. Who we are as physical therapist assistants has a lot to do with her.”

“Marisol did well in the program,” Wedge said. “She had a number of things going on in her life, but Marisol was driven to succeed. I think those experiences helped her grow as well. There’s more strength to her character.”

You, too, can start your success story at Morton College. Register for classes now! The Fall semester starts Monday, August 24th. Call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or visit www.morton.edu for more information.

Mark Caryl displays the Morton College’s Robert M. Hale Award for Academic Excellence he received at commencement exercises for being the top student in a degree program.

When Mark Caryl received Morton College’s Robert M. Hale Award for Academic Excellence during commencement exercises May 22, it served as a personal benchmark.

“I guess it was a milestone of everything I accomplished at Morton College as far as academics and extracurricular activities,” said the Berwyn resident.

In addition to receiving the Hale Award for being the top student in a degree program at Morton College, Caryl also had the opportunity to share his success story with crowd as he addressed the graduates, families and friends that night as the student speaker.

“It was an interesting experience,” Caryl said. “Not too many people get to say they spoke at graduation. It was another great way to sum up my experiences at Morton College from beginning to end.”

What advice would Caryl offer to those entering Morton College so they may be in his position two years later?

“I didn’t realize there so many opportunities available outside the classroom,” Caryl admits. “Students shouldn’t discount community colleges as an option. Morton College’s size gives you an edge. It’s a good transition before heading to a four-year school.”

Before starting Morton College, Caryl participated in the College’s Bridge Scholars Program, which provides two-year scholarships to Morton College for graduates of Morton East and Morton West with a grade-point average of 3.25 out of high school. The program assists students with the transition from high school to college and beyond.

“I thought that was a great help,” Caryl said. “The program made us aware what was there for us academically, socially and in terms of extracurricular activities. It was a great way to get my foot in the door.”

Caryl, a graduate of Morton West High School, kept a perfect 4.0 grade-point average at Morton College. He appreciated the variety of courses offered at Morton College as Caryl took classes that were polar opposites, like calculus and anthropology.

“I never anticipated having a perfect grade-point average,” Caryl said. “I looked at it as either being lucky or doing something right.”  

Caryl was rewarded for his success in the classroom. He received a full Olga H. Bush Memorial Scholarship and a Morton College Foundation Achievement Award in the area of a university transfer program.

He is headed to Illinois State University where he will study actuarial science, a discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in the insurance and finance industries.

“Illinois State’s program has a lot of opportunities for students in that major,” Caryl said. “I’ve always had a strong interest in math ever since I’ve been young.”

Morton College’s various clubs and activities helped Caryl expand his horizons. He served as President of the Art Club and Treasurer of Campus Activities Board as well as being involved in Project Green, the Collegian and MAP (Morton Ambassador Program).

As part of CAB, Caryl was able to attend student activity planning conferences in St. Louis and Atlanta.

“It was a great way to network and meet students from other community colleges across the country,” Caryl said, “and learn new things. Plus, both were in places I had never been before.”

In addition, Caryl worked part-time as a student aide in Morton College’s Academic Advising area.

“Coming to Morton College gave me a chance to develop good leadership and communication skills,” Caryl said. “Students should take advantage of the opportunities available here.”

A broken foot in high school turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Melissa Vaccaro as it steered the Berwyn resident toward a career path as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

While there are countless stories of college graduates unable to find work in their chosen field, Vaccaro will enjoy a week off between graduating from Morton College on May 22 with an Associate in Applied Science degree and starting a job on June 1 at Manor Care East in Oak Lawn.

“It’s a full-time position with generous benefits and a good salary,” Vaccaro said. “I feel very blessed to be in a field I love.”

Vaccaro was a multi-sport athlete in high school when she broke her foot junior year. She received care from a physical therapist and the successful treatment confirmed Vaccaro’s feelings about the field.

“Morton College is one of the few community colleges in the state to offer the Physical Therapist Assistant program,” Vaccaro said. “I liked the faculty at Morton College. (Dr.) Fran Wedge (PTA program coordinator at Morton College) is a tremendous instructor. She poured her heart and soul into each and every student by teaching them what she knows.”

Vaccaro also completed the required clinical part of her Morton College degree work at Manor Care East.

“During clinicals, it provided many opportunities for hands-on experience,” Vaccaro said. “I learned a lot.”

Vaccaro found she liked Manor Care East’s approach to working with patients. She will be working under the director supervision of a physical therapist, helping with patients undergoing physical therapy.

At Manor Care East, Vaccaro explained that the physical therapists work together with the occupational and speech therapists when caring for patients.

Vaccaro plans on returning to school in January of 2010 at Governors State University. Her goal is to obtain a DPT as a physical therapist.

“Melissa takes the initiative to get the ball rolling,” Wedge said. “She’s always asking questions, like what’s the best way to do this or that? She’s a fine student and it looks like she’ll be a good fit at her job.”

While at Morton College, Vaccaro was involved with the Physical Therapist Assistant Club and belonged to Phi Theta Kappa, Morton College’s chapter of the national honor society for community colleges.

“I definitely want to continue with school,” Vaccaro said, “but I’ll always remember Morton College. It’s where I found my career path.”

You, too, can start your success story at Morton College. Register for classes now! The Fall semester starts Monday, August 24th. Call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or visit www.morton.edu for more information.

Current and future students at Morton College were honored at Morton College’s Student Leadership and Scholarship Banquet May 15 at the Crystal Sky Banquets in McCook.

Morton College graduate Yovana Rosales and current Student Trustee Jeffrey Arias shared their stories about the opportunities available at Morton College. Rosales received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago on May 17.

Morton College’s Morton Ambassador Program received the Outstanding Club Award of the Year.

Scholarship recipients included:
Walter R. and Dolores B. Bliss Scholarship: Stacy O’Connor
Edwin G. Melich Scholarship: Ruben Reyes
Chico Carrasquel Scholarship: Juan Arzate
Nola Virruso Memorial Scholarship: Jenise Olivet-Jones
Joseph R. and Libby A. Vavra Scholarship: Laura Montalvo
Women In Need Scholarship: Nicole Bachta, Jamie Dammen, Elena Moreno, Daisy Patino, Marilu Rodriguez, Cynthia Salgado, Stephanie Sonka
Illinois Community College Scholarship for Health: Cokeshia Morgan, Bibiana Terriquez
Lillian Mary Baar Memorial: Olga Blandin
Elaine Jean Fila Memorial: Jose Arreola
Norman and Evelyn Scaman Memorial: Gamaliel Barajas
Robert P. Slivovsky Memorial: Mariann Porro
Berwyn Firefighters and Illinois Municipal Police Association of Berwyn: Elizabeth Cordova
Libby A. Vavra GED Award: Sarah Sandoval
Arthur J. Kryda Memorial: David Torres
Charles Slezak Memorial: Catherine Calderon, Jennifer Cuevas
Marion Cotten Memorial: Katarzyna Prusinowska
Ruth Eccles Memorial: Tanya Marshall
Denny Johnson Scholarship for Young Writers: Christopher McDevitt, Stephanie Sonka
Kiwanis Club of Berwyn: Ashley DeLoera, Caitlin Ryan
Richard Newson Writing Award: Nina Dunn, Vania Sandoval, Kanesha Walker
Norm Strumillo Scholarship: Priscilla Barrera
Morton College Foundation (Freshman): Michelle LoConte
Morton College Foundation (Sophomore): Tina Kloess
Morton College Foundation Founders’ Award (in honor of John S. Kociolko): Nadim Kaade
Morton College Foundation Achievement Awards: Mark Caryl (University Transfer), Frank Magallon (University Transfer Program), Megan Blanco (Health Occupations), Rogelio Soto (Industrial/Technical Program), Itzel Alvarez (Business Occupations)
Teachers Union, Local 1600 – Stanley C. Richards Scholarship: Adrian Guzik
Teachers Union, Local 1600 – Faculty Memorial Scholarship: Claudia Moran
Classifield Staff Union, Local 1600: Jorge Plascencia
Phyllis Benson Hopf Scholarship: Jennifer Lopez
Community College Honors Scholarship: Jonathan Lopez
Morton College Leadership and Talent: Eder Nunez, Christian Ruiz, Heather Shore, Karl Ziegler
Academic Scholarship for Excellence: Juan Acosta, Alexandra Almaraz, Hannah Bonete, Lee Anna Hall, Angela Martinez
Olga H. Bush Memorial: Mark Caryl, Ashley DeLoera, Rocio Mejorado, Natali Morales, Crystal Murillo, Caitlin Ryan, Salvador Sanchez, Anna Ziaja

Mark Yunker turned to Morton College’s Automotive Technology program so he could be certified to teach at the high school level.

Jose Dominguez’s goal is to open his own automotive repair shop.

Mark Yunker and Jose Dominguez turned to Morton College’s Automotive Technology program to make themselves more marketable in today’s competitive job market.

The Cicero residents are after ASE certification, the seal of approval in the automotive technology world. Both say they couldn’t have found a better program than Morton College’s Automotive Technology to prepare for their ASE Certification tests on brakes and steering and suspension.

Yunker, who fulfilled his general education requirements at Morton College before earning his bachelor’s at Elmhurst College, is certified to teach social studies at the high school level. However, Mark figures becoming certified in automotive technology improves his chances of finding a teaching position. 

Dominguez has his associate’s degree in business management from Morton College. The experience Jose gained in getting his associate’s, plus the knowledge from being in Automotive Technology eventually will assist him the day he is ready to open his own automotive repair business.

Both Dominguez and Yunker have high praise for Morton College’s Automotive program. Dominguez says Hostert and Sykora are “always available to assist.”

“(Instructors) Dave Hostert and Don Sykora are some of the most knowledgeable and patient instructors I’ve seen,” Yunker added. “You’ve got people at different levels. It helps having patient instructors so you can learn at your own pace.”

For more information on Automotive Technology or any other Summer and Fall courses at Morton College, call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or visit www.morton.edu

Morton College’s Mishae Miles received an invitation to attend the College Coaches Network’s JUCO Top 120 Women’s Basketball Showcase, scheduled for July 9 to 11 at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma.

Organizers describe the NCAA certified event as an opportunity for coaches at four-year colleges and universities to evaluate the top junior college women’s basketball players in the country.

Miles, a 5-10 freshman forward from Chicago’s Maria High School, was among the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association Division II’s top 10 in two categories - rebounding and blocked shots. Her 13.3 rebounds per game placed her sixth in the category, while she was 10th in blocked shots at 3.1 per game. Her 85 blocked shots was the nation’s sixth-highest figure.

In 27 games, Miles shot 49.3 percent from the field and averaged 13.9 points per game. She also led the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference in rebounding at 15.5 per game to go along with her 14.4 points per contest.

Miles also earned all-Region IV Player of the Week honors this season.

“This is a tremendous honor and opportunity for Mishae,” Morton College women’s basketball coach Larry Lanciotti said. “It will give her a tremendous amount of exposure and help reach her goal of playing at a four-year school. Being with other players from across the country will enable Mishae to see where her game is at.”

The Panthers finished 8-22 overall and 4-10 in the Skyway. Morton College showed a five-game improvement in the win column from the previous year.

A new biology offering this fall at Morton College is the product of instructor Dr. James Grice’s passion for marine life.
 
Spending time with dolphins, Beluga whales, penguins and coral reef fish as a volunteer diver at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago leaves Grice with a great appreciation of marine life.

It led to the creation of a new course at Morton College, Introduction to Marine Ecology (BIO 140), a 3-credit hour course meeting from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Fall Semester, which begins Monday, August 24.

Grice notes the course will appeal to those with an “interest in marine life and in the health of our oceans.”

The course, which incorporates elements of general biology, chemical and physical science, as well as biogeography, oceanography, and of course marine biology, fulfills Morton College’s general education requirement for science. In addition to the traditional lecture format, Grice said the course also features a number of demonstrations, class projects, and case studies.
 
“One of the fundamental concerns is an understanding of the impact we have on the health of the ocean environment,” Grice said, “with things like pollution, toxin build up and over fishing. I also want people to understand the benefits we get out of the ocean, which in addition to being an important food source, has produced a number of pharmaceuticals useful in combating human disease.”

Grice, who has been at Morton College since August of 1986, has his Ph.D. in Biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a certified PADI scuba diving instructor (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and has dived reefs in Florida and the Caribbean. In addition, Grice has spent over 20 years as a volunteer diver at the Shedd’s Coral Reef Exhibit and in the Oceanarium.

To register for Introduction to Marine Ecology and other Summer and Fall courses, call (708) 656-8000 Ext. 250 or visit www.morton.edu

Mark Caryl received the Robert M. Hale Award for Academic Excellence at Morton College's Commencement Exercises May 15.

Graduates flip their tassel from the right side to the left.

Morton College’s 84th annual commencement exercises took place May 22 in the courtyard of the campus at 3801 S. Central Avenue, Cicero.

Cook County Commissioner Joseph Mario Moreno delivered the graduation address.

Morton College President Leslie A. Navarro and Board Chair Frances F. Reitz conferred the degrees and certificates.

Morton College Trustee Melissa Cundari acknowledged the faculty and staff retirees. Honored were music instructor Paul Kukec and economics instructor Jerome Neadly.

Mark Caryl, a 2009 Associate in Arts graduate, delivered the student remarks. Caryl also received the Robert M. Hale Award for Academic Excellence.  

A reception for graduates, family and friends followed after the ceremony in the Cafeteria. 

Candidates for graduation included:
Associate in Arts
Elizabeth Abraham
Erica Alanis
Rebeca S. Alcantar
Jennifer M. Alemán
Alejandro Alvarez
Laura Amezcua
Steven E. Anderson
Nancy Andrade
Abraham Arce
Alfredo Arvizu
Alejandro Avila
Joel Emanuel Barajas
Sandra Barajas
Mayra A. Barboza
Juan Bedolla
Anwar A. Cantarero
Mark Norman Caryl
Francisco Castillo III
Rosalia Chavez
Christina Cobus
Lisette Contreras
Ingrid McLachlan Demesmin
Patrick Dunaj
Nina Grace Dunn
Kate J. Dziekan
Amber M. Falada
Daniel Fegan
Gardelin Fencl
Elizabeth M. Fialkowski
Jesus Frutos
Joseph Jaime Fuentes
Jose Antonio Garcia
Katherine Gazer
Emily Gomez
Reyna G. Gomez
Edilberto Gonzalez
Marilyn Gonzalez
Martha Gonzalez
Rachael Gonzalez
Eduardo F. Guirola
Ashley Lauren Heifner
Evelyn Leon Hernandez
Marisol Jacobo
Juan E. Jimenez
Briane Julius
Angela M. Kowalski
Kristy Krywanio
Leonard M. Kunkel
Rachel Lynn Lithgow
Rosa V. Lizcano
Antonio Loera
Jennifer Lopez
Victoria Luna
Sarah P. Magana
Alex Martinez
Lisete Martinez
Maricela Martinez
Marines Martinez
René Martinez
Rebeca Montalvo-Garay
Emmanuel O. Montez
Natali Morales
Antonio Moreno
Berta Z. Moreno
Saul Muñoz
Crystal Murillo
Sebastian P. Navarro Jr.
Maria Alicia Ochoa
Yesenia Ortega
Armando Ortiz
Marianne Elizabeth Pallozzi
Ana J. Perez
Valderes Pou-Berrios
Dana Poulos
Hamilton Ramirez
Eva C. Reynoso
Julio C. Robles
Rosa K. Rocha
Gabriel Rodriguez
Gabriela Rodriguez
Jaime Rodriguez
Jorge A. Rodriguez
Andre Ruiz
Christian Alejandro Ruiz
Priscilla J. Ruiz
Caitlin E. Ryan
Emmanuel Sanchez
Salvador Sanchez
Sandra Sanchez
Yessenia Santiago
Brenda Saucedo
Donald T. Serio
Lauren Tyson
Julisa Vasquez
Cynthia Vega
Elizabeth M. Vega
Catherine Vesely
Kanesha A. Walker
Rodney Washington
Shanita Renee Wheeler
Donnell C. Wilkins
Guadalupe Zarco
Luis M. Zarco
Kimberly Zdunczyk
Derek J. Zehar

Associate in Fine Arts in Arts
Samuel Rojas
Christian Alejandro Ruiz

Associate in Liberal Studies
Mirella Arguello
Francisco Arias
Branislav Basaric
Dusko Basaric
Leticia Benline
Sandra Barrios
Santiago Campos
Susana Carrillo
Maria I. Castellanos
Sayde Cazares
Ashley P. Charvat
Manuel Cisneros Jr.
Cindy Ruby Corral
Vanessa M. Davids
Konstantinos Davlopoulos
Oscar Diaz
Yoetzin Diaz
Araceli Duarte
Edergil Figueroa
Diana M. Flores
Mona Franco
Gianna Marie Galasso
Sonia Galvez
Brenda G. Garcia
Eric Gomez
Loretta M. Gorecki
Andrea X. Guzmán
Daisy Guzman
Delilah Guzman
Rogelio Herrera
Brian John Householder
Jamie L. Juchcinski
Rhea Astrea Lameirinhas
Gianna T. LaPietra
Jessica Lara
Alejandra Leon
Magdalena E. Lisle
Cristina C. Loarca
Wanda Lozada
Israel A. Malave
Daisy Martinez
Tina Marie Meister
Yolanda E. Meraz
Jessica Ellen Milos
Stephanie Marie Nahm
Mariana Poggi
Liliana Rosa
Dianne M. Rosado
Sonya Y. Ross
Jill L. Rutherford
Adriana Salazar
Sara Noemi Salinas
Michella Kamille Smith
Marlene Soto  
Manuel A. Torres
Vanessa Treto
Victoria Trujillo
Matthew J. Valadez
Lidia Y. Vargas-Mendez
Nicholas Vesely
Jennifer Wilhelms

Associate in Science
William G. Al-Chaar
Alicia J. Banales
Nicole Barry
Ruby Borjas
Norma F. Calderon
Denise Cervantes
Abel Chavez
Delia M. Cházaro
LaKeisha Clanders
Ashley A. DeLoera
Melina Diaz
Nichol A. Diaz
Katherine Dominguez
Heatherlin Gianan
Simon Girzynski
Giselle Iveth Gomez
Agata Guzek
Colleen Linda Hartman
Yessica León
Abel A. Lopez
Alex Martinez
Yolanda Moreno
Oralia Muro
Scott Neadly
LaShanda M. Norwood
Hugo Organista
Joyce Darlene Pontón
Mariann F. Porro
Nancy E. Rivera-Jimenez
Israel Rodriguez
Vivialyn Rodriguez
Esnelia Ruiz Vargas
Caitlin E. Ryan
Abel Shauf Jr.
Pamela Sinjari
Rogelio Soto
Jonathan A. Walter

Associate in Applied Science
Accounting
Lynne M. England
Sandra Garcia
Jesus Martinez
Humberto Olvera
Francisco Zavala

Automotive Technology
David R. Canjura
Jesus Alejandro Loza

Business Management
Virginia Alarcon
Itzel Alvarez
Jeanne A. Campbell
Alfonso Garcia
David Guerrero
Olga Kondrashova
Debbie J. Kwasny
John Matthew Parypinski
Cristian J. Ruiz

Computer Aided Design
Favio Alvarez
John R. Barker
Hector M. Canjura
Matthew M-J Dawson
Alfredo Delgado
Norma A. Fernandez
Rogelio Soto
Jose Daniel Spezzia

Computer Information Systems
Daniel Mayen
Daniel Patino
Norbert J. Pranger
Jeanette Solis

Early Childhood Education
Graciela Barrera
Herlinda De La Paz
Catalina Ocampo
Mara Osornio
Maritssa R. Salcedo
Brenda I. Sandoval
Tonya Zielinski

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Lavell Clinton

Law Enforcement Education
Hernan Alonso
Patrick Anthony Arlowski
Carlos Ayala
Susana Camacho
Nicholas E. Erwin
Miguel Garcia
Scott Richard Granitz
Gary Hankton
Veronica Hernandez
Veronica Hernandez
Predrag M. Igic
Jonathan A. Lopez
Norma Garcia Lopez
Yvette Lopez
LaToya Denise Lucas
Frank S. Magallon
Yolanda E. Meraz
Ana J. Perez
Emiliano Perez
Jesus Ramirez Jr.
Elizabeth Rivera
Anthony John Sutor III
Terry Steven Szumski
Miguel A. Zamudio

Nursing
Gladys N. Ahounou
Howard S. Anton
Maria J. Ayala
Jacqueline J. Basa
Samantha Bien
Jennifer Blackburn-Rogoz
Megan M. Blanco
Russel N. Brown-Tende
Tatiana Vitalia Buonicore
Juanita Camargo
Adrian Campos
Araceli Castañeda
Aracely Castillo
Sandra Martha Chavez
Alexandra A. Cortez
Melanie Cortez
Hivette España
Crystal Flores
Carina Guzman
Douglas Allen Hamrick
Rogelio Herrera
Noemí Irizarry
Laura A. Kober
Michelle Mack
Alonzo Martinez
Donna E. McClain
Ruanda L. Mejia
Natalia Melnic
Yolanda Moreno
Ryan Munoz
Stephanie Marie Nahm
Fabiola Nava
Ivon Nazario
Michelle Ochoa
Leticia Orozco
Yahaira Ramirez
Darlene Rocha
George C. Roque
Nora Sanchez-Soto
Ariana Sandoval
Angela Santiago
Tawanda Shelton
Jeremy Sutton
Maria K. Szczypta
Andrea Tapia
Corey A. Trojanek
Alejandra Wachewicz
Meredith Ann Watkins
Aracely E. Zavala
Maria Zavala

Office Management Technology
Debra A. Cochara-Nelson
Kevin Russell Henle
Sonia M. Olivares
Marybell Ruvalcava

Physical Therapist Assistant
Emmanuel Okhalfo Ativie
Crystal Conoboy
Marisol Duran
Yazmin Flores
Michelle Gerdzunas
Mira Jovic
Yared Montalvo
Cristina Muñoz
Olivia A. Musoro
Laurie J. Myers
Alexander Perteete
Andrea C. Putman
Carolina V. Ramirez
John Sagadraca
Melissa Vaccaro
Joan Marie Vaiana
LaToya D. Winton
Daniela Zacatelco Diaz Barriga

Therapeutic Massage
Sandra Gardea
Maricela Lozano

Certificate of Completion
Administrative Secretary
Silvia Aguirre
Janet Calleros
Jazmin Calleros
Ruby Chavez
Mona Franco
Cynthia Piekos
Angelica E. Rodriguez
Patricia Rodriguez
Lucy Torres
Maria G. Verdin

Automotive Service
Juan J. Avila
Martin Cerda
Adam Jockl
Pavol Jurcisin
Nicolas Martinez
Jaime Meraz
Austreberto Zarco

Automotive Technology
Octavio Favela
Hugo Lavallade
Austreberto Zarco

Clerical Office Support
Silvia Aguirre
Elizabeth Bustamante
Ruby Chavez
Rachel V. Duran
Cynthia Piekos
Patricia Rodriguez
Ramona Stella
Lucy Torres
Maria G. Verdin

Computer Aided Design Technology
Hector M. Canjura
Norma A. Fernandez
Jorge Montante Jr.
Francisco Terrazas
Jaime Terrazas Jr.

Computer Repair Technician
Cecilia Ambriz
Carlos Enrique Chávez Barrientos
Edison Larco
Richard P. Larco
Daniel Mayen

Computing Essentials
William T. Buriegi
Carol Hernandez
Ruben-Peter Molina
Everardo F. Silva

Drafting Technology
Norma A. Fernandez
David Herrera
Diana Mejorado-Jimenez
Jorge Montante Jr.
Jose Daniel Spezzia

Early Childhood Aide
Anna Cristina Aritzmendi
Dora E. Carreon-Avila
Blanca E. Chavez
Ofelia Chavez
Katryn Dunworth
Darlene S. English
Leonardo Fabian
Laura Fierro
Mary C. Flores
Andrea Güereca
Monica R. Gutierrez
Joanna Guzy
Ashley O. Hernandez
Katrina T. Johnson
Kimberly A. Kinastowski
Nancy Leyva
Natasha Lynn Loehman
Ankica Milojevic
Rebeca Oyoque
Melissa Perez
Erika Pinon
Elizabeth C. Pizarro
Virginia Reyes
Denise Y. Rivas
Shaina F. Solorzano
Monica M. Stanek
Denise Ulloa

Early Childhood Assistant
Amani M. Abbasi
Virginia Albarran
Blanca Chavez
Ofelia Chavez
Kimberly A. Cygan
Leonardo Fabian
Caroline Flores
Andrea Güereca
Monica R. Gutierrez
Lucila Guzman
Joanna Guzy
Vanessa Hernandez
Irene Martinez
Veronica Martinez
Cynthia C. Moran
Rebeca Oyoque
Yesenia Patiño
Erika Pinon
Lucia Ramirez
Denise Y. Rivas
Keana Russell
Shaina F. Solorzano
Denise Ulloa

Early Childhood Education
Amani M. Abbasi
Virginia Albarran
Dora E. Carreon-Avila
Amanda M. Hines
Cordia S. Latham
Alejandra Leon
Mara Osornio
Yesenia Patiño
Vanessa Treto
Tonya Zielinski

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Emmanuel Caballero
Christopher Cherone
Joseph N. Dillard Jr.
Jonathan D. Madera
Sergio Mendez
Joseph T. Stock
Juan A. Tijerina
Isaias Toledo

Maintenance and Light Repair (Automotive)
Juan J. Avila
Wilson Cantarero
Bryant Castro
Martin Cerda
Jose Dominguez
Martin Garcia
Adam Jockl
Pavol Jurcisin
Mark Laurinaitis
Pavel Makovetskiy
Antonio Moreno
Nicolas Martinez
Rodrigo Ruiz
Cesar Saldana
Ronald John Vlk Jr.

Medical Records Assistant
Maria Elena Ayala
Maria Betancourt
Liliana Escarpita
Josefina Garcia
Diana R. Ibarra
Veronica Magos
Tina Moshos
Susan Rosales
Armida Valdivia
Edilvia Venegas

Microcomputer Programming Applications
Luis Bencosme

Microsoft Office
Carolina Castillo
Laurie B. Castillo
Velia Diaz
Marissa D. Garza
Edgar Hernandez Haro
Gianna T. LaPietra
Rosalva Lopez
Veronica Magos
Marianne Mantis
Alma Karen Martinez
Lizeth Mathews
Cynthia Piekos
America Yosemit Pintor
Angelica E. Rodriguez
Janet Ruiz
Leticia Ruiz
Jaime Sandoval
Jose Sosa
Ramona Stella
Jacqueline Rose Wawrzyniak-Kveton

Multimedia Development
Luis Bencosme
Faten Sharaf

Networking Essentials
Jaime Sandoval
Jose Sosa

Nurse Assisting
Jamie Adams
Samantha Aguas
Yesenia Alvarez
Antonia Atlas
Amber Augustine
Domingo C. Baltazar Jr.
Marc Allen Belbis
Julianna Blaj
Ann M. Boron
Aurora Camargo
Monica Castaneda
Eva Castro
Lorrie Crowe
Annette De La Torre
Johanna Diaz
Nichol A. Diaz
Gabriela Esparza
Ana Belén Estrada
Zayra M. Flores
Heatherlin Gianan
Aisha Maria Gomez
Jessica Marie Gunia
Angelica Hernandez
Janed Hernandez
Jennifer Anne Jepsen
Karissa M. Kimble
Guadalupe Lara
Anna Kathryn Lendabarker
Irene Martinez
Jessica M. Martinez
Sonia Martinez
Olga Maria Meza
Vanesa Montemayor
Angelina Carmen Moreno
Luz M. Navarro
Maricela Ocampo
Sandy Ocampo
Suzan Odeh
Esthela Perez
Helena C. Petrich
Blanca L. Ramos
Olga Lilian Ramos
Cynthia Robles
Vanessa J. Rodriguez
Linda Rossi
Maria Angeles Sanchez
Sherilene L. Santos
Jazzalyn Segura
Anna Shapiro
Samantha Ann Stolspart
Eun Joo Tarchala
Miguel Vasquez
Maria Vazquez
Vanessa Vazquez
Katherine Jane Vlach
Lenore Wines
Yanet Zizumbo

Office Data Entry
Silvia Aguirre
Maria Elena Ayala
Rosa Isabel Barrera
Maria Betancourt
Martha Castellanos
Rachel V. Duran
Liliana Escarpita
Diana R. Ibarra
Gloria Meraz
Sandra Y. Miranda
Masa Maya Narancic
Jazzmean Palonis
Patricia Rodriguez
Susan Rosales
Mayra A. Ulloa
Armida Valdivia
Maria G. Verdin

Practical Nursing
Howard S. Anton
Nicole Bachta
Jacqueline J. Basa
Samantha Bien
Megan M. Blanco
Charese R. Brooker
Russel N. Brown-Tende
Tatiana Vitalia Buonicore
Juanita Camargo
Araceli Castañeda
Aracely Castillo
Sandra Martha Chavez
Alexandra A. Cortez
Melanie Cortez
Gisele K. Dos Santos
Hivette España
Crystal Flores
Diana M. Flores
Carina Guzman
Douglas Allen Hamrick
Rogelio Herrera
Noemi Irizarry
Lauretta Josane Kargbo 
Laura A. Kober
Robyn Los Bañes
Wanda Lozada
Alonzo Martinez
Donna E. McClain
Ruanda L. Mejia
Yolanda Moreno
Stephanie Marie Nahm
Fabiola Nava
Ivon Nazario
Lisette Nungaray
Michelle Ochoa
Leticia Orozco
Darlene Rocha
George C. Roque
Sara Noemi Salinas
Elizabeth Salinas-Del Bosque
Angela Santiago
Abel Shauf Jr.
Jeremy Sutton
Andrea Tapia
Victoria Trujillo
Alejandra Wachewicz

Therapeutic Massage
Mary Brown-Walker
Kenneth John Fron Jr.
Jose J. Guzman
Anna Jachymiak
Maricela Lozano
Daniel K. Martin
Ana Karen Martinez
Antoinette McLaurin
Sara B. Reimer