Welcome to our “Get to Know Blackhawk” series, which uses a Q&A format to showcase the diverse and talented individuals within the college community.
What is your name and where did you grow up?
My name is Julio Negron, and I grew up in Waukegan, Illinois.
What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?
I am an Automotive Instructor.
What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?
I studied Automotive Technology in Kenosha.
Is there something that drew you to this career?
The ability to change people’s lives for the better is what pulled me in.
What motivated you to apply for this position at Blackhawk?
During my first visit to the campus, the staff was very welcoming and eager to show me around. There is no doubt that the faculty and staff here are a group of great people!
What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?
The flexibility of courses is great for working students with families to take care of. Time is a big factor for people thinking about continuing education.
What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?
My wife runs a business that puts on regular events for the community, and I usually help with that. Last October, we built a small indoor haunted house at an event for our local schools. It was a big hit and after, we were awarded “Best Halloween Display!”
Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.
I’ve driven a Lamborghini on a racetrack, flown a Cessna plane over Navy Pier, and explored caves teeming with bats.
Who is your biggest influence?
I had an instructor when I was in college who pushed me to my absolute limits and never went easy on me. At the time, I despised him for it. Now, as an adult, I completely understand why he did.
Do you play any musical instruments?
I can barely clap to a beat, but I did play electric bass in high school! I couldn’t keep a beat then, either.
If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?
Bob Marley, imagine what that conversation would be like.
What was your first concert?
I took my wife to see Rascal Flatts and Dan & Shay. I’m not a big country fan at all, but it was actually a great time.
What is your favorite color? Why?
If I had to choose a favorite, I guess it would be black because it invokes respect. A man wearing a black suit standing with a man wearing a red suit, who would you assume holds the higher role?
If you could be any movie character, who would you choose and why?
I would be a superhero so my grandkids could go to school and tell their friends, “My grandpa can pick up cars and throw them!”
What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?
“The Simpsons,” hands down!
What is your favorite pizza topping?
This will create controversy on campus, but I’m going to say it: PINEAPPLE DOES BELONG ON PIZZA!
Do you have a favorite video game?
I’m not big into video games, but I do enjoy race car games. It’s the only way I can drive recklessly without the financial repercussions.
If you could be a pro athlete in any sport, which sport would it be?
Football. I would happily collect a check while warming the bench.
If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?
I would say flight. If you ride motorcycles, then you understand. It’s the closest thing to flying without jumping out of a plane.
If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?
I would be an eagle. I would be able to fly and still get a good steak from time to time.
What would be your dream car to own?
Any Koenigsegg model. They are absolute works of art.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? Tell us the story of how you met.
In 2007, Barack Obama was on the campaign trail and came to speak at the college I attended. Walking through the hall, he stopped and we spoke a short time, then shook hands. He stopped to speak to a good number of us students, which we all thought was very admirable.
What game show would you most want to participate in? Do you think you could win?
I want to sign up for the next season of “Squid Game,” but my wife doesn’t approve. Eh, I’d probably lose at red light/green light anyway.