Andrea A. Ramirez-Justin

Name

Andrea Ramirez-Justin

Position Sought

Moraine Valley Community College Trustee (2-year term)

Campaign Contact Information

Phone: 708-974-5201

Mailing address: Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Drive, Palos Hills, IL 60465

Hometown

Orland Hills

Family Members

Husband: Robert T. Justin
Son: Eric R. Justin, 20 (student at Moraine Valley Community College)
Daughter: Lindsey K. Justin, 17

Education

University of Wisconsin at Madison, Graduate School of Banking, M.B.A.;
Northern Illinois University, B.A.

Current Occuaption and Employer

Vice President at Old Plank Trail Community Bank; President of Mokena Chamber of Commerce; Vice President of the Economic Development Council of the Southwest Suburbs at Moraine Valley Community College

Political Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Why are you seeking the position?

As an avid volunteer at Moraine Valley Community College for over 8 years I am on Campus on average 3 to 4 times a week assisting with the Job Resource Center; Community, Corporate and Continuing Education Division; and the MVCC Education Foundation in addition to my service as current Trustee. When I am on Campus, I have the distinct privilege to witness firsthand the wonderful educational work that takes place on a daily basis with credit and non-credit classes, workforce training, customized training, mentoring and internships and more for all of our constituents of the Moraine Valley District and beyond. I am seeking to retain my position as Trustee at Moraine Valley Community College to continue to offer my financial background to the College and to assist with the continuance of the College’s vision of ensuring our students gain the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of a changing world.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My top priority is always to continue to offer high quality foundational education at an affordable cost for all constituents of Moraine Valley Community College for many years to come.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Within my position as Vice President of a local community Bank, I assist directly with Governmental Entities and Non Profit Organizations with the management of their depository funds and ancillary products which realizes a portfolio over $200 million. I offer assistance with their budgets, audits and more which this knowledge is needed as a Trustee of a large Community College. Also, with my philanthropic background as the current President of the Mokena Chamber of Commerce, I am managing with a Board over 350 members and their investment within the Chamber and the Community. As the Vice President of The Economic Development Council of the Southwest Suburbs; I am involved as a strong resource and voice for economic development to all communities which encompasses the Southwest Suburbs. As a strong networker and communicator, I bring many contacts together for the continued growth of the community.

What facilities would you like to see added to campus?

Moraine Valley Community College is in the processing of building the new Health Education & Wellness Center which is scheduled to open on February 14, 2014 which will be a wonderful addition to the Main Campus in Palos Hills for all to enjoy.

What could be done to improve campus safety? Does anything need to be done?

Moraine Valley Community College takes each student, faculty and visitors ' safety very seriously and the Moraine Valley Community College Police Department is top notch with their patrolling of all Campuses - Palos Hills, Blue Island and Tinley Park for which I am very thankful, especially as a parent of a student at MVCC.

Raising tuition costs is a big concern for students. What could be done to keep tuition from rising?

Moraine Valley Community College always has the best interest of each student and the College, Staff and Board of Trustees work diligently every day to ensure that expenses are low which in turn can keep the cost of tuition from rising. We have an excellent CFO and along with his staff work closely with the President, Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees at Moraine Valley to ensure that all costs are kept low without jeopardizing the educational foundation for the students of MVCC.

Have you ever been arrested or sued? If yes, please say what the charge was, and the case's and/or lawsuit's outcome.

No.

Any other information pertinent to your campaign.

I believe in Moraine Valley Community College and its mission for strong foundational education, workforce training and more. As a parent of a student who is graduating from MVCC this Spring, it has been my honor to volunteer as Trustee of Moraine Valley as well as in many other facets at the College as I know that ‘it takes a village’ to offer students of all ages the opportunity for a strong education. If I am honored to serve the constituents of Moraine Valley Community College for another term; I will work continually to ensure that each voter will be proud to state that they punched #201 for Andrea A. Ramirez-Justin.