1964-2014

To the Triton College Community:

I hope that your summer is going well. I’m pleased to beable to report that summer at Triton College is goingextremely well, as our student enrollment for this summer’ssession is up 13 percent from last summer. While it is notguaranteed, summer enrollment is typically a precursor tofall enrollment. We are cautiously optimistic that we willsee an increase in enrollment for our fall session.

As you may recall, we experienced a problem with ourswimming pool in December 2013 when a leak was discov-ered in the main circulation pipe located directly beneaththe pool. The extensive work to repair and renovate the

pool was completed this past spring, and we’re glad to have our aquatic programs back inbusiness. On Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m., we will have a ceremonial ribbon cutting toofficially mark the pool’s reopening. I hope to see you there!

As you know, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Triton College. The first of many celebra-tory events will take place on Thursday, Aug. 28. We will be having a ceremony at noon thatday to dedicate a 50th anniversary sundial followed by a cake cutting, and I hope to see youthere. If you won’t be able to make the ceremony at noon, we will be repeating the eventthat same day at 6 p.m. When you join us for this event, please take note of the repavementwork at our main entrance and parking lot, which was completed on time and under budget.The parking lot on the north side of the campus is nearing completion, and in spite of ourhorrendous winter and spring weather, the project was only delayed a few weeks and alsocame in under budget. Staying on the north side of campus, the $16.5 million renovation ofour Health and Sciences Building (formerly the Technology Building) is ahead of schedule andshould be completed by February 2015 – some three months ahead of schedule!

Finally, we have completed our four public information meetings on the upcoming campusrehabilitation bond issue. I’d like to thank all those who attended. At our Aug. 19 RegularBoard Meeting, we will review and vote on two resolutions to officially begin the issuanceprocess. On Sept. 16, we will hold a Special Board Meeting to conduct the required PublicHearing on the bond issuance with an anticipated final vote being taken at our RegularBoard Meeting on Sept. 23. I strongly encourage you to attend these meetings to learn moreabout the exciting work we plan on doing at Triton College.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Page One, and I look forward to hearing how Triton College canserve you. Please feel free to contact me through the Triton College Office of the President at(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3201, or email me at markstephens@triton.edu.

Best regards,

Mark R. StephensChairman, Triton College Board of Trustees

A Message from Our Chairman

This IssueLetter from Our President . . . . . . . 2

A History of Success . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

50th Anniversary Events . . . . . . . . 6

A Vision for the Future . . . . . . . . . 7

Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Volume 8, Issue 8, 2014

THE

TRITON COLLEGE

50th Anniversary

Kickoff Cake Cutting

& Sundial

DedicationThursday, Aug. 28, 2014

The Commons Area (West Campus)

Two Ceremony Times: Noon and 6 p.m.

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It has been 50 years since the referen-dum was passed to create a communitycollege district that would come to beknown as Triton College. Beginning as anidea by three superintendents from areahigh schools, Triton College was createdto serve as an opportunity for individualsto enrich their lives through affordable,accessible higher education – a task theinstitution has proudly provided for thepast 50 years.With students’ education in mind, TritonCollege has continued to advance andevolve to reflect the changing times andto better serve its students. The institu-tion is constantly updating and restruc-turing its academic programs,implementing new initiatives, renovatingits facilities to be conducive to students’education and bringing in faculty andadministration who are dedicated tohelping students achieve their goals. This commitment to student success has contributed to the River Grove institutiongraduating approximately 45,000 students with a degree or certificate since Triton’sfirst graduating class in 1967.As the college prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, kicking off with a cake-cutting ceremony on Aug. 28, the Triton College community invites communitymembers to be engaged and inspired by Triton’s humble beginnings and take partin the yearlong celebration that looks forward to providing yet another 50 years ofstudent success.

Triton College celebrates 50 years of excellence in education

Letter fromOur President

Donate your Triton College Memorabilia! Triton College’s 50th Anniversary Archeology Committee is collecting Tritonmemorabilia to put on display as the institution celebrates this milestone year.The Archeology Committee is looking for T-shirts, mugs, publications, buttons,photographs, etc., that community members wouldn’t mind loaning or donat-ing to the college. Items donated will also be considered to be included in the

college’s time capsule to commemorate the event. For more information, contact Rosa Preston at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3866.

Dear Community Members,

While the start of a new academic year is always anexciting time of year for faculty, staff and students,there is something especially exciting about the startof our 50th academic year as an accredited institution!As we welcome students on our campus during theweek of Aug. 25, we will be celebrating half a centuryof commitment to student success and serving ourcommunity. Our programs of study continue to grow,along with diverse opportunities for students, includ-ing degree programs, certificate programs, non-creditcourses, and opportunities to obtain a bachelor’s ormaster’s degree right on our campus.

In addition to continued academic opportunities, weare excited about all of the renovations and updatesto our facilities. If you walk on our campus, you willundoubtedly notice the buzz of construction and thesparkle of new enhancements, such as the solar panelson the Cernan Earth and Space Center, newly pavedparking lots and redesigned elevators. We continue tostrive to improve our campus for the benefit of ourstudents and community.

On Aug. 28, 2014, we will host the kickoff celebrationto our 50th anniversary year in our newly designedStudent Commons Area! I hope you will join us at noonor 6 p.m. for some delicious birthday cake! We areexcited about this year and have plenty of events andactivities planned for our campus and community.

I look forward to seeing you around campus, either inthe classrooms or on the mounds, dining in Café 64 orenjoying the bounty of our Horticulture Department.Take advantage of our concerts and plays, athleticgames or any number of events we hold on campus.The faculty and staff have worked diligently to providea year filled with programs, events, and informationthat support student success and community. We areexcited to welcome you back to campus. Let's enjoyour 50th year – together!

Sincerely,Dr. Patricia Granados,President, Triton College

SWIMMING POOL GRAND OPENING RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY

Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to usher in our newly renovated pool!Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m., Robert M. Collins Center, Room R-220 (East Campus)

Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public.

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A History of Success...

Superintendents LeRoy Knoeppel ofProviso, C.C. Loew of Elmwood Park andWade Steel of Leyden, with the support ofthe community, pioneered the efforts ofdeveloping a junior college in the districton March 31, 1964, when a referendumwas passed.

The same year, the first board of trusteeswas formed, and Dr. Herbert Zeitlin wasappointed as the college’s first president.While building plans for the campus werein its infancy in 1965, the first classes wereheld off-campus at West Leyden, Provisoand Elmwood Park high schools. About1,200 community residents signed up forclasses – more than the projected 300 to400 students! It would also be the year theschool received its official name, selectedin reference to the three towns in whichthe school’s three founding memberscame from.

When it came to the appropriate site forthe college, locations on several golfcourses, a 100-acre tract near CermakRoad and the Tri-State Tollway, and evenland by Hines VA Hospital were consid-ered. But the land at Fifth Avenue andPalmer in River Grove – the site of a farm-house, two trailer camps, a fireworks

manufacturer and marshy landfill in 1964 – showed promise being near the Des Plaines River and the forest preserves.

Building plans commenced in 1965, asboard members expressed their vision of how the campus should look and beperceived by community members. “Wewanted to create a college that was sepa-rate and totally unique,” said RobertCollins, while serving on Triton’s firstboard of trustees. “We decided on a planthat called for separate buildings, withopen spaces and landscape in between, an environment that was different fromhigh schools but not as intimidating as auniversity – a halfway point.”

In a special ceremony on June 4, 1967, the first ground was broken for thecampus site. By 1968, enrollment hadgrown to more than 4,600 students, with the college offering 27 transfercurricula and 27 occupational programs.

Triton College excelled in its academic and athletics programs, introducing one-of-a-kind degree programs and winningnational championships.

In 1973, Triton’s growth and innovationwas recognized by the national publica-

tion of Time magazine that referred toTriton as “a new type of college that isredefining the concept for Americans: thepublic community college … the citizens ofDistrict 504 get a college that is everythingthey never thought a college could be:affordable, accessible and extra-ordinarilyresponsive to specific needs.”

Responding to the needs of Triton’sstudents and community members of thesurrounding district has been and remainsan ongoing endeavor by the college. Tritoncontinues to develop new opportunities toconnect with area businesses and organiza-tions and the college’s K-12 and universitypartners within the community.

One way the college connects with areamiddle schools and high schools is throughthe offering of its annual STEM Fair andEarly College Awareness Program (ECAP),which invites young students on campus tolearn about Triton’s various program offer-ings as well as to motivate them and helpthem to understand the steps they shouldtake now to prepare for college. Thecollege also hosts on-campus events tocultivate new partnerships as well asstrengthen existing ones.

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1964-2014

The Triton College

1964: Referendum creates Junior College District 300 includingProviso Township, Elmwood Park and Leyden Township.Triton College’s first board of trustees are elected,including Elmore Boeger, Robert Collins, Joseph Farmer,Ralph Serpico, Wade Steel, Roy Jones and Fred Knol.

Dr. Herbert Zeitlin is selected as Triton’s first president.

River Grove site selected for Triton’s future campus.

1965: First classes are held at West Leyden High School with114 instructors and 1,200 students.

Triton is chosen as the college’s name. The name is anabbreviated version of “tri-town” which represents thethree high school districts the college initially served.

1966: Students organize a student government body, knowntoday as the Triton College Student Association.

1969: All classes move to the facilities on the River Grovecampus.The wrestling team wins the college its first trophy.

1970: Triton holds its first football game and beats Wheatonwith a score of 36-15.

1971: The Triton Troupers Circus is formed.

1972: Community College District 504 is formed with the addi-tion of Oak Park-River Forest, Riverside-Brookfield andRidgewood high school districts.

1974: Rosemont and Pennoyer school districts are annexed toexpand District 504.

The Cernan Earth and Space Center is dedicated.

1975: The 100,000th student is registered.

WRRG, Triton’s radio station, goes on air.

Timeline

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1977: Triton’s wrestlers win first national championship.

1980: The Triton College Foundation is established.

1984: Triton celebrates its 20th anniversary. The wrestling team wins back-to-back national titles (1983 and 1984).

1987: Triton alumni face each other in the World Series(Lance Johnson of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kirby Puckett of the Minnesota Twins).

1988: Soccer team ranks fourth in the nation.

1990: Triton launches its Scholars Program.

1994: Triton celebrates its 30th anniversary.

1996: First Lady Hillary Clinton visits Triton College.

2004: Triton celebrates its 40th anniversary.

2007: Triton’s University Center opens on campus.

2009: The men’s basketball team finishes second in the nation.

2011: Triton is named a Hispanic-Serving Institution.Students hold first Commit to Complete rally.

2013: The campus’ TEAM mentoring program (Triton Employees As Mentors) is launched.Triton named fourth safest school in the nation.

2014: Triton celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Get Involved with Triton’s Golden AnniversaryIt’s coming … and before you know it, Triton College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration will be here! Join in the planning, share your Triton stories and/or donate Triton memorabilia to help prepare for the 2014 festivities.

Check out Triton College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Web page for details!www.triton.edu/50thAnniversary

50th Anniversaryof Milestones

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50th Anniversary Events1964-2014

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The Triton College 50th Anniversary

Kickoff Cake Cutting &

Sundial DedicationThursday, Aug. 28, 2014

The Commons Area (West Campus)Two Ceremony Times: Noon and 6 p.m.

Triton College will kick off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration with a cake-cutting ceremony. We hope you and your family will be able to join us as we celebrate the many accomplishments of Tritonthroughout the institution’s history. Triton memorabilia will be on display to capture the progression of

Triton as an instrumental organization in the community; plus, each ceremony will feature the dedication ofa sundial to mark Triton’s 50 years and take us into the future. Admission is open to the public at no cost.

ALUMNI ATHLETICS DAYSaturday, Sept. 20, 2014, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.Robert M. Collins Center, Soccer and Baseball FieldsJoin us as we look to bring together alumni and students for a day of fun and a little friendly competition. Alumni and currentathletes are invited to go head-to-head in basketball and softball games that will test their athletic abilities. In addition, families areinvited to watch and partake in a variety of fun activities and giveaways held throughout the day. All former coaches are invited andencouraged to attend. There is a $10 registration fee for alumni to participate in Athletics Day games. Spectators are free.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY ALUMNI CELEBRATIONWednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, 6:30-9 p.m.Triton College Student CenterThe first graduating class of Triton College will be recognized and honored during this semi-formal cocktail reception that willinclude the unveiling of the Triton College Alumni Wall of Fame, featuring select Triton College graduates, and displays of historicalvideos and memorabilia.

BLACK TIE GALASaturday, April 25, 2015Location and time to be determinedTriton College is pleased to host a special Black Tie Gala to culminate the yearlong celebration of the institution’s 50th anniversary. The gala will recognize the history and accomplishments of Triton College as well as notable individuals who’ve contributed to thesuccess of the institution. Tickets are $100 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Triton College Foundation which supports studentscholarships.

For more information about Triton’s 50th anniversary, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3201, or visit www.triton.edu/50thAnniversary. Also, you can interact with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OfficialTritonCollege!

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... A Vision for the Future

Triton College prides itself on being acommunity college and serving a diverseatmosphere of students who are seekinga better future – from single-workingparents to the student fresh out of highschool with aspirations to transfer to afour-year university to lifelong learnerslooking to take courses for self-enrich-ment.

For all students, one thing remainsconstant at Triton and that is the institu-tion’s unfaltering commitment to providethe opportunity for everyone, anyone topursue a quality higher education.

At 50 years old, Triton College is a main-stay in the community, and as a means tohelp Triton sustain into the next 50 years,the college is enhancing campus facilitiesto keep Triton as the cutting-edgeprovider of higher education in thedistrict.

The college is currently renovating itsexisting H Building, as well as adding ontoit, to create a new 70,800-square-foot,state-of-the-art Health and Sciences Build-ing conducive to students’ education.

The building will house such educationalprograms as Nursing, Surgical Technol-ogy, Diagnostic Medical Sonography,Nuclear Medicine and Ophthalmology,as well as provide classrooms for somebiology and chemistry courses. Plus, itwill include such features as a surgicaltechnology and dissection lab, collabora-tive learning spaces and a computercommons area with Wi-Fi capability. Itwill also be equipped with sophisticatedtools and equipment used by today’sprofessionals in the health and sciencesindustries. The projected completiondate of the building is 2015.

More renovations at the college haveincluded:

· repainting the water tower with anupdated logo,

· remodeling and upgrading Triton’sswimming pool,

· installing solar panels to the CernanEarth and Space Center to supportTriton’s sustainability curriculum, and

· repaving much of the parking lots andwalkways at the institution.

This also includes renovating the outdoorcommons area and installing a sundial tomark Triton’s 50th year that will be dedi-cated in a special ceremony open to thepublic on Aug. 28.

All of these renovations are an appropri-ate beginning to Triton’s 50th AnniversaryCelebration. It reflects Triton’s growth anddedication to providing its students with aforward-thinking learning environmentthat complements students’ quality Tritoneducation.

“I am extremely pleased to expand ourinstitutional capacity for educatingstudents by providing high quality instruc-tion in state-of-the-art facilities,” saidTriton College President Dr. PatriciaGranados. “The college will truly bepoised to prepare students well for theworkplace now and into the future.”

Just as the future looks bright and promis-ing for graduates of Triton, so does it forthe institution itself.

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2000 Fifth Ave.River Grove, IL 60171

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ECRWSSPostal Customer

1964-2014

2000 Fifth Ave.,River Grove, IL 60171

Triton.edu(708) 456-0300

Triton College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution.

Page One provides a bridge of communication between TritonCollege and its surrounding communities. We seek to buildstrong relationships with district residents and achieve our mission through the sharing of information about Triton’s students, faculty, events and programs. The publication is

produced by the Marketing and Public Relations Departmentat Triton College.

Please direct all comments and questions to pageone@triton.edu.

For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130,

or visit us at www.triton.edu/collegeability.

Dates to Remember...Classes Begin - Register now!

Campus Visit Days, 6-7:30 p.m., Student Center (B Building)

High School Senior Day

Cernan Earth and Space Center public shows. Visit www.triton.edu/cernan for more details.

For more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130, or email admissions@triton.edu.

Aug. 25

Sept. 2 and Oct. 7

Oct. 13

Ongoing

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Triton’s Botanical Gardens

Join Triton College for some fall fun!• pumpkin patch • corn maze • facepainting •

• pastry decorating • and more Free to the public!

For more information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3867,or visit www.triton.edu/FallFest.

You Have Collegeability.Affordability. Transferability. Employability. Enjoyability.

Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, 7-9 p.m.Robert M. Collins Center, R Building

www.triton.edu/futurefocus(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130.

A COLLEGE FAIR FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES!

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