Jayden Vazquez

Jayden Vazquez of Elmwood Park has been selected as Triton College’s student trustee for the 2026-2027 academic year. A second-year student, Vazquez will serve as the official student representative on the Triton College Board of Trustees, ensuring students a voice in the college’s governing process. In the role, he will serve as a connection between the student body and college leadership.

Vazquez hopes to increase awareness of opportunities and keep students informed about the decisions of the Board of Trustees. His goal is to help students feel heard, connected and informed to Triton.

Vazquez said his desire to serve as student trustee stems from a passion for leadership and a belief in the power of education.

A leader on campus, Vazquez is the president of Model Illinois Government (MIG) and Model United Nations (UN), vice president and co-founder of the Political Science Club and a member of the Active Minds and Asian Culture clubs.

“As the student trustee, I would like to host a Model United Nations (Model UN) conference on campus for the entire district,” he said. “It would be a great way to show other campuses everything that Triton has to offer through Model UN.”

To campaign for the position, Vazquez connected with students from across campus, collected the required signatures and encouraged classmates to participate in the election. On election day, Johnny Urbina, director of Student Life, helped calm Vazquez’s nerves as he awaited the results.

“I was really nervous and jittery,” he said. “I won by 77 percent. That was exciting. I jumped out of my seat.”

Born in Chicago, Vazquez moved to Elmwood Park at age 13 with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic. He participated in Triton’s Dual Degree Program during his junior year at Elmwood Park High School and fell in love with the campus. He especially liked that Triton was cost effective.

 “Triton gave me the fresh start that I needed after high school,” he said. “I knew I could meet new people while staying close to home.” 

Looking ahead, Vazquez plans to transfer to a four-year university after graduating this spring. Beyond that, he hopes to pursue a law degree and become involved in state politics.

 “I want students to show up and become active on campus,” he said. “There’s so much opportunity here. Students just need to look for it.”