Philip J. Carrigan: Candidate for College of Lake County Board

Name: Philip J. Carrigan

Age: 68 yr

Family: wife-Mary Clare Jakes, daughter-Erin Carrigan, son-in-law--Jeremy Bell, grand daughters-Audrey & Elizabeth Bell (14 mo old twins)

Education: B.S. Pharmacy,Mass Col Pharmacy; M.S. Industrial Pharmacy, Northeastern U,Boston; Ph.D. Pharmacokinetics, Univ Connecticut

Occupation: Abbott Laboratories-pharmaceutical research & drug monitoring immunoassays (retired 2004, 31 yr of service)

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: CLC Trustee 2005--2011, Precinct Committeeman 2004, 2012

Other community involvement: Lk Cty Board of Health 1985--90; Youth Build GED tutor 2005--2009; Waukegan Twp Eddie Washington Ctr for Men-Advisory Cmt, Staben House for Women w Childen-Advisory Cmt (transitional housing programs); Coalition to Reduce Recidivism-board member (serves returning ex-offenders); F.I.S.T. Board--ex-offenders; John Howard Assoc-prison reform group, PVS

Position sought: CLC Trustee

Campaign E-mail address:  philrph1892@cs.com

Campaign committee: none

Campaign Website: none

Campaign Facebook: Philip J Carrigan for CLC Trustee

Campaign Twitter: none

Why are you running?

I believe education is the key to a better and more satisfying life. I received a PhD from the University of Connecticut. This wasn't my life-long plan, it stemmed from my Masters Degree work and the encouragement of a scientist I worked under. The masters program arose from my BS and a desire to learn more about manufacturing pharmacy. I have assisted in GED programs with high school dropouts who decide they can't compete in the workplace. Once they 'catch' the zeal to learn, they are self-motivated. The community college is where this zeal is seen and realized.
         
In what ways would the College of Lake County benefit from your service?

I discovered CLC when I became interested in the PADS homeless shelter program. I felt I needed better grounding in root causes of homelessness, community social services and substance abuse. I found courses in all these areas at CLC and and equipped myself to be a better volunteer. I found the quality of instruction/instructors to be high. These individuals had strong academic preparation and were professionally engaged in the area they were teaching. In 2005, after retirement from Abbott Laboratories, I decided to run for trustee on the CLC Board. I served from 2005 to 2011. I enjoyed the role of trustee and believe I supported the interests of students, faculty, staff and the community. I ran for re-election in 2011 and finished behind two successful and superb candidates, Lynda Paul and Jean Goshgarian. I believe my ties to the college are strong and multifaceted--student, recent trustee and current member of the Lakeshore Advisory Committee and the University Center of Lake County Governing Board.
 
What is the biggest challenge the college faces and what should be done to address it?

Challenges CLC faces include increasing space for instruction and programs, reductions in State funding and the ability to maintain the currency of academic and certification programs. I believe the College has seen these issues in advance and provided pathways to ensure success. A few years ago, the Vernon Hills Campus was expanded with a new and beautiful building which has increased instructional space and enrollment capacity.  The Grayslake Campus is ready to begin construction of two buildings with all funding in-hand. The Waukegan Lakeshore has $50 million in new building construction in advance planning stage. The drivers behind these completed and ongoing projects begin with President Jerry Weber and his staff coupled with effective interface with legislators and state and federal funding sources.
 
What do you think the college does well?

CLC does much well. The institution is focused on delivering quality instruction and well-prepared graduates. There are visionaries who champion needs and new ideas, keeping the College at the front of education.
 
What should be some of the college's priorities over the next several years?

CLC should focus on the 'young' and the 'old.' The young I see as school dropouts who are candidates for earning a GED, high school equivalency certificate. Many of these individuals will continue their education at CLC or other institutions. The old are citizens who have finished working and could benefit from CLC course and enrichment offerings. 

What else would you like voters to know?

I believe CLC is a valuable resource for citizens in Lake County. The College has quality faculty and staff willing to serve residents' needs.