Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- In its 52-year history, Prairie State College (PSC) has employed many individuals who have committed time and energy to help shape its mission, values, and reputation throughout the community. In order to pay tribute to those people, PSC has created a Hall of Honor recognizing faculty, board members, administrators, and staff who have made significant contributions to the college.
Dale Haywood, Glenn Stehr, and Jim Troutman were named to the inaugural class of the Hall of Honor.
Haywood was a professor of mathematics for 31 years before retiring in 2000. During his tenure, he took on numerous additional roles, including serving as one of three faculty division chairs; president of the faculty federation; a member of the faculty negotiating team; and chair of the curriculum committee. Haywood was also instrumental in expanding the college curriculum.
The individual who nominated Haywood said, “Anyone who met Dale and interacted with him easily recognized his devotion to the math department and the entire college. Dale was a man of honorable character, always willing to assist others, and always an advocate for faculty.”
Sally Haywood, professor of information technology, accepted the award on behalf of her late husband. She said, “I wish he could have accepted this award himself. He loved PSC.”
Stehr was a professor of biology for 26 years before retiring in 1984. He was one of the original 16 faculty members to serve at Bloom Township Junior College in 1958, which is today known as PSC.
During his tenure at the college, Stehr was instrumental in establishing the curriculum for nearly all of the science and health programs. He also was active in serving on numerous search committees.
His nomination noted that his greatest accomplishment was assisting hundreds of students with their studies – studies that would culminate in them successfully achieving their academic and professional goals.
Upon accepting his award, Stehr acknowledged the original faculty of the college. He said, “This award is for all the Pioneers who started with me 52 years ago in the basement of a church. Never in our wildest dreams could we imagine Prairie State becoming the institution that it is today. I accept this award in the name of the first students and faculty of the college.”
Troutman served as a Vice President for 24 years before retiring in 1999. He provided exceptional leadership and direction for his division. He also served as treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Foundation director, and treasurer of the Foundation. He also served an interim president of the college in 1999-2000.
“Jim was always deliberate in his actions and always considered what was best for the college,” said the individual who nominated Troutman. “Everyone has a deep and profound respect for Jim, both professionally and personally.”
Troutman said, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is gratifying that the award came from my peers. I spent my entire career in community colleges, and most of those years were with PSC. I am glad that I was part of the college’s history.”
