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In 1991, a graduate from the Lincoln Tech campus in Oak Lawn, IL set out on a path that set her apart in the world of Automotive Technology.  With a resume that included more than six years in the Air Force and prior automotive training at a different institution, Clairene Terry had found she still was unable to get the attention of hiring managers.  On a friend’s recommendation, had enrolled at Lincoln Tech – a leader in in Illinois.

The Oak Lawn campus (now located in ) provided her with advanced automotive training and assistance that ultimately propelled her into her first job in her new career.  Twenty-five years later, Clairene has become the first inductee into the Melrose Park campus’ Hall of Fame.

Before coming to Lincoln Tech, Clairene’s name was often mistaken for “Clarence” and while she could get in the door for a job interview, she would usually be told the position had been filled, despite her impressive rĂ©sumĂ©.  Lincoln Tech, however, changed all that.

“I went into Lincoln Tech with the intention of avoiding road blocks after graduation that I’d faced before,” Clairene explains. “My friend had told me [the school] had a way of training and placing students upon graduation.”

A Future Built On Automotive Technology Training

Clairene’s intention was always to fully understand automotive. “The ŃÇÖŢÍřĽt¶µă at Lincoln Tech were very informative, the teachers were great and very quick to assist you if you had problems or were struggling,” she says.  “I came out of Lincoln Tech with a true understanding of the field.  They held up their end too and helped me find a job!”

Ms. Terry graduated with honors, and she even tutored other students along the way – an early sign of a great teacher and mentor.  After graduation she worked as the first female technician for a trucking company in California, and then went on to pursue a teaching career as an Automotive Technology Instructor for Triton College, Truman College, and the Chicago Public School System.  Her many roles have included instructor, automotive technology curriculum developer, Tech Sergeant, Lead Technician.  In 1997 she was offered a position as an adjunct professor, and is currently the sole female instructor Board Member of the Illinois College Automotive Instructors Association.

Passing Her Knowledge On To Others

What has made her so successful besides her eagerness to learn? Patience, flexibility and versatility. “Learning to have patience as a teacher takes time to develop,” she says.  “You need to be flexible for the students’ needs throughout the program.”

Ms. Terry herself is quite versatile thanks to her background and life experiences.  Throughout her career, she has been the recipient of many honors and awards – including the Teacher Initiative medal from the Smithsonian Institute, being named to Who’s Who among America’s Teachers, The Exemplary Teacher Nominee for Chicago Public Schools, The Golden Apple Award nominee from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and many others. She has also been instrumental helping the auto shop program at Chicago’s Schurz High School earn NATEF/AYES certification.

Inspiring Future Auto Technicians

To say that Ms. Terry is inspirational is an understatement.  Her success was noted after the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony by Karen M. Clark, President of the Melrose Park campus.  “We had students and families personally come up to the stage to shake her hand and congratulate her on her accomplishments (after her speech),” Clark says.

For her part, Clairene credits her family and God for instilling confidence. “Doors will open if you want them to,” she says, echoing advice she passes on to the students she teaches.  “You just need to be good at what you do and have the confidence and skills to back it up.”

Lincoln Tech is honored to have Ms. Clairene Terry as part of the Lincoln Family and the first inductee for the Melrose Park Alumni Hall of Fame!