Oakton faculty and staff recognized for excellence

George Lungu, professor of political science, and Leslie Dubin, business lecturer, are the recipients of the 2014 Ray Hartstein Awards for Outstanding Professional Excellence in Teaching at Oakton Community College. The honors were announced during the college's annual breakfast on Aug. 18.

A resident of Des Plaines, Lungu joined the college in 1995, and came on board full time in 2004. His areas of specialization include the Middle East, Central Asia, and American foreign policy. Lungu received his associate degree at Oakton and transferred to the University of Chicago, where he earned his bachelor's degree in political science and master's degree in international relations. Co-coordinator of Oakton's Honors Program, Lungu immigrated to the United States from Romania in 1983.

Dubin, a resident of Highland Park, joined the college part time in 2009. She received her master's degree in business administration from Northeastern Illinois University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dubin has over 20 years of professional business experience, including serving as a vice president and operations manager for a national textile firm with more than 200 employees.

Named for the founder of Oakton's board of trustees, the Ray Harstein Awards annually recognize one full time and one part-time faculty member. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in teaching and respect for students and peers. Following a review by the Student Government Association, the Oakton Educational Foundation Grants Committees selects winners.

Also at the annual breakfast, Eileen Cukierski, assistant to President Margaret B. Lee and secretary to the board of trustees of Oakton Community College, received the Classified Staff Excellence Award, which recognizes a staff member who goes "beyond actual job responsibilities" and uses creativity in fulfilling undertakings. A resident of Des Plaines, Cukierski joined the College in 1995.

Nominees are reviewed by a Staff Excellence Award Committee, which narrows the pool to three candidates. The Educational Foundation Grants Committee selects the winner from the finalists.

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