Join us in recognizing trustee Jerry Hoekstra's retirement
Author: Dr. Michael Boyd
Date: 05-20-2024
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KCC Community,
Just prior to KCC's regular May 21st board meeting, we will host a reception to recognize Mr. Hoekstra's final board meeting as a trustee. I encourage everyone in our college community to attend the reception which will begin at 2:00 pm in the café just outside the Hammes Bookstore. Please add the event to your calendar and plan to join us.
Mr. Jerry Hoekstra was first elected to KCC's board of trustees in November of 1991. At that time, he won the board seat of retiring trustee, Mr. Fay Orr. Mr. Hoekstra then went on to win 6 consecutive elections to retain his seat on the board for a total of 33 years. Notably, Mr. Hoekstra's tenure on the board also includes a four year stretch from 2014-2018 during which time he was named Board Chairman.
At the May 2024 meeting, Mr. Jerry Hoekstra will retire from his role as trustee on the Kankakee Community College board.
His service to the college has been nothing if not distinguished. In his leadership role during these 33 years, Mr. Hoekstra has experienced so many of our college's significant historical events. For example, he
- participated in recruiting and hiring three college presidents,
- helped guide the construction of KCC's Workforce Development Center, the South Extension Center, the Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Center, the North Extension Center, and the Advanced Technology Education Center,
- cheered Cavaliers athletics to 3 national championships,
- supported the development of the Illinois Green Economy Network,
- approved installation of art installations like Chicago Nike, Tin Man, and Breezekeeper,
- celebrated the college's 50th anniversary ceremony, and
- so much more.