CLC mourns passing of Dr. Philip J. Carrigan, former trustee
Dr. Philip J. Carrigan, 73, a long-time trustee of the College of Lake County, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Dr. Carrigan of Waukegan first served on the College of Lake County Board of Trustees from 2005-2011 and was re-elected to a second six-year term in April 2013. During his tenure, he served as chair, vice chair and secretary, and as liaison to the Governing Board of the University Center of Lake County. On Sept. 19, 2017, the board accepted Dr. Carrigan's resignation for personal reasons.
"Dr. Philip J. Carrigan served as a dedicated member of the College of Lake County Board of Trustees for more than 10 years," said CLC Board of Trustees Chair Richard A. Anderson. "He was a tireless advocate for advancing community college education in Illinois and nationally. As an activist and a leader in Lake County community, he served on advisory boards for organizations that provide Head Start programs, transitional housing and food pantries. Also, he worked with advocacy groups that address issues of prison reform, recidivism and gun violence abatement.
He earned the deepest respect and admiration of his colleagues on the Board of Trustees, as well as CLC faculty, staff and students. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the College of Lake County, we express our deepest condolences to Dr. Philip J. Carrigan's family and gratitude for his years of exemplary service, leadership and integrity."
A native of Massachusetts, Dr. Carrigan earned an undergraduate pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, a master's degree from Northeastern University and a Ph.D. in pharmacokinetics from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Carrigan finished his graduate studies at the University of Buffalo. In 1974, he accepted a position with Abbott Laboratories in Lake County. In 1985, Dr. Carrigan was promoted to the Volwiler Society at Abbott Laboratories in recognition of his scientific contributions to the company. Dr. Carrigan retired from Abbott in 2004 after more than 30 years of service, primarily in the area of pharmaceutical research and development.
Dr. Carrigan served as co-chair on the Staben House and Staben Center advisory boards (transitional housing programs in Waukegan Township) and was involved in the formation of PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) in Lake County. He was a board member or volunteer for the following organizations: Faith Food Pantry in Zion, Lake County Community Action Project, John Howard Association, Prisoner Visitation and Support, Coalition to Reduce Recidivism and Cease Fire Advisory Council and PADS.
Dr. Carrigan is survived by his wife, Mary Clare Jakes, and daughter, Erin, a 1999 CLC graduate.