Alumni

Jamie M. DePaolo
Council President
Class of 2014

DePaolo is a Northlake native and graduate of West Leyden High School. She immediately began her pursuit of higher education as a first-generation, minority student at Triton College. She became a dedicated student leader, was a member of TRIO, and proudly served as the 2013 - 2014 Student Trustee, graduating with the Class of 2014.

After Triton, DePaolo transferred to DePaul University, where she earned her Bachelors of the Arts in Communication and Media with a Minor in Hospitality Leadership, concentrating in Event Production. Career highlight was being hand selected for DePaul’s Behind the Scenes with Chicago Sports Organizations class, where she was able to tour with Chicago based sports teams, organizations, and companies (Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Wolves, US Soccer Federation, Harry Caray’s, etc.), gaining first-hand insights into the sports business landscape. She graduated Cum Laude with the Class of 2016 and is a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association honor society.

Between her rich education and skills gained producing events on Triton’s campus, DePaolo has gone on to work with brands such as Kellogg’s, Airbus, and SC Johnson creating events, and fulfilled key event producer roles with the Chicago Sports Commission in the 2016 NFL Draft Town, and The Department of Defense 2017 Warrior Games Athletic Competition with Wounded Warrior veterans.

DePaolo has recently returned to the college to fulfill the new position of Coordinator for Athletic Facilities and Special Events, where she creates relationships with organizations in the community and manages their rentals at Triton’s newly renovated athletic fields. As President of the Alumni Association Council, she also serves as a board member for the Triton College Foundation.

Passionate about the arts, DePaolo has produced talent showcases in the community and performs in musical theatre throughout the Chicagoland area. What’s left of her free time is spent laughing with family and friends, watching her niece and nephew play soccer, and perfecting gluten-free recipes.

Elmwood Park Chief of Police Frank Fagiano
Council Member
Class of 2000

Frank Fagiano was appointed Chief of Police of the Village of Elmwood Park in 2011. Prior to this role, Chief Fagiano began his career as an auxiliary police officer and then hired as a patrol officer, then promoted to sergeant, watch commander and deputy chief. He has continued his police-related training in executive management courses at Northwestern University Public Safety for Police Executives program.

In his role as chief, he has been instrumental in initiating many new programs within the Elmwood Park community. Chief Fagiano has provided a comprehensive approach to delivering police services, including regularly analyzing current crime trends and patterns. He has also initiated a crime free housing program which aids in curbing crime levels within the community.

Chief Fagiano has provided youth community support related programs such as Child Safety, Officer Friendly and Stranger Danger, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT).

Chief Fagiano is member of the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association and the West Suburban Chief of Police Association. He is a decorated commanding officer and a recipient of numerous unit and team commendations for exemplary performance. He has received a number of awards during his career lifetime, including three distinguished Cook County Sheriffs Merit Awards for outstanding law enforcement work.

Elmwood Park Deputy Chief of Police Andrew Hock
Council Vice President
Class of 2003

Andrew Hock was born and raised in Elmwood Park, Illinois. He graduated from Triton College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

In 1990 he began his career with the Elmwood Park Police Department. He is a graduate from the Illinois State Police Training Academy. Throughout his career he worked his way up through the ranks. He proudly served as a Patrolman, Detective, Sergeant, and Commander before being appointed Deputy Chief of Police in 2011. During his career he has been a recipient of the Cook County Sheriffs Law Enforcement Award of Merit, Elmwood Park Police Chief Award of Merit, and Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorist, (A.A.I.M.), awards.

He is a 2007 graduate of the prestigious Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He has been a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Association Chiefs of Police, West Suburban Chiefs of Police, and West Suburban Detectives Association. He currently serves on several boards and committees that tie law enforcement to the community. He is involved in many civic, alumni, and charitable organizations in his private life. He currently serves as a dedicated St. Vincent Ferrer School Board Member and Vice President of the Triton College Alumni Board.

When Andrew is not fighting crime he enjoys golf, bocce, billiards, and photography. Deputy Chief Hock and his wife Heather have two children, Brian, 32, is a current Elmwood Park Police Officer, and Ashley, 28, is a employed with Merrill Edge as a relationship consultant for the life services team. 

William Justiz
Council Treasurer
Class of 2002

Mr. Justiz became an Adjunct Faculty member in March of 2002. He has served as the coordinator of the Emergency Medical Technology program, and is the current coordinator for the Fire Science program at Triton College.

Mr. Justiz has been a licensed Emergency Medical Technician-Basic since June 1997 and a licensed Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic since January 1999. He has also been a National Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic since February 1999. In addition, he has been a certified firefighter in Illinois since 2000.

Mr. Justiz has completed an Associates of Applied Science degree in Fire Science & Paramedic Leadership from Triton Community College, Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University and is currently completing a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Mr. Justiz is a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department and is also a part-time Firefighter/Paramedic/Fire Investigator with the River Grove Fire Department.

Andre Lodree
Council Member
Class of 2006

Mr. Lodrée was born & raised in Chicago, Illinois & its surrounding suburbs. Growing up his home life was centered on faith in God & the unity & trust of their family of ten. Early on it was evident that he had two loves basketball & education.

He began his college career at Chicago State University. While pursuing his education, he also spent time practicing & trying out for multiple semi-professional teams. In 2004, he was given the opportunity to finish his college education & play basketball for Triton College in River Grove, IL. In 2006, he was a vital part of Triton College finishing 8th in nation among junior colleges.

After leaving Triton College with an Associate of Arts in Education, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Dominican University. After completing his educational pursuits, Mr. Lodrée has gained an extensive career in nonprofit administration, finance and information technology fields.

He's currently employed as the Administrative Services & Operation Manager of Greater West Town Project, which services at-risk youth with educational and employment training. He is also the co-founder of Four Point Play, a nonprofit organization that provides basketball training to youth.

He is married and has four children. In his spare time, he is a minister at Fresh Anointing Faith Church and recently published his first poetry book, Lost & Found.

Gina M. Pesko
Council Secretary
Class of 1985

A lifelong Elmwood Park resident, Ms. Pesko attended Elm School, Elmwood Park High School and Triton College. She graduated from Triton in 1985 with an Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology. She did her X-Ray internship at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital and worked at various clinics in the suburban area. She also was previously employed by United Airlines at their corporate headquarters for 11 years in their onsite employee health clinic. She is currently employed by the Village of Elmwood Park in their Code Administration Department and was elected to the position of Village Clerk in April of 2013.

Ms. Pesko has been married to Chris Pesko for 22 years. He is the Global Head of Investment Technology at Aon/Hewitt in Lincolnshire and current Elmwood Park library board President. She and Chris have two children, Sydney, a student at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where she is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Tyler, a senior at Elmwood Park High School.

Ms. Pesko has always been very involved in the Elmwood Park community and gives freely of her time whenever she can. Besides being very active in her children’s schools, she also served as a Girl Scout troop leader and Elmwood School representative to the Elmwood Park/River Grove Girl Scout Council. She has been a parent advocate volunteer for Cochlear Corporation, maker of Cochlear Implants for deaf children and adults. She served as an active member of the Elmwood Park Rush youth football program for seven years.

She is a founding member and former secretary of the Elmwood Park Garden Club, member of the Keep Elmwood Park Beautiful committee as sell as secretary of the Arts and Special Events Commission. She and her family are lifelong parishioners of St. Vincent Ferrer in River Forest.

Her hobbies include gardening, baking and spending time with family and friends.

Tony Quintana
Council Member
Class of 2004

Mr. Quintana graduated from Triton College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He is a former Department of Homeland Security-ICE Investigator with over 10 years of experience as an Investigator and now thrives in the private sector.

In 2011 Mr. Quintana left the government and entered the private sector establishing On Q Professional Investigation, LLC – (ONQPI, LLC).

ONQPI’s mission is to enhance the depth and quality of the distinct products and services provided to meet the needs of their private clients. ONQPI’s Professional Investigators and Security Personnel have many years of former law enforcement experience in Local, County, State and Federal Government. Their agents work diligently to obtain an evidentiary quality investigative product and provide numerous security services like no other.

ONQPI’s staff is extensively trained on the emerging trends and advances in the private investigation and private security field.

Jim Renella
Council Member
Class of 1980

Jim Renella grew up in Franklin Park, Illinois and graduated from West Leyden High School in Northlake, Illinois. Jim attended Triton College to pursue a Certificate in Photo Offset. He worked full time at a printing company called Form Service, Inc. in Schiller Park, Illinois while going to Triton College part time at night. His career goal was to be a general manager of a printing company. After graduating from Triton College in 1980 with a Certificate in Photo Offset, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration degree from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. All of the college classes Jim attended were exclusively at night because he worked full time during the day. His educational journey lasted more than nine years, during which he attended night classes all year long. While attending classes at night, his work responsibilities increased as he was promoted to senior management roles. Jim has held various positions in the printing industry throughout his career including Pre-Press Supervisor, Plant Manager, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President/General Manager and Vice President Sales and Marketing. Jim ended up working for Form Service for 29 years, which grew to a $50 million organization. When he left in 2003, Jim held the position of Chief Operating Officer.

Today, Jim has been with Diamond Communication Solutions for over 14 years. During his tenure with the company, he has held several senior management positions.  As the Senior Vice President/General Manager, he led a migration team that was integral in implementing ink jet technology that eliminated over 400 preprinted forms and developed a white paper environment for digital printing throughout the Diamond Communication Solutions organization. In his current role of Senior Vice President Quality Operations at Diamond Communication Solutions, Jim is responsible for total quality management and employee education for all of Diamond Communication Solutions’ facilities. He is a member of various professional organizations in his industry and has been recognized for his many contributions to the field.

As he looks back on his career and educational journey he credits Triton College for laying the foundation for a successful 40-year plus career in the printing industry. Jim also recognizes that the instructors he had for classes were more than just teachers, they were mentors that took the time and interest in his career path and offered him valuable guidance. Jim believes embracing technology is a way of life and a large part of one’s career. The industry he has worked in for more than 40 years has been impacted by technology in the last 20 years and ironically the same fundamental principles Jim was taught at Triton still hold true with this new digital technology.

John Saccomanno
Council Member
Class of 1976

Mr. John Saccomanno graduated Triton College in 1976 with a degree in Restaurant Training and from FIU (Florida International University, Miami FL) in 1978 from the School of Hospitality Management & Tourism. Mr. Saccomanno went on to work for Marriott Corporation following graduation from FIU at the Lincolnshire Resort, where he was seriously introduced to the game of golf; a game that he continues to enjoy today. After some time in the hotel business, which included rising to Director of Catering at The Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago, he worked in club management at Medinah Country Club and Short Hills in the Quad Cities.

He has two grown daughters that have blessed him with three adorable grandsons. Mr. Saccomanno is currently retired from being a wine consultant with the largest wine distributor in the country and now assists charitable organizations at their signature events with wine pulls, wine silent auctions and wine raffles.  Over the last few years Mr. Saccomanno has been traveling to golf tournaments around the country and to the wine countries of Italy, Spain and Napa Valley.

Dr. Kennedi Strickland-Dixon
Council Member
Class of 1992

Dr. Strickland-Dixon is currently the Special Education Divisional Director at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Prior to transitioning to Oak Park and River Forest High School, she served as the first African- American Director of Special Education in Maywood District 89 for 8 years. As a product of Irving Elementary and Proviso East High School, this is an honor that Dr. Strickland- Dixon holds very near and dear to her heart.

After her tenure in Maywood District 89, she served as the Director of Special Education and Student Services in Bellwood District 88 for 3 years. The passion to help students with special needs was developed and cultivated while attending Triton College. Dr. Strickland- Dixon worked in the office that provided support to students with disabilities. She served as a mobility aide, scribe, and Peer Counselor for first generation college students.

In addition to her current position as a Special Education Director, Dr. Strickland- Dixon is heavily involved in promoting professional development that explores the needs of African-American students in the educational setting. She has presented at several professional conferences and is a guest lecturer at DePaul University the institution in which she received her doctorate in Educational Leadership. She is on the Board of Directors for the Mary E. Smith Foundation, which works to advance brain tumor research.

Dr. Strickland- Dixon became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated on the campus of Western Illinois University and is currently active with the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter.

Despite her tremendously busy schedule, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage boys. 

Lorenzo Webber
Council Member
Class of 2010

Mr. Webber is a graduate of St. Joseph High School and Triton College. He currently serves as a professional staff member at Illinois Community College District 504 (Triton College). For several years Mr. Webber has coordinated the Student Life Special Initiatives area that is responsible for Student Ambassador Program and Student Leadership Institute, which specializes in developing leadership and interpersonal skills.

Mr. Webber is a youth advocate within the Proviso Township. Through leadership programming and meaningful ministry it is his aim to minimize the senseless violence that is plaguing today’s area youth. From speaking at local grade schools and high schools to coordinating youth outreach functions, Lorenzo Webber remains connected to anyone who is dedicated to improving the lives of young people.

On June 22 at the Young Democrats of Illinois State Convention, Mr. Webber was elected 1st Vice President. He is also a deputy registrar in Cook County who assists in registering voter. It is his mission to bring about new movement of politically active young people.

Putting his roles together Mr. Webber is a community activist who empowers those he serves by connecting them to education and the political pathways of action. He firmly believes that education and political activism are the foundations of a strong community and a better tomorrow.

Mr. Webber is currently seeking funds to successfully complete his baccalaureate degree program at National Louis University for Applied Behavioral Science with a minor in Public Policy.

Alesha R. (Young) Whisenton
Council Member
Class of 1995

A double Triton graduate in 1995 (Hotel Mgmt) and 2006 (Nursing), Ms. Whisenton currently working as a staff RN at the University of Chicago Medical Center as a telemetry nurse.

Ms. Whisenton has been a nurse for 9 1/2 years and truly loves caring for patients. Since leaving Triton, she has gone on to receive her BSN and MSN in education from Benedictine and my MSN with focus in Family Nurse Practitioner from Olivet Nazarene.

"I'm currently studying to take my board exam and credit Triton as my foundation to where I am today. Triton is truly a great place to start pursuing your degree and I'm honored to serve on the Alumni Council."

Mark Stephens
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