Kish College’s Meghan Pinter wins ICCTA Lifelong Learning Award

Kishwaukee College student Meghan Pinter was honored with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Lifelong Learning Award at the ICCTA Annual Convention on Friday, June 5, in Lombard. The ICCTA's Lifelong Learning Award celebrates the accomplishments of Illinois community college students who have used their college as a resource on multiple occasions.

Pinter, of Sycamore, started at Kishwaukee College in 2017 after a nearly 20-year break from higher education. Her initial goal was to build skills to support her son's education, but she found a passion for management courses and earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Marketing and Management in Fall 2020. Pinter was hired as an intern at the local firm Nenni & Associates after meeting the company's CEO, who had served as a guest speaker in her Introduction to Business class. She was later hired full-time and now serves as the company's Director of Administration. Pinter returned to Kish in Spring 2025 to complete additional Office Systems and Marketing and Management courses.

"My education at Kishwaukee College has had such a lasting impact on my life. When I first started, I felt intimidated — not just by college itself, but by the path I was taking. I knew I wasn't the typical Kish student, and I wasn't sure how or if I would fit in. But my instructors created an environment where I felt encouraged, supported and valued," Pinter said. "Kish gave me more than just an academic foundation. It helped me build confidence, form meaningful relationships and find a path I'm truly passionate about."

Instructor Tammy Tiggelaar, Associate Professor of Business/Marketing & Management, noted Pinter's dedication to staying up to date with the skills and knowledge required for her career.

"Meghan is a perfect example of a lifelong learner. She voluntarily and continuously pursues knowledge and skills for personal fulfillment and professional development. Meghan is curious and continually seeks to refine and expand her professional skills. She stays current with emerging technologies and evolving industry standards, enhancing her expertise and contributing meaningfully to her company's success," Tiggelaar said.

Currently, Pinter partners with Kishwaukee College on a professional level, serving on the College's Business, Marketing & Management, Office Systems Advisory Committee. She has also helped place Kish interns with Nenni & Associates, providing students with real-world learning opportunities.

Pinter is the fourth Kish recipient of the ICCTA Lifelong Learning Award, joining JoEllen Kile in 2020, Minerva Sandoval in 2023 and Tasha Kimble in 2025.

Learn more about lifelong learning opportunities at Kish at kish.edu.