Jordan Murray knows he made the right decision to come to Moraine Valley.  His list of accomplishments when he graduates with two associate degrees and several complementing certificates also includes being named the college’s 2017 Student Employee of the Year and the distinction of being named the Illinois Student Employee of the Year.

“This is a huge honor to be recognized like this. When I went to the Job Resource Center luncheon and heard my name called, I don’t think I was really processing what was happening. It was pretty incredible,” said Jordan, who grew up in downstate Monticello before relocating to Burbank.

Through Moraine Valley’s Job Resource Center Student Employment program, Jordan worked in the college’s Computer Integrated Technology department under the direction of Chuck Bales, associate professor/coordinator, Mechanical Design & Drafting/Computer Aided Design; and Neil Barker, instructor/coordinator, Integrated Systems Technology. As part of his student employment, he maintained four industrial labs for 10 staff members and 21 courses.

Jordan came to Moraine Valley after a recommendation from his high school drafting teacher, Kevin Rumple. “He was my mentor all through my years at Monticello High School. He took some classes at Moraine Valley and told me that’s where I needed to continue my education. I took a tour of the college and knew immediately this was the place for me.”

Jordan will graduate in December with an associate degree in Mechanical Design and complementing certificates in AutoCAD Specialist, Inventor Specialist, 3-D CAD Specialist, and Mechanical Drafting; and an associate degree in Mechatronics with complementing certificates in Mechanical and Fluid Power Maintenance, Industrial Controls Technician, PLC Technician, Mechanical Drive Technician, and Electronic Controls Technician certificates. He also earned AutoCAD Professional, Inventor Professional, and the Certified in Engineering Graphics industry certifications.