2007 Alumni Awardees
2007 Award Reception Photos
Distinguished Alumni
Christine Sobek
Christine J. Sobek's 28-year career in higher education has been marked by exemplary leadership. She has held various administrative roles in the community college setting, and as such, Dr. Sobek has mastered the intricacies of higher education administration. Dr. Sobek's guidance has resulted in an outstanding educational experience for students, faculty and staff. Dr. Sobek is the president of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Ill.
Dr. Sobek is a 1978 graduate of Michigan State University's College of Education. She received her master's degree in college student personnel. She received her Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University and her bachelor's degree from Purdue University.
In 2001, Dr. Sobek became the fourth president of Waubonsee Community College, after holding several positions at the college. She has served as provost; executive vice president of educational affairs; assistant vice president for instruction; assistant vice president for student development; and dean of student development. Before joining Waubonsee Community College, Dr. Sobek held various positions at the College of Lake County. She has also served as a faculty member at Trinity College. She began her career in higher education at MSU's Lyman Briggs Residential College, where she served as assistant director of student affairs.
Under her leadership, Waubonsee Community College pioneered the Learning First! Initiative, which has brought about a new framework that changed the structure, processes and culture associated with the operations of the college. Dr. Sobek has led the college in the creation of its 2020 College Master Plan - a blueprint for the development of new classroom, laboratory and learning spaces. Sobek has successfully worked with the college's board of trustees, and together, they were able to pass property tax referenda to increase operational funding.
Dr. Sobek's contributions reach beyond the classroom into the community. She sits on the boards of directors for The Conservation Foundation, Rush-Copley Medical Center, The Aurora Economic Development Corp., the Geneva History Center and the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce. She has contributed dozens of articles about education to local newspapers.
Outstanding K-12 Alumni Administrator
Michael Shibler
Michael S. Shibler's visionary thinking has earned him the reputation of a truly inspirational leader. From his earliest days as teacher, Dr. Shibler's demand for educational excellence has resulted in awesome accomplishments for students and teachers alike. As an 18-year administrator, he continually fosters teamwork among his staff and together they have mastered success. Dr. Shibler is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.
Dr. Shibler is a two-time graduate of Michigan State University's College of Education. He received his master's degree in education administration from the college in 1971 and he received his Ph.D. in K-12 education administration in 1997. After graduation, Dr. Shibler continued his involvement with the MSU College of Education, serving on the COEAA board of directors for six years, spending two years as president.
Prior to his career in education administration, Dr. Shibler taught middle school for five years. He then served as assistant principal for Brighton Public Schools for three years, as assistant superintendent of curriculum for Brighton Public Schools for seven years and as superintendent of Clarenceville Schools for five years. He landed at Rockford Public Schools in 1989, and has remained there as the district's top school official.
Under Dr. Shibler's 18-year leadership, the Rockford School District has accomplished great things. Eleven of its 12 buildings so far have earned Blue Ribbon recognition, which is awarded to schools based on academic achievement; curriculum; quality teaching; and family and community partnerships. In 2005, the Rockford School District received the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award.
In addition, Dr. Shibler boasts an 18-year record of successful bond and millage issues. But perhaps most importantly, Shibler has a gift for inspiring his educators. He instills a sense of teamwork among his staff, which has resulted in a top-notch school district.
Dr. Shibler's contributions reach beyond the classroom into the community. He sits on the boards of directors for the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rockford Economic Development Corp. He is a member of the Rockford Education Foundation Board of Trustees and the YMCA Board of Trustees. Additionally, Dr. Shibler writes a regular Superintendent's Column for the Rockford Squire and the Rockford Independent.
Outstanding Alumni K-12 Teacher
Dale Berry
Dale M. Berry has been a gifted educator for the past 24 years. Her drive for excellence in physical education has inspired creative outlets for her students. Through fun, team-building fitness activities, Dale Berry instills in her students leadership skills and the importance of lifelong fitness. Dale Berry is a physical education teacher at Floyds Knobs Elementary School in Floyds Knobs, Ind.
Ms. Berry is a 1972 graduate of Michigan State University's College of Education. She received her bachelor's degree in physical education. She also holds two master's degrees, one from Ball State University and one from Western Kentucky University.
For 24 years, Ms. Berry has been teaching physical education to students, having taught kindergarten through 10 th grade. Outside the classroom, she has been just as active. As a coach of elementary girls and boys cross country and track, her teams won the championship three times, in each sport. She founded a ski club for fourth and fifth graders and she leads a performing jump rope team of 100 students. While not in school, Ms. Berry conducts swimming lessons. Even more impressive, Ms. Berry has taken her enthusiasm for exercise across seas. She traveled to Poland to teach children jump rope and basketball skills.
Because of her incredible loyalty to physical education, in 1998, Indiana named Dale Berry the Physical Education Teacher of the Year. In 2001, she received the ExCEL Award, an award designed to recognize excellent educators.
Ms. Berry has demonstrated leadership in her role as an educator. For the past 14 years, she has served on the executive committee of the board of directors for the Indiana Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. For many years, she has been the coordinator of Jump Rope for the Heart and Hoops for the Heart.
In her school and in her community, Ms. Berry has successfully promoted the importance of lifelong fitness.
