Jeff Sherwin

Northlake Mayor Jeff Sherwin credits his time at Triton College as the foundation for both his law career and long-standing mayorship. A proud Triton alumnus, he recalls being inspired by his business law instructor, whose guidance motivated him to attend law school and ultimately run for mayor.

Mayor Sherwin also emphasizes the value of community and the significance of a community college education.

“Triton kept me rooted,” he said, noting that its impact extended outside the classroom. “I met classmates from Melrose Park to Maywood. Everyone had a similar story. Community colleges goes beyond academics – it allows students to be career oriented, too.”

A Northlake native, Mayor Sherwin attended West Leyden High School. After graduating in 1971, he was unsure about his career path. With tuition costs out of reach—he was earning just $1.75 an hour as a Walgreens employee and expected to pay for college himself—Triton became an affordable and practice choice.

“I was one of five kids, so my parents told me that I had to pay for college on my own,” he said. “Triton was a great for me since I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”;

At Triton, Mayor Sherwin’s business law instructor was Ken Jakus, an Oak Park attorney, whose real-world experiences sparked Sherwin’s interest in the field.

With a newfound sense of purpose and drive, Mayor Sherwin attended Triton for two years. In 1973 he transferred to Northeastern Illinois University and earned his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

After opening his law practice in 1978, Mayor Sherwin became interested in local politics and successfully ran for mayor of Northlake in 1997.

“Treating people with respect goes a long way,” he said of political campaigns, a value he learned at Triton.

Now in his 28th year as mayor, Mayor Sherwin remains grateful that Triton provides a cost-effective option for students and families in his town, which he feels is an advantage over four-year institutions.

“Triton has certificate programs, making graduates valuable,” he added, noting that Triton’s career-focused certificate and degree programs help Northlake’s workforce needs, particularly in growing industries like logistics and cannabis. These programs not only prepare students for job opportunities but strengthen the local economy.

“As a mayor, I want our town to thrive,” he said. “Students can excel with the tools they obtain from Triton College. I hope to see the next generation of students succeed.”