Chase Filkins

As Chase Filkins reflects on his year as MCC student trustee, one theme, in particular, stands out.

“I’m proud to have been a resource for individuals to share their ideas and goals with,” he said. “I wanted to become the student trustee to represent MCC’s diverse student body. Our students have so many unique backgrounds, goals, and interests. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with so many amazing individuals.”

Filkins, who is a veteran, is also proud to have worked with the Student Veterans on campus to put together a Veterans' Mental Health panel that spoke as part of MCC’s 2022 Veteran’s Day Ceremony.

“We discussed how regardless of branch of service, combat experience, or job, every veteran knows someone or has themselves been personally affected by the lack of mental health resources in the military,” he said. “We wrapped up the panel by showcasing the amazing resources available at MCC and in McHenry County that work to support our veterans.”

Filkins served as a Sergeant paratrooper in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina for three years and in Afghanistan for a year. He graduated this May with an Associate of Arts degree.

“It was a true joy working alongside Chase as the Student Trustee,” said Dr. Talia Koronkiewicz, Vice President of Student Affairs at MCC. “He has the special ability to bring a smile to the face of everyone he engages. He takes a keen interest in both the person and conversation and exudes genuine optimism in all his interactions.”

While at MCC, Filkins took classes with an emphasis on psychology, philosophy, and ethics with the goal of transferring to a four-year university to study cognitive science, then plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

“My career goal is to become a scientific researcher who investigates ways to lower the veteran suicide rate,” he said.

As Filkins wraps up his time at MCC, he looks back fondly on his experience.

“My favorite memories at MCC were the times I spent talking with students in the Co/Labs about anything,” he said. “I will also miss the open platform for discussion that I had in my classes.”

In addition to being the student trustee, Filkins was president of the Student Veterans of America MCC Chapter and a member of Psi Beta and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Societies.

“I would advise future MCC students to be unapologetically themselves, leave their comfort zones, and show the world what you have to offer,” he said. “Be there to support those around you—we are all on our own individual paths to happiness.”