Dear District 535 Community Members,
This has been a year of milestones, new beginnings and continued progress inside our walls and throughout our communities. Since officially transitioning to Oakton College in January 2023, we’ve enjoyed connecting with community partners to “re-introduce” ourselves, affirming the value of the relevant and life-changing educational opportunities available to students. Perhaps you’ve noticed Oakton’s evolved identity throughout our communities, incorporated in our Connect to Opportunity campaign. We’re reaching prospective students and community members through outdoor and digital ads and our series of commercials on broadcast television and streaming services. We’re proud to convey how an Oakton education has helped students achieve career success and positively impact their communities. Throughout the pages of our Annual Report to the Community, we share some inspiring ways we’re working to build just and thriving communities, which is the bold vision of our strategic plan, “Vision 2030.” For example, by encouraging employees to adopt intentional behaviors, we create an increasingly welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students. Since expanding our Early College programs, more in-district high school students are getting an early start on their college education, saving them time and money as they pursue their goals. And our partnerships with four-year colleges and universities make it easier than ever for students to pursue bachelor’s degrees after leaving Oakton. We also continue to prioritize our commitment to equity and justice, the connecting thread of all our strategic plan’s pillars. We’re excited about the incredible impact that several equity-focused initiatives have had on individuals from historically marginalized communities, and the opportunities they’ve created for them. Throughout the year ahead and beyond, we look forward to building on our recent progress and finding new ways to support students and the broader community. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we pursue that bold vision of building just and thriving communities for all.
Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D. President, Oakton College
Wendy B. Yanow, Ed.D. Chair, Board of Trustees
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online