Triton College Student Dylan Ramirez Earns Statewide ICCTA Student Success Award

Triton College student Dylan Ramirez has been awarded the 2026 ICCTA Gregg Chadwick Student Success Award and will be recognized at an ICCTA Awards Banquet on June 5 in Lombard, Ill.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College student Dylan Ramirez, 20, of Elmwood Park, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Gregg Chadwick Student Success Award. The statewide scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to volunteer service.

Ramirez will be recognized at the ICCTA Awards Banquet on Friday, June 5, in Lombard, Ill.

“It was completely unexpected,” said Ramirez of receiving the award. “I was walking to my World Religions class, and I was really giddy — it just made my day. I felt very proud of myself, knowing that the work I’ve done on this campus spoke for itself.”

A second-year psychology student just days from graduating from Triton, Ramirez is now weighing several options as he prepares to transfer to a four-year university, including a full-ride offer from one of his top schools. His new scholarship will provide a $1,000 boost toward his continued education.

Since enrolling nearly two years ago, Ramirez has been deeply involved on campus, holding leadership roles across multiple organizations, including president of Active Minds; vice president of service for Triton College’s Chi Zeta Chapter; president of Model Illinois Government; and vice president of Model United Nations.

In his role with Chi Zeta, Triton’s local chapter of the international Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, he helped plan Brew For You, a campus event that invited participants for coffee, cider and other treats while raising awareness of resources for those experiencing homelessness.

While leading Triton’s Active Minds chapter, Ramirez championed mental health advocacy among his fellow students and organized group discussions and activities aimed at reducing stigma and promoting positive mental health on campus.

“We wanted to create a pocket on campus where people didn’t have to fear vulnerability,” he said. “In fact, they could be strengthened by it.”

He described winning the Gregg Chadwick Student Success Award as both unexpected and affirming, marking one of his first major academic recognitions and reflecting his growth since high school, where he struggled academically.

After finishing high school, Ramirez said he was unsure of his future and lacked confidence in his abilities. He credits Triton’s flexible scheduling and course selection with helping him regain control of his academic path and transform his performance.

“I came here to prove something to myself,” he said. “Being at Triton returned my own agency, my own say in my academic journey, and that helped immensely.”

He thanked Dean of Students Julia Willis for her support and for being the “catalyst of his growth,” as well as English faculty member Joseph Klein for nurturing a “very positive humanistic philosophy” that drives his work.

Ramirez believes community colleges offer students a second chance to unlock career paths they might not have otherwise considered. He and his friends have dubbed it the “community college method.” In his case, he said he cannot imagine having applied to the universities he is now considering with his high school transcript.

“You never know the opportunities that you might find here,” he said. “They’ll just change the way that you view the community college path as a whole.”

Looking ahead, Ramirez plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with an interest in cognitive behavioral therapy, particularly working with adolescents.

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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.