Happy 98th Birthday to South Suburban College!

Posted on September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) proudly celebrates its 98th birthday today, Friday, September 19, 2025. The College, which began as Thornton Junior College in 1927, has grown into a vital educational and cultural hub for Chicago’s Southland, serving tens of thousands of students over nearly a century.

To mark this milestone, SSC hosted a special celebration on Thursday, September 18th, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for treats, music, and fun on campus. The event honored SSC’s legacy of educational excellence while looking forward to an exciting future of continued growth and service to the community.

“For nearly a century, South Suburban College has been a beacon of opportunity—breaking barriers, transforming lives, and empowering generations of students to achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, President of SSC. “We are proud of our roots as Thornton Junior College and of the countless lives we’ve helped transform over the past 98 years.”

Since its founding, SSC has expanded its academic programs, student support services, and community partnerships to meet the evolving needs of District 510 and beyond. The College remains committed to fostering student success and community advancement as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

For more information about South Suburban College and its programs, please visit www.ssc.edu.

PHOTO: South Suburban College 98 Years Old Logo.

About South Suburban College 
Founded in 1927, South Suburban College is a comprehensive public community college located in South Holland, Illinois. SSC is committed to lifelong learning and community development through affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. With a diverse student body and a wide range of academic and career programs, the College continues to foster innovation, equity, and excellence in higher education. 

South Suburban College’s C3 Program Expands Offerings with New Real Estate Course and Additional Learning Opportunities

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is pleased to announce new professional development courses offered through its Continuing, Corporate, and Community Education (C3) Program beginning this October, alongside the return of its popular Food Service Certification course. These opportunities are designed to provide valuable credentials and skill-building for individuals seeking to advance in their food service and real estate careers.

Applied Real Estate Principles – 45-Hour Post Licensing Continuing Education
Fee: $249 (NEW)
This course is designed to provide new broker licensees with a comprehensive understanding of a broad range of topics essential to the real estate industry. It equips brokers with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect consumers and enhance professionalism in their field.
Applied Real Estate Principles Program runs October 6–November 11, 2025.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – Fee: $146 (NEW)
Gain a foundational understanding of the science behind creating computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence in this introductory artificial intelligence (AI) course. This fully online course offers 6 weeks of access and 24 course hours to accommodate a flexible learning experience.

Food Service Certification – Fee: $139
This comprehensive course in food safety emphasizes sanitation practices critical for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment. Participants will learn about regulating agencies, cross-contamination, personal hygiene, types of contaminants, purchasing practices, and foodborne pathogens. Additional topics include sanitation methods, equipment requirements, and pest control.

Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to obtain their State of Illinois Food Managers License, valid for five years. Attendance to both class sessions is mandatory to qualify for the examination—no exceptions.
Food Service Certification Program runs October 20–21, 2025.

“SSC’s C3 Program continues to create accessible and practical opportunities for students and professionals looking to expand their credentials and expertise,” said Gervaise Edwards, Manager of C3. “These new courses reflect our commitment to workforce development and lifelong learning.”

Registration for both courses is now open. For more information or to enroll, please contact SSC’s C3 Program at (708) 596-2000 Ext. 5723 or visit C3 Programs.

PHOTO: South Suburban College’s Logo.

South Suburban College Now Enrolling Students for Late Start Adult Education & Literacy Classes

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Webmaster

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College’s (SSC) Adult Education & Literacy Program is now enrolling new and returning students for Late Start classes beginning Monday, September 29. These accelerated 10-week sessions are designed to provide flexible, accessible educational opportunities for community members.

Classes will be offered at multiple convenient locations, including:

Oak Forest Campus
Riverdale Public Library
Calumet City Public Library
Our Savior Lutheran Church

“These Late Start courses are a wonderful opportunity for students who may have missed earlier enrollment deadlines, or who are just ready to begin their educational journey this fall,” said Raylynn Stokes, Director, Adult Education Program. “We encourage anyone interested to register soon to secure their seat.”

The Adult Education & Literacy Program at South Suburban College provides instruction and resources to help students improve their skills, pursue career pathways, and achieve their academic and personal goals.

Registration is now open. Community members interested in enrolling in Late Start classes are encouraged to visit our Adult Education site for more information.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo.

South Suburban College’s PAC Rats Theatre Company Announces Open Auditions for Neil Simon’s Classic Comedy

Posted on September 4, 2025September 4, 2025 by Webmaster

South Holland, IL – Get ready to laugh! The PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College is holding open auditions for The Odd Couple (Female Version) by Neil Simon. Auditions will take place on Wednesday, September 17, and Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kindig Performing Arts Center, located on SSC’s Main Campus at 15800 State Street, South Holland, IL.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping on stage for the first time, this is your chance to be part of one of Neil Simon’s most beloved comedies—this time with a fresh twist. And if the stage isn’t for you, the PAC Rats are also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help backstage with set building, painting, and more.

In Simon’s witty reimagining, neat-freak Florence Unger finds herself living with her carefree, messy best friend Olive Madison after her divorce. With mismatched personalities, Trivial Pursuit nights, and the arrival of the charming Costazuela brothers, their apartment quickly becomes a hilarious battleground of clashing habits and unexpected chaos.

Director Sandra Wagner of Lansing is seeking six women and two men to bring this comedy to life. Auditions are open to all community members and SSC students. No appointment or prepared materials are required—just show up, read from provided scenes and bring your enthusiasm. Participants should be ready to list any scheduling conflicts with evening rehearsals.

“This show is all about friendship, humor, and the beautiful messiness of life,” said Director Sandra Wagner. “We welcome anyone with a love for theatre—whether onstage or behind the scenes—to come join the fun. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, share some laughs, and bring live theatre to our community.”

Performance Dates:

Friday, November 14, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
Friday, November 21, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent—or to join the fun behind the scenes! For character descriptions, rehearsal details, and more, visit the Kindig Performing Arts Center’s Facebook page or email ssctheatre@ssc.edu

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo.

About South Suburban College
South Suburban College offers a wide range of academic, career, and technical programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers and strengthen the economic vitality of the region. Learn more at www.ssc.edu.

South Suburban College Cosmetology Services Now Open to the Public

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Webmaster

South Holland, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is excited to announce that its Cosmetology school is officially open to the public for the fall semester. Conveniently located within SSC’s Main Campus, the program offers a wide range of affordable beauty and personal care services provided by SSC’s talented Cosmetology students under the supervision of licensed instructors.

Community members can enjoy professional-quality services such as haircuts, coloring, styling, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more—at a fraction of salon prices. Every service not only benefits clients but also provides SSC students with invaluable hands-on training and real-world experience as they prepare for successful careers in the beauty industry.

“Our Cosmetology Services are truly a win-win for the community,” said Tiffany Washington, Cosmetology Instructor and Program Coordinator. “Clients receive high-quality, budget-friendly services, and our students gain the essential skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workforce.”

The SSC Cosmetology Services operate Monday – Thursday from 10:30am until 4:00pm (last appointment at 2:30pm) and Saturdays from 9:15am until 1:00pm (last appointment at 12:00pm) walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure availability.

For more information about services, pricing, or to schedule an appointment, please contact SSC Cosmetology at (708) 596-2000 Ext. 5753 or visit SSC Cosmetology Services.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Cosmetology Program Logo

About South Suburban College
South Suburban College is dedicated to serving the diverse educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. The college offers a wide variety of academic programs, career training, and personal enrichment opportunities to prepare students for success.