Triton Student Trustee Jayden Vazquez Steps Into Statewide Leadership Role

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College Student Trustee Jayden Vazquez of Elmwood Park was selected in September to serve as chairperson of the Illinois Community College Board’s Student Advisory Committee (ICCB-SAC).

As a Triton College student trustee since being selected by fellow students in May 2026, Vazquez serves as the official student representative on the Triton College Board of Trustees. Now heading the ICCB-SAC, Vazquez represents not just Triton students, but students from community colleges all over the state of Illinois.

The SAC functions as a statewide student voice for Illinois community colleges, bringing together student representatives to discuss issues affecting students and to advocate for community college priorities at the statewide level.

Vazquez, who joined the SAC after winning his local bid for student trustee, said he was narrowly selected to chair the committee at its first meeting of the academic year.

“I was really excited when I learned of the result,” said Vazquez. “Because I know firsthand how important our community colleges are and the impact they have on students’ lives, including my own. So, to be at the forefront of community college advocacy is really meaningful to me.”

Vazquez, 19, is a second-year Triton student studying political science in River Grove. After graduating with an associate degree in May 2027, he hopes to transfer to a four-year university and study education, perhaps politics or an intersection of the two.

Those familiar with Vazquez on campus know him as approachable, talkative and passionate. He is occasionally found having friendly political discussions in common areas with other students. He’s a member of several campus clubs, serving as the president of Model Illinois Government (MIG) and Model United Nations (UN) groups, as well as vice president and co-founder of the Political Science Club and as a member of both the Active Minds and Asian Culture clubs.

Although deeply engaged and driven today, Vazquez said that wasn’t always the case and that he experienced a transformation after arriving at Triton.

“Once I found my passion, once I found my spark, I was able to fully dedicate my time to the things that I want to do with 100 percent dedication,” he said. “My passion was education and politics, and being new in this position while being a student trustee is really a good mix of both.”

Vazquez credits his instructors, namely Speech Faculty Member Lisa Samra, for fostering in him a passion for learning, as well as new friends at Triton who inspired him to get involved and become more goal-oriented.

Vazquez believes his experience at Triton has taught him that academic struggles don’t have to define a student’s path forward.

I was a guy who would fall asleep in class in high school and graduated with poor grades, near the bottom of my class. But since coming to Triton, I’ve had these amazing opportunities.

“I’ve grown to believe that if you’re going to do something, commit 100 percent,” he said. “If you’re going to do something, strive to be a leader in it. If I can do it, why can’t the next student?”

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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.