Triton College Student Credits Inclusive Campus for Fresh Start

On April 30, Triton College student Catherine “Cat” Hunt will present at Triton College’s Ethics Bowl Essay Symposium on her original paper, which explores explore how universities can approach inclusion, separation and equity in practice.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — When Triton College student Catherine “Cat” Hunt first arrived on campus in the fall, she felt jittery.

At 37, it had been nearly 20 years since she last sat in a classroom, and the mother of two was anxious about sticking out. But those apprehensions quickly melted away, she said.

“I was really nervous about coming back as an older student, but I immediately felt included and accepted,” she said.

As a community college, Triton values learners of all educational backgrounds, whether it’s their first time in a college classroom or they’re returning in search of a new chapter. Triton’s commitment to educational excellence dates back to its founding in 1964 and remains steadfast in its mission to serve its students, including high school graduates exploring career paths, adult learners pursuing career changes and more.

“I really like how diverse the student population is,” Hunt added. “It reflects a lot of different backgrounds and life experiences.”

Hunt is pursuing an associate degree in visual arts and plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology. After completing her education, she hopes to pursue a career in conservation ethics, a field focused on protecting ecosystems, natural resources, and cultural heritage and artifacts.

After high school, Hunt attended culinary school, but after working in the field briefly, she realized it wasn’t the right fit. She later tried online courses, but found they lacked the engaging, in-person experience she was seeking.

“It had been years of working and just kind of feeling stagnant and not really progressing in my career,” she said. “So I decided to take the leap and go back to school and get the art degree I wanted the first time around.”

For Hunt, it was essential that her education not interfere with time spent with her children, and Triton’s flexible scheduling has allowed her to balance both roles. She and Skarlett – her wife and a fellow Triton student – often set aside time at home to complete assignments together.

“It was a good place to resume my education because it’s not as overwhelming and the scheduling is much more manageable,” she said. “I think community college offers that bridge — it’s flexible, more affordable and gives you the chance to explore different paths.”

In addition to her studies, Hunt is a member of the Triton College Arts Club and the Ethics Bowl Team. Organized by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics, Ethics Bowl challenges students to examine complex ethical issues and defend their positions through reasoned arguments.

On April 30, Hunt will present at Triton College’s Ethics Bowl Essay Symposium on her original paper, “Addressing Segregation of Marginalized Students at Universities.” Her presentation will explore how universities can approach inclusion, separation and equity in practice.

“Ethics Bowl gets people talking about difficult topics, and hearing different perspectives leads to more thoughtful and effective change,” she said. “It’s not easy to talk about race, gender or sexuality — but we have to.”

Hunt’s presentation is open to the public and scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Triton College Library Upper Commons. A Q&A session will follow.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.