“A promise made is a debt unpaid...”
Wise words from Robert Service’s classic poem of the Yucon, “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” a beloved poem from my childhood.
“My promise to serve faithfully as Trustee, as an effective liaison, to keep tuition affordable and keep student’s best interests at the heart of all board decisions, is my debt unpaid to MVCC students.”
— Eileen Kerlin Walsh
LEADERSHIP: Past, Present & Future
My Platform Defined
Moraine Valley Community College Advocate Mentor at Moraine Valley Community College Job Resource Center (JRC)
Former MVCC Adjunct Professor
Moraine Valley Advisory Board Paralegal Program
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"I am a zealous advocate for higher education. I have a fervent desire to protect
MVCC faculty, students, administrators and the precious tax dollars we allocate to this valuable institution."
— Eileen Kerlin Walsh
ISSUES: Where I Stand
The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are the selection of a new president, the upcoming negotiation of the collective bargaining agreements with the college’s unions, the rising costs of the school / tuition. Here is what I intend to do about them.
I have direct experience tackling these issues with a track-record of success. I have my own successful law practice that I built from my dining room table. I have navigated my practice successfully through Covid 19 . I have also led the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce through the challenges of Covid 19 shutdowns. I share a platform with my running mate Dan Casey, together we have ideas to manage growing costs including generating alternative sources of revenues to alleviate the burden on taxpayers, reduce the costs for students; all while meeting the commitments to workers. The college should be in a position to increase jobs while reducing (net) costs.
The critical differences between myself and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have been deeply connected to MVCC for 20 years, including teaching traditional age students and returning adults, mentoring through MVCC Job Resource Center, placing interns with my office, hiring from the Job Resource Center, presenting at staff development education programs and most recently, serving on Paralegal Advisory Board to develop hugely successful Paralegal Certification Program.
I love the MVCC students and taught them for free. After the childcare center was paid for minding my young children while I taught, I owed MVCC money! I am a highly qualified candidate who seeks this position to maintain the integrity of the Board, keep the student at the center of all Board decisions.
I love the MVCC students and taught them for free. After the childcare center was paid for minding my young children while I taught, I owed MVCC money! I am a highly qualified candidate who seeks this position to maintain the integrity of the Board, keep the student at the center of all Board decisions.
Why should voters trust me?
My 20-year connection to MVCC, teaching, volunteering, mentoring, building new programs, etc, while no one was looking, speaks volumes to my love for and loyalty to MVCC families and having their best interests at heart.
If I win this position, what accomplishment would make my term in office a success?
Our nationwide search would result in a qualified, committed new President under whom MVCC will flourish and grow. Tuition will not be raised under my watch. Costs will be recalibrated so that bright, enthusiastic, well prepared young faculty will not owe MVCC money after their week’s work!
What are my views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
I believe we can recalibrate costs and distribute precious funds more fairly, resulting in lower taxes, higher wages for adjunct faculty and lower tuition for MVCC families.
What are my views on critical race theory and whether it should be taught in the college?
It is the goal of my running mate Dan Casey and I to advance the mission of MVCC. This will be achieved by offering a quality education and by providing the necessary skills for workers so they can provide for themselves and their families, while advancing towards their dreams. We need to stay laser focused on this mission.
How would I enhance the physical safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors?
MVCC’s dedicated police force do a wonderful job keeping the campus safe. When incidents occur, we can perhaps improve response by investigating quickly and reporting with transparency.
What are my thoughts on how the college handled the COVID-19 pandemic?
Like all our schools, MVCC had to pivot and navigate the new reality. After the first 6 weeks or so, MVCC had extended their on-line offerings to continue student education with little impediment. They did great.
How can the college enhance or improve curriculum that supports job growth in burgeoning industries, such as cybersecurity, green energy and artificial intelligence?
I am proud to have supported MVCC Job Resource Center, (JRC), for the last 15 years, under the capable hands of Dr. Pamela Payne, Marie Harrell and Tamima Farooq. The JRC is on the cutting edge of technology, green energy and AI. Courses and certification programs are developed in direct correlation with society advances and employment trends, as monitored by the JRC.
With inflation and the rising cost of post-secondary education, what ideas do I propose to avoid raising tuition costs to keep MVCC affordable?
As indicated earlier, we can recalibrate the budget and shift fiscal priority to make tuition stable, predictable and affordable for MVCC families.
When it comes to student achievement, what is the college doing well and what needs to be improved? How can those improvements be made?
I share my running mate Dan Casey’s response; The college directionally is performing well in these areas, however expanded certificate programs will generate additional revenues and grant the skills necessary for students to thrive in new areas of the economy that are positioned for explosive growth. We have to evolve our thinking about community college.
ENDORSEMENTS: Proven Community Impact
Endorsement of State Rep Kelly Burke
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Endorsement of Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer
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"Active at Moraine Valley Community College for over 20 years."
– Eileen Kerlin Walsh
COUNTDOWN: TO ELECTION DAY, April 4th • PUNCH 174
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More Countdown Videos
Day 12 –
Why it is important to vote in local elections Day 11 – What does a Trustee do Day 10 – Eileen’s long history at Moraine Valley Community College Day 9 – MVCC and Certificate Programs Day 8 – Difference between a 2 year and 4 year college Day 7 – What are endorsements and who is endorsing Eileen Day 6 – Eileen and her son discuss the MVCC Paramedic Program Day 5 – Early Voting Day 4 – 43.5 x 4 |
ABOUT EILEEN: So Thankful & Grateful To Have the Opportunity To Serve
Childhood
I grew up on a small farm in Ireland, one of 12 children, came to US in 1989, fell in love with the American Dream. Family I am married to my darling Tom, have 4 boys, (Tomas, James, Oisin and Edward), aged 13 to 21 years and an Aussie Doodle named Bran. My oldest son, a National Guard Medic, is currently taking a paramedic program through MVCC and Christ Hospital. Education Depaul 1994, Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School 1998 Career
Political History
Previous Appointments to Community Offices
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