Press Releases and Speeches

Wayne D.Watson inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame / Illinois Chapter

Chicago, IL (April 11, 2005) - Wayne D. Watson, Ph.D., chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago, was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame / Illinois Chapter and honored as the 2005 Outstanding American at a Honors Banquet held April 3 in Darien, Illinois.

"I am deeply honored by this award and appreciative to the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame," said Dr. Watson. "The sport of wrestling has had a tremendously positive impact on my life. The values the sport instilled in me gave me the tools to achieve."

"I had the good fortune to have great coaches who taught me that when you are up against the wall - don't stop - push through it. It is how you perform the last half-second that counts," continued Watson. "They taught the importance of integrity, self-discipline and perseverance. These are life skills which I have tried to embrace throughout life."

The Outstanding American Award is presented to an individual who has participated in wrestling and is based upon his/her achievement of state or national stature or acclaim in their chosen profession.

Dr. Watson excelled at wrestling as a student at Chicago's Mt. Carmel High School. Following his graduation in 1964 he was invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team. Continuing his education at Joliet Junior College, Dr. Watson went on to win a National Junior College Wrestling Championship.

Upon completing his associate degree, Dr. Watson continued his pursuit of higher education at Northwestern University where he eventually earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1968; a Master of Arts in Education and Social Science and Education in 1970; and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration in 1972.

As Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), a position he has held since 1998, Dr. Watson is responsible for the programs at one of the nation's largest community college systems - serving more students than any other higher education institution in the state. Overseeing an annual budget of $265 million and 7,500 employees, CCC offers nearly 500 credit programs and serves over 150,000 students annually.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The historic site is America's shrine to the sport of wrestling "mankind's oldest and most basic form of recreational contact. It preserves the heritage of the sport, celebrates new achievements and encourages the youth of the country to aspire to lofty goals. For further information visit: wrestlinghalloffame.org.

The City Colleges of Chicago, Community College District 508, is a system of seven independently accredited colleges. CCC provides four essential services. They are Liberal Art Education (associate degree and certificates); Occupational Education (workforce training); Adult Education (General Education Development, English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education; and Continuing Education (programs that add value to the quality of life).