CLC welcomes new trustees, thanks outgoing members
Published April 28, 2025
College of Lake County (CLC) welcomed newly elected community members Dawn Abernathy, M.A.T., Celeste Flores, B.A., Janet Gibson, M.S., and CLC student Andrea Gomez to the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, April 22. Judge Stephen M. DeRue, 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Lake County, administered the oath of office at the meeting in the Grayslake Campus Conference Center.
Abernathy, of Mundelein, was elected to serve a six-year term as trustee. Her experience includes serving for eight years as trustee for the Village of Mundelein. Upon joining the board, she stated, “I am happy to be representing the students, faculty and staff at CLC.”
Flores, of Gurnee, was elected to serve a two-year term as trustee. A lifelong resident of Lake County and first-generation college graduate, Flores stated, “I’m committed to ensuring that CLC continues to be a top-ranked institution—providing equitable, high-quality and affordable education to all. I look forward to serving Lake County with dedication and heart.”
Gibson, of Lake Forest, was elected to serve a six-year term as trustee. She brings experience in education, business and community activism to the role, stating, “I’ve always been passionate about education. I love the fact that community colleges provide students with an education for life. We need to create an environment where everyone can continue learning, regardless of age.”
Gomez was seated as student trustee, elected by students for a one-year term. She is pursuing a degree in political science and is active in student organizations and extracurricular activities. A first-generation college student, she stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a representative of the student body and for all the learning this experience provides.”
The board also adopted resolutions honoring the outstanding service of outgoing trustees Pastor Jesus Gerena of Wadsworth, Torrie Mark Newsome, J.D., of Waukegan, Julie B. Shroka, M.A., of Grayslake, and student trustee Sulma Teruel of Fox Lake. Newsome and Shroka were honored with Trustee Emeritus status and thanked the board for the opportunities to serve the students, faculty, staff and communities of the CLC.
Board leadership for the upcoming year will be Amanda Howland, M.A., M.S., J.D., Chair, Dr. William Griffin, Ed.D., Vice Chair, and Allena Barbato, J.D., L.M.F.T., Secretary.
