2024 News and Events I Oakton College

Oakton College Equity Leader Honored with Women Under 40 Award

Published on November 13, 2024

Oakton College’s Esperanza “Espy” Salgado-Rodriguez earned national recognition for her commitment to supporting historically underrepresented students. Read More

Oakton’s CDL Open House Showcases a Fast Track to High-Paying, In-Demand Trucking Careers

Published on October 21, 2024

Oakton College and 160 Driving Academy celebrated the one-year anniversary of bringing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training to Oakton’s Des Plaines campus with an Open House on Oct. 16. Read More

Oakton Faculty Member Honored with Prestigious YWomen Leadership Award

Published on October 8, 2024

Oakton College Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program faculty member and Evanston Police Department detective Amanda Wright received the 2024 YWCA Evanston/North Shore YWomen Leadership Award. Read More

Oakton Marketing and Communications Leader Named 2024 Rising Star

Published on September 27, 2024

Oakton College’s senior manager of content marketing, Kelsey Kapolnek, has been named the 2024 District 3 Rising Star by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). Read More

Oakton Unveils Fall 2024 Performing Arts Season: A Dynamic Lineup of Theater, Music and More

Published on September 24, 2024

Get ready for Oakton College’s fall 2024 Performing Arts season! Read More

Oakton Announces Upcoming Koehnline Museum of Art Exhibits

Published on September 23, 2024

Oakton College presents the 2024-25 fall calendar of Koehnline Museum of Art exhibits, highlighting exhibitions on gender dynamics, personal identity, and historical resilience. Read More

Oakton Secures Grant to Enhance Equity and Leadership in STEM

Published on September 6, 2024

Oakton College, in collaboration with Northeastern Illinois University (NIU) and Chicago State University (CSU), has secured a $500,000 National Science Foundation grant to launch a transformative three-year initiative promoting equity and leadership in STEM education. Read More

Oakton Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with Engaging Events

Published on September 5, 2024

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, Oakton College proudly announces a pair of events celebrating the rich culture, history and contributions of the Latino/a/x communities. Read More

Oakton Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awardees

Published on August 30, 2024

Oakton College invites the community to celebrate its four newest Distinguished Alumni on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Des Plaines campus,1600 E. Golf Road. Read More

Oakton Unveils New Learning Commons: A Modern Hub for Student Success and Community Engagement

Published on August 28, 2024

Oakton College is proud to announce the opening of the Ray Hartstein Campus Learning Commons, 7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, a cutting-edge facility designed to support student success through collaboration, innovation and integrated academic services. Read More

Oakton Seeks Students and Community Members for Auditions

Published on August 16, 2024

Embrace the opportunity to grow and connect with fellow performing artists at Oakton College. Sign up for auditions and become part of the vibrant performing arts community, which includes musical concerts, stage plays and more. Read More

Oakton Receives $100,000 Challenge Gift to Grow Scholarship Opportunities for Students

Published on August 5, 2024

A pair of community members donated $100,000 to the Oakton College Educational Foundation to serve as a challenge to inspire others to join them in providing students the financial support they need to reach their goals. Read More

Revving Up Art: John Himmelfarb's ‘How Things Stack Up’ Rolls into Oakton

Published on June 25, 2024

Gear up for the artistic big rig! Oakton College Koehnline Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the arrival of “John Himmelfarb: How Things Stack Up,” an electrifying exhibition celebrating the iconic image of the truck, July 11 - Sept. 20. Read More

Oakton Students Embark on Cultural Odyssey to Ghana for Immersive Learning Experience

Published on June 10, 2024

Five adventurous Oakton College students and alumni have set out to Ghana for a life-changing study abroad adventure. Read More

Submit Your Work for Oakton's 2024 Women’s Art Show: "Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities"

Published on June 4, 2024

Seeking artists with an original point of view! Oakton College is excited to announce the call for submissions for this year’s Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Art Show. This year's theme is "Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities.” Read More

Oakton College Recognizes Record Number of High School Students for Completion of Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program

Published on May 30, 2024

Oakton College celebrated a milestone achievement as 83 high school students received a Basic Nurse Assistant Training (BNAT) Certificate, May 22. Read More

City of Evanston Partners with Oakton for C.A.R.E. Responders Training

Published on May 29, 2024

The City of Evanston has partnered with Oakton College to provide comprehensive training and certification for the recently announced Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (C.A.R.E.) responder program. Read More

Summer Youth STEAM Camp: Fun and Learning at Oakton College

Published on May 29, 2024

When school is out, STEAM Camp steps in with a burst of excitement! Oakton College is thrilled to announce the Summer Youth STEAM Camp, designed to bring fun, adventure and future preparation to students aged 8-14. Read More

Oakton and Northwestern Medicine Launch Medical Assistant Apprenticeship

Published on May 23, 2024

In an effort to support local students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, Oakton College and Northwestern Medicine have joined forces to create the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program. Read More

Oakton’s Earn and Learn Partnership Provides Job Training to Neurodiverse Individuals

Published on May 16, 2024

The first cohort of students have successfully completed an innovative training program, gaining valuable skills and work experience to prepare them for hospitality industry careers. Read More

Oakton Earns Gold Military Friendly® School Designation

Published on May 6, 2024

Oakton College is proud to announce its designation as a Military Friendly® School for the 2024-2025 academic year, earning the prestigious Gold Award for the first time. Read More

From Near-Death to Masterpiece: Gabriela Leyva's 'Heaven on Earth' Unveiled at Oakton

Published on May 3, 2024

Embark on a captivating journey illuminating Gabriela Leyva's artistic odyssey sparked by her profound near-death experience (NDE). Read More

Oakton professor to study climate change and public health in Mongolia this summer

Published on May 2, 2024

Oakton’s Biology professor Khursheed Ichhaporia will travel to Mongolia this summer to study climate change and public health with a select group of college educators. Read More

Enrich Your Spring: Oakton College Unveils May Performing Arts Program

Published on April 29, 2024

Are you interested in attending a concert or a play but feel too weary to make the journey into the city? Don't let fatigue dash your hopes. Instead, attend one of Oakton College’s May performing arts events — which includes a unique string ensemble concert. Read More

Oakton Student & Alumnus Create Buzz for Bees in Community

Published on April 23, 2024

Oakton student Anas Ahmed and Oakton alumnus Abdullah Motiwala are on a mission to spread awareness and appreciation for bees. Read More

Oakton & Village of Skokie Celebrate Earth Month With Tree Planting Initiative

Published on April 19, 2024

Oakton, Village of Skokie and Skokie Park District leaders joined community members to celebrate Earth Month by planting trees on the College's Skokie campus, April 18. Read More

Oakton Board Of Trustees reorganizes leadership; Marie Lynn Toussaint selected as Chair

Published on April 17, 2024

The Oakton College Board of Trustees selected Evanston resident Marie Lynn Toussaint, J.D., to become Board Chair for a one-year term during its meeting on April 16. Read More

Oakton Announces Six Piano Ensemble Performance, April 28

Published on April 16, 2024

Prepare to be enchanted as Oakton College’s Six Piano Ensemble takes the stage for an afternoon of reimagined melodies, April 28. Read More

Oakton and Endeavor Health Partner to Expand Healthcare Education Access in Evanston and Surrounding Areas

Published on April 15, 2024

Oakton and Endeavor Health℠ are partnering to create accessible pathways to quality education and in-demand employment opportunities in healthcare. Oakton College’s new Health Careers Education Center on Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital’s campus will mark Oakton’s first physical presence in Evanston, the largest community in the college’s district. Read More

Oakton hosts over 80 community members for Neurodiversity in the Workplace event

Published on April 12, 2024

Oakton hosted more than 80 community members to network and learn from each other about fostering a neurodiverse workforce. Read More

Oakton Hosts Skyway Juried Art Exhibition

Published on April 10, 2024

Experience local artistic talent at the Skyway Juried Art Exhibition at Oakton. Read More

Oakton Hosts Creating Justice: A Celebration of Art in People’s Movements, April 12

Published on April 8, 2024

Join community members, local artists and community organizers for Creating Justice: A Celebration of Art in People’s Movements, April 12. The annual event - free and open to the public - invites everyone to share and learn from projects linking art to social justice movements. Read More

Show Support for the Local LGBTQIA2+ Community at Oakton’s Night of Noise event, April 12

Published on April 8, 2024

Join the Night of Noise, a nationwide celebration of being LGBTQIA2+, at Oakton College to show your support for the local LGBTQIA2+ community. Read More

Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month at Oakton College, April 11

Published on April 5, 2024

Spend a lunch break at Oakton College’s Des Plaines campus and indulge in jazz melodies performed by the Midwest’s finest and most talented musicians celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month. Read More

Oakton Employee Receives American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Promising Practice in Social Justice Award

Published on March 28, 2024

A national student success organization recently honored an Oakton employee for her work championing equity for Asian American Pacific Islander students. Read More

Oakton’s Early Childhood Center Invites Community to Open House, April 6

Published on March 27, 2024

Attention all families searching for top-tier care for their young ones! You are invited to the Oakton College Early Childhood Center open house at Oakton’s Skokie campus on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read More

Oakton Student Named Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar

Published on March 26, 2024

Oakton student James Pauly, Des Plaines, has been named a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar by the prestigious Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program, which recognizes exceptional two-year college students. Read More

Oakton Welcomes 550 Students for Illinois Science Olympiad Regional Tournament

Published on March 18, 2024

Oakton College transformed into a dynamic hub of scientific exploration by hosting over 20 schools and welcoming more than 550 students to its Des Plaines campus for the annual Illinois Science Olympiad (ISO) regional tournament, March 9. Read More

Acuity Brands Endows Scholarship for Oakton College Students Today and Tomorrow

Published on March 12, 2024

A philanthropic donation of $10,000 from Acuity Brands — which includes Des Plaines, Ill., based Juno Lighting among its brands — will establish an endowed scholarship, creating opportunities for students to access a life-changing Oakton College education for generations to come. Read More

Oakton Presents "At the Table" – A Comedy Exploring Communication and Privilege

Published on March 5, 2024

Oakton College is proud to announce its upcoming theatrical production, "At the Table," written by Michael Perlman and directed by Jason Fleece. Read More

Oakton Announces Women's History Month Events

Published on March 1, 2024

Oakton College is proud to unveil its lineup of events for Women's History Month 2024, celebrating women-identified and LGBTQIA2+ individuals, people of color, and those with transnational identities and perspectives. Read More

Oakton Hosts Annual Sankofa: Black Teen Summit, Welcoming Local High School Students

Published on February 14, 2024

Oakton College welcomed high school juniors and seniors from four local schools to its annual Sankofa: Black Teen Summit, Feb. 13. The event, held in celebration of Black History Month, serves as a platform to introduce Black students to Oakton, offer insights into the college experience, and fosters meaningful connections within the community. Read More

Oakton Presents: "In Focus: Recent Works by Moritz Kellerman, Mark Palmeri, and Lou Pierozzi"

Published on January 29, 2024

The Oakton College Koehnline Museum of Art is delighted to announce its upcoming exhibition, "In Focus: Recent Works by Moritz Kellerman, Mark Palmeri and Lou Pierozzi," Feb. 8 - March 22. Read More

Oakton Names New Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President for Administrative Affairs

Published on January 26, 2024

Oakton College proudly announces the appointments of Johanna Fine as the chief Human Resources officer (CHRO) and Michele Roberts as the vice president for Administrative Affairs. Read More

Oakton Announces Black History Month Events

Published on January 25, 2024

As the calendar turns to February, Oakton College proudly announces a vibrant lineup of events and programs to commemorate Black History Month. With a commitment to celebrating the rich tapestry of African American history, culture and contributions, Oakton invites the community to join the free and open-to-the-public month-long program that promises to educate and inspire. Read More

Oakton and Niles North High School Jazz Up the Night in a Musical Collaboration, Feb. 2

Published on January 23, 2024

Get ready for an unforgettable night of jazz as Oakton College's esteemed music faculty and the celebrated Niles North High School Jazz Band join forces to present "Jazzin' Around," Feb. 2. Read More

Oakton’s Educational Foundation to Receive 2024 AGB John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership

Published on January 17, 2024

The Oakton College Educational Foundation Board of Directors has been selected to receive the John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). Read More