McHenry County College (MCC) and the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation have named Dana Gliniecki as the winner of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award. She is recognized for her extraordinary contributions to her community.
Gliniecki has always had a passion for education and literacy. From her involvement chairing Scholastic Book Fairs when her sons were younger to volunteering for several nonprofit organizations focused on educational access, she believes education can improve a community.
Dana and her husband, Greg, are avid supporters of the Community Foundation for McHenry County and helped to create The Philanthropy Center at the Foundation, which serves as a hub for charitable collaboration in the county. They were recognized as the 2022 Philanthropists of the Year by the Community Foundation and honored at the 2022 MCEDC Annual Dinner.
The Glinieckis are also supporters of Bernie’s Book Bank, helping to not only bring this program to McHenry County but expand its reach by placing over 170,000 books in the hands of more than 14,000 McHenry County children it its first year.
Dana attended MCC from 2008-2010, and soon after continued her studies at Roosevelt University to earn her bachelor’s degree. After a chance meeting at MCC several years ago, Dana re-connected with the College and has since been actively engaged in various philanthropic efforts, including the Scot Success Scholarship Challenge, Education to Empowerment, and most recently, the University Center at MCC.
MCC recently honored Gliniecki at their annual President’s Dinner on October 27.
“Our Distinguished Alumni are a driving force behind what we do at the College,” said Brian DiBona, executive director of the Friends of MCC Foundation. “They shine as a bright light in our community and are a testament to the value of an MCC education. We’re proud to call Dana an MCC alum, and excited to honor her with this award.”
Learn more about alumni programs at MCC.