Celebrating the 2025 NGS Scholarship & Union Activism Award Winners

The Cook County College Teachers Union is proud to congratulate this year’s recipients of the Norman G. Swenson (NGS) Scholarship and Union Activism Scholarship! These outstanding students exemplify the values of academic excellence, community leadership, and commitment to social justice that our union stands for. Each student was awarded $1,600 to pursue their studies.

2025 Norman G. Swenson Scholarship Winners:

• Daley College: Edward Gonzalez Jr.

• Kennedy-King College: Tiara Davis

• Malcolm X College: Jason Ruiz

• Moraine Valley Community College: Alexandros Leeberedes

• South Suburban College: Gloria Owusu

• Triton College: Emiliano Medellin

• Truman College: Zundus Ismail

• Washington College: Tammatha Spivey

• Wright College: Valerie Molina
  

2025 Union Activism Scholarship Winners:

• Daley College: Zakia Pruitt

• South Suburban College: Fartino Ramirez
  

These students inspire us with their dedication to learning and their passion for equity and activism. We can't wait to see what they’ll achieve next!

A Heartfelt Thanks

A huge thank you to our Scholarship Committee — Debra Callen, Maria Estrada, Lesa Beth Hildebrand, Don Radtke, Phil Stucky, and Gail Wiot — for their time, care, and commitment in reviewing applications and organizing this important program. And of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our community. Thank you to the 60 donors who contributed a total of $12,249 to fund this year’s scholarships. Your support makes a direct and lasting impact on students’ lives.

President Tony Johnston and Scholarship Committee Chair Don Radtke with the winners of the 2025 Norman G. Swenson Scholarship and Union Activism Scholarship