Hugh E. Van Voorst retires after 34 years of service to the Kankakee Community College board of trustees.

Van Voorst, a Union Hill resident, was a member of KCC's board of trustees from 1980 until 2014. During his tenure, he served as secretary from 1993-1995 and then chairman from 1995-2014.

"The current board of trustees would like to commend and publicly acknowledge Hugh Van Voorst's contributions to Kankakee Community College," said Jerald Hoekstra, vice chairman of the KCC board of trustees. "Hugh demonstrated exemplary leadership and acted in the best interest of the college and community."

KCC President Dr. John Avendano added, "Mr. Van Voost recognized and valued the difference that education makes for individuals and how educational attainment positively impacted the community as a whole. He interacted with the college's constituents and understood their needs and perspectives. His leadership influenced the growth of KCC in both its campus and in the number of programs and services offered."

During Van Voorst's time as chairman KCC's Riverfront Campus added facilities, including the completion of the Workforce Development Center, Heath Careers Center for Excellence. The college also added extension centers in the region – the North Extension Center in Bradley, the South Extension Center in Watseka, and the Technical Education Center in Kankakee.

"It's been a pleasure to work with my fellow board members and to be a part of this institution which has meant so much to this community," said Van Voorst.
{article submitted}

94.1 WGFA