Obuchowski's Voice is Heard on the State's Student Advisory Committee
Last spring, the Illinois Board of Higher Education named Judson University Junior William Obuchowski to its Student Advisory Committee. William is one of just two student members elected to serve on the Committee until his term ends on July 31, 2010. His insight into the State workings regarding education took on special significance this fall.
Over the summer, Illinois state legislators moved to cut in half the amount of the Illinois Monetary Award Program funding provided to college students in an effort to overcome the state’s significant budget shortfall. Legislators decided to use the funds for providing financial support to students for only the fall semester, leaving nothing available for the spring semester. Many higher education institutions, including Judson, notified students, alumni and friends about the issue over the late summer and early fall months.
Like many students around the state, William has called for legislators to reinstate the MAP funding with the spring semester. His unique role on the Illinois Board of Higher Education allowed him to understand the process better and advocate for change. In October, William helped raise additional attention on the need to reverse the measure. During a Judson President’s Advisory Committee meeting, he informed Judson leaders about the issue and asked them to contact their legislators asking for full funding of the program that would directly impact a quarter of Judson’s traditional and adult program students who rely on the aid.
As a result of this and many efforts from several institutions across the state, legislators reinstated the funding for the spring semester.
A senior Accounting and Pre-Law student, William has made a big impact at Judson through his service on the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Committee. Judson is proud of William’s achievement in being selected as capable and qualified to represent students from across the state through his service to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.