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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING MARK STEPHENS ON HIS 25th ANNIVERSARY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF TRITON COLLEGE
WHEREAS, Mark Stephens graduated from East Leyden High School in three years and went on to attain a bachelor’s degree in business and a juris doctorate degree from DePaul University, in addition to taking classes at his local community college, Triton College, in River Grove; and
WHEREAS, Stephens became owner of Bomark Cleaning Services in 1981 and an attorney at Storino, Ramello and Durkin in 1988, while staying active in his community and charitable work; and
WHEREAS, Stephens was elected to the Triton College Board of Trustees as vice chairman in 1991 and assumed the chair position in 1992; and
WHEREAS, in the 1990s, Stephens recognized the need for technical training in the burgeoning computer field and helped move Triton College in a direction to support these needs; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Chairman Stephens, Triton College has maintained a reputation of expanding its high-quality, professional programs to suit the needs of students and of offering countless services and opportunities to the greater community; and
WHEREAS, since taking office, Chairman Stephens has prioritized financial stability and institutional efficiency, using his business acumen and legal experience to balance a budget and create reserves in the case of future financial unpredictability. Through the hard work and dedication of staff and faculty under the leadership of Chairman Stephens, Triton has remained a financially sound institution; and
WHEREAS, many accolades, superlatives and awards have been bestowed on Triton College during Chairman Stephens’ term, including recognition for achievements in GED completion, sustainable construction, campus police and safety, volunteer programs, and many others; and
WHEREAS, Chairman Stephens has led a vision for Triton College to continue to offer the best facilities for students, securing a $53 million bond project across the scope of three years, and to date has unveiled a newly renovated Health & Sciences Building (H Building), Athletic Complex, Greenhouse, Cernan Space Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Child Development Center, and many other campus facility improvements designed to maximize the student experience; and
WHEREAS, a hardworking business owner, lawyer, and educational and community leader, Chairman Stephens remains committed to his family, including wife, Lisa; children, Jacqueline, Michelle and Mark; and grandson, Aiden; and
WHEREAS, while many things have changed over Chairman Stephens’ twenty-five year tenure as Chairman of the Board, his passion for the institution, steadfast leadership, and dedication to serving students remain constant. Through his tireless effort, Triton College has uplifted the community through education, changing the lives of thousands of members of the Triton College community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby congratulate Mark Stephens as he celebrates his 25th anniversary as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Triton College; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Chairman Stephens as an expression of our appreciation for his continued service to Triton College.
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