U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky Honors Oakton President Margaret Lee

(June 9, 2015) U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky honored Oakton Community College President Margaret B. Lee, Ph.D., for her 30 years of service to the people of the state of Illinois at a session of the U.S. House of Representatives on May 20.

In her comments Schakowsky said, “Since Dr. Lee became vice president of academic affairs at Oakton Community College in 1985, her achievements have captured national recognition for the College while serving 450,000 residents in 16 municipalities – including a salute by the New York Times recognizing Oakton as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation. Her commitment and contributions to education and Oakton are immeasurable. She has been recognized by College staff members and community members as a relationship builder inside and outside of the College community, a legacy she is proud to share.”

In 1995, Lee was appointed the third president of Oakton. A Wilmette resident, Lee holds a doctorate and master of arts degree in English language and literature from the University of Chicago, where she was a Ford Foundation Fellow in the Humanities and a Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Scholar in Women’s Studies.

Lee was named one of the “Most Powerful and Influential Women of Illinois” by the National Diversity Council in 2012. She has received numerous awards and distinctions for her work promoting equity, diversity, and lifelong learning and has provided visionary direction for higher education in the state and in the nation.

In March, Oakton celebrated the dedication of a 93,000-square foot building named in her honor. The Margaret Burke Lee Science and Health Careers Center (the Lee Center) is home to the College’s anatomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, medical laboratory technology, nursing, physical therapist assistant, physiology, and physics programs.

“I want to sincerely congratulate Dr. Lee for everything she has accomplished at Oakton Community College and for the people of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois,” Schakowsky concluded. “Your legacy will live on and will never be forgotten.”

Oakton Community College District 535 serves residents in the communities of Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, and parts of Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, and Rosemont. With campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie, in sites throughout the district, and via a robust online presence, Oakton offers associate degrees in 80 fields of study as well as learning opportunities for career advancement and personal enrichment.