Congratulations! Dr. Mike Rudibaugh, faculty member at Lake Land College, recently received the 2018 Hilton Distinguished Collaboration Award from the Illinois GIS Association.
Dr. Rudibaugh has made significant contributions to promote cooperation within the GIS community and the people we serve as illustrated by his extensive involvement in numerous multidisciplinary GIS projects. He has taught GIS for over 20 years in Illinois. His enthusiasm is contagious, he is a true champion of GIS in the State of Illinois and beyond. Such is evidenced by his deep involvement with the National Science Foundation and numerous grant awards through the years promoting GIS education across the nation’s community college system through the GeoTech Center.
Elgin Community College Professor of Digital Technologies Heidi Eaton exemplifies the high quality faculty at Illinois Community Colleges. Eaton helps students become computer literate through classes that provide introductory or in-depth experience using the computer, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.
“I teach my students efficiency and professionalism so they can spend more time and effort focusing on their goals,” says Eaton. “So often, what we teach ourselves isn’t the most efficient, effective way. I show my students where to look but I don’t tell them what to see.”
Coaching the Larkin High School freshman girls’ basketball team alongside her daughter Kylie is a slam dunk for Eaton, who loves the game and enjoys seeing players practice, get better, try new things, and work together as a team—much like her students at ECC who learn concepts, practice and apply them as they continually improve.
“In my classroom and on the court, I encourage my students and players to learn from failures and celebrate their successes,” says Eaton. “At the end of the semester and at the end of the season, there is no better feeling than teaching the importance of discipline, hard work, team effort, dedication, determination and the heart it takes to win—not only in sports, but in life.” Heidi Eaton Interview
The high quality educational opportunities offered through the community college system is evident by top notch professors.
Congratulations to Moraine Valley Community College’s John Nash – the 2018 recipient of the Michael and Suzanne Osborn Community College Outstanding Educator Award by the National Communication Association.
In selecting Nash, the committee said, “As the forensics coach at Moraine Valley, Nash’s tireless work has led the team to countless local, state and national awards, including four national first-place trophies. By creating a family environment, Nash helps students find their voice, fulfill their individual potentials, recognize their own personal worth and move on to become leaders.”
Nash is an associate professor of Speech/Communications and director of Forensics at Moraine Valley Community College.
More information on John Nash.