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Oakton's Sustainability specialist recognized with Staff Excellence Award

Oakton Community College is proud to recognize Sustainability Specialist Debra Kutska, a resident of Mount Prospect, as the recipient of the college's 2019 Staff Excellence Award. The honor epitomizes the idea of "going above and beyond" actual job responsibilities and using creativity and compassion to serve students and the community.

Kutska exemplifies "being green" and Oakton's wide-ranging sustainability initiatives (www.oakton.edu/about/accountability/strategic/sustainability/index.php). She started at the college in 2014. Since then, she has supported students in the launch of single-use bottled water ban, ushered in the installation of an electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels at the Skokie campus and assisted in the development of the Caring Closet for students in need. Also at the college, she coordinates the Community Garden at the Des Plaines campus that benefits local food pantries and serves as an adviser for the Sustainability Club and the Reaching out to Others club.

"Working in this field, you have to genuinely care about what you are trying to do as we only have one Earth and we all need to play a role in protecting it," Kutska said. "This award means a great deal to me because it's wonderful to know others appreciate sustainability efforts. I feel like I'm using my skills to make an impact on the world."

Nominated by fellow employees, Kutska was recognized at the college's Opening Day Breakfast Monday, Aug. 12. In addition to a plaque, the award comes with a $1,500 monetary stipend sponsored by the Oakton Community College Educational Foundation.

"Debra has consistently proven her commitment and passion to make Oakton and our community a better place," says President Joi Smith.

Kutska earned her master's degree in conservation biology from Columbia University in the city of New York and her bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Eastern Illinois University.

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