Elmhurst resident Ken Hoch is the first recipient of the newly established Elmhurst College/Triton Alumni Council Scholarship, which will help him continue his education toward an advanced degree.

A two-time graduate of Triton College, Hoch completed his associate’s degree in business management in 2010 and a second associate’s degree in general studies in 2013 at Triton. He now is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst College in one of today’s most in-demand fields, cyber security, an accelerated degree-completion program offered through Elmhurst’s School for Professional Studies.

The scholarship opportunity, Hoch said, alleviates some of the financial pressures that often come with the cost of higher education, allowing him to focus more on his studies. “The scholarship offers me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong educational goals while putting me on the path toward future success,” he said. “After graduation, I hope to launch my career in the Chicago area, ideally, working for an IT company or the Department of Homeland Security. … Once I’m established in my profession, I plan to become more involved in the community.”

Elmhurst College and Triton College’s Alumni Council worked together to establish this scholarship as part of a statewide initiative to help community college students continue their education. The scholarship awards two outstanding Triton College alumni—one per term, in the fall and spring—who are enrolled in one of Elmhurst’s accelerated degree-completion programs, with $3,500 toward their tuition at Elmhurst.

Both institutions look forward to providing students with this new scholarship opportunity that encourages them to further their education.

“The Elmhurst College/Triton Alumni Council Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity that will support Triton College alumni in the pursuit of their academic goals at Elmhurst College,” said Lisa Scalessi, director of alumni relations at Triton. “We appreciate that Triton students are encouraged to complete an associate’s degree at Triton and also proceed to earn a bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst through this award. We are excited to recognize the success of our alumni and Elmhurst students through this scholarship opportunity.”

“Business and government leaders agree that the state’s economic success depends on well-educated workers, and an important part of that means helping more community college graduates to continue their studies and earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Timothy H. Ricordati, who initiated the scholarship as a Triton College alumnus and dean of Elmhurst College’s School for Professional Studies. “Scholarships like this one are a great way for Elmhurst to work with two-year colleges to respond to that need and benefit students.”

Elmhurst College offers six accelerated degree-completion programs that help students earn a bachelor’s degree quickly. Classes are held in the evenings and online to accommodate a variety of schedules.

For more information about the Elmhurst College/Triton Alumni Council Scholarship, contact the Triton College Alumni Relations Office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3612, or visit Triton’s alumni website.