2023 Oakton Voices

Lydia Delgado

Published on December 8, 2023

Lydia Delgado found her path at Oakton as she completed pre-requisite courses needed before her Doctoral in Occupational Therapy degree at University of Illinois Chicago. Read More about Lydia Delgado

Marco Moreno

Published on December 5, 2023

As the first in his family to go to college, Marco Moreno has paved a path for himself and for those who follow in his footsteps. Read More about Marco Moreno

Lydia Cruz

Published on December 4, 2023

Growing up in Guam, Lydia Cruz felt at home with the island’s distinctive culture and diverse population. Then she moved to the Chicago area at age 12 and entered what felt like a different world. Read More about Lydia Cruz

Engineering Grads

Published on November 30, 2023

Oakton grads Michael Ciupinski, Alan Connor, Chris Iliopoulos and Antonio Mercado are finding out what it's like to join one of the country's best engineering school in their junior year through Oakton’s University of Illinois Engineering Pathways program. Read More about Engineering Grads

Jerrod Tucker

Published on November 29, 2023

Meet Jerrod W. Tucker—Distinguished Alumni Honoree ’23, Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Hall of Fame inductee and head coach of the Jacksonville 95ers. Beyond his achievements, Jerrod’s story is about the power of connections, inspiring a ripple effect of giving. Read More about Jerrod Tucker

Filza Ali

Published on October 11, 2023

Oakton alum Filza Ali loves learning and understanding systems. She applies her pre-med biology degree from Loyola University to a career in biotechnology with the company Tempus, where she is an operations analyst. Read More about Filza Ali

Julian Thompson

Published on October 2, 2023

Distinguished Alumni honoree ’23, Julian Thompson, Ph.D., holds space for the complex and nuanced identities of the people he works with. Read about his work as an Assistant Professor of Criminology at University of Illinois Chicago. Read More about Julian Thompson

Susanna Wagner

Published on August 31, 2023

"Honestly, even before I had my nursing license, I knew nursing ran in my veins: medicine and helping others is part of my identity." Read how Oakton nursing alum, class of 2020, Susanna Wagner's calling became her career. Read More about Susanna Wagner

Amber Johnson

Published on June 28, 2023

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve in Illinois, Amber Johnson is evolving her skills with it. She’s pursuing all three Cannabis Studies certificates at Oakton, with the goal to one day start a propagation center or become a craft grower. Read More about Amber Johnson

Nzelu Maitha

Published on June 14, 2023

In life—and in golf—patience, focus and confidence can really pay off. Oakton alum Nzelu Maitha has proven this time after time—as a student athlete and as a marketing and communications professional. Nzelu is one of the most prolific golfers in Oakton history. Read More about Nzelu Maitha

Ely Lemus

Published on June 8, 2023

“What I love about Oakton’s early childhood education program is that it’s giving me the theory for the knowledge I have already from being a mom.” Read how Ely turned her parenting skills into career skills. Read More about Ely Lemus