Dupage Policy Journal

Candidates Annette Corrigan and Marc Incrocci have scored the endorsements of senior College of DuPage (COD) officials in their run for the school’s Board of Trustees.

COD Board of Trustees Chairman Frank Napolitano and former board chairman Deanne Mazzochi have come out in full support of the two in a letter mailed to voters in advance of the April 2, consolidated election.  

“The past four years witnessed dramatic change and great progress for the College of DuPage,” the letter stated. “At times the struggle to reverse a culture that had gone astray were difficult, but ultimately good government, real reform and transparency won out. That's mostly because our residents and taxpayers paid careful attention, and cast their votes in hopes we would right the ship and get us on course. We're pleased to say, with their great help and inspiration, we succeeded. 

COD Board of Trustees Chairman Frank Napolitano

"As the college enters a new phase of accountability and oversight (particularly for faculty contracts), the April 2nd consolidated election is an opportunity to reinforce a good governance legacy for COD to ensure the institution serves our students and the community as a whole,” the letter continued.

According to Napolitano and Mazzochi, the process of eliminating candidates from consideration has been a meticulous one.

“We have carefully and scrupulously reviewed the candidates running for the privilege of serving on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees,” they wrote. “We intentionally rejected the politically connected (and conflicted) insider the voters rightly rejected before so our real reform mindset could succeed. Knowing that the stakes are always very high and the responsibilities great, we have chosen to endorse two candidates who stand out, and will bring good ethics and balance to the Board.”

An attorney from Wheaton, Corrigan is saluted for her legal background and experience as a parent of a student with specific higher-education needs that necessitate smaller class sizes and individualized attention.

“She has a complete awareness of the challenges the college will face in both the short and long term; and keen understanding of how the college impacts the county’s taxpayers,” the letter said. “This, balanced against her sensitivity to the bottom-lines of the families and businesses funding College of DuPage will make her a valuable addition to the board.”

A lifelong resident of DuPage County, Incrocci is touted as someone intent on keeping tuition costs in line.

“Marc, who has been a leader in the Craftsman movement, has many innovative ideas about maintaining and increasing enrollment at COD,” the letter stated. “Since COD students are in incredible demand in the Business and Technology/Advanced Manufacturing area, he plans to be a champion for expanding access to our classes and job training within the trades.”

Napolitano and Mazzochi both came on board at COD in 2015 as part of the "Clean Slate" reform team that guided the school past its accreditation struggles with the Higher Learning Commission. Mazzochi now serves as the state Rep. of the 47th District.