50th Anniversary

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“I loved the job. I thought that was really important–especially to be a role model to young women because when I joined the Biology department I was the only woman.”

Lenette Staudinger was a professor of Biology here for 32 years. She tells about some of the creativity involved in putting classes together in the college’s early days, like stocking the Botany classes with discarded plants from the cemetery. The college has grown and progressed so much and she is proud that Moraine Valley has done so well.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Lenette Staudinger, Retired Biology Professor

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“What we focused on was making sure the community knew they could get a quality education here.”

Former Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. John Donahue speaks about the college’s 25 year plan and how the college has become a tremendous asset for the suburban community. A good board, teachers who care about their students, and quality education are reflected in a great student body.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Dr. John Donahue, former Board of Trustees Chairman

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“Everything we do here and everything I do here is based on the fact that I want people to love Moraine like I love Moraine.”

Bill Finn came to Moraine Valley Community College when he was 22 years old as the head basketball coach. More sports were added the next year and he was asked to be the Athletics Director. His goal was to build a program where every kid in the area would want to go.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Bill Finn, Athletics Director

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“For so many students Moraine becomes their village, their family–to really provide that foundation and encouragement to succeed.”

Dr. Linda Brandt has been with Moraine Valley Community College for 42 years. She feels it is an honor and privilege to watch students grow. Administration, faculty, and staff at the college are all working toward the same mission and goal of having an important impact on people’s lives.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Dr. Linda Brandt, Counselor

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“I found another home.”…”This campus is beautiful.”

Ron Kurfist worked at Moraine Valley for 16 years, from 1986 to 2002. He wasn’t sure he wanted the job when he first arrived on campus and saw all the temporary buildings. He remembers his time here very fondly though. He talks about the environment that was created for the students and of how appreciative everyone always was of the work his department provided.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Ron Kurfirst, Retired Director of Buildings and Grounds

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“I think we’re very innovative here at the college.”

Dr. Wally Fronczek has been at Moraine Valley Community College for 32 years. He began his work here in Student Activities and has had the opportunity to do many different things and be involved in a variety of projects. He recalls lots of exciting events on campus, including respected guest speakers and big name performances.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Dr. Wally Fronczek, Dean of Liberal Arts

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“I found a home.”

Michael Espinoza and Eric DeVillez have both taught here at Moraine Valley for many years and have had many family members attend classes here. Both feel that a highlight of their job is hearing from former students about what they’ve gone on to do. They’ve heard many success stories. They also have some funny stories to tell about things that have happened to them on campus.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Michael Espinoza, Instructor of Criminal Justice, and Eric DeVillez, Associate Professor of Communications/Literature

Moraine Valley Community College celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. To learn more about and to re-live some of what those five decades have been like, the college has been collecting oral histories. Throughout the semester we will be highlighting these videos.

“Diversity and variety make the job fun.”

Glenn Carpenter became Moraine Valley’s photographer 27 years ago and has been living out his life’s passion everyday by taking pictures. He believes that pictures are the invitation to the story and Glenn has enjoyed capturing Moraine’s story for so long.

To enjoy more of these oral histories, along with historic photos and documents, visit the MVCC College Archives.

Glenn Carpenter, Photographer