Presiding was President Brad Weiss and the Thought for the Day was presented by Zbig Skiba, quoting Adam Smith.

 

 

Maria Freeney, Upsala (Sweden) Sodra Rotary club past President presented a flag to the club. She also gave an overview of the Peace Project initiated at the Center for Peace in Sweden in collaboration with Rotary clubs in Sweden. She was in Evanston to participate in the past weekend’s Peace Fest activities that took place throughout the city of Evanston. She also met with several potential partners such as Curt’s Café, The Piven Theatre, and Northwestern University in addition to the Rotary clubs in Evanston. The Peace project uses theatre and the arts to tackle very serious issues impacting disadvantaged communities and the youth. She plans to start with a District Grant this year to be followed by a Global Grant. She is seeking participation from the Lighthouse Club as well.

 

 

Pat Day of the Winnetka Rotary club announced that the Klairmont Kollections is available for corporate and charity events, private events, and prearranged tour groups. The Klairmont Kollections comprise nearly 300 unique vehicles from the 1900s to the 2000s.

 

Brad Weiss announced that Elizabeth Newton is on an extended leave of absence due to family schedule conflicts.

 

Kate Collinson reminded the attendees of the Finance Round Table event taking place on Sept. 27, at Koi. The event is a working session. It is a discussion of ELRC philanthropy, grant-making, and other issues.

 

Ken Green announced that three to four volunteers are needed on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Dental Access Days set-up at the Levy Center.  Brad Weiss announced he will be present at the Dental Access on Friday and Saturday.  Volunteers are also needed for Saturday afternoon take-down.

 

Helen Oloroso noted that Carol Bild’s efforts to find a locale for the Holiday Party is running into difficulties, as Northwestern University has changed the rules allowing only events organized by NU’s staff and personnel. Helen asked everyone to assist by looking for a suitable alternate location. The facility has to be able to accommodate a group of 60 people. Suggestions were made about using either the 18^th floor of the RI building or the lower level.

 

Brad Weiss talked about the Peace Fest activities that took place throughout the past weekend. Brad brought his kids to many of the activities. He attended Friday’s conference at the RI building and the peace circles in the park. Brad also noted that the district has prepared a video to communicate to the public what Rotary is about. He played a video that showed Rotarians in action throughout their respective communities and the world over participating in Polio vaccination, book distribution, construction coaching and mentoring, to clean water access and sanitation. He also noted that Oct. 24 is World Polio Day and encouraged members of the club to champion an event for the occasion. Contact Brad with ideas.

 

 

Don Gwinn boasted his mother on her 99^th birthday which he celebrated with her in Washington D.C. over the weekend. While in D.C. his wife took the opportunity to visit the African-American History Museum. She was very impressed and Don encouraged all to visit the museum if they have an opportunity to be in Washington.

 

Bob Teska boasted the Noon club for sponsoring the Peace Fest activities and encouraged the Lighthouse club to do the same next year.

 

Helen Oloroso boasted the members who attended the fellowship dinner last week at Koi. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the club foundation by KOI.

 

Zbig Skiba closed this section of the meeting by quizzing the attendees on the National Park System.

 

 

Fran Caan introduced Joianne L. Smith, Oakton Community College’s fourth president. Fran noted that Smith continues the college’s strong tradition of student success. During her years at Oakton prior to being selected president, Smith worked tirelessly to increase student engagement and to promote an inclusive and caring environment for teaching and learning.

 

Smith’s presidency began on July 1, 2015, following 13 years of service to Oakton as dean of students (2002-2004) and later, vice president for Student Affairs (2005-2015). Her prior experience includes assistant director of University Residence Life at Northwestern University (2001-2002), dean of Brainerd Commons at Middlebury College (1999-2001) and work as a licensed psychologist, a license she still maintains in the state of Illinois.

 

Smith earned her BA in Psychology and Religion from Wittenberg University and her MS and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

She started her talk by showing a video highlighting the construction of the main campus in Des Plaines in 1969. She noted that, at the beginning, the focus was on access for students. Starting in 2015-16 with a program titled “Faculty Persistence Project,” the additional focus is on the success of each student going through Oakton Community College (OCC).

 

This program focuses on 1-on-1 interface between students and faculty so the needs of each student can be identified and support provided for their academic success and helping them achieve their goals. She also noted that all faculty and staff are involved in the effort to engage students in helping them to achieve their goals.

 

To highlight the impact of the college in the community, she inquired about those in attendance who had a connection with the school and a majority of the attendees so indicated.

 

The college has two facilities, located in Des Plaines and in Skokie. There are about 2,000 credit students and more than 80 academic programs. More than half of the students transfer to a four-year university. There are also many non-credit programs such as GED, Adult Education, Continuing Education, Certifications, and apprenticeships designed to meet changing business needs. There are also enriching programs such as music, language, talent development, among others.

 

The student body is very diverse, she said, In fact, 30 percent of the students speak a language other than English as a first language; 40 different languages are spoken on campus; and many countries are also represented. The school has 15 percent Latino, 7 percent black, and a large percentage of Asians, among other groups.

 

The transfer rate at Oakton is fairly high. The administration is now advising students to complete the Associate degree before transferring. Therefore, success is measured in many ways at Oakton and they are trying to capture all the different aspects of success.

 

Marv Edelstein noted the impact community colleges had in providing a path to success for one of his friends’ children. Marv also noted that in 2008, his wife attended the college on a path toward a successful career change.

 

It was also noted that the number of part-time faculty with respect to full-time is also a challenge for the college. Currently, the college has 155 full-time faculty and 500 part-time. Student-faculty ratio is small and part-time faculty is involved in all programs and initiatives. It will continue to be a challenge due to the needs to keep costs manageable.

 

Currently, Oakton Community College is working closely with the manufacturing sector in order to provide students with the latest skills needed by businesses. The program contains several tracks in the manufacturing sector.

 

Regarding funding, currently it is supposed to be one-third each from the state, property taxes, and tuition. However, the state has fallen short in the past year and several capital expenditures had to be deferred. The current budget year is facing a $1.3 million deficit. Tuition is about $3,000 for a full-time student.

 

 

Colette Hands, Oakton Community College

Joianne Smith, President, Oakton Community College and today’s speaker

Greg Pearson, HLB, LLC, guest of Horton Kellogg

Mike McLaughlin, guest of Pat O'Day (see below), prospective member

Ann Weatherhead, guest of Elaine Clemens, prospective member

Marcia Kazurinsky, guest of Charlotta Koppanyi,

 

Maria Freeney, Uppsala Sodra Rotary, guest of Charlotta Koppanyi

Pat O'Day, Winnetka Rotary

Elisabeth Wellerstron, Upsala City Theatre, guest of Charlotta Koppanyi

 

Kate Collison, September 29

 

Setup: Joan Borg and Steve Carlson

Greeters: Dick Moenning and Marisa Naujokas

Breakdown: Gary Peterson and Joan Borg

 

 

Alan Anderson, Community Relations – Northwestern University