Commencement

Clay Sterling

Professor
Electrical Engineering Technology Program
Business, Technology & Human Services Division

Professor Sterling joined KCC in 2016 to lead instruction of sustainable energy curriculum. He has introduced two advanced solar training courses, which focus on solar design, installation, operations and maintenance. As a significant contributor to the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN), Professor Sterling has been a recipient of grant funds dedicated to renewable energy components. He also played a pivotal role in the development and layout of Advanced Technology Education Center on the Riverfront Campus. The building earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Furthermore, Professor Sterling collaborated with KCC students to design and install three permanent solar electric systems on the campus. They are educational tools for students and contribute to reducing the college’s environmental footprint. His work exemplifies a commitment to education and sustainability.

Outstanding Faculty Award recipients

Each year, KCC gives the Outstanding Faculty Award to one full-time and one part-time faculty member. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, knowledge of their discipline, innovative teaching techniques as well as skills in motivation and encouragement. They are selected after being nominated by KCC students and staff.

The recipients receive an award medallion and framed certificate, as well as a spot on the KCC Wall of Honor. Previous Outstanding Faculty Award recipients wear a commemorative medallion at commencement ceremonies. The medallions are solid brass, and are embossed with “Kankakee Community College Est. 1966 – Outstanding Faculty Member.” The lamp of knowledge represents the quest for information or learning.

KCC faculty recipients are also nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Faculty Member Awards, which recognize the high achievements of Illinois' full- and part-time community college instructors.

Randy Gerdes

Adjunct Professor
Emergency Medical Technician
Health Careers Division

With 30 years of experience in emergency medical services, Gerdes shares his extensive knowledge and passion with students in the Paramedic program. His distinguished career includes many years as a Riverside paramedic and team leader. He is also assistant chief of the Ashkum Fire Department. His real-world experience greatly enriches his teaching.

Gerdes has been a driving force in the integration of high-fidelity simulation manikins into the curriculum. These advanced manikins, capable of replicating real-life scenarios such as cardiac emergencies and trauma situations, provide students with immersive learning experiences. This innovative approach equips students with practical skills, enhances their critical thinking and boosts their confidence. He hopes to inspire his students to continue with their education and serve the citizens within the communities where they live.

Outstanding Faculty Award recipients

Each year, KCC gives the Outstanding Faculty Award to one full-time and one part-time faculty member. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, knowledge of their discipline, innovative teaching techniques as well as skills in motivation and encouragement. They are selected after being nominated by KCC students and staff.

The recipients receive an award medallion and framed certificate, as well as a spot on the KCC Wall of Honor. Previous Outstanding Faculty Award recipients wear a commemorative medallion at commencement ceremonies. The medallions are solid brass, and are embossed with “Kankakee Community College Est. 1966 – Outstanding Faculty Member.” The lamp of knowledge represents the quest for information or learning.

KCC faculty recipients are also nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Faculty Member Awards, which recognize the high achievements of Illinois' full- and part-time community college instructors.

Eric Peterson '12

After high school, Eric Peterson joined the Illinois Army National Guard and first deployed to Afghanistan as an infantry team leader in 2008. Wanting a change, he came home in 2009 and attended Kankakee Community College. He graduated from KCC in 2012 with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Paramedic.

He became a paramedic for Riverside Ambulance in Kankakee. When Peterson felt he was not making a successful transition back into the civilian world, he elected to go back overseas as a private security detail medic for the U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Defense. He spent another two years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Peterson also faced personal challenges, including PTSD and substance abuse.

After a close friend from the military committed suicide Peterson was motivated to form a nonprofit, Project Headspace and Timing in 2017. It became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019. The organization’s focus is improving the transition process for veterans into the civilian world; and sharing ways within the community to support veterans. A long-term goal of Project Headspace and Timing is to open a transitional tiny home lodging facility and treatment center for veterans.

The organization’s impactful initiatives, such as the Spartan Shield Veteran Advocacy Program and Troops on Trails, highlight Peterson’s commitment to positive engagement and mental health practices for veterans.

“The best representation of outstanding success is the veterans that have undertaken positions of leadership within our organization to use their past struggles to assist them in helping others,” said Peterson. “There are multiple veterans that we have been referred to at times of crisis, and through our connection of contacts from the Department of Veteran Affairs to private facilities and nonprofits, we were able to get them into programs that best suited their needs. Following graduation of these programs, some of those veterans have come back to our organization to assist others, and to me, that is quite the success.”

Petersen and Project Headspace and Timing has received the following awards and recognition:

• Hometown Hero (2018, Modern Woodmen of America),
• Nonprofit of the Year (2020, Manteno Chamber of Commerce),
• Young Citizen of the Year (2020, The Daily Journal),
• 40 under 40 recognition (2021, Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce), and
• Nonprofit of the Year Award (2023, Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce).

Project Headspace and Timing’s work in with veterans and our community also has been recognized in local and national media including The Daily Journal of Kankakee; The Associated Press; Newsmax with Carl Higbie; The Tamron Hall Show; and Fox 32 with Natalie Bomke.

Peterson remains dedicated to advocating for veterans, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and community support. His journey of self-discovery has not only transformed his life but also illuminated the struggles faced by veterans.

John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award

Established in 2009, the John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award is named for long-time KCC Alumni Association member John Fulton of Herscher. Fulton is a 1981 graduate of KCC, and earned two associate degrees, in business and general studies.

As a decorated Vietnam War hero, a tireless advocate for veterans affairs, and for people with disabilities, a farmer, and friend, Fulton is a source of pride and inspiration for all of us at KCC.

Following Fulton's receipt of the KCC Foundation's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009, the KCC Foundation Board voted unanimously to rename the recognition "The John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award."

Recipients of the award must meet the following criteria:

• Outstanding success and distinction in chosen field
• Humanitarian service that has proven greatly beneficial to society
• Continued interest in/support of education and community colleges
• Overcoming life's obstacles
• Completion of a recognized program of instruction at Kankakee Community College