Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees Chair, Bob Johnson, received the prestigious Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award at the Illinois Community College Trustee Association’s (ICCTA) annual awards banquet on June 7 in Itasca.
In his letter of support for the nomination, Dr. Robert Hammon, Vice Chair on the College’s Board of Trustees, wrote, “Bob is certainly an outstanding professional, mentor, and colleague, but what I believe sets him apart is his unwavering dedication to Kishwaukee College and his invaluable leadership. Not only has he served on the Board for 14 years, 11 of which as Chair, but Bob’s familial legacy is ingrained in the College.”
The ICCTA’s Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award recognizes exemplary service by a currently serving community college board member. The award is in honor of Ray Hartstein, a highly influential former board member from Oakton Community College who worked diligently at Oakton and made an impact on legislation.
“During my tenure as a Kishwaukee College Trustee, I have worked with many Kish Trustees
as well as with numerous Trustees from other Illinois community colleges that also
participate in ICCTA activities,” states Johnson. “Those Trustees are all deeply committed
to the success of their students and communities and do not serve with the expectation
of personal recognition. I am, however, very honored to be recognized as a recipient
of the Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award for 2019, joining 27 other recipients
from 19 Illinois community colleges over the past 28 years.” 
In addition to his 14 years of service on the Kish board, Johnson has served on ICCTA’s board as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Johnson is often found advocating for students at both state and national levels. The Johnson family was instrumental in the founding of the College, and Johnson continues his family’s legacy through his work on the board. When not serving the College, Johnson serves on numerous Agriculture-related committees as well as manages Johnson Farms, once named the “Best Managed Farm in America” by Farm Futures magazine.
“The entire Kishwaukee College community is fortunate to be the recipient of Bob’s time, talent, and energy. It is an honor to serve as President with him as Board Chair,” comments Dr. Laurie Borowicz, Kishwaukee College President.
ICCTA forwarded Johnson’s nomination materials to The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) for the regional Trustee Leadership Award. If Johnson is selected, he will be honored during the ACCT Leadership Congress during a general session on October 18 in San Francisco.
Photo Caption: Bob Johnson receives the prestigious 2019 Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award at the Illinois Community College Trustee Association’s (ICCTA) annual awards banquet on June 7 in Itasca. Pictured: Bob Johnson.