Triton Community College is just that – a community; a caring community of faculty, staff, and students. The dedication and commitment of faculty and staff creates a vibrant, supportive atmosphere in which our students can reach their full potential as global citizens. The College serves a district which includes 25 culturally and ethnically diverse communities. Half of these communities are low-income neighborhoods with household incomes below the national median. Triton College offers an affordable opportunity to pursue an education to those students who might not otherwise be able to afford higher education. For many of our students, they are the first ones in their family to attend College.

Our students have access to financial aid, academic counseling, mentoring, and a wide array of clubs and organizations in which to participate in campus life. Our students’ engagement in campus life allows them to grow academically, personally, and socially while their ideas and enthusiasm enrich the school. The College welcomes over 17,000 students a semester and is committed to helping every student succeed by providing sound guidance, compassion, and appropriate support services.

The College is very responsive to the varying needs of the student population, especially those of diverse backgrounds. In order for our students to be successful in an increasingly global economy, the College must ensure that multicultural values are established throughout our programs. We value diversity and believe that diversity promotes personal growth, enriches the educational experience, and strengthens our community.

Every student at the College is a valued member of our community and can choose from a broad range of degrees and certificates taught by highly qualified faculty. Students receive orientation, guidance, and support along with recognition and respect for their achievements. Triton College and the Triton College Foundation are proud to play such a key role in helping the community.

The Triton College Foundation, established in 1981, provides scholarships to district residents and assists in raising funds for academic programs. The Foundation provides scholarships for programs in business, health, and technology as well as scholarships for books and equipment. The Foundation distributed over $100,000 in scholarships in academic year 2008-09. We thank the many donors who contribute each year. The Foundation must raise the funds each year to continue to provide scholarships. This task grows more difficult as we face tough economic times. We ask that you please continue to give generously to the Foundation so we can make our students dreams into a reality – that of a college education.

As a Triton College alumnus, I encourage all alumni to stay connected to the College. You are an important partner in the Foundations’ on-going success because you have experienced Triton College first hand and understand the value of having a degree from Triton. There are many ways in which you can support your alma mater such as attending our many fine arts performances, attending athletic events, participating in social and reunion opportunities sponsored by the Alumni Relations Office, and by donating to your school.

Any individual or business that would like to help the Triton College Foundation fulfill its mission by making a donation should call the Director, Pat Varga at 708-456-0300 X3730 or e-mail pvarga@triton.edu.

David J. King
Triton College Foundation, President