Author: Webmaster

SSC Jazz Fest to Pay Tribute to Legendary Educator Keith Anderson

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The 2017 SSC Jazz Festival Concert will be dedicated to the memory and legacy of Mr. Keith Anderson, long time music educator, advocate, and mentor. Mr. Anderson directed the bands at Hillcrest High School in County Club Hills from 1993-2006, after which he served as the Director of Fine Arts for Bremen High School District 228. Before arriving at Hillcrest, Anderson was an elementary teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in District #147. Mr. Anderson’s bands from Hillcrest High School were regular participants in the SSC Jazz Festival, and Mr. Anderson himself has been a festival clinician.

The festival concert will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11th, in the Kindig Performing Arts Center of South Suburban College, and will feature the SSC Jazz Orchestra with guest artists Jim Cooper and Sam Hankins, and special guests from the area.

There is no charge for admission although donations are appreciated to benefit the Music
Scholarship Fund. For more information, please contact Rob Calhoon, Jazz Fest Director, at 708-596-2000, ext. 2299. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL.

South Suburban College Foundation to Host Free Alumni & Retiree Networking Event with Jarrett Adams, esq.

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) is calling all college alumni and retirees out for Our Lifelong Connections—a free cocktail reception and networking event on Thursday, February 9, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. in the Kindig Performing Arts Center. The evening is a unique opportunity for SSC associates to reconnect and will conclude with college updates and a Keynote presentation from SSC alumnus Jarrett Adams, Esq., Post-Conviction Litigation Fellow, Innocence Project, NY, NY.

All attendees must RSVP to this free event at foundation@ssc.edu or by contacting the Foundation Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463. (Each attendee may bring one guest.)

Bulldogs Baseball Program to Host Adult-Child Baseball Camps in 2017

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Baseball Program and Head Coach Steve Ruzich will be conducting Adult-Child Baseball Camps February 10, 11, 17, 18 and 19 for boys and girls ages 6 thru 14. The camps will feature sessions for pitching, catching, hitting and fielding while providing adults and children the opportunity to improve their knowledge of baseball skills and techniques.

Kids will be given expert instruction and time to practice and improve their skills through a variety of station drills. Adults will be taught how to use effective teaching methods, provide instruction using proper skill techniques, and utilize effective drills. The campers will work together, have fun, and develop talents in a wholesome, supportive environment.

Ruzich has coached the SSC Baseball Program for the past 30 years with a winning record of 1069-640. Not only has he enjoyed success as a college coach and player, he has also established himself as a reputable youth baseball camp director around the state. In addition to Ruzich’s instruction, SSC baseball players will be on hand to help the campers develop and improve their skills. The players’ enthusiasm and expertise always adds to the camp’s success.

The cost is $45 for one adult and one child per camp, and $40 per camp if enrolled in more than one. The cost is $30 for each additional child. Checks should be made payable to South Suburban College Baseball.

The camps are located at Bulldog Field on SSC’s Main Campus at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL. For more information or to register, contact Coach Ruzich at (708) 225-5843, or email sruzich@ssc.edu.

2017 Adult/Child Baseball Camp brochure

South Suburban College Spring 2017 Registration Still in Progress

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Open Registration for the Spring 2017 Semester at South Suburban College (SSC) is in progress. The Admissions/Registration areas are open Mondays through Thursdays 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For your convenience, Registration Services will also be open Saturday, January 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., including Admissions, Registration, Records, Student Life, Business and Accounting, Financial Aid, AAC, Counseling and Testing.

Apply online at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “My SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods.

Spring classes begin Monday, January 17, at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. We invite the public to come and register so that they can see for themselves the opportunities that await with lower tuition that could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars versus four-year university costs.

Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.  The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Beauty Tames the Beast at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Children’s Theatre Company of South Suburban College is celebrating its 30-year anniversary with Michele L. Vacca’s enchanting and warmly amusing dramatization of the beloved tale Beauty and the Beast. Performances will take place on Saturdays, January 14 and 21, 2017 at 11:00am and 2:00pm.

Florabunda, the Enchantress (Sandy Wagner of Lansing), begins the play by gathering a troupe of players about her, and assigning them roles. Belinda, the heroine (Catherine Hundt of Thornton), is a young woman of strong opinions, education and talent. Belinda’s father Henry Beaumont (Pat Nevins of Homewood), is the prosperous merchant.

In an effort to gain money for festivals and a new swimming pond, arrogant Prince Philip (Rykeil Knights of Riverdale) seizes all of Beaumonts’ property and they are forced to declare bankruptcy. To teach him a lesson, Florabunda works her magic and turns Philip into a hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return.

One day, Henry mistakenly wanders into the garden of the legendary Beast (Eric Atkinson of Chicago). The angry Beast reluctantly promises to spare Henry’s life, but only if Belinda agrees to live in his castle. Despite Henry’s objections, Belinda insists upon doing as the Beast requests. With the help of his servants (Juniper DeYoung of Thornton, Angela Martin of Midlothian and Heather Young of Chicago), Belinda begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation. Gradually, they become friends and inseparable companions.

Lansing resident Ellie Shunko is the director and producer. “We created the Children’s Theatre Company in 1986 to fill a need for affordable, live theatre for young audiences,” she said. “We perform for local grammar school and child care groups during school hours and for the general public on weekends. Our school performances are completely sold out.” Even after thirty years, Shunko has no plans of slowing down. “We are providing a valuable service for our community here at SSC,” she says. “And I still love watching the kids watch the shows.”

Adding their talents to the production lighting are designer Jon Jenkins from Chicago, costume designer Joanna Tassin from Park Forest, set designer Dean Scalzitti from Chicago and choreographer Lynzi Scholz from South Chicago Heights. June Wagner, from Lansing, is the stage manager.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294 and is also accessible by PACE. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available. Reservations are suggested.

Tickets for Beauty and the Beast are $5 per person. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at (708) 210-5741. Leave your name and phone number and someone will return your call. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu.

The company of "Beauty and the Beast"

Business Communication Symposium Offered

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Business and Career Institute of South Suburban College, the Chicagoland Speakers Network and Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce are partnering to provide to provide you with a Business Communication Symposium on Thursday, January 26, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This workshop is for anyone looking to improve their business communication skills in the following areas: public speaking, interpersonal (including conflict resolution) and sales.

Why You Should Attend:
Join us for a half day of meta-presentations featuring everything from managing stress when speaking in front of an audience, to monitoring your body language, to using the right language to engaging your audience to creating an unforgettable elevator speech. The region’s most seasoned speakers share their tips and secrets for business communication that brings you success!

Time:
9:00–9:30 am: Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast
9:30–12:30 pm: Program
12:30pm–Wrap-up

Location:
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
18230 Orland Parkway (on St. Xavier campus)
Orland Park, IL 60467

Cost:
$49–Early bird; $59 at the door ($5 of each ticket will be donated to the Chicago Southland Chamber Scholarship Fund).

Registration:
Please go to our website http://chicagolandspeakersnetwork.com or contact Alexandra Glumac at aglumac@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000 x3254.

SSC Students Give Back During the Holidays

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College recently rallied together and served as volunteers on National Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths Across America is an organization dedicated to honoring our nation’s military by laying memorial wreaths at the graves of veterans across the United States. SSC students, administrators and staff placed wreaths at the headstones of soldiers laid to rest in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at noon on December 17th, 2016.

On Saturday, December 10, students and families from SSC’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program, along with Service Learning Coordinator Millicent Collier and Director of Extension Services Rebecca Garcia joined in to help wrap presents for low-income families at the Thornton Township hall. For some families, these will be the only presents their children will open over the holidays. The Service Learning Program is an instructional method that combines service in the community with academic learning in the classroom. Students learn and develop through active participation in an organized service activity.

“In addition to providing job-training degrees and certificates to our students, we also provide them with opportunities to give back to their communities. We know that our fine students will continue to ‘pay it forward’ for the rest of their lives,” said SSC Chairman Frank Zuccarelli.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SSC President Don Manning and volunteers
SSC President Don Manning and volunteers at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery participated in National Wreaths Across America Day.
SSC’s HCCTP students
SSC’s HCCTP students and families helped wrap gifts for needy Thornton Township children.

Free High School Equivalency & English Language Acquisition Registration Days Coming Soon at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s Adult Education Department is offering a wide range of opportunities for adults to build the basic skills required for success.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) helps men and women whose skill levels are below the ninth grade. ABE students improve their skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Many adults choose to further build on these skills and pursue a high school education through the High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) program. The HSE program will develop the skills required to pass the High School Equivalency exams. Studies will include Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and the US and Illinois Constitutions. Additionally, English as a Second Language (ESL) allows non-native students to improve their English skills from beginning to advanced levels.

Adult Education programs are offered both full and part-time at the Main Campus in South Holland or the Oak Forest Center. At the time of registration, all students will take a Placement Test. The complete schedule of locations for registrations and classes is as follows:

SSC MAIN CAMPUS SOUTH HOLLAND
SSC Adult Education Center
South Suburban College (SSC)
15800 South State Street,
South Holland, IL 60473

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY (GED) CLASSES

DAY CLASSES
Monday through Friday (January 17 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 in Room 1243B at 9:00 am.
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. in Room 1243B

NIGHT CLASSES
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (January 17 – April 19, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 in Room L233 at 6:00 pm
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Room L233

**NEW** TECHNOLOGY BRIDGE GED CLASSES
Monday through Thursday (January 30 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 23, 24, 25, 2017 in Room L233 at 10:00 am.
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 30, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Room L233

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY (GED) FOR ESL STUDENTS
ABE/ASE/GED/HSE: Monday through Friday (January 17 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 in Room 2452 at 9:00 am
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Room 2452

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

DAY CLASSES FULL-TIME
Monday through Friday (January 17 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Room L233
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in Room L233

DAY CLASSES PART-TIME
Monday through Friday (January 17 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Room L233
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in Room L233

NIGHT CLASSES
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (January 17 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 1243 B
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Room 1243 B

OAK FOREST ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES
Oak Forest Center
16333 South Kilbourn Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452
(708) 225-6029
Room 5240

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

FULL-TIME DAY CLASSES:
Monday through Friday (January 17 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 5240
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Room 5240

***NEW*** NIGHT CLASSES:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (January 30 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 23, 24, 25, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 5240
Classes Begin: Monday, January 30, 2017
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Room 5240

ESL DAY CLASSES AT OFC
Monday through Friday (January 17 – April 21, 2017)
Register: January 9, 10, 11, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 5320
Classes Begin: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in Room 5320

 

RIVERDALE THORNTON TOWNSHIP CENTER
Thornton Township Center
14323 S. Halsted St.
Riverdale, IL 60827

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY CLASSES (GED)
Monday through Thursday (January 30 – April 20, 2017)
Register: January 23, 24, 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
Classes Begin: Monday, January 30, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

All courses are offered free of charge. For the purpose of compliance with Section 511 of Public Law 101-166 (the Stevens Amendment) Federal funds of $395,020 provides approximately 38% of the support of these programs. Indiana residents are not eligible to participate in the Adult Education programs.

To request ADA accommodations allow three weeks. Please contact: Gail Bonds-Carpenter, ADA Coordinator, (708) 596-2000, ext. 2691. For enrollment and class information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2385 or ext. 2240, or visit www.ssc.edu under “Adult and Continuing Education, Adult Education.”

Give the Gift of Education This Holiday Season Through SSC

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s Office of Continuing Education has a wide variety of non-credit classes that would make the perfect holiday gift for friends and family of all ages and interests. Continuing Education classes are offered in sports, computers, home improvement, new hobbies such as art, and dance classes for stepping, line-dancing, salsa, and much more. Professional Development Seminars are another great opportunity for a quick and convenient way to refresh knowledge or to learn how to deal with new issues in the workplace.

SSC’s Continuing Education classes are held at both the main campus and the Oak Forest Center. To register, or to view a complete schedule of non-credit course offerings, please visit www.ssc.edu under the heading “Continuing Education” or call (708) 596-2000 ext. 2231.

South Suburban College to Host Paralegal Open House at Oak Forest Campus

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College will be hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Room 5190 at the Oak Forest Center.

Attendees will learn about an exciting career that is expected to grow 18% through 2020 according to the US Department of Labor. Information will be provided about SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum, including the Associate Degree and certificate programs. In addition, former students from the program, working as paralegals, will be present to answer questions.

The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments including civil and criminal litigation, insurance, banking, public and governmental agencies, law offices and corporate legal departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of core skills in legal research and writing techniques including compilation and analysis of data, understanding legal vocabulary, law office technology, and preparation of legal documents.

“Whether you are looking for a change in your career path or looking to begin a career, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has an interest in the law,” says Jason Cieslik, J.D., Coordinator for the Legal Studies Program.

SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland region, giving graduates a huge advantage when entering the workforce. The college also requires that all of the instructors in the program are lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction.

While the majority of the paralegal classes are offered at the Oak Forest Center (conveniently located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue), some classes are offered online and some are offered at the Main Campus in South Holland.

For more information, please contact Mr. Jason Cieslik at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2579 or email JCieslik@ssc.edu.

South Suburban College Seeks Vendors for Annual Women’s Conference

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College is planning their Annual Women’s Conference and is seeking interested vendors who would like to promote their business. The conference is for women of all ages and is designed to help women discover how they may enhance, explore, and enrich their lives both personally and professionally. Over 200 women participated at last year’s conference and their positive responses rated the Women’s Conference a huge success.

The 2017 Chicago Women’s conference will be Friday March 17, 2017. We are currently accepting applications for exhibitors for this year’s conference. To request an application please email wcvendors@ssc.edu or contact Gervaise Edwards at (708) 596-2000, ext. 6032.

South Suburban College Adult Volunteer Literacy Program Seeking Volunteer Tutors and Offering Free Services

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College is seeking tutors and participants for the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. SSC is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program.

New Year new Beginnings! There will be new tutor training sessions taking place at the Main Campus on January 17th, 19th, 24th and the 26th of 2016. The tutor training is an 18-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. Once certified, the tutors will go out to visit their adult learners at locations in or near their neighborhoods. Tutoring sites have already been established at the following locations: Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest; Glenwood-Lynwood Library; Harvey Public Library; Phoenix Public Library; Calumet City Public Library; Grande Prairie Library, Hazel Crest; Homewood Public Library; South Holland Public Library; South Suburban College Library, Main Campus; Oak Forest Center Library, Oak Forest; Lansing Public Library; Dolton Public Library; Riverdale Public Library; Markham Public Library and Midlothian Public Library. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners, and the availability of space and hours of the tutoring sites.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market. SSC’s Office of Adult Education administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

Tutors will receive free professional development services throughout this program. Successful tutors are also eligible for letters of support or recommendation for jobs, scholarships, educational opportunities, and more. These opportunities are made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

If you would like to register for volunteer tutor training class, or if you know someone who could benefit from tutoring services, please contact Raylynn Stokes, Literacy Coach of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois.

Give a Gift of Scholarship This Holiday Season Through the South Suburban College Foundation Donor Drive

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) is seeking year-end gifts from those who wish to help make a difference in the lives of local college students in need of financial assistance. The SSCF Scholarship Donor Drive will continue through the end of the year, providing both a charitable gift opportunity and tax-deduction for all donors.

The SSCF support provides scholarship assistance each year to many students who otherwise would be unlikely to begin or complete their college education. One-hundred percent (100%) of Donor Drive donations benefit scholarship and student assistance funds. Whether in support of a high school graduate, an unemployed resident looking for a career change, or a single parent pursuing their college degree for the first time, the SSCF offers scholarship assistance to all students in need. Helping students achieve their college dream can give them the tools to improve their lives and their communities.

All scholarship contributions to the SSCF are 100% tax-deductible (TIN: 23-7191738). The SSCF staff works cooperatively with individuals and organizations to develop a donor plan of any level. New scholarships can also be established with a $750 donation. The SSCF has set a fundraising goal of $200,000 for Fiscal Year 2016-17 to support student success. Donations may be made online at www.ssc.edu/foundation

For more information, please contact the Foundation Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463 or foundation@ssc.edu.

SSC’s Coach Pigatti Selected As Coach of the Week

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Congratulations to SSC’s Coach John Pigatti who has been selected as one of HoopDirt.com’s Coaches of the Week. Coach Pigatti led South Suburban to the best record in the country last season, and has not missed a beat this year, as the Bulldogs are off to a 7-0 start including three double-digit wins last week.

They began the week by knocking off defending NJCAA DIII National Champion Rock Valley College 78-65. Pigatti’s squad then went on to defeat Prairie State (76-63) and Morton College (80-43). Last season, Pigatti was named the 2016 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Junior College Division II and Region IV-B Coach of the Year. This was Pigatti’s 7th Regional Coach of the Year Award in his 10 years at SSC.

For more information, contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.
 
Pictured: SSC Coach John Pigatti

Student Art Now on Display at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College (SSC) is pleased to announce that their Biannual Student Art Exhibit will be on display December 2nd through December 8th 2016. More than 300 original artworks of painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, computer graphics, jewelry, and digital art created by SSC student artists will be displayed in the Dorothea Thiel, Photo Four, and the Lee E. Dulgar Galleries. A Pot Luck Reception will be held Thursday December 8th 12:30 p.m. in the Art & Design Department on the 4th Floor.

Exhibits are viewable to the public at no charge Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Thiel and Photo Four Galleries are on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway, while the Dulgar Gallery is located on the college’s 1st floor. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. Please stop by to marvel at the creative spirit exhibited by our students in our galleries.

For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2300, or visit www.ssc.edu/art. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.
 

SSC Student Art Show
Pictured: Student artwork from the 2015 exhibit at South Suburban College.

Bulldog’s Baseball Program Hosting Catching Camp December 26 and 27

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College Head Baseball Coach Steve Ruzich will be directing a two-day Catching Camp on Monday, December 26th and Tuesday, December 27th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Coach Ruzich has directed youth camps for the past 30 years and has taught baseball skills at many other baseball camps throughout the state.

This clinic will provide catching instruction in the areas of blocking, calling a game, pick offs, pop throwing times, stance and footwork, drills for practice, pop ups, handling pitchers, and conditioning. In addition to Ruzich’s instruction, Bulldog baseball players will be on hand to help and develop skills. The players’ enthusiasm and expertise always adds to the camp’s success. The Catching Camp is open to boys ages 8-18. All players should bring their glove and gear. All participants should wear baseball or sweat pants and gym shoes, and boys must wear cups.

Coach Ruzich was an All-American catcher at the College of St. Francis. He graduated in 1985 and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. Coach Ruzich had a short stint as a pro catcher before coming to SSC as Head Baseball Coach in 1987, where he has compiled a winning record of 1069-640.

The cost of the Catching Camp is $100, and checks should be made payable to SSC Bulldog Baseball. Enrollment is limited, so early registration is suggested. South Suburban College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL. For more information contact Coach Ruzich at (708) 225-5843.

SSC History Instructor Bruce Allardice Publishes Article

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – For South Suburban College Professor Bruce Allardice, the study of the history of the Civil War is a passion as well as a profession. “Author David McCullough stated that history is an infinite resource for the study of the present. In my view, you can’t understand what’s happening in our country today without understanding our country’s Civil War,” stated Allardice.

His latest article “46 Days to Save an Army: Gen. John Corson Smith and the Chattanooga Campaign” (Civil War News, November 2016, co-authored with former SSC Professor Wayne Wolf) edits the late 1863 diary of Brigadier General John C. Smith of Illinois. The article focuses on the vital 1863 Chattanooga Campaign, with the Union defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga redeemed two months later by a brilliant victory at Chattanooga. Smith’s diary records a mid-level officer’s impressions of the Union defeat and recovery.

The Chicago Public Library purchased the Smith diary a few years ago when its owner put it up for sale. The diary now resides in the CPL’s Special Collections. “What is amazing is that 150 years after the end of the war, we are still discovering letters and diaries of the participants,” says Allardice.

Bruce S. Allardice is a professor at South Suburban College. For the last decade he’s taught European and American History, as well as Political Science, in SSC’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Professor Allardice has authored or co-authored six books on the history of the Civil War, as well as numerous articles. His book, “More Generals in Gray” (LSU Press, 1995),  was a selection of the History Book-of-the-Month Club.

For more information, Bruce Allardice can be reached at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2277 or email BAllardice@ssc.edu.

Veterans Event at SSC

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – On Wednesday, November 09, 2016, South Suburban College presented their annual Veterans’ Day Celebration in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) with a “Presentation of Colors,” a guest speaker and a student/staff panel. The “Presentation of Colors” was presented by South Holland School District 151’s CSWAP (Coolidge Students with Academic Pride). The students were dressed in full color, our flag was presented, and the Pledge of Allegiance recited. Following their presentation, SSC Nursing student Aarin Adams performed a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem.

The guest speaker was Bill Browne, Director of Cook County Veterans Affairs. Mr. Browne disseminated helpful information for veterans as well as spouses and children of veterans. His speech was insightful and students asked questions pertaining to his presentation. Additionally, he brought along fact-filled brochures from the Cook County Veterans Affairs office that were made available to attendees.

After a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers, the panel discussion began. Panelists gave recollections of their service experiences along with what they learned. The majority cited “discipline and teamwork” as the greatest assets they acquired. Additionally, lifelong learning was stressed by several panelists and Odell Braziel made sure to mention that he utilized his Veterans Benefits right here at SSC. Panelists included: Matt Beasland, SSC Dean of Adult Education; Odell Braziel, Programmer, SSC Information Technology; Bill Browne, Director of Cook County Veterans Affairs; and SSC students Pamela Dorsey and Tiffane Ford. Student attendees asked pertinent questions and the program ended with a resounding applause and “Thank You” to the veterans who participated and those who could not.

If you wish to utilize your Veterans’ Educational Benefits or know someone who does, please contact the SSC Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718 or visit our Veterans Center on campus for more information. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Presentation of Colors.
Veterans Odell Braziel (SSC IT Programmer), Pamela Dorsey (SSC Student), Bill Browne (Cook County Veteran Affairs Director), Matthew Beasland (Dean of Adult Education) and Tiffany Ford (SSC Student).

SSC Hosts “Standing Rock” Presentation

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College will be hosting a presentation by Frank Esposito on his personal experience at Standing Rock North Dakota from 7:00 – 9:00 pm on November 22 at the college’s main campus in Lecture Hall A. Topics covered will be the history and culture of Native Americans and their concern for the pipeline being constructed there and possible effects this will have on the Missouri River and the Native Americans’ sacred burial grounds. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.

Mr. Esposito has a master’s degree in history and recently spent two weeks in North Dakota. He will discuss the political, societal, environmental, ethical and legal concerns. Admission is free. For further information, please contact Ron Cooley at 708-596-2000, ext. 2320 or email rcooley@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL.

Upcoming Court Reporting Open House at SSC’s Oak Forest Center

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OAK FOREST, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is hosting a Court Reporting Open House on Thursday, December 1, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in Oak Forest Center Room 5190. The Open House will showcase this profession which offers a wide-open job market and excellent income potential.

Court reporting is an interesting, challenging career which offers a flexible work schedule, and excellent income potential ($64,672 average yearly income). Broadcast captioners can earn $70,000+ and may work out of their homes. The use of sophisticated computer equipment has broadened the nature of the profession. Our program focuses on the theory behind it all, with an emphasis on Judicial Reporting.

There is a severe shortage of reporters in the Chicago area. The Court Reporting Open House is the perfect opportunity to get an overview of SSC’s Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology program, certified by the National Court Reporters Association. You will be able to talk with a certified court reporter and see a demonstration of real-time writing.

To RSVP or for more information call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3217 or email LCooke@ssc.edu The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Robert’s Rules of Order Seminar at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College will host a 3-hour Seminar on Robert’s Rules of Order on November 18 from 6:00-9:00pm in the MB Financial Room at the college’s main campus. Robert’s Rules of Order is a book that is intended to be a guide for conducting meetings and making decisions as a group. You will learn the reasons for Robert’s Rules of Order, Definitions & Role Playing.

If you do not have a clear understanding of the following, this class is for you:

  • Major concept of Robert’s Rules of Order
  • Subsidiary Motions
  • Privileged Motions
  • Incidental Motions
  • Motions that bring a question again before the assembly
  • Legislative Procedures
  • Disciplinary Procedures
  • Parliamentary Authorities
  • When can the speaker be interrupted, or can they?
  • Is a motion debatable?
  • What type of Vote is required, a majority, or 2/3?

The cost of the seminar is $39. Please use Course Code: CSC-E92-730. To register call, (708) 596-2000, ext. 2231. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

South Suburban College Fall Musical Performances

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Please note: This calendar is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change.

All events are held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center (PAC) on SSC’s Main Campus and
admission is FREE for these events. (Donations are appreciated to benefit the Music
Scholarship Fund.)

November 18, 2016 – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Orchestra Festival, with clinician Philip Bauman. A non-competitive festival that features Jr. High, Middle and High School orchestras. All performances are open and free to the public. Come and see some outstanding young performers! For more info, contact Rob Calhoon at 708-596-2000, ext. 2299.

December 6, 2016 – 2:00 pm
Student Recital. Students of SSC Music Faculty perform a variety of classical pieces. No charge for admission.

December 7, 2016 – 7:00 pm
Jazz Combo and Jazz Orchestra Concert. Hot jazz for a cold winter’s night. The musicians of SSC’s Jazz Combo and Jazz Orchestra will thrill you with tunes by such jazz legends as Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Thad Jones, and Dizzy Gillespie. Come on through! Both groups are led by Sam Hankins. No charge for admission.

December 9, 2016 – 7:00 pm
Holiday Concert (SSC Voices, PAC Rats, and Symphonic Band). Join the good cheer as the SSC Voices, PAC Rats Theatre Company, Symphonic Band present their annual Holiday Card to the Community. No charge for admission.

December 12, 2016 – 7:00 pm
String Orchestra and Chamber String Ensemble Concert. SSC’s newest musical groups will perform works by Johannes Brahms, Leroy Anderson, Felix Mendelssohn, Paul Desmond, and Antonio Vivaldi. No charge for admission.

For more information or to confirm dates and times, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316. South Suburban College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Pictured: SSC’s Symphonic Band
Pictured: SSC’s Symphonic Band

South Suburban College Information Literacy Month Closing Event

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – On October 25th, South Suburban College’s Library ended the month-long celebration of their 3rd Annual Information Literacy Month (ILM) with a visit from the Honorable Congresswoman Dr. Robin Kelly and other distinguished guests. The Congresswoman presented SSC’s Library with a gift of books from the U.S. Library of Congress’s Surplus Book Program. Librarian and Coordinator of ILM activities, Marilyn Wells, stated that the gift “is the first of its kind and will certainly be put to excellent use by our students and the campus community.”

Kelly, presented with an appreciation plaque, was gracious and accepting of the warm welcome she received from the student body. She entertained questions from the students and was extremely receptive in answering and sharing with them. She spoke about her relationship with the Obamas, a day in her life as a Congresswoman, and how she holds education close to her heart as a friend and supporter of South Suburban College and its mission to “Serve our Students and the Community through Lifelong Learning.”

The event also featured a Student Essay contest that was well received by students who wrote on the topic, “How Important is Reading and Comprehension to Information Literacy and Why?” The winner was Yolanda Arriola, an SSC student who began in the College’s Adult Education High School Equivalency program and is currently enrolled in English 101.

Lastly, guest speakers from the Afro American Genealogical & Historical Society of Chicago presented a workshop on “Know Your Heritage.” Researchers Angela McGhee and Paul Holmes presented information on how to conduct genealogical research that is widely popular today with the advent of research sites such as Ancestry.com and Family Search.org. From the number of students present, this workshop was a success.

You too can be successful in your educational journey and weigh your options for success. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Photo of guest speakers Paul Holmes, Angela McGhee and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
Guest speakers Paul Holmes, Angela McGhee and Congresswoman Robin Kelly at SSC’s 3rd
Annual Information Literacy closing event.

Winter Preparedness Snow and Ice Conference Coming to Oak Forest

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College is presenting a Winter Preparedness Snow and Ice Conference designed for Public Works directors, supervisors and operators on November 7 and 8, with a session for facilities and large parking lots on November 9. The conference will be offered in five sessions at SSC’s Oak Forest Center and feature award-winning presenters Chris Walsh, retired Director of Operations of Beloit Public Works; Mark DeVries, Application Expert of Vaisala, Inc. and the former Maintenance Superintendent of McHenry County DOT; and Stephen McCracken of the Conservation Foundation speaking on chloride reduction. The cost of theses workshops is just $32 per person.

Four Sessions for Public Works Operators, Managers and Directors: The Basics of Snow & Ice
Monday and Tuesday, November 7 & 8, separate sessions will be from 8-11 a.m. and from Noon – 3 p.m.
Every winter season needs to start out with the basics of preparing for winter operations. The workshops will cover snow and ice basics; safe, efficient, effective winter operations; environmental concerns and communications such as policies and procedures during winter operations.

One Session for Facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and large parking lots: The Basics of Snow & Ice
This session will be on Wednesday, November 9 from 8-11 a.m.
Includes planning, safety, alternative chemicals, environmental concerns, and operator preparation.
All sessions will promote sustainability including effective snow and ice control with reduced environmental impacts that balance winter operations and the environment, equipment use, alternative chemicals, and the concept of doing more with less.

This conference is sponsored by K-Tech Specialty Coatings, Inc. and Chicago Salt. For more information, please email Nancy Burrows at NBurrows@ssc.edu or phone 708-596-2000, ext. 3258. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

NIU and South Suburban College Create New Pathway to Degree

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – A new agreement between South Suburban College (SSC) and Northern Illinois University (NIU) will make it easier for SSC students to earn college degrees that will set them on the path to career success.

In a ceremony today, the two institutions signed a new reverse transfer agreement that will allow NIU students who previously attended SSC to apply credits from the university toward the completion of their associate degree at the college.

“Students want a hassle-free transfer process and to receive credit for the work they do,” said NIU President Doug Baker. “This reverse transfer agreement does just that. It is a wonderful tool that allows students to demonstrate to future employers and graduate institutions their determination to excel, and it’s another example of how institutions of public higher education in Illinois can collaborate to deliver high-quality, affordable education.”

South Suburban College President Don Manning said that the agreement will have significant benefits for South Suburban College students that take advantage of it. “Every college credit counts,” Manning said. “This partnership gives students the ability to easily transfer credits back to South Suburban to earn a terminal degree – in this case, an associate’s degree – and enhances their opportunity for career success.”

A 2014 NIU Center for Governmental Studies report to the Illinois Community College Board found that an Illinois community college education increases earnings for workers, adds skills to the state’s workforce and boosts the state’s competitiveness. An Illinois community college graduate can expect a total lifetime earnings gain of over $570,000 – a 44 percent increase over the average total lifetime earnings of those not completing a community college program.

“Postsecondary education is a powerful force for career advancement, and a skilled workforce helps the region maintain its competitive advantage,” said NIU President Doug Baker. “Both NIU and South Suburban are committed to providing affordable access to high-quality educational opportunities, and we are delighted to partner with them on this initiative, which eliminates barriers and fosters innovative educational pathways between levels of higher education.”

NIU President Dr. Doug Baker, NIU Trustee Robert Marshall and SSC President Don Manning
NIU President Dr. Doug Baker (left), NIU Trustee Robert Marshall (middle) and SSC President Don Manning (right).

File Early for Financial Aid

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Beginning in October, 2016, financial aid applications (FAFSA.ED.GOV) will be available for the 2017-2018 school year. You will be using tax information from your 2015 tax return rather than 2016 tax information. Because of the change, students and parents will be able to complete their FAFSAs using information from a completed and accepted federal tax return. It would be best to use the IRS tax retrieval tool to transfer your information to FAFSA.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity for Financial Aid for the upcoming school year. To benefit from all available grants and scholarships, October, 2016 is the time to apply for 2017-2018 financial aid. The application is available online: www.fafsa.ed.gov (FAFSA online or for questions call 1-800-433-3243). The South Suburban College School Code is 001769.

Before Financial Aid can be processed you must have:

  1. Official High School Transcript on file with Admissions.
  2. Have all required Documents at the time of processing.
  3. Select a Degree Program at Registration

 

Dates for processing paperwork will be announced at a later date.

All student must meet SSC’s Satisfactory Academic Policy (PLEASE CONSULT THE SSC WEBSITE FOR GUIDELINES) www.ssc.edu Office of Financial Aid. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Nontraditional Student Fulfills Lifelong Dreams Through Community College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – For as long as Marshneil Gay can remember, she had two goals she wanted to accomplish with the pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters she deposited in coffee cans over the years. Now, at the age of 70, the Riverdale resident has fulfilled both of her dreams of achieving her college degree and visiting Paris, France.

“Getting a college degree has always been a sense of pride that I wanted to experience,” said Marshneil, a recent 2016 graduate of South Suburban College (SSC) in South Holland, Illinois. “My parents completed high school and provided me and my siblings with a good education, but high school was as far as they could see.”

Whenever Marshneil had the time and money, she would enroll in a class at whatever college was most convenient to her employment situation. For 47 years she worked to support her family that included five children, while putting her own goals on hold and changing plans many times along the way. As she prepared for her retirement, she decided to make good on a promise she made to herself many years before and enrolled in college.

“I knew right away that I belonged at South Suburban College,” said Marshneil. “With the advantage of so many programs and so many people who wanted to help me, there was no reason for me to fail. My goal was to study hard, ask questions, and earn good grades. I am proud to say that in May I graduated from SSC with honors and as acting president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.”

What Marshneil didn’t know was that her hard work in the classroom and as a peer leader would help her to achieve another lifelong dream. One day while studying in the Honor’s Lounge at SSC, she noticed a flyer for Study Abroad Scholarship Programs with one of the destinations being France.

“I immediately began completing the necessary application and essay, obtained references, and prepared for the interview,” said Marshneil. “To my surprise and delight, the program coordinator called me to say, ‘Marshneil, you can stop saving change, you will be going to France this summer.’ Being awarded a scholarship to study abroad was an opportunity of great magnitude, and I was humbled.”

Traveling among a cohort of students some 50 years younger, Marshneil immersed herself in all aspects of the program with her peers. “I learned first-hand the traditions, the culture and the hospitality of a great people. I saw famous works of art and places I have only viewed in textbooks or online. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime.”

Marshneil said she speaks constantly to her children, grandchildren and others “young and old” about the importance of education. You see, Marshneil has always believed in giving back to her community. She currently serves as the Civil Service Chairperson to the Village of Riverdale among many other community roles held throughout her life.

Marshneil added, “It feels so empowering when you have education – it opens your mind to the possibilities.”

Marshneil Gay received her Associate’s Degree in Community Health Sciences and hopes to help seniors with her knowledge. She is already making plans to further her education through the Community Health Worker certification program.

SSC’s Study Abroad and other scholarship programs are made possible by the South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF). The SSCF provides scholarship assistance each year to many students who otherwise would be unlikely to begin or complete their college education. Whether for a high school graduate, an unemployed resident looking for a career change, or a returning adult pursuing their college degree for the first time, the SSCF offers scholarship assistance to all traditional and nontraditional students. The Fall Scholarship Donor Drive is currently in progress. Learn more or donate online at www.ssc.edu/foundation.

 

SSC graduate Marshneil Gay gives a presentation at Student Forum
SSC graduate Marshneil Gay, 70, of Riverdale, gives a presentation at the annual Study Abroad Student Forum last month.

Art Works by Joe Rejholec To Be Shown in South Suburban College’s Thiel Gallery

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College (SSC) is presenting a memorial exhibition of Art Works by Joseph “Joe” Rejholec – colleague, mentor, friend, artist and faculty member of South Suburban College, in the college’s Thiel Gallery from October 25 through November 22, with a reception on Thursday, October 27th from 4-7 p.m.

A friend and inspiration to many artists, Joe was born in Nyack, New York, He was part of the New York Art Students League, went to Syracuse University on a hockey scholarship for a semester, and later attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, to study history where he became interested in pursuing art and earned a BA. He attended Northern Illinois University for his MA in Fine Art. Joe was our longtime Art & Design department chair, and a dedicated teacher and gallery director at South Suburban College for forty years. He was a tireless supporter of the arts who served on numerous arts panels and selection committees, and he was inspirational in the lives of many students and professionals. He resided in Crete, IL where he worked from his home studio until 2016.

Influenced by Abstract Expressionism, Jazz, African Art, the smell of burning metal, Camel cigarettes, and coffee, Joe was “Old School” in so many ways. He epitomized the artist as maker, using the sweet poetry of his welded steel sculpture’s two-dimensional line and mass in the service of framing space in the tradition of David Smith, Jacques Lipchitz, Arshile Gorky, Franz Kline and others. His work flies in the face of the flattening elements of Pop Art & Minimalism, transcending stylistic impulses into the realm of the sculptor’s true passion for the framing of the real space of his world.

Joe once said, “To be a sculptor, one must have a good sense of humor. An artist takes a lot of ribbing…from those who do not understand the work.” The public is welcome to visit this art exhibition and reception at no charge. The Thiel Gallery is on the fourth floor in the Art & Design hallway and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. Call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2300 for more information.

Untitled, welded steel
Untitled, welded steel, circa 2000.

SSC Honors Tutors on “Make a Difference Day”

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – On Saturday, October 22, volunteers from across the country will come together with a single purpose: to improve the lives of others. In its 25th year, Make A Difference Day is one of the largest days of community service worldwide. Make A Difference Day shows that anyone, no matter their age or background, can make an impact on their community.

At South Suburban College, our Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program is making a difference in the lives of many in need of basic literacy skills. If anyone is interested in volunteering we do have an upcoming new tutor training session that will take place at the Main Campus in South Holland on October 25th & 27th and November 1st & 3rd. The tutor training is an 18-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. We also offer online training as well. Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market.

SSC’s tutors donate their time to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of skills and instruction in basic literacy that includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. South Suburban College would like to honor those volunteer tutors and encourage others to join us on making a difference in the lives of adult learners.

If you would like to register for volunteer tutor training class, or if you know someone who could benefit from tutoring services, please contact Raylynn Stokes, Literacy Coach of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois.

Registration in Progress for Spring 2017 Classes at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Open Registration for the Spring 2017 Semester at South Suburban College (SSC) is in progress. Spring classes begin Monday, January 17, at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. The deadline to submit an application for financial aid for the Spring semester at SSC is January 3, 2017.

Apply online at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “My SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods.

Current and prospective students are encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov using institution code 001769. Students who wish to use financial aid as payment for fall classes must have an official high school or GED transcript on file. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope.

Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

SSC Celebrates National Information Literacy Month

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – On October 1, 2009, President Barack Obama’s issued the first national proclamation establishing October as National Information Literacy Awareness Month. This was the first time this important 21st century skill set received federal attention at the national level. In today’s digital world, people who are information literate know how to find, access, and critically evaluate information to improve their health, their environment, their education and workplace performance. Having that skill set empowers them to interpret and make informed decisions about their lives, in essence, taking more responsibility for their own individual welfare and that of our nation.

The South Suburban College Library began celebrating October as Information Literacy Month in 2014 and this year marks our 3rd Annual Celebration. This year the Opening Day event was held on October 5, 2016 in the Library. The agenda included Welcome remarks, an Overview of the month events, the beginning of the Student Essay Contest, a Guest Speaker and Quizzes with prizes for completion.
Our Closing Day Event will be held on Tuesday, October 25th, 2016 at 1:00pm in the Library. Our honored guest speaker will be Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who will be making a donation of Books from the Library of Congress. The Essay Contest Winners will be announced, and there will be a presentation by Ms. Angela McGhee and Mr. Paul Holmes of the Afro-American Genealogical & Historical Society of Chicago to close out the month long celebration. Refreshments will follow.

For more information on the South Suburban College library, visit: http://libguides.ssc.edu/libguideshome or email Marilyn Wells, Senior Librarian and coordinator of Information Literacy Month at mwells@ssc.edu. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Lean Workshops to Improve Productivity & Quality Coming to Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – If you’re searching for training that helps you implement solutions to frequent issues you have, but you face time and cost restraints that prevent you from implementing big training projects, these trainings will narrow down the issues and then provide solutions to your most basic problems. Come to these workshops or schedule with us to customize the training for your company!

South Suburban College is presenting two workshops designed to improve your company’s productivity and quality. Each workshop will be held at the South Suburban College Oak Forest Center from 8:15am to 4:15pm. Both workshops will be offered on a choice of dates.

Lean Problem Solving Workshop
Friday, October 14 or Thursday, December 1 – 8:15am to 4:15pm
The early part of the day will be spent learning the tools and techniques. The second part of the day will be event driven – implementing the problem solving strategies learned, thus solving real issues and situations. How often have you felt you were facing the same issues over and over again, never quite getting to the stage in which you can turn the problem on and off? If this is the case, this workshop will help you reach resolution.

Who Should Attend:
This course is open to no more than 15 participants, each of whom should be attending the course with their own organizational issue/situation. Product-line managers, team leaders, task managers, functional managers, six-sigma black belts /green belts, improvement champions, operations and engineering managers, process owners, design engineers, and all others with responsibilities for improving the customer experience.

Statistical Process Control for Operators, Supervisor and Managers Workshop
Friday, October 28 or Thursday, November 10 – 8:15am to 4:15pm
A successful SPC program requires Process Operators who understand not only the “what” of SPC but also the “why.” This workshop provides participants with the hands-on application they need to understand the benefits of SPC, how to use the tools, and most
importantly, how to interpret and analyze the results of control charting and capability studies in order to control and reduce variation in their processes.

Who Should Attend:
Everyone who will be using SPC in their workplace and needs to understand why SPC is being used, as well as how to apply the tools and techniques for controlling and reducing variation.

About our Presenter:
Albert Lettman is a facilitator with extensive experience as a Problem Solver. He has over 20 years of experience in Lean principles, ISO 9000/Malcolm Baldridge assessment, Six Sigma and Shainin. He is a certified Shainin journeyman, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, as well as a Certified Lean facilitator. Albert has synthesized the tools he has learned in his many years of consulting and employment with major manufacturers and suppliers into
his own unique blend, which when combined always allows him to solve mysteries quickly. This is your chance to learn and use these tools. His passion and skill in working with people and organizations helps them to continuously improve. Together, BCI and Lettman will work with you to find the best operational approach for your company, from the planning stage through implementation stages, using Lean principles that will be best aligned with the strategic direction of your company.

Each workshop is $195 per person (includes lunch). Send three people and third person is free. For more information or to register, please call Nancy Burrows at (708) 596-2000, ext. 3258 or email NBurrows@ssc.edu. The college’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois, with convenient access from I-57, I-80, and I-294.

SSC Foundation Annual Scholarship Donor Drive Critical for Local College Student Success

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) is seeking year-end gifts from those who wish to help make a difference in the lives of local college students in need of financial assistance. The SSCF Scholarship Donor Drive will continue through the end of the year, providing both a charitable gift opportunity and tax-deduction for all donors.

The SSCF support provides scholarship assistance each year to many students who otherwise would be unlikely to begin or complete their college education. One-hundred percent (100%) of Donor Drive donations benefit scholarship and student assistance funds. Whether it is a high school graduate, an unemployed resident looking for a career change, or a single parent pursuing their college degree for the first time, the SSCF offers scholarship assistance to all students in need. Helping students achieve their college dream can give them the tools to improve their lives and their communities.

Scholarship opportunities are critical for SSC students, especially in light of the continued budget impasse and resulting reduction of Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants for Illinois students.  Many are struggling to balance family, employment, and school responsibilities while they are often unable to receive Financial Aid. Scholarship money is provided primarily through this annual fall Scholarship Donor Drive.

All scholarship contributions to the SSCF are 100% tax-deductible (TIN: 23-7191738). The SSCF staff works cooperatively with individuals and organizations to develop a donor plan of any level. New scholarships can also be established with a $750 donation.

The SSCF has set a fundraising goal of $200,000 to for Fiscal Year 2016-17 to support student success. Donations may be made online at www.ssc.edu/foundation, via PayPal to foundation@ssc.edu or mailed to:

“SSC Foundation”
15800 S. State Street
South Holland, IL 60473

At SSC, 90% of students fall under the low income, first generation or disabled criteria. The SSCF once again awarded over $100,000 in total awards to these students in 2016, and has now granted over $1.8 million since 1987. For more information, please contact the Foundation Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463 or foundation@ssc.edu.

Jarrett M. Adams, Attorney, Innocence Project, NY, NY, former scholarship recipient addresses South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) supporters at their most recent fundraiser.
Jarrett M. Adams, Attorney, Innocence Project, NY, NY, former scholarship recipient addresses South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) supporters at their most recent fundraiser. After serving nearly 10 years for a wrongful conviction, Jarrett was exonerated with the assistance of the Wisconsin Innocence Project. As a first step, Jarrett literally walked back into college from his mother’s house in South Holland and earned his Associates Degree from SSC in 2009. From scholarship to passing the New York bar exam on his first attempt in 2016, Jarrett has used the injustice he endured as inspiration to become an advocate for the underserved and uncounted. Support others like Jarrett during SSCF’s fall Scholarship Donor Drive at www.ssc.edu/foundation.

South Suburban College Hosts “Welcome Back” Celebration

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SOUTH HOLLAND — On Tuesday, September 27, South Suburban College hosted their annual “Welcome Back Bull Dog Bash” Celebration for students. The college partnered with several agencies to present current and meaningful information to get the semester off to a great start.

Free giveaways and prizes added to the excitement as students mingled and gathered information that could assist them with their semester and college attendance. SSC faculty and staff also had a presence as “old friendships were renewed and new ones made,” according to Patrice Burton, Dean of Student Services.

Those in attendance included PACE Campus Connection, Aunt Martha’s, Thornton Township Voter Registration with Township Clerk Jackie Rivera, The Mix 101.9, UPS “Earn While You Learn” Work Program, as well as SSC’s Office of Student Life & Leadership, Student Government Association and Expression Connection, a
new spoken word club. With over 500 students in attendance at the event, the college semester is off to a wonderful start.

There’s still time to register for classes. Call (708) 210-5718 for admissions information or visit www.ssc.edu for more information to get your educational journey off to a great start as well. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Photo of students at "Welcome Back Bash"
SSC Students, Faculty and Staff renewed old friendships and made new ones at the annual Welcome Back Celebration.

Adult Education Programs Provide Economic Opportunity

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – National Adult Education and Literacy Week, September 26 – October 1, underscores the continued demand for programs and services for adult students who need to improve basic skills in reading, writing, and math and obtain a high school equivalency certificate. More than 36 million adults nationwide, including 1.2 million in Illinois, lack basic literacy skills that limit their ability to advance in education and at work.

South Suburban College (SSC) is one of more than 84 adult education providers offering programs funded through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) that improves and expands the nation’s available pipeline of workers by assisting those who lack the educational requirements to achieve gainful employment in today’s increasingly high-tech, global job market. Adult education provides a path from low-income jobs and limited opportunities to the middle class wages and family sustainability. Full-time workers with a high school diploma earn almost $10,000 more per year than those without a diploma.

SSC’s adult education programs serve over 600 students every year in the areas of Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language, and Adult Literacy. Free Classes are offered at several convenient locations throughout the district including South Holland, Riverdale, Harvey, and Oak Forest.

“Nearly 90 percent of the fastest growing jobs of the future require education or training beyond high school,” said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, ICCB Executive Director. “Illinois has taken the lead in creating partnerships between adult education providers and employers to ensure a seamless pathway for students to higher education and employment in high growth occupations.”
For more information about adult education programs and services at South Suburban College visit http://www.ssc.edu/adult-continuing-education/. For information on adult education throughout Illinois visit https://www.iccb.org/adult_ed.

South Suburban College October PAC Performances

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PLEASE NOTE: This calendar is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change.

All events are held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center (PAC) on SSC’s Main Campus and admission is FREE for these events. (Donations are appreciated to benefit the Music Scholarship Fund.)

Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 12:00 p.m.
Lecture Recital Presented by Band of Brothers Pipe and Drum Band

Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 7:00 p.m.
Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo Concert and SSC Voices Concert

Friday, October 21, 2016, 7:00 p.m.
Symphonic Band and Orchestra Concert

For more information or to confirm dates and times, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316. South Suburban College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

South Suburban College Student Artists Win Best Group Project Award for Tinley Park’s Benches on the Avenue Contest

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Eight South Suburban College (SSC) Art & Design students were presented with a municipal award from Tinley Park recently for their artistic bench entered in Tinley Park’s 13th annual Benches on the Avenue contest. Narita Sharma, Devin Walker, Kathleen De Jong, Shelby O’Hara, Natasha Swindle, Alexis Jannotta, Samantha Bynum and Nicholas Wyatt received the award for Best Group Project for their entry “The Marauder’s Bench.”
Being part of a group project and sharing their love of the Harry Potter stories was the primary motivation behind the students’ choice. The front depicts a well-known scene, while the back was designed to allow for different artists’ styles by using a gallery theme. The group used their individual strengths and experience to work together during class time and until school security closed the building at night.

Benches on the Avenue has become one of Tinley Park’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of residents and visitors annually to the downtown area. The colorful benches feature the work of both amateur and professional artists. This year’s theme “Once Upon a Time … Favorite Children’s Storybooks” features 20 artistically decorated benches embellished with unique materials. The benches may be seen now through October 1 along Oak Park Avenue from 172nd to 176th streets.

“The bench was a great opportunity for our students to create and compete in a public art competition and commission,” said Carol Weber, SSC Art & Design faculty member who oversaw the bench project. “I’m so pleased their outstanding work was rewarded with the Best Group Project award, and I am appreciative to Tinley Park for inspiring such wonderful creations through this unique art program.”

The SSC Art & Design Program awards Associate Degrees and certifications with classes in painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, photography, graphic design and more. The college has three galleries on the Main Campus in South Holland that are open to the public. For more information about SSC programs, visit www.ssc.edu or call (708) 210-5718.

Pictured: “The Marauder’s Bench”
Pictured: SSC Students received the award for Best Group Project in Tinley Park’s Benches on the Avenue contest for their entry “The Marauder’s Bench.”

South Suburban College Adult Volunteer Literacy Program Seeking Volunteer Tutors and Offering Free Services

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College is seeking tutors and participants for the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. SSC is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program.

New tutor training sessions will take place at the Main Campus in South Holland on October 25th & 27th and November 1st & 3rd. The tutor training is an 18-hour program that culminates with literacy training certification. We also offer online training as well. Once certified, the tutors will go out to visit their adult learners at locations in or near their neighborhoods. Tutoring sites have already been established at the following locations: Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest; Glenwood-Lynwood Library; Harvey Public Library; Phoenix Library; Calumet City Public Library; Grande Prairie Library, Hazel Crest; Homewood Public Library; South Holland Public Library; South Suburban College Library, Main Campus; Oak Forest Center Library, Oak Forest; Lansing Public Library; Dolton Public Library; Riverdale Public Library; Markham Public Library and Midlothian Public Library. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners, and the availability of space and hours of the tutoring sites.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market. SSC’s Office of Adult Education administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

Tutors will receive free professional development services throughout this program. Successful tutors are also eligible for letters of support or recommendation for jobs, scholarships, educational opportunities, and more. These opportunities are made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

If you would like to register for the upcoming volunteer tutor training class please register, or if you know someone who could benefit from tutoring services, please contact Raylynn Stokes, Literacy Coach of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois.

South Suburban College BCI Presents Another Elevation Leadership Summit

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents an Elevation Leadership Summit Taking Faith-Based and Non-Profit Leadership to Loftier Heights! on Monday, October 17th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This conference will be held in the South Suburban College Performing Arts Center with the keynote address by Roy Worley, Missionary & Pastor, and includes a Special Appearance by Atmosphere of Heaven.

In today’s uncertain and ever-changing times, serving in a leadership role for a faith-based or non-profit organization can be tumultuous and challenging. It is not uncommon for these trials and tribulations to take a toll on one’s energy, confidence and conviction, On the other hand, challenging times can also re-energize and increase our passion to spread the word of faith and hope.

Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, please join us for a day of fellowship, inspiration and knowledge. We have a fantastic keynote speaker, wonderful presenters and panelists who plan to share their best practices designed to take your leadership to loftier heights.

Who Should Attend:

  • Faith-based organization administrators, leaders
  • Non-profit organization administrators, leaders
  • Anyone who holds a position of responsibility in a faith-based or non-profit organization
  • Anyone passionate about leadership

Reasons to Attend:

  • Pastor Roy will help you better understand the “real battle” and provide you with the tools to fight it
  • Pastor Troy O’Quin will share his insights and experience that will unlock your team’s potential
  • Mary Erlain, prominent coach and author, will help bridge the generational gap to create a stronger team
  • Access to other leadership experts sharing knowledge designed to strengthen skillsets
  • Door prizes and networking opportunities galore!

We are offering two options regarding booths at the Elevation Leadership Summit. The first is a sponsorship option for $250 and the other option is $100. Please use the contact information below to obtain further information if you are interested in either opportunity.

The cost is $50 per person (early bird fee until September 30th) and $65 thereafter; $75 at the door. The cost includes a continental breakfast and lunch. For more information, please visit www.elevation2016.com or to register, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email AGlumac@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

South Suburban College BCI Presents The Myers-Briggs & Team Building: Creating a Framework for Business Success Workshop

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Business & Career Institute (BCI) will present the following workshop, The Myers-Briggs & Team Building: Creating a Framework for Business Success, on Thursday, October 6th. Our new half day training is from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This workshop will be held in the South Suburban College MB Financial Suite (1st Floor).

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) assessment has helped millions of people worldwide gain insights about themselves and how they interact with others – and improve how they communicate, learn, and work. It provides a powerful framework for building better relationships, driving positive change, harnessing innovation, and achieving excellence.

Why You Should Attend:

Troy O’Quin, Certified Myers-Briggs Practitioner, will guide you through a thorough discussion of your assessment results, helping you to gain a better understanding of your best-fit type, and providing you with greater insight into the meaning of your preferences. When you understand your type preferences, you can approach your own work in a manner that best suits your style. Troy will also help you better understand the culture of your workplace, develop new skills, understand your participation in teams, and cope with change.

The cost is $149 per person (includes the workshop, cost to take the Myers-Briggs Indicator Assessment & the Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type Seventh Edition) or $139 per person if 3 or more individuals from the same company attend. Reservations are required. For more information or to register, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email aglumac@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Women Inspiring Success Event Coming to Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Chicagoland Speakers Network (CSN) will hold its Women Inspiring Success Event, WISE 2016, on Thursday, October 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Oak Forest campus of South Suburban College, located at 16333 Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest.

“Any woman looking for more success and less stress will love the inspiration and fun planned for WISE 2016,” according to CSN President Erin Dubich. The WISE 2016 Conference will feature dynamic speakers on topics supporting personal and professional growth for women of all ages and stages. The Chicagoland Speakers Network, in collaboration with the South Suburban College Business & Career Institute, has presented a wide range of popular women-inspired events over the past several years.

The six scheduled featured presentations are: “Cultivating Radiance Inside & Out,” presented by Licensed Dietician Erin Dubich; Professional Organizer Colleen Klimczak on “Strategies for Clarity and Focus;” the “Fundamentals of Financial Management” by Attorney Sonia Coleman; Professional Speaking Coach Lori Klinka, with “Snapshots to Success: Living One Frame at a Time; “Creativity is a Choice,” presented by Artist Starla Snead; and Licensed Massage Therapist Sabrina Schottenhamel will present “Mindful Self-Care: Me TLC.”

The Conference fee, which includes a light breakfast and lunch, is $59 until September 30, and $69 thereafter, or at the door. Registration is available on EventBrite.com and through the CSN website at www.chicagolandspeakersnetwork.com. Individuals preferring to pay by check, made payable to Chicagoland Speakers Network, are encouraged to contact Erin Dubich, CSN President, via email at eldubich@gmail.com. The Oak Forest campus of South Suburban College is located at 16333 Kilbourn Avenue in Oak Forest, just off of 167th St and I-57.

Artist Jeff Stevenson Exhibition on Display at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College (SSC) is pleased to present a new exhibition located in the Dulgar Gallery on SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. This exhibition of art works by Jeff Stevenson titled “Magnetic Line of Force” is on display September 12 to October 20, 2016. There will be an Artist’s Gallery Talk with remarks by Stevenson on September 27 at 1:00 p.m.

“Magnetic Line of Force,” a title taken from one of the pieces in the show, is “an imaginary concept that provides a very useful way to not only represent but also to define the properties of the magnetic field being evaluated, says Stevenson. “Using imaginary concepts to explore things that are unseen could describe my art making process and also much of our interactions as humans in this magical world.” This exhibition features my “Exquisite Corpse” inspired large scale scroll works on paper from 2012, other works on canvas and paper from 2014, and two from my most recent series of cut and combined paintings of found selfies from 2016.

Jeff Stevenson is an award winning artist who has been honored with an Artist’s Residency at Ragdale, a solo exhibition at the Union League Club of Chicago, the “Patron Award” by artist Philip Pearlstein at the Northern National Competition, the “Curator’s Choice Award” at the Chicago Art Open, the “Figurative Award” at the Beverly Arts Center and others.

As an art educator, Jeff Stevenson has taught college level studio art, art history, and creativity classes. Stevenson has been invited as guest lecturer and panelist for university classes, campus programs, and national conferences. He also has served on boards and committees with the Chicago Artists’ Coalition, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, Flossmoor Village Art Commission, and occasionally writes for examiner.com as the Chicago Museum Examiner.

The public is welcome to visit the art exhibition and reception at no charge. The Dulgar Gallery is on the first floor. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays.

For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2316, or visit www.ssc.edu/art. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

“Magnetic Line of Force”
Image: “Magnetic Line of Force”

“Beastly” Casting Call at SSC

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Children’s Theatre Company of South Suburban College will hold open auditions for Michele L. Vacca’s unique adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. The auditions will take place on September 29 and 30, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Readings will be held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the main campus at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL.

Director Ellie Shunko of Lansing is looking for an ensemble of eight actors, ranging in age from 18 to 70 plus, who are capable of playing a variety of characters. Being fairly physically fit, a willingness to try anything, a sense of fun and loads of energy are big bonuses.

Performances are scheduled for January 14 & 17-21, 2017 and will be held during the day for local grammar school aged children. Auditioners must be willing and able to take off work or classes for dress rehearsals and performances.

Auditions are open to all community members as well as SSC students. Appointments and prepared audition materials are not necessary. Auditioners will read from scenes, which will be available at the time of auditions. Copies of the script are on reserve in the SSC library. Everyone is welcome to attend both auditions. Be prepared to list all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.

For character descriptions, rehearsal schedule and more information, visit the Kindig Performing Arts Center’s website at http://learn.ssc.edu/theatre/ or email ssctheatre@ssc.edu.

Golf Outing to Support Bulldogs Baseball Program September16

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The 2016-17 South Suburban College Baseball Team is hosting their 11th Annual Bulldog Baseball Golf Outing to raise funds for athletic equipment and travel costs for nationwide tournaments. The Bulldog Golf Outing will take place on Friday, September 16, 2016, at Lincolnshire Country Club, 390 E. Richton Road in Crete, Illinois, 708-672-5411.

Registration begins at 12 noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $100.00 per golfer which includes golf (four‐man scramble) with dinner and door prizes to follow. Hole sponsorships are also available for $100.00.

For more information please contact Head Coach Steve Ruzich at (708) 596‐2000, ext. 5843, or email sruzich@ssc.edu. Checks should be made payable to “South Suburban College Baseball” and delivered to 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473. Hole sponsors should indicate what to display on the sponsorship when sending in the check, and must be returned by September 14th.

Manufacturing Workshop on Blueprint Reading Coming To SSC’s Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Workshop titled Blueprint Reading for Production Operators, Supervisors and Managers on Thursday, September 29 and again on Friday, November 18 from 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. This workshop will be held at the South Suburban College Oak Forest Center in Room 5230, and will be presented by Albert Lettman, who has extensive experience as a Problem Solver.

If you’re searching for training that helps you implement solutions to frequent issues you have, but you face time and cost restraints that prevent you from implementing big training projects, these trainings will narrow down the issues and then provide solutions to your most basic problems. Come to this workshop or schedule with us to customize the training for your company!

Blue Print Reading for Production Operators, Supervisors and Managers

Overview: This Blueprint Reading workshop is for individuals in need of very basic skill development in dimensioning, tolerances, types of lines, auxiliary views, section views, title block, and symbols. Individual class exercises will provide some practice for participants. This workshop will enable participants to interpret manufacturing drawings.

About our Presenter: Albert Lettman is a facilitator with extensive experience as a Problem Solver. He has over 20 years of experience in Lean principles, ISO 9000/Malcolm Baldridge assessment, Six Sigma and Shainin. He is a certified Shainin journeyman, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, as well as a Certified Lean facilitator. Together, BCI and Lettman will work with you to find the best operational approach for your company, from the planning stage through implementation stages, using Lean principles that will be best aligned with the strategic direction of your company.

In October, the Business & Career Institute will be offering workshops in Lean Problem Solving and Statistical Process Control for Operators, Supervisor and Managers.

This workshop will be held at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center, 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, IL in Room 5230. The cost of the workshop with lunch is $195 per person. Send three people and the third person is free. To register: Call Nancy Burrows (708) 596-2000, ext. 3258 or by email to nburrows@ssc.edu.

Business & Career Institute to Offer Free ISO-9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 Workshops in Oak Forest

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OAK FOREST, IL – The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College (SSC) will offer another course in their Hot Topics on the Go sequence, geared to provide information regarding the key changes organizations will have to consider with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. The workshop will also focus on developing a balanced approach and timeline for organizations’ transition to it, focusing on changes to requirements and tips for implementation. Our expert will present information quickly and clearly followed by question and answer sessions. The upcoming topic on the calendar for Tuesday, September 20 is as follows:

Topic: ISO-9001:2015 Workshop
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Topic: ISO 14001:2015 Workshop
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Location: SSC’s Oak Forest Center
16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois

Each of the two sessions will include: A review of design specification and scope of revisions; Keys to understanding the revisions; In-depth review of requirements with biggest impact; Tips for implementation; Transition from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 14001:2015; and Commentary on what the new requirements really mean.

About the Presenter: Chuck Jenrich brings a rich and varied background in manufacturing and service sectors, including government, education and healthcare. Jenrich has been lead auditor qualified for over 20 years, with qualifications and certifications that span the alphabet and numerical system: AAR M-1003 a standard for companies needing railroad certification, the ISO series including 9000, 14000 through 22000, TS16949, AS9100, Safe Quality Food and AIB. He has been a Black Belt since 2000, trained with ASQ/Six Sigma Academy and was recertified in 2010 by Caterpillar. He has worked in the Toyota Production System and with most major automakers. He is certified to teach the MSSC CPT curriculum and has been teaching it at SSC and other community colleges in Illinois.

Learn how the Business & Career Institute of South Suburban College can help ease your company’s transition and implementation of these standards through its customized approach to your company’s needs. Hot Topics on the Go sessions are free of charge, but reservations are required. To RSVP or for further ISO consultation and training information, please contact Nancy Burrows at (708) 596-2000, ext. 3258 or NBurrows@ssc.edu.

The “Amorous Ambassador” is Slapstick Silliness at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND – The PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College will present Michael Parker’s randy romp, The Amorous Ambassador. Performances will take place in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the main campus on September 16, 17 and 23 at 8pm, September 24 at 2pm and 8pm and September 25 at 2:00 p.m.

In the tradition of true British bedroom farce, Parker weaves a web of circumstance laced with quick exits and entrances, visual humor and clever one-liners.

Perkins (Pat Nevins of Homewood), a very dignified English butler, exercises extreme discretion as each of the members of the Douglas family confide their weekend plans. They each plot to have the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain’s estate to themselves for a romantic rendezvous. Harry (Julian Hall of South Holland) announces that he will be playing golf in Scotland, while his wife Lois (Diamond Sanders of Sauk Village) and daughter Debbie (Catherine Hundt of Thornton) mention plans of their own.

Thinking the house is empty, they each arrive back at the estate with their paramour. Their predicament is further complicated when a bomb threat sends Harry’s secretary, Faye (Amy Pniewski of Thornton), and Marine Captain South (Kevin Hathaway of Park Forest) to fulfill security measures. The cast is completed by Harry’s sexy neighbor and current lover, Marian (Ashley Orendorff of Thornton) and Debbie’s boyfriend, Joe (Charlie Furtek of Lansing).

The play is directed by Midlothian resident Angela Martin. Set design is by Dean Scalzitti of Hegewisch. The costume designer is Joanna Tassin of Park Forest. Sandra Wagner is the stage manager and Laura Tiemens is the lighting designer. Both are from Lansing. Heather Young of Chicago is designing the props for the production and Jordan Swierczyna of Robbins is the sound designer.

Tickets are just $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 or better, $6 for students. South Suburban College staff and students will enjoy a buy one, get one offer with an I.D. Call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at 708-210-5741. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu. Group rates are also available. Playwright Michael Parker will make himself available for phone interviews. Email: michaelsusanparker@yahoo.com

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available.

A phpoto of the cast of "The Amorous Ambassador"
The cast of “The Amorous Ambassador”

It’s Not Too Late to Register for Fall – Late Start Classes Coming to South Suburban College September 19

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Registration for the Fall Semester at South Suburban College is still in progress for a wide range of “Late Start” classes. Current and prospective students are encouraged to register soon for these 12-week courses, set to begin the week of September 19, 2016.

Prospective students should get started with the Online Application at www.ssc.edu. Becoming a student is simple, and there is still time to apply for Financial Aid and speak with Admissions staff and counselors. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration. The “My SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods. Both interactive and printable Fall Credit Class Schedules are also accessible online from www.ssc.edu.

The Late Start classes are offered in a variety of subject areas including Accounting, Art, Basic Nurse Assistant Training, Biology, Business, Community Health Worker, Computer Information Sciences, Court Reporting, Drama, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician, English, Health Information Technology, Health & Wellness, Foundations for College Success (OCS), Human Services, Mathematics, Manufacturing, Medical Assistant, Music, Nutrition, Office Administration & Technology, Pharm Tech, Philosophy, Physical Education, Psychology, Reading, Sociology, Spanish, Speech, Study Skills, Welding and more.

Payment is currently due at the time of registration for Late Start classes, but Financial Aid can be utilized for the 12-week credit classes (FAFSA must be completed by September 12). SSC’s Financial Aid Office encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible at fafsa.gov using institution code 001769. For help filling out FAFSA, please call (708) 596-2000, extension 5780 or stop by the Financial Aid Office (Room 2355) for assistance.

As a payment alternative, SSC offers the FACTS interest-free monthly payment plan. There is a $25 non-refundable enrollment fee per semester. Payments may be made from savings, checking, or credit card accounts. SSC is also now offering a Free Class to first time credit students residing in District 510, Lake County, IN, or those who qualify for the Chicago Regional Rate. The Free Class applies to tuition only, and does not apply to courses of more than 5 credit hours. Individuals must not be receiving any state or federal financial aid or employer subsidies. More information is available at www.ssc.edu/freeclass

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The college’s extension site, the Oak Forest Center, is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

South Suburban College Fall Registration Still in Progress

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South Holland, IL – Open Registration for the Fall 2016 Semester at South Suburban College (SSC) is in progress. The Admissions/Registration areas are open Mondays through Thursdays 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For your convenience, Registration Services will also be open Saturday, August 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., including Admissions, Registration, Records, Student Life, Business and Accounting, Financial Aid, AAC, Counseling and Testing.

Apply online at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “My SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods.

Fall classes begin Monday, August 22nd at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. We invite the public to come and register so that they can see for themselves the opportunities that await with lower tuition that could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars versus four-year university costs.

Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.  The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

SSC Fall Open House a Success

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College hosted its 3rd Annual Open House on
Thursday, August 4th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. with something for everyone. There was fun, excitement and a large dose of enthusiasm provided by college staff. The Open House, geared toward providing College information and pathways to successful careers, saw nearly 300 persons come through its doors seeking just that. Many participated in College tours and raffles for an IPad Air, Visa Gift Cards, and other giveaways. WGCI and Tone Kapone were also on campus and rounded out the fun.

Program representatives from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), Manufacturing, Building and Construction, Paralegal Studies, Court Reporting, Allied Health, SSC Maker Lab, Graphic Arts, Nursing, Applied Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Job Training and many more were on hand to answer questions and guide potential students with program facts and requirements. Others provided hands-on experience and technology displays that were fun as well as interesting such as a nail drive contest featured by Building and Construction and a programmable game board featured by Applied Engineering Technology.

Representation from Admissions, Registration, Counseling, Academic Assistance Center and other supportive services assisted our students in navigating their college and career choices. Students received valuable information on the registration process, course selection options, Financial Aid, as well as Student Life. Despite the lingering budget crisis with the State of Illinois, our doors are open and we remain committed to the mission of South Suburban College by “Serving our Students and the Community through lifelong learning.”

Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Hands-on experiences were part of the fun at the South Suburban College Open House.
Hands-on experiences were part of the fun at the South Suburban College Open House.

SSC Foundation Elects New Membership, Readies For Scholarship Drive

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) recently held its
annual meeting at South Suburban College (SSC) in South Holland to review and close fiscal year (FY) 2016 and to elect new membership and officers for FY-17.

Two representatives from Illiana Financial Credit Union’s South Holland office will be joining the SSCF Board of Directors – Sonia Gomez, Vice President of Human Resources and Administration, and Leonard Boos, Chief Financial Officer – along with SSC alumnus Anthony Williams, Global Entrepreneur and Human Resources Executive.

“It’s a pleasure to return to SSC where I began my college education in a role in which I can give back and help other students achieve success,” said Williams. “I look forward to joining the efforts of my fellow board directors and positively influencing the development of scholarships as well as assisting with alumni relations.”

Additionally, the Foundation elected a new slate of officers including President Cindy Doorn-Nylen, of Docter’s Interior Plantscaping; Vice-President Susan Cox, of First Midwest Bank; Treasurer John Kasperek, Jr., CPA; and Executive Committee members Patrick Rush, SSCF Executive Director; Robin James, Providence Bank; Tim Woloszyn, MB Financial Bank; and Don Manning, SSC President.

The SSCF also reviewed fundraising successes and scholarships awarded of the past year. Its two major fundraisers–the fall Scholarship Donor Drive and the spring Showcase Gala helped the Foundation to award 141 scholarships for $110,000, with an additional $12,000 in special assistance directed to SSC students through the Carol Manning Student Assistance Fund and Rocky Clark Memorial Fund (for students with challenges).

“Thanks to our board of directors and countless supporters, the South Suburban College Foundation had a successful year fulfilling its mission to support student success,” said Pat Rush, Executive Director. “As we look forward, 2017 will be especially critical to SSC and the Foundation and we will aggressively pursue additional support for student aid starting with our fall scholarship drive.”

The SSC Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of 28 of the south suburban area’s business, civic and community leaders. The SSCF has now awarded over $1,800,000 in scholarships since 1989.

For more information about the SSCF or to donate to scholarship opportunities or capital projects, visit www.ssc.edu/foundation or email foundation@ssc.edu.

SSC Offering Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program in August

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College will be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program this fall at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be August 23-25 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on September 19, 2016.

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.

Career Opportunities include:

  • Cement Mason
  • Electrician
  • Pipefitter
  • Carpenter
  • Laborer
  • Equipment Operator

Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • 18 years or older
  • High School diploma/GED
  • Interest working in the Construction Trades

Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or call (708) 225-6042, or email hcctp@ssc.edu. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452.

Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program Open House Coming to South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s Office of the Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (CNA) is hosting an Open House on Thursday, August 11th from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. in the Atrium at the college’s main campus. Successful completion of this credit course is required in order to become eligible to take the State of Illinois Nursing Assistant Certification Examination, and is the first step towards entrance into the SSC Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.

The classes meet at the Oak Forest Center on Monday through Thursday.  The course instruction includes basic nursing skills through lecture, campus laboratory and supervised clinical experiences at a long-term health care facility. Each individual who successfully passes the certification exam will then be placed on the State of Illinois Health Care Worker Registry.
All Basic Nurse Assistant applicants must complete a Livescan criminal background check in accordance with the Health Care Worker Background Check Code, submit a physical health form, provide proof of current health insurance coverage and provide a copy of your current CPR card.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois. Please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2497 or email JMabry@ssc.edu for more information.

Indiana Artist Felix “Flex” Maldonado Jr. Opens a Solo Exhibition “Graffiti aHEAD: A Documentation of the Midwest Graffiti Writers” in Dorothea Thiel Gallery of South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College is pleased to announce a special guest artist exhibition titled “Graffiti aHEAD: A Documentation of Midwest Graffiti Writers,” by East Chicago artist Felix “Flex” Maldonado Jr. in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery from August 28th through October 13th. There will also be a closing reception for the artist at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 8th. The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of SSC’s Main Campus.

A proud native of East Chicago, Felix is a self-taught artist with 25+ years’ experience in painting, murals and graffiti art. In 1995, he received his BFA in Advertising from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. His work has landed him at several ad agencies in Chicago directing and producing award-winning spots for companies like Culligan Water, Peoples Energy, Roto-Rooter, Head Tennis and ATA Airlines.

Felix Maldonado is an artist in every sense of the word. His passion and enthusiasm for this subject is evident in everything he makes. One particular body of work, that demonstrates many of his abilities and could quite possibly be his strongest work, is a series of portraits of graffiti artists entitled “Graffiti aHead.” Felix has chosen these people to paint because of his admiration and respect for them as graffiti artists. This comes across in the work in various ways, first and foremost the size of the works.

He creates a nonpareil perspective into the world of portrait art and begins by sitting each subject down for a photograph. Encouraged to pose in such a manner that represents themselves, their individualities come alive frame by frame. This initial photo session is imperative to Felix’s creative process for portraits as this is where he begins his “visual conversation.” These larger-than-life portraits command attention and respect, which Felix bestows upon these people. The detail in the faces of the subjects is made with care but also with a spontaneous and physical manner synonymous to the medium they all use – the spray can. Maldonado stated, “While most see a furrow of an eyebrow as just that, I see this gesture as a continuous pause in color reaction and refraction; an ever-changing palate with every expression made.”

SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge.

For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2445 or visit www.ssc.edu/art. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Brooks Garden
Indiana Artist Felix “Flex” Maldonado Jr. Opens a Solo Exhibition “Graffiti aHEAD: A Documentation of the Midwest Graffiti Writers” in Dorothea Thiel Gallery of South Suburban College.

Fall Registration in Progress at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Open Registration for the Fall 2016 Semester at South Suburban College (SSC) is in progress. Fall classes begin Monday, August 22nd at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. The deadline to submit an application for financial aid for the fall semester at SSC is August 16, 2016.

Apply online at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The “My SSC” portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods.

Current and prospective students are encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov using institution code 001769. Students who wish to use financial aid as payment for fall classes must have an official high school or GED transcript on file. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope.

Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Free High School Equivalency & English Language Acquisition Registration Days Coming Soon at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s Adult Education Department is offering a wide range of opportunities for adults to build the basic skills required for success.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) helps men and women whose skill levels are below the ninth grade. ABE students improve their skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Many adults choose to further build on these skills and pursue a high school education through the High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) program. The HSE program will develop the skills required to pass the High School Equivalency exams. Studies will include Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and the US and Illinois Constitutions. Additionally, English Language Acquisition (ELA) allows non-native students to improve their English skills from beginning to advanced levels.

Most of the Adult Education programs are offered both full and part-time at the Main Campus in South Holland or the Oak Forest Center. At the time of registration, all students will take a Placement Test. The complete schedule of locations for registrations and classes is as follows:

PART-TIME ABE/ASE/HSE/GED, MAIN CAMPUS
Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 2016, 6:00 p.m., Room L233
Classes Start/End: September 6 – December 16, 2016, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

PART-TIME ABE/ASE/HSE/GED, MAIN CAMPUS
Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 2016, 9:00 a.m., Room 1243 B
Classes Start/End: September 6 – December 16, 2016, Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon

HSE/GED FOR ESL STUDENTS, MAIN CAMPUS
Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 2016, 9:00 a.m., Room 2452
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Room 2452

FULL-TIME ABE/ASE/HSE/GED, OAK FOREST CENTER (OFC)
Address: 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 2016, 9:00 a.m., Room 5240
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Room 5240

FULL-TIME ELA/ESL, MAIN CAMPUS
Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 9:00 a.m., Room L233
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Room L233

PART-TIME ELA/ESL, MAIN CAMPUS
Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 9:00 a.m., Room L233
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Room L233

PART-TIME ELA/ESL, MAIN CAMPUS
Address: 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 6:00 p.m., Room 1243 B
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Monday through Friday
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Room 1243 B

PART-TIME ELA/ESL, OAK FOREST CENTER (OFC)
Address: 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452
Register: August 29, 30 and 31, 9:00 a.m., Room 5320
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Room 5320

All courses are offered free of charge. For the purpose of compliance with Section 511 of Public Law 101-166 (the Stevens Amendment) Federal funds of $331,227 provides approximately 37% of the support of these programs. Indiana residents are not eligible to participate in the Adult Education programs.

To request ADA accommodations allow three weeks. Please contact: Gail Bonds-Carpenter, ADA Coordinator, (708) 596-2000, ext. 2691. For enrollment and class information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2385 or ext. 2240, or visit www.ssc.edu under “Adult and Continuing Education, Adult Education.”

Paralegal Program Open House Coming to Oak Forest

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College will be hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Oak Forest Center Room 5190. Attendees will learn about an exciting career that is expected to grow 18% through 2020 according to the US Department of Labor. Information will be provided about SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum, including the Associate Degree and certificate programs. In addition, former students from the program, working as paralegals, will be present to answer questions.

The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments including civil and criminal litigation, insurance, banking, public and governmental agencies, law offices and corporate legal departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of core skills in legal research and writing techniques including compilation and analysis of data, understanding legal vocabulary, law office technology, and preparation of legal documents.

“Whether you are looking for a change in your career path or looking to begin a career, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has an interest in the law,” says Jason Cieslik, J.D., Coordinator for the Paralegal Studies Program.

SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the south suburban Chicago region, giving graduates a huge advantage when entering the workforce. The college also requires that all of the instructors in the program are lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction.

While the majority of the paralegal classes are offered at SSC’s Oak Forest Center (conveniently located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue), some classes are offered online. For more information, please contact Mr. Jason Cieslik at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2579 or email JCieslik@ssc.edu.

Upcoming Court Reporting Open House at SSC’s Oak Forest Center

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OAK FOREST, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is hosting a Court Reporting Open House on Thursday, July 21, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., in Oak Forest Center Room 5190. The Open House will showcase this profession which offers a wide-open job market and excellent income potential.

Court reporting is an interesting, challenging career which offers a flexible work schedule, and excellent income potential ($64,672 average yearly income). Broadcast captioners can earn $70,000+ and may work out of their homes. The use of sophisticated computer equipment has broadened the nature of the profession. Our program focuses on the theory behind it all, with an emphasis on Judicial Reporting.

There is a severe shortage of reporters in the Chicago area. The Court Reporting Open House is the perfect opportunity to get an overview of SSC’s Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology program, certified by the National Court Reporters Association. You will be able to talk with a certified court reporter and see a demonstration of real-time writing.

Refreshments will be served. For more information call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3216 or email LCooke@ssc.edu The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

SSC Bulldog Athletes Named Academic All Americans

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Athletic Department is proud to announce that four individual student-athletes have been named to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Academic All American teams for their academic achievement. Matt Zubek (baseball) received Superior award 3.8 to 3.9 GPA: 2015-16 academic year; Eloy Melero (baseball) received Exemplary 3.6 to 3.8 GPA: 2015-16 academic year; Nate Montgomery (baseball) received Exemplary 3.6 to 3.8 GPA: 2015-16 academic year and Marissa Howard (softball) received Exemplary 3.6 to 3.8 GPA: 2015-16 academic year.

“We are very proud of these student-athletes that are not only winners on the field but more importantly in the classroom,” stated Steve Ruzich, SSC Athletic Director. For more information, please contact Coach Ruzich at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5843 or email SRuzich@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

SSC Student Athletes Elo Melero, Nate Montgomery, Matt Zubek and Marissa Howard received NJCAA Awards for Academic Achievement
SSC Student Athletes Elo Melero, Nate Montgomery, Matt Zubek and Marissa Howard received NJCAA Awards for Academic Achievement

Open Auditions at SSC

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College will hold open auditions for Michael Parker’s American farce, The Amorous Ambassador. The auditions will take place on July 13 and 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Readings will be held in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the main campus at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL.

When “Hormone” Harry Douglas, the new American Ambassador to Great Britain, tells his family he is going to Scotland to play golf, his wife and daughter announce weekend plans of their own. Their newly hired butler, Perkins, watches stoically as each leaves the Embassy and secretly returns for a romantic rendezvous in the empty house. Harry’s secretary and Marine Corps Embassy Security then arrive in the wake of a bomb threat and the embassy is sealed off, with hilarious results. Even the imperturbable Perkins is drawn into the shenanigans.

Director Angela Martin of Midlothian, will cast 8 ensemble actors of all colors and sizes, ranging in age from 18 to 70 plus. Martin is planning evening rehearsals. Performances are scheduled for September 16, 17, 23, 24 and 25, 2016.

Auditions are open to all community members as well as SSC students. Appointments and prepared audition materials are not necessary. Auditioners will read from scenes, which will be available at the time of auditions. Copies of the script are on reserve in the SSC library. Everyone is welcome to attend both auditions. Be prepared to list all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.

In addition to acting talent, the PAC Rats are also looking for volunteers who want to try their hands backstage. “Putting on a play takes a lot of hands,” said Martin. “We hope that those who aren’t ready to step on stage will enjoy painting and building scenery, sewing costumes or making props.”

For character descriptions, rehearsal schedule and more information, visit the Kindig Performing Arts Center’s website at http://learn.ssc.edu/theatre/ or email ssctheatre@ssc.edu

Fall Registration is In Progress at South Suburban College

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College-Wide Open House coming to South Holland August 4th and a free class also is now available to first time credit students.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Open Registration for the Fall 2016 Semester at South Suburban College (SSC) is in progress. Fall classes begin Monday, August 22nd at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. SSC will also host a College-Wide Open House on Thursday, August 4th from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. featuring tours, demonstrations, and information about the college’s wide range of options, programs and student services. Prospective students 18 and over will be entered in an Open House Raffle for:

  • 1st Prize:  IPad Air2
  • 2nd Prize:  $200 Visa Gift Card
  • 3rd Prize:  $100 Visa Gift Card.

SSC is now offering a Free Class to first time credit students who reside within South Suburban College District 510, qualify for our Lake County, IN or Chicago regional rates or work for an employer within South Suburban College District 510. The Free Class applies to tuition only, and does not apply to courses of more than 5 credit hours. Individuals must not be receiving any state or federal financial aid or employer subsidies. More information is available at www.ssc.edu/freeclass

Students who wish to use financial aid as payment for fall classes must have an official high school or GED transcript on file.  Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them.  Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to:  Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope.

Prospective students should complete the Online Application Form at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The My SSC Portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods.

The complete upcoming open house schedule at SSC is as follows:

  • Court Reporting Program Open House, Thursday, July 21, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Oak Forest Center Room 5190, LCooke@ssc.edu
  • Paralegal Open House, Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Oak Forest Center Room 5190, Jcieslik@ssc.edu
  • SSC College-Wide Open House, Thursday, August 4th, 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Main Campus, ssc.edu

Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.  The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Join the South Suburban College Symphony Orchestra

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Music Department of South Suburban College is excited to announce that the SSC String Orchestra is expanding to a full symphonic orchestra, beginning in August, 2016.   SSC Director of Instrumental Music, Rob Calhoon, has long felt the need for a community symphony in our area. “Up until now,” he says “there really hasn’t been anywhere for the amateur musicians of our region to play in a full orchestra unless they are willing to travel to the northern or western suburbs.”

Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. beginning August 22 at South Suburban College. Any instrumentalists who would like more information about the South Suburban Community Symphony Orchestra, or who would like to schedule an audition should call Rob Calhoon at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2299, or email him at rcalhoon@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL.

HCCTP Provides Graduates With a Short-Term Option at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – This spring South Suburban College (SSC) graduated its eighth class of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP). On May 19th, SSC presented certificates of completion to 16 students, 9 of whom have already been accepted into the trades, including Mary Green of Tinley Park who is working for Gallagher Asphalt of Thornton. She is now a member of Laborers’ Local 5. Alexander Johnson of Richton Park is now a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 9 working for John Burns Construction.

HCCTP is one more short-term program that the college hopes will provide job seekers with more options. It is an intensive 450-hour program held over the course of 12 weeks, for 40 hours a week. Prospective students must meet three simple requirements to be eligible to start the application process: they must have a driver’s license, must have a high school diploma or GED, and must be at least 18 years of age. The application process starts with mandatory orientation followed by assessment testing. If the student passes the assessment test they are then given an interview and sent for a drug test before getting started.

SSC received the grant for HCCTP in the fall of 2013 from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and administered through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). In addition to an HCCTP Certificate, graduates of the program walk away with 30 hours of OSHA Certification, Illinois Flagger Certification and Lift Truck Certification (Class I-IV) from the National Safety Council, Crane Signaling, First Aid, CPR/AED, Aerial Lift Certification, and Certificate of Completion in Math for the Trades and Introduction to Welding and Blue Print Reading. They also gain valuable experience from hands-on training in carpentry, scaffolding erecting, cement finishing, and roofing. The class went on fieldtrips to the carpenter and pipefitters apprenticeship training centers to see firsthand what those trades do. Another aspect of the 12-week course is sitting for the National Career Readiness Certification Exam.

“It is very exciting to see doors opened for our graduates that may have been closed before,” said Rebecca Garcia, HCCTP Program Coordinator. “Watching someone come in with the desire to change their life and then see them do what is takes to make it happen is truly amazing!”

South Suburban College will be offering this Free Program again in the fall at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be June 28-30 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on July 25, 2016. For more information, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or call (708) 225-6042, or email hcctp@ssc.edu. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Picture of SSC President Don Manning with 2016 HCCTP Graduates
SSC President Don Manning (seated) with 2016 HCCTP Graduates.

Phi Theta Kappa Students Honored at SSC Board Meeting

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Two South Suburban College students were chosen to represent the College on the All USA Community College Academic Team. These students are Mr. Brandon Lipkowski and Ms. Stuti Sharma. Because of their excellent academic record and service to their community, Mr. Lipkowski and Ms. Sharma were honored at the Annual Phi Theta Kappa Banquet in Springfield in April of this year. Ms. Sharma was present at the SSC June board meeting to receive a certificate in honor of her place on the Academic Team from Chairman of the Board, Mr. Frank Zuccarelli.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honors society for two year college students. Membership in PTK requires a student to have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a total of 12 or more college-level credits. All student PTK members at South Suburban College are eligible for benefits that include participation in an induction ceremony, access to the honors lounge for quiet study, leadership opportunities, free cultural outings, complimentary Honors Dinners, thousands of dollars in scholarships and recognition at graduation.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SSC Board Chairman Frank Zuccarelli and Stuti Sharma
SSC Board Chairman Frank Zuccarelli and Stuti Sharma

South Suburban College Library Announces Partnership With Driving-Tests.org

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College Library is pleased to announce a partnership with Driving-Tests.org, one of the nation’s top sites for driver’s license practice tests. The partnership will strengthen the library’s mission to be a vital gateway to information. Driving-Tests.org is a company dedicated to driver safety and education, to offer free DMV practice tests to library patrons. The service includes free tests, written specifically based on the state DMV materials, and is the only site of its kind to include accessibility tools that allow users to hear selections read aloud, make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages, magnify text, and mask sections of the screen for greater visibility on driving practice tests.

Availability and accessibility is important to the creators of Driving-Tests.org, as the site is designed to help new drivers study state manuals and take driving practice tests based on the real DMV written exams. This partnership allows the SSC Library to harness the power of Driving-Tests.org’s specialized practice exams to turn new drivers into safer drivers.

The program will work as an outreach for several valued groups of patrons, such as teens, those with disabilities, those who participate in the library’s programs for seniors and need to take a renewal exam, and patrons at every other stage of life. “We also have partnerships with hundreds of libraries and schools across the nation, devoted to creating safe drivers,” says Driving-Tests.org’s founder, Andrei Zakhareuski. “Our partners value information and accessibility – the same values we have, and ones that lead to safer roadways.”

For more information on the library, visit: http://libguides.ssc.edu/libguideshome, and for their new Driving-Tests.org partner site, please visit http://ssc.driving-tests.org. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SSC Offering Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College will be offering a Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program this summer at their Oak Forest Campus. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be June 28-30 at the Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on July 25, 2016.

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 12-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and gives the opportunity for a career with high wage potential.

Career Opportunities Include:

  • Cement Mason
  • Electrician
  • Pipefitter
  • Carpenter
  • Laborer
  • Equipment Operator

Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • 18 years or older
  • High School diploma/GED
  • Interest working in the Construction Trades

Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures.  Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or call (708) 225-6042, or email hcctp@ssc.edu. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452.

Technology Camps For Kids Coming to SSC This July

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s Continuing Education Department is offering courses to provide a fun learning environment that will both entertain and challenge children and young adults this summer. Technology Camps are scheduled for July at SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland and Oak Forest Center. The price for the camps is $100 including materials:

KFK C02 – Graphic Design
Fee $100 (Class Materials Included) (Grades 9-12)
Graphic design is a class that teaches art, design, and technology. In this class, students will use design as a creative process in communication. Students will also explore various methods used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. Students will use the basic elements and principles of art and also learn how to use the basics of an Apple Macintosh (MAC) computer and computer programs: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop CS6. This class teaches the basics of Graphic Design through an illustrative and corporate view.
KFK C02 730 9:00-11:45a M-TH MA-4431 7/11-7/14

KFK C09 – 2D & 3D Design
Fee $100 (Includes Lab Materials) (Grades 4-12)
Students will be introduced to the field of Computer-Aided Design and Drafting; including 2D and 3D prototyping. Students will use AutoCad AutoDesk 2013 software as well as other types of software available. Students will plan and create a mechanical or architectural design.
KFK C09 730 8:30-12:30p T-TH OFC-5690 7/5-7/7
(This class is for 4-8 grades students)
KFK C09 731 1:00-5:00p T-TH OFC-5690 7/5-7/7
(This class is for 9-12 grades students)

KFK C77 – Robotics & Electronics
Fee $100 (Includes Lab Materials) (Grades 4-12)
Students will be introduced to a variety of topics related to Robotics and Electronics; including design, programming, artificial intelligence (AI) and building. This class is designed for students to learn how to build a robot using the fundamentals from electrical and mechanical engineering and computers.
KFK C77 730 9:00-12:00p M-TH OFC-5260 7/18-7/21
(This class is for 5-8 grades students)
KFK C77 731 1:00-4:00p M-TH OFC-5260 7/18-7/21
(This class is for 9-12 grades students)

Students with classes totaling $100 or more may be eligible for the FACTS deferred tuition payment plan. For more information about FACTS please contact the Business and Accounting Services Office at (708) 596-2000 ext. 5720. Access class schedule online from www.ssc.edu to search the Summer Continuing Education Schedule, or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2231.

College for Kids and Day Camp Programs Coming to South Suburban College This Summer

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s Continuing Education Department is offering courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will entertain and challenge children and young adults. The majority of the College for Kids classes scheduled for this summer will begin the week of June 13nd at SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland and Oak Forest Center.

In addition, SSC will offer a Jam Session Day Camp for $329, beginning on June 20, 2016. This four-week summer school program is less than $5 per hour for academics and fun enrichment programs three days a week. Math will consist of review and instruction of the basic arithmetic skills. In addition to Reading and Math, students will enjoy a variety of other stimulating activities, such as Spanish.

The following Learning Enrichment Classes will be offered for preschoolers and kindergartners at a cost of $49 each:

  • Jump Start on Reading
  • Reading Readiness
  • ABC’s and 123’s
  • Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose
  • Jump Start on Kindergarten

The following classes will be offered for elementary school kids for $69 each:

  • Well Written Essays
  • Study Skills
  • Fun with Phonics
  • Grammar No Problem
  • Reading, Accelerated or Refresher
  • Math Refresher
  • Pre-Algebra
  •  Spanish

The following high school classes will be offered for $69 each:

  • Written Essays
  • Study Skills
  • Introduction to Algebra
  • Pre-Algebra/Geometry
  • Conversational Spanish

Students with classes totaling $100 or more may be eligible for the FACTS deferred tuition payment plan. For more information about FACTS please contact the Business and Accounting Services Office at (708) 596-2000 ext. 5720. Access class schedule online from www.ssc.edu to search the Summer Continuing Education Schedule, or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2231.

SSC GED Students Honored at Graduation Ceremony

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College honored its sixty-nine 2016 GED (General Education Development) graduates at a ceremony on Friday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Performing Arts Center. SSC Board of Trustees Chairman Frank M. Zuccarelli presented the graduates with their GED Certificates. Chairman Zuccarelli spoke at the event followed by Ben Greer, Associate Director for Adult Education of the Illinois Community College Board.

The SSC GED program helps students develop the skills required to pass the General Education Development Exam. Studies include Language Arts, Writing, Reading, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and the U.S. and Illinois Constitution. SSC’s Division of Community Education also offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Acquisition (ELA).

SSC will have its next registration for High School Equivalency and English Language Acquisition classes September 12, 13, and 14. These classes are free for all Illinois residents. For more information about the GED Commencement Ceremony or Adult Education programs, contact the Adult Education Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2385 or ext. 2240.

16. HSE Grads

Volleyball Summer Camp Coming to SSC in June 2016

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Volleyball Program is now accepting registration for their summer camp June 27-30, 2016. The goal of this camp is to improve each camper’s fundamentals and to have some fun along the way. Beginners will learn the basics of serving, passing, hitting, setting and team drills.

Beginner’s boys and girls ages 3-8th grade camp is 9 a.m-10 a.m. Beginner’s camp will also include a volleyball for players who are registered by June 10. The cost is $50. High School camp is 10 a.m.-11 a.m., and $20 per session or $60 for all four sessions. The schedule is Monday – Setters camp, Tuesday – Defensive camp, Wednesday – Hitters camp and Thursday – Team drills. Each camper should bring the appropriate gym shoes and related equipment. To be guaranteed a shirt, please preregister by June 10.

For more information or to preregister, please contact Coach VanDommelen-Orth at (708) 655-9965 or email micci123@comcast.net. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Welding Open Houses Coming to South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is hosting Open Houses for their Welding Lab on Tuesday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and Thursday, June 9 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., both in Room L-275 on their Main Campus in South Holland.

The public is invited to join SSC and learn more about exciting welding opportunities in careers such as: safety, engineering, robotics, inspections, maintenance, sales, marketing, education, consulting, testing, and of course, welding itself. According to recent reports, more than 200,000 jobs are expected to be available in welding over the next 10 years as the current workforce is approaching retirement and new industry is moving to the region. You can earn more than $50,000 to start and thousands more each year after.

SSC trains welders to American Welding Society standards in our state-of-the-art welding lab, furnished with Lincoln Electric welders. Come and see the lab with eight welding stations and a welding simulator. College faculty and staff will be on hand to answer questions about welding classes and related programs.

SSC offers mini, stackable welding certificates for SMAW (shielded metal arc welding), GMAW (gas metal arc welding), and GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding).Students can earn these smaller certificates while attaining our main welding certificate – Multi-process Welding.

For more information, please email Nburrows@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3258. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Student welding

Engineering Showcase Brings Students, Manufacturers Together

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Southworks Engineering and Robotics Showcase held last month at Prairie State College was an extraordinary success. It featured teams of students from area high schools demonstrating their mechanical creations. While manufacturing is alive and well in the south suburbs, more needs to be done to convince high school students to take a fresh look at job opportunities in the field.

Along with the college, the event, called “Mayors for Manufacturing,” was also sponsored by organizations including the Technology and Manufacturing Association, South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association and Chicago Southland Economic Development Corp. The mayors association is also a partner in the Calumet Green Manufacturing Partnership, which works to match people, particularly the unemployed, with available manufacturing jobs. Training partners in the effort include Prairie State, South Suburban College and Moraine Valley Community College, and the partnership also works with several local high schools.

Manufacturers see robotics as a possible entry point in getting high school students to think of manufacturing as a career option. Manufacturing, particularly in the Chicago region, is enjoying a “second renaissance.” While the U.S. has lost significant manufacturing jobs to lower-cost countries such as Mexico and China, U.S. firms are focused on producing higher-value products, which in turn are enabling them to offer better wages than they were 20-plus years ago.

For more information, please contact Anna Helwig at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5706, ahelwig@ssc.edu. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

The Core Four of Leadership Training Coming to SSC Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Business & Career Institute of South Suburban College recognizes the need for training that allows current and future leaders to develop the necessary skills to help organizations and companies thrive. They are offering a dynamic and experiential workshop series called “The Core Four of Leadership” this summer, specifically designed for first-time or aspiring supervisors, employees being considered for management roles and for veteran supervisors who could benefit from a refresher course.

What makes a business run seamlessly is not the land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship, but the leadership. Many of today’s managers and supervisors are ill-equipped to handle the responsibilities that being a leader brings. As a result, the organizational culture and morale often suffer, financial goals aren’t met and employee turnover is high. Effective leadership requires a commitment to ongoing training and development.

Facilitated by Lee Ann Piano, a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach, this four-week program will walk you through the “Core Four” leadership essentials – Character, Credibility & Integrity; Coaching & Delegating; Assertiveness; and Motivating Teams. A certificate will be provided at completion of training. Your employees and company are worth this program!

Program Dates (all Tuesdays) are: June 14th, June 28th, July 12th & July 26th
Time: 9:00-11:00 am
Location: South Suburban College-Oak Forest Center, 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest
Room: 5230
Investment: $750 early bird registration by June 1st; $795 after June 2nd

To register: call Alexandra Glumac at (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email aglumac@ssc.edu
The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Bulldogs Baseball and Basketball Camps Coming Soon to South Holland This Summer

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Basketball and Baseball Programs are currently accepting registrations for their summer camps in June.

The Bulldogs will host two Basketball Camp Sessions, one from June 20 through June 23 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and a one from July 5 through July 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the SSC Fitness Center/Fieldhouse. The camps are designed for Boys and Girls ages 7-17, and will be directed by Head Coach John Pigatti and current players. The cost of each Basketball Camp is $110, with a special price of $200 for both camps. Campers will need shorts, basketball shoes, and a T-shirt or practice uniform. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase every day of the camps. The main goal of these camps is to give each individual a chance to become a better player and to have some fun along the way. In order to accomplish these goals, the emphasis will be on the fundamentals of basketball. Coach Pigatti brings over 20 years of college coaching experience from a well-rounded background. He was also the head coach of the Five Star Basketball Post Development Camp where he instructed several top 100 high school players in the country.

The 2016 Bulldog Baseball Camp will take place from June 20 through June 22 (3 days) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Bulldog Stadium. The camp is designed for kids ages 6-14, and is directed by Head Coach Steve Ruzich and current players. The cost of the camp is $61 per camper for all three days of instruction. Each camper should have gym shoes, spikes, sweat clothes, and bring their own equipment. Coach Ruzich has amassed over 1,000 career wins at SSC and was inducted in the NJCAA Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014. He is also well known as a director and coordinator of local baseball camps which have attracted thousands of participants. Ruzich has also worked for the Chicago White Sox as an instructor in their Fundamentals area at Cellular One Field.

For more information, or to register for the Basketball Camps, please contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524 or email JPigatti@ssc.edu. For more information, or to register for the Baseball Camps, please contact Coach Ruzich at (708) 210-5843 or email SRuzich@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

STEM for Kids Summer Programs Coming to South Suburban College in July

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s Office of Continuing Education and STEM Department are partnering to offer courses to help fill the summer days with activities that will inspire and challenge kids and young adults. SSC is pleased to offer several STEM for Kids classes both at the Main Campus in South Holland and at the Oak Forest Center in July for grade school and high school students:

2-D and 3-D Design
Cost: $100; includes lab materials
4th-8th grade students, July 5-7, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., KFK-C09-730, OFC Room 5690
9th-12th grade students, July 5-7, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., KFK-C09-731, OFC Room 5690
Students will be introduced to the field of Computer-Aided Design and Drafting; including 2D and 3D prototyping. Students will use AutoCad AutoDesk 2013 software as well as other types of software available. Students will plan and create a mechanical or architectural design.

Graphic Design
Cost: $100; includes materials
9th-12th grade students, July 11-14, 9:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m., KFK-C02-730, Main Campus Room 4431
Graphic design is a class that teaches art, design and technology. In this class students will use design as a creative process in communication. Students will also explore various methods used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. Students will use the basic elements and principles of art and also learn how to use the basics of an Apple Macintosh (MAC) computer and computer programs: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop CS6. This class teaches the basics of Graphic Design through an illustrative and corporate view.

Robotics and Electronics
Cost: $100; includes lab materials
5th-8th grade students, July 18-21, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., KFK-C77-730, OFC Room 5260
9th-12th grade students, July 18-21, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., KFK-C77-731, OFC Room 5260
Students will be introduced to a variety of topics related to Robotics and Electronics such as design, programming, artificial intelligence (AI) and building. This class is designed for students to learn how to build a robot using the fundamentals from electrical and mechanical engineering and computers.

First time non-credit students should visit the Admissions Office, Room 2348, or call Continuing Education at (708) 596-2000 ext. 2231 to get started. For questions about these classes or STEM programs at SSC, please contact Anna Helwig, STEM Dean, at (708) 210-5706.

NASA Link at SSC’s STEM Event

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – On May 5, approximately 250 middle-school through high school students visited South Suburban College for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Day that included a live link with astronauts. Students enjoyed remarks from U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly of the Second Congressional District, who assisted in setting up the NASA link, as well as from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin who also attended the event.

The STEM event featured a host of interactive activities, demonstrations and booths with STEM professionals excited to engage students about possible careers in the STEM fields. The highlight of this event was a NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Educational Downlink, moderated by astronomers from Adler Planetarium in Chicago, where students had the opportunity to see and speak to U.S. astronauts Commander Tim Kopra and Flight Engineer Jeff Williams live from the International Space Station. Williams launched to the space station March 18 and will live aboard until September. Kopra launched Dec. 15 and will return home in June.

Participating schools included: Arbor Park, Coolidge and Gwendolyn Brooks Middle Schools; Kankakee Montessori, Junior and High Schools; King and Kennedy Upper Grade Centers; Roosevelt Junior High School; St. George School District 258; and STEM Academy.

For questions about STEM programs at SSC, please contact Anna Helwig, STEM Dean, at (708) 210-5706. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

School Children at SSC’s STEM Day with NASA
School Children with U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin at SSC’s STEM Day with NASA

Bulldogs’ Erick Locke Inked by University of Central Missouri

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The 2016 South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball Team accolades and accomplishments continue to grow this postseason as South Suburban College Men’s Basketball player, freshman Erick Locke, announced today that he has signed to play for the University of Central Missouri next year.

Locke, a 6’1 guard from Oak Park, IL, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Mules and Head Coach Doug Karleskint next season. South Suburban College’s Head Coach John Pigatti says “I am excited about Erick’s signing and the opportunity he has to play at the next level. Central Missouri is one of the top basketball programs in the country and ‘E’ will do well there.” Locke will have 3 years of eligibility left at Central Missouri.

For more information, contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Erick Locke, of the South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team, signed a letter of intent with University of Central Missouri
Erick Locke signs a letter of intent with University of Central Missouri.

South Suburban College Professor Publishes Groundbreaking 1920 White Sox Baseball Article

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – For SSC’s Professor Bruce Allardice, baseball is both a passion and a field of study. “Baseball has been called our national pastime,” says Allardice. “To me, the history of baseball and the history of the United States are intertwined.”

Professor Allardice has authored numerous articles on baseball history, and co-edited a book on the 1919 White Sox. His latest article “How the Black Sox Threw the 1920 Pennant” (SABR Baseball Research Journal, Spring 2016) focuses on the Black Sox scandal, the 1919 World Series where the favored White Sox accepted bribes to throw the series. This groundbreaking article proves that the Sox threw the 1920 pennant as well as the 1919 series.

“Up to now, scholars approached the scandal by looking only at the 1919 Series. This article shifts the historical paradigm, by showing that the 1919 scandal was part of a pattern of conduct that extended to 1920 as well.”

But Professor Allardice is more than a scholar. He gives presentations around the country on history, on political science, and baseball history – 65 presentations in the last 5 years – in such venues as the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR) national convention, the Illinois State Historical Society, and the South Holland Historical Society.

Allardice confesses “I like giving presentations. I feel that by getting out of the classroom, I can bring history alive to the public at large. History is too interesting to be confined to the classroom.”

Bruce S. Allardice is a Professor at South Suburban College.

For the last decade he’s taught European and American History, as well as Political Science. His article on “The Spread of Baseball in the South Prior to 1870,” published in the Fall 2012 edition of Base Ball, received SABR’s McFarland Award in 2013. He works with John Thorne, Major League Baseball historian, in researching the early (pre-professional) history of baseball.

A full list of Professor Allardice’s publications and presentations can be found on his website, www.civilwarbruce.com. His research on more than 3,000 early baseball teams can be found at www.protoball.org.

Register for Summer Classes at South Suburban College

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50% discount for summer classes at Oak Forest Center for all students.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Open Registration for the Summer 2016 Semester at South Suburban College (SSC) is still in progress. Summer classes begin Monday, June 6th at the college’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center. The summer payment deadline is Friday, May 20th and payment will be due at the time of registration after May 20th. Don’t wait; classes fill quickly. The summer session allows students to begin or continue their college experience with SSC, or to come home from their four-year institution to take additional credits conveniently and at a more affordable rate.

SSC is also offering a special 50% discount for summer classes at the Oak Forest Center. The discount is only applicable at the Oak Forest Center in order to promote expanded offerings at this location, and is good for all credit classes on a first come, first served basis.

Current and prospective students are encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now to increase opportunities for funding assistance, enroll early and create their preferred schedule at SSC. Visit www.fafsa.gov to apply for financial aid using institution code 001769. Students who wish to use financial aid as payment for summer classes must have an official high school or GED transcript on file. Official transcripts must have a school seal and graduation date on them. Transcripts can be hand-delivered to the Admissions Office or mailed to: Office of Admissions (15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL 60473). If a transcript is hand-delivered it must be in the original sealed, unopened envelope.

Prospective students should complete the Online Application Form at www.ssc.edu to begin the enrollment process. New students will receive an SSC email account and a “My SSC” Username & Password via email which will allow access to the online schedule and class registration. The My SSC portal also allows students 24-hour access during college closed periods.

You will also want to register early for fall to get the courses you want when you want them. Our fall schedule is available online and registration is open. Contact the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 for enrollment and waiver information. SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Community Job Fair May 24 at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College and Thornton Township are partnering to offer a 2016 Community Job Fair on Tuesday, May 24th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will be held in the South Suburban College Fitness Center at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. SSC and Thornton Township invite all job seekers to participate at this special event at no charge. The following employers/service organizations have committed to attend to date, and more are expected to confirm soon:

1st Choice Home Health Agency
Awakened Alternatives
Childcare Careers
Children’s Habilitation Center
Cook County Sheriff’s Office
Countryside Nursing & Rehab Center
Davis Staffing
First Student
GCA Services
JMJ Solutions and Staffing
Lake Book Manufacturing, Inc.
Macy’s Logistics and Operations
Metropolitan Water Reclamation
Michaels Distribution Center
New Hope Center, Inc.
Old Plank Trail Community Bank
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
ResCare Premier
South Chicago Parents and Friends
Student Transportation of America
Subway
TCF Bank
Two Men and a Truck
UPS
Village of South Holland
Walgreens

The Community Job Fair is an excellent opportunity for employers to recruit upcoming SSC graduates and alumni, current students, and community residents. For more information, please call (708) 210-5748.

South Suburban College Paralegal Students Honored

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – On Wednesday, April 13th, five students of the South Suburban College Paralegal Program were inducted into Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX). LEX is a national honor society founded by the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAPE). To be inducted into LEX, the student must have an overall GPA of 3.25 or better, a GPA of 3.5 or better in Paralegal courses, and must have completed at least two-thirds of the program. We would like to congratulate Lauren Kowalewski, Joellen Leavy, Juliann Pawlowski, Kristina Schmidt, and Kristal Young on their hard work and dedication to the Paralegal Profession.

South Suburban College’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant Program offers two curriculum pathways: a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree career program, and a Certificate Program available to those persons possessing a Bachelor’s or AAS Degree. Both curriculums are designed to prepare a student to become a highly trained paralegal/legal assistant. This program also serves as an outstanding background for students who are considering law school in the future, or simply wish to learn more about the law. The curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of legal environments upon graduation. To help prepare its students, the program requires a hands-on internship in a legal or law related setting. SSC is the only community college in the South Suburban Chicago region that is approved by the American Bar Association.

For more information on the program, please contact the Program Coordinator, Jason M. Cieslik, J.D. at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2579 or jcieslik@ssc.edu.

Image: Jason Cieslik with SSC Students
Jason Cieslik with SSC Students

Preceptor Recognition Dinner Held At South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College held a Preceptor Recognition Dinner on April 28 for 43 preceptors involved with the college’s Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Radiologic Technology programs as a thank you for their hard work, dedication and the support they show our students.

A preceptor is a practicing healthcare professional who gives personal instruction, training, and supervision to a healthcare student. The SSC preceptors or clinical instructors give guidance, training, supervision, and knowledge to students enrolled in Allied Health programs. It is the responsibility of the clinical instructors to evaluate, test, and critique students assigned to their facility. In addition, clinical instructors report back to the faculty at SSC.
SSC Allied Health faculty work closely with the clinical instructors. Clinical instructors provide input regarding, student performance and programmatic improvement.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SSC Allied Health Preceptor Dinner
SSC Allied Health Preceptor Dinner

SSC Students Honored at Phi Theta Kappa Banquet in Springfield

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – SSC students Stuti Sharma and Brandon Lipkowski were honored at the Annual Phi Theta Kappa Banquet in Springfield on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Ms. Sharma and Mr. Lipkowski were chosen to represent South Suburban College on the All Illinois Academic Team comprised of Illinois’ finest community college students.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Joan Rosen, Brandon Lipkowski, Stuti Sharma, Don Manning
Joan Rosen, Brandon Lipkowski, Stuti Sharma, Don Manning

SSC Students Attend “Student Advocacy Day” in Springfield

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s students and staff recently traveled to Springfield, IL for “Student Advocacy Day” and a “Rally 4 Education” on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Seventeen (17) participants, including President Don Manning, joined in events to bring attention to the budgetary crisis many universities and colleges are facing without adequate State operational funding.

Students were given an audience with their legislators including State Senator Napoleon Harris (15th District). Meaningful dialogue took place and the students were given an opportunity to have a question and answer session with State Senator Harris. The group was also introduced in the Illinois State General Assembly session and recognized by State Representative Al Riley (39th District), State Representative Marcus Evans (33rd District), and State Representative Thaddeus Jones (29th District).

With the budget stalemate still occurring, SSC was joined by thousands of others as they made their voices heard concerning their disapproval of lack of State funding for higher education institutions, particularly Illinois community colleges who serve 65% of those attending higher education institutions. This equates to 850,000 students per year and 9 out of 10 community college graduates work, pay taxes, and raise their families in Illinois.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SSC President Don Manning and Student Advocacy Day participants
SSC President Don Manning and Student Advocacy Day participants

Riverdale Resident Ronnell Tatum Takes His Seat as New Student Trustee at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College student Ronnell Art Tatum was sworn in by Marty Lareau, SSC Vice President and Board Secretary, for his first term as the new Student Trustee at the college’s April meeting of the Board of Trustees, and welcomed to his new post by Chairman Frank Zuccarelli.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to serve on the SSC Board of Trustees,” said Tatum. “I hope to help increase student enrollment and to be a great representative for the students of South Suburban College.”

Mr. Tatum is a graduate of Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields although he attended Thornton High School in Harvey for his first three years. A member of Student Leadership, Ronnell’s major at South Suburban College is Communications/Media Arts and he has been on the Dean’s List for the past three (3) semesters. Additionally, he is a recipient of an ISA (Illinois Steps Ahead) Scholarship. Currently he holds the position of Vice-President of the “Young Democrats” and plans to pursue a career in politics.

Songie Adebiyi, VP of Student Development; Ronnell Tatum, Student Trustee; and Frank Zuccarelli, Board Chairman, SSC
Songie Adebiyi, VP of Student Development; Ronnell Tatum, Student Trustee; and Frank
Zuccarelli, Board Chairman, SSC.

Earth Awareness Activities Coming To South Suburban College April 27th

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Sustainability Committee is pleased to announce its annual Earth Awareness Day Expo to be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Main Campus in South Holland. Vendors for the day include: Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Cook County Department of Environmental Control, Cook County Forest Preserve, Healthy Schools Campaign, One Step for Animals, Sand Ridge Nature Center, The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and others. The expo is free of charge and open to the public.

The Cook County Department of Environmental Control will be hosting a prescription drug take-back throughout the day in the Atrium and there will be an e-waste collection for used electronics and computers

E-waste Recycling • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm • SSC Atrium

ACCEPTABLE ELECTRONICS – Computers, Cable Boxes, Cell Phones, Copiers, DVD Players, External Drives, Fax Machines, Keyboards, Laptops, Mice, Monitors, MP3 Players, PDAs, Printers, Radios, Remote Controls, Routers, Scanners, Servers, Stereos, Telephones, Typewrites, VCRs, Video Game Consoles.

ACCEPTABLE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS – Blenders (no glass), Bread Makers, Cameras, Carpet Sweepers, Clocks, Coffee Makers, Curling Irons, Electric Knives, Electric Toothbrushes, Fans, Flat Irons, Food Sealers, Fryers, Hair Cutters, Hair Dryers, Heaters, Irons, Holiday Lights, Massagers, Metal Tools (drills, screwdrivers, etc.), Mixers, Microwaves, Shavers, Toasters & Toasters Ovens, Vacuum Cleaners, VHS Tapes.

We Cannot Accept Clothing Washers, Clothing Dryers, Dishwashers, Refrigerators, Stoves or Televisions.

Prescription Drug Take Back • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm • Atrium
Prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted. Contents should be removed from their bottles and placed in a sealable plastic bag. Aerosol pharmaceuticals such as inhalers will also be accepted.

We Cannot Accept Needles, Infectious Medical Waste, and Controlled Substances.

SSC students chartered the SSC Green Club in 2012, and in 2013 the college’s growing activity earned recognition from Governor Pat Quinn and the Green Governments Coordinating Council as a “Bronze Level Compact School” within the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact program.

SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. For more information on Earth Awareness Day, please call (708) 210-5757.


Earth Awareness Day Coming South Suburban College April 28th

Earth Awareness Day 2016 flyer

SSC’s Coach Scott Inducted into NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–Congratulations to South Suburban College Coach Darrell Scott on his induction to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Region IV Hall of Fame.

Coach Scott is a 1987 graduate of Grinnell College and has finished his 24th season of coaching women’s basketball at South Suburban College. This is his first and only head coaching tenure in the women’s ranks. His record is 466-314.

Scott’s teams have made appearances at the national tournament in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2013 and 2015, have won regional championship 5 times and have been region finalists 5 times. Coach Scott also has 12 NJCAA All-Americans under his tenure.

For more information, please contact Coach Scott at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2576 or email DScott@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

photo of SSC Chairman Frank Zuccarelli with Coaches Darrell Scott and Steve Ruzich
Pictured: SSC Chairman Frank Zuccarelli with Coaches Darrell Scott and Steve Ruzich

SSC’s Coach John Pigatti Named Region IV Coach of the Year For 2015-2016

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Coach Pigatti is in his 10th year as head coach of the SSC Bulldogs and has accumulated a tremendous career coaching record of 291-62. He has won 7 Region IV Championships, his teams have been to seven NJCAA Division II National Championships in ten years and have also been ranked #1 in the country. The Bulldogs have also been ranked in the top ten every season since Pigatti has been at South Suburban College.

Coach Pigatti has been named the 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, and 2007 Coach-of-the Year in Region IV, District 4, and by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. More importantly, all of the sophomores he recruited have signed a scholarship to play at a 4-year college or university.

Congratulations to Coach Pigatti and the 2015-2016 Bulldogs who finished 34-3 and placed 3rd at the NJCAA National Tournament. It’s been an outstanding, exciting, successful season! For more information, contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Photo of SSC Chairman Frank Zuccarelli with Coach Pigatti (right) and SSC Bulldogs
SSC Chairman Frank Zuccarelli with Coach Pigatti (right) and SSC Bulldogs

Art Exhibition on Display at South Suburban College Examines Perceptions of Black Lives

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College (SSC) is pleased to present a new exhibition located in the Dulgar Gallery on SSC’s Main Campus in South Holland. An exhibition of art works by Cesar Conde titled “Collusion” is on display April 12-27, 2016. There will be an afternoon reception for Conde on April 18th at1:00 p.m.

Collusion highlights two series of works, In the Hood – Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie and The Bang Bang Project. Both were painted as Conde’s expression of concern for the deaths of teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida in February 2012 and of teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in August 2014. Each series challenges depictions of African Americans and the resulting impact of police violence. The Bang Bang Project portrays African Americans lying motionless depicting the reality of police shootings. Conde’s In the Hood portrays professional African Americans wearing hoods.

A contemporary painter, Conde uses old world technique using modern materials to paint his realistic portraits. Conde is a Filipino-American Chicago based artist who was primarily self-taught until he hit a wall with his technical skills. Upon realizing his artistic limitations, Conde decided to study at Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy with John Michael Angel, who apprenticed for Pietro Annigoni. He also studied with Master Painter of Technique Mixte, Patrick Betaudier in his atelier in Monflanquin, France. Conde’s influences are Carravaggio, Rembrandt, and Goya. Conde continues to learn and explore the infinite possibilities of painting.

The public is welcome to visit the art exhibition and reception at no charge. The Dulgar Gallery is on the first floor. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays.

For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2445 or ext. 2316, or visit www.ssc.edu/art. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

"In the Hood" by Cesar Conte
“In the Hood” by Cesar Conte

SSC’s “Non-Traditional Workforce Expo” A Success

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The South Suburban College Office of Student Life and Leadership presented “The Non-Traditional Workforce for Men and Women” on Wednesday, March 30, 2016.

Students, faculty, staff and the community listened to and engaged in meaningful dialogue with our panel. They discussed and showed the importance of non-traditional job roles, how they have changed throughout the years, and how South Suburban College can help you get a head start, a certificate, or degree towards these professions. Non-Traditional career training for women offered at SSC includes our new Welding Program, Highway Construction and Trades, Building and Construction, Computer Science, Applied Engineering Technology, Cisco Academy, Truck Driving, and more. Non-Traditional career training for men offered at SSC includes Nursing, Teacher Aide, Paralegal, Administrative Assistant and more.

This year’s student panel of Non-Traditional student representatives was very well received. The students told about their experiences and touted the virtues of attending SSC to not only save money but to have an opportunity to learn a skilled profession from dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty. The questions posed were relevant and the answers given were well thought out.

In addition to the Student Panel, several demonstrations were available. “The Nail Hitting” demonstration was conducted by the Building & Construction Trades. Students were able to try their hand at how fast and accurate they could drive in nails. If hammering noise was any indication, many participants were able to test their skills. Another demonstration was conducted by the Electronics Engineering Technology staff. It featured a “lie detector” test and students had a lot of fun testing the accuracy of the assembled machine that was built and wired by current students. Fact-filled data and resources were also disseminated from Star Truck Driving School including information about the first woman to obtain a CDL (Commercial Drivers’ License) in the United States. Her name is Lillie Elizabeth Bonner and she received it in 1929!

To see our “Bulldog Bites” segment please visit https://youtu.be/WgkSPZH-CmY. For more information please contact the Office of Student Life & Leadership at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2499. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

 

Photo of SSC’s Hella Bowker
SSC’s Hella Bowker demonstrates the use of various construction tools.

Spring Music Events At South Suburban College

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April 22, 2016
SSC Music Competition for Young Musicians
4:00pm – 6:00pm – Room 1137

April 23, 2016
SSC Music Competition for Young Musicians
10:00am – 12:00pm – Room 1137

May 4, 2016
Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo Concert
7:00pm – Performing Arts Center

May 6, 2016
Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble Concert
7:00pm – Performing Arts Center

May 9, 2016
String Orchestra and SSC Voices Concert, with special guests the Grande Prairie Children’s Choir, directed by Oksana Rodak and Rob Calhoon
7:00pm – Performing Arts Center

May 10, 2016
Student Recital
2:00pm – Performing Arts Center

For more information or to confirm dates/time, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316 or email jtassin@ssc.edu. While all concerts are free admission, donations to the Music Scholarship Fund are greatly appreciated! South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Breakfast With BCI April Workshop Presents – FMLA & ADA – What You Need to Know

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –  The South Suburban College Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Breakfast with BCI Workshop titled FMLA & ADA-What You Need to Know, on Thursday, April 21, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00am, with check-in and continental breakfast to begin at 8:15 a.m. This workshop will be held in the South Suburban College Oak Forest Center Campus Room 5230 and will be presented by Attorney Sonia D. Coleman.

Employers need to be aware of the intricacies of HR laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act. In this seminar, Attorney Sonia D. Coleman will review and explain each of these Acts, provide attendees with ways to maintain compliance, and answer pertinent questions regarding other laws that affect HR. If you are new to Human Resources or just need a refresher, this informative talk will provide you with valuable information that can save your company thousands of dollars in lawsuits or grievances.

The cost of the workshop with continental breakfast is $15 per person or $10 per person if 3 or more from the same company attend. Reservations are required. To register, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email AGlumac@ssc.edu. The SSC Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, IL.

South Suburban College Receives Accounting Award

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International has awarded South Suburban College with a Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting for its preparation and issuance of a school system comprehensive annual report for Fiscal Year 2015. This represents the 25th consecutive year SSC has received the award for financial reporting.

The COE award is one of the highest recognitions a college can receive for their audited financial statements, confirming the school’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency. ASBO, founded in 1910, is a professional association of more than 5,000 members that provides programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business management practices, professional growth, and the effective use of educational resources.

SSC Treasurer Tim Pollert stated, “Receiving this award for 25 consecutive years shows the Board of Trustees’ commitment to fiscal integrity and transparency.  I would like to thank the Board for their support and direction over the years, along with my dedicated staff in the Business and Accounting department.”

For more information on the COE award, visit ASBO’s website: www.asbointl.org/COE.

South Suburban College Recognizes High School Students at 9th Annual Video Competition

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) with the assistance of Career Development System (CDS) hosted the 9th Annual South Suburban College Video Competition on Thursday, March 24, 2016, in the Kindig Performing Arts Center. The competition showcases talent from area high schools as well as provides students with a tour of the college’s facilities, featuring the television studio/control room, audio studio/control room and multimedia lab.

“The competition is a lot of fun,” said SSC Communication Professor John Geraci. “It’s a great opportunity for high school students to see our facilities and be recognized for their outstanding videos. The level of production value within their projects continues to increase every year.”

Seven local high schools submitted entries to the competition including Bremen, Eisenhower, Hillcrest, Oak Forest, Shepard, Thornton Township and Tinley Park. Students entered work in eight different categories: Commercial, PSA, Short Subject, Music Video, Live Multi-Camera Program, Creative Editing, News Story or Feature and News Program. The 58 entries were judged on aesthetic quality, technical quality, program design and overall effectiveness.

Michael Lynch (Communication Arts and Technology Instructor for Bremen High School District 228) said, “This is an amazing opportunity for my students because it allows for their work to be presented on a bigger stage.  Having judges critique their works assists in their development as students.”

In addition to the student awards, high schools competed with each other for the Regional Award of Distinction. Tinley Park High School, instructed by Lynch, won this year’s award having the highest average score per entry.

“The Tinley students really concentrated on storytelling this year,” stated Lynch. “They were constantly revising their elements of story before production.  I think that combined with a good work ethic led to their success.”

The student awards for each category are as follows:

Commercial: First Place, “Feeding Birds” – Tinley Park; Second Place, “Titancast” – Tinley Park; Third Place, “Extra Gum” – Thornton Township.

PSA: First Place, “Texting and Driving” – Tinley Park; Second Place, “It Can Wait” – Eisenhower; Third Place, “Internet Addiction” – Thornton Township.

Short Subject: First Place, “Voices” – Tinley Park; Second Place, “A Mental Haunting” – Shepard; Third Place, “The Real Housedogs of Chicago” – Tinley Park.

Music Video: First Place, “Come Little Children” – Tinley Park; Second Place, “You Came To Do This” – Tinley Park; Third Place, “Electric Feel by MGMT” – Thornton Township.

Live Multi-Camera Program: First Place, “2016 Show Choir Concert” – Eisenhower; Second Place, “Up Late with Claude” – Bremen; Third Place, “Good Morning Midlothian” – Bremen.

Creative Editing: First Place, “Malala’s Story” – Thornton Township; Second Place, “Hidden Struggle Revealed!” – Thornton Township; Third Place, “Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Fails To Work Hard” – Thornton Township.

News Program: First Place, “Ike Update” – Eisenhower; Second Place, “Wildcat News” – Thornton Township; Third Place (tie), “Millennial Monthly” – Oak Forest, “Bravescast” – Bremen.

News Story or Feature: First Place, “Jim Smith Super Bowl Return” – Eisenhower; Second Place, “Powers” – Oak Forest; Third Place, “High 5 Apparel” – Eisenhower.

News Program: First Place, “Ike Update” – Eisenhower; Second Place, “Wildcat News” – Thornton Township; Third Place (tie), “Millennial Monthly” – Oak Forest, “Bravescast” – Bremen.

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

Pictured: John Geraci (left) Communication Professor at South Suburban College alongside Michael Lynch (right) Communication Arts and Technology Instructor for Bremen High School District 228 with the Regional Award of Distinction
Pictured: John Geraci (left) Communication Professor at South Suburban College alongside Michael Lynch (right) Communication Arts and Technology Instructor for Bremen High School District 228 with the Regional Award of Distinction

South Suburban College BCI Presents Elevation Leadership Summit

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents an Elevation Leadership Summit: Taking Faith-Based and Non-Profit Leadership to Loftier Heights! on Monday, April 25th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This conference will be held in the South Suburban College Performing Arts Center with the keynote address by Roy Worley, Missionary & Pastor, and includes a Special Appearance by Atmosphere of Heaven.

In today’s uncertain and ever-changing times, serving in a leadership role for a faith-based or non-profit organization can be tumultuous and challenging. It is not uncommon for these trials and tribulations to take a toll on one’s energy, confidence and conviction, On the other hand, challenging times can also re-energize and increase our passion to spread the word of faith and hope.

Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, please join us for a day of fellowship, inspiration and knowledge. We have a fantastic keynote speaker, wonderful presenters and panelists who plan to share their best practices designed to take your leadership to loftier heights.

Who should Attend:

  • Faith-based organization administrators, leaders
  • Non-profit organization administrators, leaders
  • Anyone who holds a position of responsibility in a faith-based or non-profit organization

Reasons to Attend:

  • Pastor Troy O’Quin will share his insights and experience that will unlock your team’s potential
  • Mary Erlain, prominent coach and author, will help bridge the generational gap to create a stronger team
  • Access to other leadership experts sharing knowledge designed to strengthen skillsets

We are offering two options regarding booths at the Elevation Leadership Summit. The first is a sponsorship option for $250 and the other option is $100. Please use the contact information below to obtain further information if you are interested in either opportunity.

The cost is $50 per person (early bird fee until April 15th) and $65 thereafter. This includes a continental breakfast. For more information or to register, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email AGlumac@ssc.edu.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

SSC To Host Art Exhibition Graphic Designers Collaborate: Attention to Detail Featuring the “Iowa Insect Series”

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SOUTH HOLLAND – South Suburban College’s Dorothea Thiel Gallery will host an exhibition of 10 large-scale digital montage images from the “Iowa Insect Series,” a collection of artworks created in collaboration between graphic design professors Roy R. Behrens and David M. Versluis. The exhibit, Graphic Designers Collaborate: Attention to Detail, will be held in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery from April 1 to April 21.

The exhibit features digital montage collaborations created by Graphic Design professor Roy Behrens, University of Northern Iowa, and Art & Graphic Design professor David Versluis, Dordt College. The exhibit’s artworks “Combine rich imagery as they juxtapose representational imagery with formal graphic elements to create a strong visual dynamic,” says Larry Bradshaw, Emeritus Professor of Art, University of Nebraska Omaha. Various artworks from the Iowa Insect Series have been exhibited in group shows at the Washington Pavilion Visual Art Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids, Minnesota; University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art in Cedar Falls, Iowa; and the 27th McNeese National Works on Paper Exhibition at McNeese State University Grand Gallery in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This exhibit at South Suburban College is one of the first times that the collection Iowa Insect Series will be shown together.

“The process of creating the collaborative images began in 2012 with me sending Roy scanned images of insects from my personal collection. One image at a time, we challenged each other to respond to each image, building a digital montage, using Adobe Photoshop®,” said Versluis. “We would then pass the image back and forth, responding to each other’s move.” The images were built with about five or six back and forth exchanges between Behrens & Versluis, until the two graphic designers mutually decided that the artwork was finished.

Professor Versluis will be at the college as visiting artist in the digital arts lab and Dorothea Thiel Gallery for a 1:00 p.m. reception on Thursday April 21st. The public is welcome to visit the art exhibition and reception at no charge. The Thiel Gallery is located on the 4th floor in the Art & Design hallway, Room 4333. SSC Galleries are open at minimum Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316, or visit www.ssc.edu/art. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

South Suburban College Foundation Seeks Support For Scholarship Fundraiser Gala

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Each year the South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) has an annual spring gala from which all proceeds benefit scholarship programs. The SSCF is now seeking support from local residents, friends and partners for Showcase 2016: Dreams & Destinations, to be held on April 29, 2016, at Glenwoodie Golf Club.

With the cost of higher education on the rise and the level of state funding on the decline, students are finding it more and more difficult to afford a full-time college education. The SSC Foundation’s support is often critical for students to begin or continue their college education. Individuals and local businesses can support this mission while marketing themselves to approximately 300 guests through tax-deductible sponsorships and auction gifts. Tickets are also available for $125 each.

This year, South Holland’s John “Doc” Magon will receive the 2016 SSC Foundation Cornerstone Award and a portion of the Silent Auction proceeds will benefit the Patricia Chase Magon Scholarship Fund. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features an open bar and plated dinner, silent auction, dancing, and the outstanding music of Rhonda High Browne & Pieces.

Donations for this cause are fully tax deductible. Registrations and sponsorships can be made online from www.ssc.edu/foundation. The Foundation Staff will pick up donations for auction. For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463 or email foundation@ssc.edu.

The SSC Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of 26 of the south suburban area’s finest business, civic and community leaders. The SSCF has now awarded over $1.6 million in scholarships since 1989. In 2015, over $100,000 in scholarship funds were awarded to SSC students.

Showcase 2016 Web 1

South Suburban College to Host Live First District Court Oral Arguments at 3rd Annual Law Day on April 29th

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Legal Studies Department will host their third annual Law Day on Friday, April 29, 2016. This year’s event will feature a special live court case. Oral arguments for a real criminal First District Appellate Court case will be heard in the Performing Arts Center. This is a rare opportunity for the community to observe the First District at work at an off-site location. The general public–especially educators and students–is encouraged to attend this unique opportunity to witness some of the area’s most talented, professional litigators in action.

Opening remarks will begin at 10:00 a.m. with doors opening at 9:30. Following the arguments, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions of the Appellate Prosecutor and Appellate Defender. The justices will return to the PAC for another question and answer session at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Attendees are welcome to stay for a Mock Crime Scene Demonstration from 12 noon–2:00 p.m. in the Atrium of the Main Campus, as well as a Court Reporting Demonstration from 12 noon–2:00 p.m., in the Heritage Room. This event also provides guests with an opportunity to find out more about educational and career opportunities in the judicial field, and to learn about SSC’s Paralegal, Court Reporting and Criminal Justice programs.

For more information about Law Day, or to RSVP for the day’s events, please email jcieslik@ssc.edu or contact Jason M. Cieslik, J.D., Paralegal Coordinator, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2579.

“Man of La Mancha” Coming to SSC Stage

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The SSC Playhouse announces its spring production of the remarkable Broadway musical Man of La Mancha. This is a play-within-a-play, based on Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote.” Come dream “the impossible dream” as the most beloved fool in history entertains our senses and inspires us “to reach the unreachable star.” The musical runs Tuesday, April 19 through Saturday, April 23 at 8 pm, with 2 pm matinees on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 in the Kindig Performing Arts Center of South Suburban College.

Man of La Mancha is a poignant story of a dying old man whose impossible dream takes over his mind. Cervantes, an utter failure as playwright, poet and tax collector for the government, has been thrown into prison during the Inquisition. There his fellow prisoners confiscate his meager possessions, one of which is the uncompleted manuscript of a novel called “Don Quixote.” Cervantes, seeking to save it, proposes to offer a novel defense in the form of entertainment. The “court” agrees and before their eyes, donning makeup and costume, Cervantes and his faithful manservant transform themselves into Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. They play out the story with the participation of the prisoners as other characters who soon understand that Cervantes’ dream offers them hope and redemption. His dream is Everyman’s dream. His tilting at windmills is Everyman’s great adventure. Man of La Mancha speaks for humankind. Songs include Little Bird, Little Bird, It’s All the Same, Dulcinea, I Really Like Him, and The Impossible Dream.

South Holland residents and SSC students Paul Williams, Jr. plays Don Quixote and Monee Webster plays Aldonza; Wesley E. Perkins, Jr. of Markham plays Sancho Panza. The company includes Dylan Arrington and Jameel Virgil Bowen of Lansing, Debbie Burt-Frazier of Dolton, Ben Branch, Julian Hall, Joshua Hunter and Brynden McCrary of South Holland; Jeremiah Caldwell of Riverdale, Todd Neal of Chicago, Jeremiah Perez of Plainfield, Sabrina Jones of Burnham, Mike Ross of Harvey, Gabreale Rucker of Country Club Hills, Ashley Scarpinato of Oak Lawn, and Jacqueline Perez, Robert Smagacz, Maxine Wilson of Calumet City. Kahlil Slater of Phoenix is the assistant to the director and the stage manager. Production stage manager is Dominic Bellamy-Palma of Crestwood.

Jeremiah Perez of Plainfield is master carpenter, with set builders Mike Ross of Harvey and Jameel Virgil Bowen of Lansing; lighting design is by Lydia Bellamy-Palma of Crestwood; sound engineer is Dwain Whitted of Harvey; sound effects are by Jordan Swierczyna of Crestwood; costumes and props are by Michelle Bryant of Calumet City; publicity is by Ellie Shunko of Lansing. Band members include Marshall L. Bennett of Frankfort, RaAmen Berry of Calumet City, Leslie Hodges of Joliet, Armando Quetzalcoatl of Chicago, and Timothy D. Walker, Jr. of Chicago. Cherita Reed Wilson of Chicago is musical director. The production is produced, directed and staged by SSC Playhouse Director Bobbie Saltzman of Chicago.

Now its 15th year, the SSC Playhouse offers a range of fully accredited classes in theatre and drama to provide students with ample preparation for success in four-year college and university theatre programs. The Playhouse has presented more than 50 theatre scholarships to students. Past productions include Six Degrees of Separation, Godspell, A Streetcar Named Desire, Oklahoma, Liliom and Lend Me a Tenor. The SSC Playhouse: Because Talent Doesn’t Discriminate.

For information or tickets, call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at (708) 210-5741, leave a message and your call will be returned. General admission is $10; seniors, students, and SSC employees, $8; groups of 12 or more also receive the special rate; SSC students with IDs receive a “buy one, get one free” $8 offer. As always, veterans and members of the armed forces may attend a performance free of charge. The production has received generous support from the SSC Foundation and President Don Manning.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available.