The Article below was published in Vol. 135, Issue 3 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on November 8, 2019
Staff Spotlight: Ruben Querubin, Campus Shuttle Driver
By Jovana Jovanovska ’23
Staff Writer
Ruben Querubin is the Lake Forest College campus shuttle driver who does most of the shuttle runs during the week. Querubin, 55, was born and raised in the Philippines but came to the United States in 1988. Besides being the campus shuttle driver, he is happily married and has three children, two of whom are Lake Forest College students. Stentor staff spoke to Querubin about his experience on the job:
Stentor: Why did you decide to take this job?
Querubin: It’s the college community that makes it very easy, especially with the diversity of the students here. Also, the coworkers are tremendously helpful. It’s a very nice small college community with the staff, the professors, and especially the students. It’s been a really great experience to be able to drive for the students. And, of course, there are tremendous benefits here.
Stentor: How many years have you been driving for the College?
Querubin: I have worked at Lake Forest College for 11 years.
Stentor: What is your favorite part about this job?
Querubin: Driving for the students. I also have the opportunity to work with the staff and the professors and they’re all very nice.
Stentor: What would you change about your job?
Querubin: The only thing I would change are the other drivers in the area. Every now and then I notice that people are driving here like they’re in a rush. It was nice that Public Safety put a stop sign up, which, hopefully, will make things safer.
Stentor: What is the most difficult situation you had to handle on your job?
Querubin: If the bus breaks down, you have to figure out how to fix the problem. A few years ago, the old bus broke down and there were some students on board. I believe we had a flat tire or something like that. The situation necessitated for a tow truck to come and pull the bus. My supervisors were very nice and they sent another shuttle bus to take me and the students back to the College. It was nice to see the support because I didn’t want my students to wait there. Bringing the students back safely is my priority.
Stentor: What do you like best about Lake Forest College?
Querubin: What makes it priceless is during Homecoming. Every now and then I get the chance to drive students that come back and I’m able to see how they remind themselves of their experience at the College.
Stentor: What other jobs did you have besides being the campus shuttle driver?
Querubin: I used to drive for the Lakeside School Bus company that’s based in Waukegan, Illinois. I used to drive middle school and high school students, which was much tougher compared to driving here at the College.
Stentor: Do you have anything you would like to say to the students or the staff?
Querubin: I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to have this job and work with the students. For the staff, I appreciate all the support and the nice things that they have extended to me. I’m looking forward to continuing doing this job until I retire.
Jovana Jovanovska ‘23 can be reached at jovanovskaj@mx.lakeforest.edu
