International Man of the Year 1998-99 a Cambridge, England publication
NISOD Excellence in Collegiate Teaching Award, 1993
Illinois Community Colleges Trustees Association Faculty of the Year Award, 1992
Founding Board Member of Campbell House Gallery, Geneva
A life-long Auroran, graduate of Marmion Military Academy and Northern Illinois University, Joseph Hernandez is known for his tremendous talent and willingness to share his skill with students from our community and throughout the world.
Associate Professor Emeritus of Art/Ceramics/Drawing and Design at Waubonsee Community College, Hernandez has been a member of many Fox Valley/Kane County community organizations. He has international exposure through exhibits and seminars and his work has been featured in numerous one-man, two-person and group shows for over fifty years in the regional, national and international level.
Some of his international accomplishments have included his participation in the Korean-American Clay Camps, China, Europe and South America. Hernandez is truly someone who exemplifies an art educator/artist who has given back to his community and art education. Some of the more significant awards and recognitions he has received have included: NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award; Illinois Community College Trustees Association Faculty of the year Award; Waubonsee Community College Teacher of the Year Award; the Hispanic Pioneer Teachers Award and many more.
He continues to be a volunteer at schools, demonstrating his mastery of Raku ware – a type of Japanese pottery traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It is hand shaped, fired at low temperatures, removed from the kiln and allowed to cool in the open air.