Northbrook woman receives Oakton part-time teacher recognition
Youngock Lee, psychology lecturer at Oakton Community College, was the recipient of Oakton's 2018 Ray Hartstein Award for Outstanding Professional Excellence in Teaching for a part-time faculty member. The Northbrook resident was honored at the college's fall semester kickoff, "Voices: Ignite Understanding, Drive Progress."
Named for the founding chairman of the board of trustees, the accolade epitomizes "excellence in teaching and respect for students and peers" and is presented after a review by the Oakton Educational Foundation's Excellence in Teaching committee. In addition to a plaque, Lee received $1,500 sponsored by the Educational Foundation.
Lee began teaching at Oakton in 2010, and has served as an adviser for various Oakton student organizations, including the Korean Students Association and K-POP Club. Before coming to Oakton, she spent 15 years working as a consultant in the energy industry.
Lee holds a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she also completed her graduate studies in educational psychology. In addition, she holds a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland at College Park, where she also received a bachelor's degree in chemistry.
• Hawthorn Woods resident Kimberly Albrecht was recently crowned Ms. Illinois Senior America. The Chicago area soprano will compete in talent, philosophy of life, interview, and stage presence in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this October.
Albrecht enjoys singing a wide range of styles and has performed professionally for over 30 years. She is soprano soloist with Jazz Pizazz, Bravissimo Vocal Ensemble and frequently sings with Barrington Village Singers. She has been heard on WDCB Radio and has performed at Barrington White House, The Garlands, Parker Playhouse and 210 Restaurant. She also performed, produced and directed musical theater and opera shows for the former Elgin Opera.
Albrecht directs the Atonement Children's Choir and was Cherub Choir director at Barrington United Methodist Church for a decade. She holds a master's degree in radio, TV and film from Northwestern University, and a bachelor's degree in theater arts/ English from University of Michigan, where she founded the Women's Glee Club.
• Grace Hong Duffin was named president and chief executive officer of the Kenneth Young Center in Elk Grove Village. Duffin, who will lead Kenneth Young Center's mission and strategy to ensure its growth and continued success, joined Kenneth Young Center in March 2016, as chief operating officer.
A strategic leader, with significant experience, Duffin previously worked for the state of Illinois in various roles including senior policy adviser for the Office of the Governor and chief of staff for the Department of Human Services. She also worked as a Cook County assistant state's attorney for eight years helping victims and communities impacted by crime.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, her law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, and an advanced graduate degree from The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Duffin's experience, expertise, innovation and driven passion for building Kenneth Young Center's long-term sustainability and growth set her apart as the ideal candidate.
• Air Force 2nd Lt. Jared J. Vandenack graduated from Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Flordia.
This 10-month training program begins with 15 weeks of primary training, consisting of 212 hours of ground instruction, 21 hours in a flight simulator and 25 hours of actual flight in a turboprop T-6A Texan II aircraft.
After primary training, students proceed to multiple simulator phases to learn basic radar navigation, aircraft defense and weapon-employment tactics. This phase involves 295 hours of ground instruction and 86 more hours in a flight simulator. The students also spend 31 hours in the T-1A Jayhawk, the military version of the Beech Jet 400 business jet.
The 479th Flying Training Group graduates more than 300 Combat Systems Officers annually. A Combat Systems Officer is a tactical expert in aircraft, aircraft weapons systems, electronic warfare and navigation.
Vandenack is the grandson of Helen Klein of Hanover Park and a graduate of Glenbard North High School and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
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