Month: September 2016

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”

Echocardiograph Machine

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Please quote us your net cost on the following: Echocardiograph Machine. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 9:30 AM on September 21, 2016, in room 2115. Bids will be opened at that time in the President’s Conference Room, 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. This is a public bid opening.

PLEASE NOTE: THE RESULTS FOR THIS BID HAVE BEEN REVISED.

“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.