Sauk Valley College hosts first lady

DIXON, Ill. — Northern Illinois had a visit from a White House VIP as First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited Sauk Valley Community College on April 19.

The First Lady’s visit was to highlight and hear about the college’s Impact Program, a program that will let students earn free tuition and fees through community service.

“All Americans deserve the same opportunity to pursue their passions, get a great education and build a career they love,” Biden told a group of local guests.

She was accompanied by Dr. Miguel Cardona, the U.S. secretary of education. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., were at the college with Biden.

The first lady, who teaches English at Northern Virginia Community College, shared stories about her classroom experiences with the audience of around 30 people at Sauk, all masked and socially distanced.

“Most people now call me first lady, but to one group of students at Northern Virginia Community College, I am — first, foremost and forever — their writing professor, Dr. B. In my class, my students don’t take anything for granted. Some are there for a head start on a four-year degree. Others for a much-needed fresh start,” she said.

To an audience that included Sauk administrators, teachers and past, present and future students, Biden shared her own students’ experiences.

“I don’t get too many late papers or missed exams — though there are always exceptions. A few semesters ago, I got a text that said, quote, ‘On my way to the hospital to have my baby; research paper will be late.’ To which I replied, ‘Excuses, excuses.’ Now, this woman served as an interpreter for our military in Afghanistan. She was starting a new life here in America for herself and her family. And in the midst labor, she was worried about getting her paper in on time. She’s a special example, but her commitment isn’t unique,” Biden said.

Equity In Education

Before their remarks, Biden and Cardona toured Sauk’s nursing and manufacturing labs and talked with students about their experiences at the college. Biden recognized the diversity and dedication of the community college student body.

“Veterans, single parents, first generation students, refugees — my students come from every walk of life. They show up. They don’t complain. And they only ask for one thing in return: the chance to work hard and build a good life for themselves and their families,” she said.

In 2015, Biden was appointed honorary chair of College Promise, a national initiative to provide no-cost community college tuition and fees to students and to make higher education accessible to more people.

Biden made the connection with Sauk Valley Community College through Dr. Martha Kanter, executive director of College Promise and former undersecretary of education under President Barack Obama.

Dr. Lori Cortez, dean of institutional advancement at Sauk, and Dr. Dave Hellmich, president of the college, met Kanter at a College Promise conference in 2018. That meeting turned into the connection that brought Biden to Dixon.

“Because we know Dr. Kanter and because Dr. Jill Biden was her boss up until about two years ago, when the White House asked Dr. Kanter if she knew of any great Promise programs that were starting up, Dr. Kanter recommended Sauk Valley Community College,” Cortez said.

Kanter was in attendance at the first lady’s visit to the college.

Biden reinforced her belief in community colleges in her remarks at the college.

“Our schools accept everyone — regardless of age, race, income, or family legacy. They offer classes that are flexible, so students don’t have to choose between work and school. They train for real-world jobs, tailored to the communities they serve, or give students a strong foundation for a four-year degree. And they don’t just improve individuals’ lives — they strengthen our country as a whole,” Biden said.

“Because without educated and trained workers, businesses can’t build. Innovation is held back and our economy drags. We can’t afford to exclude so many from continuing their education just because they come from certain areas or income brackets.”