SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College hosted a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for a new state-of the-art facility called SSC Circle on November 8, 2018. SSC Circle is a student assistance center that will serve as a “one-stop-shop” for students with questions about the registration, financial aid and payment processes, and will be a new “front door” for first-time students, said Robin Rihacek, Executive Director of Enrollment & Retention Services.

“This facility has been a goal of ours for almost eight years,” said Rihacek. “It is so rewarding to see it come together because of donations as a part of our 90th Anniversary. SSC Circle is going to a great benefit to our students.”

The SSC Foundation launched the 90 for 90 Capital Campaign in 2017 in hopes of finally making SSC Circle a reality on campus. The campaign sought donations from college employees, alumni, board members and community partners throughout the college’s 90th Anniversary year with a goal to raise $90,000, which the college matched. All donors are recognized on a donor display in front of SSC Circle, located on the 2nd floor of the Main Campus in South Holland.
“SSC Circle is a great example of how much we can accomplish when we all work as a team to make a difference,” said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees. “I would like to thank all of our donors who made this project possible so that SSC can continue to grow and provide the best possible services for our students.”
In addition to capital projects, the SSC Foundation provides students of all ages, backgrounds and academic pursuits with critical scholarship assistance. The Foundation once again awarded over $100,000 in scholarship funds for Academic Year 2019 and has now surpassed $2 million in total scholarships since 1989. The Foundation is currently seeking tax deductible donations for its annual Scholarship Donor Drive through the end of the year. Contact the SSC Foundation Office at (708) 225-5846, email foundation@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/foundation to learn more or to donate.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) recently sent 10 students to the 2nd Annual DLS Conference at the Swiss Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, from October 19-20, 2018. Created BET media mogul Louis Carr, the exclusive dirty little secrets conference geared towards young African American men promotes leadership, community involvement, and strategies to succeed in work and life. Carr invited South Suburban to select a handful of student participants at no charge to expose them to the notable panel of highly successful leaders and entrepreneurs who were presenting at this year’s two-day event.

“This was a one of a kind opportunity to hear real life stories from highly successful men of color that truly motivated me to stay on the right track,” said Babatunde Adamson, 20, of Hazel Crest. “It was also an excellent networking event, and I was able to meet someone who will serve as my peer mentor.”

Self-proclaimed as “not a traditional conference – it’s a movement,” the DLS event was created to challenge men of color to become leaders in their communities. It aims to change the narrative by not only inspiring, but also by providing men tools and strategies to succeed immediately. Topics include Money, Entrepreneurship, Relationships and Health. DLS provides an environment that allows men to ask anything and give them the courage to hear a transparent, honest answer.

“DLS was a very informative event that had a great mix of celebrity and empowerment leaders sharing an amazing amount of wisdom about different approaches to life, goal setting and responding to challenges,” added Jaleel Harris, 24, of Chicago. “It’s a privilege to be a student and to get to experience unique and inspiring opportunities like these through South Suburban College.”

Louis Carr has generated 7 billion dollars in revenue over his 32-year career at BET Networks. He is the only African American to head up national sales for a major cable company. Serving BET’s President of Media Sales, Carr has transformed some of the biggest brands in the United States. A complete list of speakers and more conference details can be found from www.dlsmen.com

South Suburban College provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of academic program options. For more information about opportunities at SSC, please visit www.ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois.