Don Laackman

Connecting the Dots

I attended workforceChicago’s awards breakfast this morning, where Aon, one of our College to Careers partners, was honored. Aaron Olson, Global Head of Talent Management for Aon, spoke about HWC’s and Aon’s partnership. He connected the dots between Aon’s need for talent, the Mayor’s commitment to get companies the talent they need, and the talentedContinue reading “Connecting the Dots”

Fences

Loop Players’ Kathy Nash directs another powerful drama, this time August Wilson’s “Fences.” The play tells the story of Troy Maxson and his relationships with friends and family. As a father, I was hit by Troy’s confused efforts to provide for his family and the conflicts these cause. All of the players give fine performances.Continue reading “Fences”

Soft Skills

Nothing sets my tiny public policy heart pitter patter faster than a new article by James Heckman in the American Economic Review. October’s issue brings an article by Heckman, Rodrigo Pinto and Peter Savelyev on “Understanding the Mechanisms Through Which an Influential Early Childhood Program Boosted Adult Outcomes.” In this latest paper, Heckman and his colleagues re-visit theContinue reading “Soft Skills”

Space Planning

I want to get the word out to the college community on our space planning efforts. Harold Washington College, with the support of the Board of Trustees, has engaged Urban Works, an architectural firm, to assist us in the development of a master plan for our campus. The goal of this project is to comeContinue reading “Space Planning”

Mu Pi Achievements

The tone of our College is in large part set by the quality of our student leaders. I am thrilled to share a write-up from Associate Dean Rosie Banks on the successful weekend our Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Pi chapter leadership enjoyed this past weekend. Nine officers of the Mu Pi chapter (the HWC chapter)Continue reading “Mu Pi Achievements”

Reinventing Chicago

The Chicago Tribune launched an effort in this morning’s Sunday paper called “A New Plan of Chicago.” The paper seeks to enlist the help of “civic groups, foundations, community organizations and individuals.” They want to model their effort on Daniel Burnham’s vision laid out in 1909. They will run editorials over the next eight weeksContinue reading “Reinventing Chicago”

Philosophical Careers

Early in my presidential career, a colleague intent on giving me a finer appreciation of higher education recommended I read some of John Dewey’s works. I dutifully purchased a couple of his books. They sat on my dresser, unread, reproaching me, until this weekend, when I picked up “Democracy and Education.” Written in 1916, Dewey’sContinue reading “Philosophical Careers”

Get a Job

It seems our trademarked “College to Careers” brand is at risk of appropriation by Wake Forest and other colleges. In Sunday’s NY Time article, “How to Get a Job with a Philosophy Degree,” Wake Forest University is singled out for their efforts to offer career guidance to students, including their orientation session, “From College to Career.”Continue reading “Get a Job”

Enrollment

I often ask students riding on our elevators, “Why did you pick Harold Washington College?” Our downtown location and convenience top the list. An increasing number say that our business programs are of interest to them. Some like our faculty; others say they wanted to come to a diverse school. Word-of-mouth counts for a lot.Continue reading “Enrollment”

Leadership Matters

I have been kicking around (that is, thinking about) a post on leadership for some time now. I believe leadership matters and that leadership occurs throughout the college. At Faculty Development Week, I made a point to thank faculty leaders who have stepped up in many ways to drive student success and enhance our community.Continue reading “Leadership Matters”