Student Trustee Enjoys Sharing Perspective With COD Board of Trustees

Gloria Roark takes pride in providing a voice for the school on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees.

"I enjoy hearing from students, faculty members and staff and getting their input about the many facets of the College," said the Student Trustee. "To have the power to say and do something in response to their comments is so humbling to me."

The Aurora resident initially was approached to consider a position on the Student Leadership Council. She looked into running for either SLC president or Student Trustee. After speaking with then-Student Trustee Omar Escamilla and SLC President - and former Student Trustee - Stephanie Torres, Roark was drawn toward being a trustee. She was elected this past spring and took her seat on the Board in April.

"Being the Student Trustee allows me to have greater involvement with the larger issues at the College," she said. "It's a good learning experience, and I especially love getting student feedback. I'm learning a lot of information on how a college is run."

Roark came to College of DuPage because she wasn't sure what career to select. It was also a financially wise decision after she was named a Presidential Scholar, which comes with full tuition as well as membership into Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors program.

Although she initially thought about studying nursing, Roark is now a biology major.

"I have a big passion for animals, which is why I switched majors. I'm still thinking about nursing but I may become a veterinarian," she said. "The big thing for me is to care for others, whether they are people or animals."

Roark volunteers at a local animal hospital and at the Naperville Humane Society, which provide opportunities to learn about a possible future career. Being student trustee is also a learning experience for Roark.

"I'm finding out a lot about myself," she said. "I'm determining what my leadership style is, and I'm interested to see how much I'll change during the next year.

"I knew coming to College of DuPage was a better choice for me. Though it is very large, it feels like a small college, which is allowing me to explore and connect with other students and with my professors on both a professional and personal level."