Tobias Liebermann

Tobias Liebermann of Oak Park came to Triton College looking for an opportunity to grow, both academically and personally.

After graduating from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 2024, Liebermann said he was uncertain about his future. He questioned whether he was ready for college or living away from home.

Through the Scholars Program, Liebermann received a full-ride scholarship to Triton College. He credits the program with providing a rigorous academic environment and a close-knit community that challenged him to think differently and grow. He said the program played a major role in shaping both his academic experience and his involvement on campus.

Once on campus, he quickly became involved in Student Life and began taking on leadership roles. He founded the Political Science Club, which has grown into one of the most active organizations on campus. He also helped build the Stock Market Society and is involved in several other groups.

Liebermann serves as Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa’s Chi Zeta Chapter, where he has had opportunities to travel and represent Triton. Through Model United Nations, he also traveled to Los Angeles, expanding his perspective and connecting with students from across the country, including those from schools such as Harvard, Stanford and Princeton.

“I’ve had a lot of opportunities through the organizations I’m part of,” he said. “It’s pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and take initiative in ways I never would have in high school.”

He was also selected for the All-Illinois Academic Team, recognizing his academic achievements and involvement at Triton.

He credits Johnny Urbina, director of Student Services, with helping create an environment where students are encouraged to get involved and grow as leaders.

“Johnny has had a big impact on my experience at Triton,” he said. “He’s helped guide not just me, but a lot of students, and made Student Life something people want to be a part of.”

In addition to his campus involvement, Liebermann volunteers at Beyond Hunger in Oak Park. Even after completing his required service hours for the Scholars Program, he chose to continue volunteering because he valued the experience and the impact it had on others.

As he prepares to graduate in May, Liebermann plans to continue studying economics. He has applied to several universities, with hopes of attending Northwestern University or Vanderbilt University.

Looking back, he said his time at Triton, especially in the Scholars Program, has been defined by both growth and support.

“[Attending Triton] was the best decision I could have made,” he said. “It gave me the chance to grow, get involved and figure out what I want to do.”