Richard A. Geline, MD: Candidate Profile

Richard A. Geline

City: Glenview

Office sought: Trustee - Oakton Community College

Age: 81

Family: Married [Patricia] three children; three grandchildren

Occupation: Orthopedic Surgeon [Retired]

Education: University of Wisconsin BS 1959; University of Wisconsin MD 1962

Civic involvement: President Illinois State Medical Society, President Chicago Medical Society, President Medical Staff Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital, Member board of directors Temple Jeremiah Northfield Illinois

Elected offices held: N/A

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CitizensforRichardGeline

Issue questions

Describe your vision for the primary role of a community college:

The Community College plays three roles:

First is to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education either by providing at an affordable price, a two year associate degree or an opportunity to transfer to a full four year college program. Optimally, community colleges will serve to increase students' college and career readiness, provide support for entering students, improve the education of basic skills, strive to raise the overall graduation rate above the national community college average and increase the graduation rate of underrepresented minorities.

Second the Community College provides workforce training by providing programs leading to certification in a variety of occupational areas. It further can assist students with gaining experience by partnering with local employers to provide paid internships and exposure to occupations in their chosen fields.

Finally the Community College provides community enrichment through singular local programming on a variety of civic, cultural and scientific topics. Alternatively the colleges can provide a more formal lifelong learning experience by developing course work on multiple topics designed for adults beyond the structured formal postsecondary experience.

How well is your community college fulfilling that role? What changes, if any, need to be made?:

Oakton Community College presently enjoys an excellent reputation and is admirably fulfilling its role in the community. It can enhance its position by expanding the list of partnerships with four year institutions in order to provide more pathways for its students

Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one?: No

Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?: No

Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?:

Students from Evanston are underrepresented in the student population. Efforts should be made to address any barriers financial or otherwise to increase their representation in the OCC student body.