Students Seeking Signatures for their Petitions for 2021 Student Trustee Election

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Students are asking for help! Support them by signing their Student Trustee petitions so they can qualify to run in the upcoming Student Trustee Election.

Dion Anthony Ruben

Hello, my name is Dion Anthony Ruben and I hope this message finds everyone well. First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read over this email. Also, congrats on an almost finished spring semester. Continue your hard work and finish strong and make your friends, family, and, most importantly, yourself proud. I reach out to you all today in hopes that I can gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College. To qualify to be on the ballot, I need your help with at least 50 signatures. While I don’t know many of you personally and because of Covid-19, its been more difficult to connect. Becoming Student Trustee not only gives me an amazing opportunity to connect and get to know my fellow classmate better, but it also gives me the perfect opportunity to help ensure our voices as students are heard. So, I ask please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Trustee Election Ballot.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUNVZJUFlLNjlSQkdWOE83UFozTEtZRDk1USQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Thank You,
Dion Anthony Ruben

Nellie Atkins

Hello Fellow Students!

My name is Nellie Atkins and I am reaching out to gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College. Please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Trustee Election Ballot.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflURU5YOEc4TlhXMjFWUjJONUVKR0dBTzg2VSQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Nellie Atkins

Kimberly Sutton

My name is Kimberly Sutton, and I am reaching out to gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College. Please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Election Ballot

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUQklWN0lWQVlFNVdXQ0hYSEpCNEFBME5DUyQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Kimberly Sutton

Yaquelin Hinojosa- Fuentes

Hello South Suburban classmates, I hope everyone is having a smooth and productive semester!

It’s been a tough couple of years because of COVID, but let’s keep optimistic that soon everything will return to normal! Though I have not had the pleasure of meeting you all, I am hoping to gain your support to run for Student Trustee at South Suburban College.

Please click on the link below and sign my petition to be on the Student Trustee Election Ballot.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUM1lBUktVRThOQlA3MlA2UU8zQ09HTEpHMiQlQCN0PWcu

I appreciate you taking the time to sign my petition and look forward to sharing Student Trustee Election information in the coming weeks.

Best regards,

Yaquelin Hinojosa- Fuentes
yhinojosa-f100@student.ssc.edu

Mikia Stewart

To my fellow student body,

I would like you to sign the petition on my behalf to represent you. Currently, I am a freshman nursing student apart of the Honors Society and Phi Theta Kappa organizations. I am the current President of SSC chapter of National Student Nurse’s Associations. I would like to be your voice among the Board of Directors. I appreciate your efforts of signing the petition.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUQVpOWkFLN1hIT0xPTk1DWEYyRlBBRVRYSyQlQCN0PWcu

Truly,


Mikia Stewart, Student Nurse
mstewart106@student.ssc.edu

Mauriel Henry

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cyYBn2bCrEGcIcWmVLMI4gduRRS8fUNGvSagynI5LflUMDBWS0M5M0c0MFBOTUNZQU1aVjRBTkdKQiQlQCN0PWcu

BCI to Host Virtual Workshop: Navigating the Nebulous Waters of HR Documentation

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a virtual workshop entitled Navigating the Nebulous Waters of HR Documentation on Thursday, May 13th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Managing the stacks of HR paperwork can be a daunting task. There seems to be a form for everything, making it difficult to keep track of what is important and what can be placed on hold. In this webinar, attorney Sonia D. Coleman will walk you through the most integral documents needed for recording purposes. She will cover three distinct areas: The Hiring Process (job offer through onboarding), Separation from Employment (letters of termination to acknowledgement of back pay) and various Policies and Procedures (disciplinary action to sexual harassment). There are 1.5. PDCs available for SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP and HRCI certification holders for each session.

This session is designed for veteran and new human resource professionals; supervisors, managers, team leaders; and anyone with designated HR responsibilities

Sonia D. Coleman, the founder and managing attorney of The Law Office of Sonia D. Coleman, P.C., is an accomplished attorney with experience in the counseling and representation of clients on a wide range of matters. Sonia is skilled in advising global clients on legal and business matters, including federal and state employment laws, such as: the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Sonia earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Howard University and her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

The cost to attend this virtual workshop is just $15. To register, please email bci@ssc.edu or call (708) 225-6055. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT ARE REQUIRED BY 5 PM ON TUESDAY, MAY 11th. For additional information, visit www.ssc.edu/bci, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email aglumac@ssc.edu. Registrants will be emailed a link for access to the webinar.

Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program Coming to Oak Forest This Summer

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OAK FOREST, IL–South Suburban College is preparing for the next session of its free Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) this summer at the Oak Forest Center. Registration opens Monday, April 19th, while Orientation and Assessment Testing will take place from June 15-18th with the program set to begin on July 12th.

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) 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 but are not limited to: Cement Mason, Electrician, Pipefitter, Carpenter, Laborer and Equipment Operator. All candidates must be 18 years and older, have a high school diploma/GED, interest in working in the construction trades and have a valid driver’s license with them to attend orientation. Participants will be required to pass a drug screening.

For more information or to register, please visit www.ssc.edu/hcctp or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3219. All orientation and assessment testing will be held at SSC’s Oak Forest Center located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue Oak Forest, Illinois. Temperature checks, masks and social distancing are required on campus.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the participating community colleges do not guarantee employment upon trainees’ graduation from the Highway Construction Careers Training Program.

Broken, Healed, Stronger, Better!! Photographs by Tara Gray on display at 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 of photographs entitled Broken, Healed, Stronger, Better!! by Tara Gray in the Photo Four Gallery at South Suburban College from Monday, March 29th through Thursday, May 6th.

Tara Gray is a photographer and CEO of Feel This Moment Photography. Broken, Healed, Stronger, Better!! is a body of work which features the artist’s God-sister and the story of her journey to form her own business. Ms. Gray notes that she chose to feature her because “I love helping to allow women to use their voice, to feel beautiful, and to help them feel unstoppable. We make complete art when we unite.”

Ms. Gray’s photographs are not merely portraits, but go beyond to create compositions with shapes and colors of objects in the background to add more dimensions to their personalities. The artist’s God-sister, friends, and family explode from the photographs with color and life. Through skillful use of pose, placement, and color, Ms. Gray indeed unites her subjects in an attitude of power, positivity, and self-confidence.

The SSC Photo Four Gallery is open Monday-Thursday, 9-5 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. An online gallery component and a Zoom gallery lecture will be announced at a later date. The public is welcome to visit art exhibitions and receptions at no charge. Temperature checks, masks and social distancing are required on campus. For more information, please call Amy Babinec at (847) 868-3069 or visit www.ssc.edu/art. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

College Bookstore Management and Operations

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South Suburban College is soliciting competitive sealed proposals from qualified, experienced, financially sound and responsible organizations for the comprehensive management and operation of the SSC Bookstore. The Contract will be for a five-year period, with the option to renew for a successive five-year period.
 
Mandatory Pre-proposal Meeting
April 15, 2021 @ 1:00 PM — Board Room

Proposal Submittal and Acknowledge Deadline
April 30, 2021 — College Bookstore

Award
A five year contract for the provision of the College Bookstore management and operations was awarded to Follett Education on June 10, 2021.

South Suburban College Student Jaleel Harris Named to Illinois Community College Board

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL—The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) announced this week the appointment of South Suburban College (SSC) student Jaleel Harris to its 2021-22 Student Board. Candidate review and voting from the pool of nominations was recently conducted by the ICCB Student Advisory Committee.

Harris, a 26-year old resident of Chicago, first enrolled at SSC after graduating from Homewood Flossmoor High School in 2012. He is currently studying Business Administration.

“I am honored to serve my students and community through the amazing opportunity,” said Harris. “Here at SSC, our Mission is to serve our students and community through lifelong learning. With pleasure, this is a mission I will honor throughout my professional journey and one I will cherish when performing my responsibilities with the ICCB.”

Harris said he has future plans to further his education in Sociology with the goal of starting a foundation focused on the needs of at-risk youth.

“My experience here as both a student and student employee has taught me a variety of values. Most importantly, I have learned the significance of acquired knowledge and service.” Harris added, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, ‘life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?’”

Harris represents the second South Suburban College student elected to serve on the state-wide board. Dr. Lynette Stokes previously became the first SSC President named to the Illinois Community College Board in 2020.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC 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 SSC, please visit www.ssc.edu.
 
Pictured: College student Jaleel Harris, pictured at South Suburban College.

Hall of Fame Baseball Coach Steve Ruzich Wins 1200th Game

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College head baseball coach Steve Ruzich won his 1,200th baseball game on Saturday, March 20th, picking up the 8-6 victory against Carl Sandburg.

Ruzich has been the head baseball coach at South Suburban College for the last 35 years, compiling a win/loss record of 1,200 and 717. More importantly, he has sent over 325 student-athletes to four-year institutions throughout the entire country. Under Coach “Ru”, the Bulldogs have also had 24 players drafted, and produced five big leaguers.

“It has been an honor to be able to work and learn under Coach Ruzich,” assistant baseball coach Marty Joyce said. “Every day he brings energy and passion to the field that really motivates the guys to get better. The best thing about this program is that he makes it into a family atmosphere, and he cares about each individual guy.”

Inducted into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014, Ruzich has led the Bulldogs to two NJCAA Division I World Series Appearances (1991, 2006), 11 Regional titles, and coached 15 NJCAA Division I All-Americans. He has also been named the N4C Coach of the Year, Region 4 Coach of the Year twelve times, Great Lakes District Coach of the Year, and Diamond District Coach of the Year.

“The 1,200 wins means how many great players I have been fortunate to be able to coach. These players have made this program where it is today.” Coach Ruzich said in a statement after the victory.

Before taking over the Bulldogs program at age 24, Ruzich played two years for Thornton Community College (now South Suburban College) after transferring back from Illinois State University. After moving on with his degree, Ruzich transferred to St. Francis University in Joliet, Illinois where he played under legendary coach Gordie Gillespie. He was then drafted in the 30th round of the 1985 MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox.

SSC Presents a Virtual Town Hall Meeting Entitled RECOVER! RETOOL! RENEW! The Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College Business & Career Institute, along with the South Suburban Small Business Association (SSSBA) and SCORE will present a virtual Town Hall Meeting with Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the IDPH entitled RECOVER! RETOOL! RENEW! A Town Hall Meeting with Dr. Ngozi Ezike on Tuesday, March 23rd from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike is the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – the first Black woman appointed to lead the 143-year old state agency. Dr. Ezike is a board-certified internist and pediatrician who previously worked for the Cook County Department of Public Health, where she served for more than 15 years. She also was medical director at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.

Moderator Kristi DeLaurentiis is Executive Director of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), an intergovernmental agency dedicated to meeting the needs of communities in the south suburban Chicago area. Throughout the pandemic, SSMMA has served as a clearinghouse for information on COVID-19 impact within the region.

Register for this free virtual Townhall Meeting at http://bit.ly/sscrecover2021. A link will be sent to registrants prior to the event. For more information please contact Lois Fuentes at lfuentes@ssc.edu.

South Suburban College COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Site Adjusts Weekday Schedule, Reopens Saturdays

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The South Suburban College COVID-19 testing site has further scaled back its operation from seven days a week to four days a week in response to slowing demand for testing. Testing will now continue on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. through April as part of its most recent intergovernmental agreement renewal with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). No appointment is necessary for the drive-thru tents set up at the College’s Main Campus parking lot. Testing site inquiries may be made by calling (888) 297-7208.

Vaccinations continue Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Cook County’s mass vaccination site within South Suburban College’s Gymnasium. Vaccinations at all Cook County Health sites are provided by appointment at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Individuals without Internet access or who need assistance scheduling may call (833) 308-1988 (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday). Cook County Health will continue to offer appointment slots based on the amount of vaccine expected and will add appointments as new vaccine shipments arrive. As vaccine becomes available, Cook County Health opens new appointments.

South Suburban College cannot answer specific questions regarding testing results or vaccination scheduling.

In addition to Cook County Health sites, the Cook County Department of Public Health has distributed vaccines to more than 90 partner locations including Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Walgreens, Federally Qualified Health Centers and hospitals who are also offering vaccines by appointment. Additional sites can be found at https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.

Take Summer Classes at South Suburban College and Benefit from Scholarships, Tuition Assistance Programs and Free Laptops

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) continues its efforts to provide flexibility to college degree seekers interrupted by the pandemic with a virtual classroom model and some in-person options, as well as a wide range of tuition and technology supports. Summer Registration is now in progress online from ssc.edu. The 2021 Summer Semester begins the week of Monday, June 7th for both credit and non-credit classes. Summer students are encouraged to register early to secure grant opportunities and a preferred schedule.

The summer semester is an excellent opportunity for students to take the next step in their success by customizing a class schedule at a convenient, affordable institution. New SSC students should get started with the Online Application from ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

The SSC Foundation has extended its scholarship deadline to Friday, April 16, 2021, for new and current students. More than 150 scholarships with a wide range of criteria are available for the coming summer and fall enrollment periods. The application process is made easy and must be completed online at ssc.edu/scholarships.

SSC previously announced the free laptop application and other technical supports such as hotspots to assist students with the virtual learning environment. Applications are accepted from www.ssc.edu/technology-relief-fund/. Former students make take advantage of a new one-time SSC Student Debt Relief Fund from www.ssc.edu/student-debt-relief-fund.

SSC’s Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant provides wrap-around services including comprehensive financial assistance and academic support to participating students within a variety of program areas providing stackable credentials. These programs will be highlighted at the upcoming Open Houses including Nursing, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Basic Nursing Assistance Training Program (BNATP), Community Healthcare Worker (CHW), Certified Production Technician (CPT), Solar Photovoltaic Installer, Forklift Operator, and the brand-new Barber College at the college’s Main Campus. For more information about the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei.

In addition to the live chat function at ssc.edu, prospective students may call (708) 210-5718 for assistance, or email registration&records@ssc.edu or CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

South Suburban College COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Site Now Open Weekdays Only

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The South Suburban College COVID-19 testing site has scaled back its operation from seven days a week to five days a week in response to slowing demand for testing. Testing will continue on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. through April as part of its most recent intergovernmental agreement renewal with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). No appointment is necessary for the drive-thru tents set up at the College’s Main Campus parking lot. Testing site inquiries may be made by calling (888) 297-7208.

Vaccinations continue Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Cook County’s mass vaccination site within South Suburban College’s Gymnasium. Vaccinations at all Cook County Health sites are provided by appointment at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Individuals without Internet access or who need assistance scheduling may call (833) 308-1988 (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday). Cook County Health will continue to offer appointment slots based on the amount of vaccine expected and will add appointments as new vaccine shipments arrive. As vaccine becomes available, Cook County Health opens new appointments. South Suburban College cannot answer specific questions regarding testing results or vaccination scheduling.

In addition to Cook County Health sites, the Cook County Department of Public Health has distributed vaccines to more than 90 partner locations including Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Walgreens, Federally Qualified Health Centers and hospitals who are also offering vaccines by appointment. Additional sites can be found at https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.

South Suburban College Nursing Program Ranked Top 3 in Illinois by Nursing Advocacy Organization

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College’s (SSC) Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) has been named the #3 Ranked Nursing Program in Illinois by RegisteredNursing.org – a nursing advocacy organization. RegisteredNursing.org recently released its annual list of Best RN Programs.

Nursing programs are assessed on several factors which represent how well a program supports students towards licensure and beyond. RegisteredNursing.org also analyzes past and present first time NCLEX-RN “pass-rates” – weighted by year (more information on the methodology is accessible from https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

“Recognitions like these are the result of a lot of hard work by our instructors and students,” said Dr. Linda Brown-Aldridge, Dean of Nursing at SSC. “It is even more rewarding and inspiring to see our students achieve success and become part of a workforce that needs talented, caring people more than ever.”

2021 Top Ranked Nursing Schools badgeThe NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for registered nurses is a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to determine whether or not a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. SSC’s recent graduate success is the culmination of five consecutive years above the annual national average pass rates including multiple 100% passing graduated classes since the program reopened in 2013. The College’s ADN Program has undergone a major transformation, from revitalizing curriculum to providing innovative new student support systems and cutting-edge technology.

“Dr. Brown-Aldridge and her team have really taken the program to a new level since her arrival in 2019,” said Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, SSC President. “We are excited about the opportunity for more significant growth as the pandemic slows.”

Stokes said that South Suburban College is strategically working to increase awareness to expand the Nursing student population with an eye toward a state-of-the-art Allied Health & Nursing Center, which is quietly in development at the Main Campus in South Holland (email foundation@ssc.edu for more information).

While the next admission cycle closes this March 1st for the Fall 2021 Semester, new prospective students are encouraged to begin their prerequisites as early as this summer by creating a plan with an SSC Counselor. The College also has plans for launching an LPN-RN bridge pathway this year.

The SSC Nursing Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations (IDFPR) and the college is accredited by the North Central Higher Learning Commission (HLC), both critical components to proper credentialing and certification upon graduation. It is a two-year Associate in Applied Science curriculum that provides learning experiences directed by faculty in local hospitals and health agencies to focus on the direct nursing care of patients of all ages.

For more information about Nursing and other Allied Health Programs at SSC, please visit ssc.edu/success or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2260. Email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu for information about prerequisites and scheduling.

Free Tuition for Qualified Applicants Available for Short-Term WEI Programs this March at South Suburban College – REVISED

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– Prospective students are encouraged to register now for Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) classes starting at South Suburban College (SSC) March 15th and later. The WEI grant supports qualified participants through the completion of short-term educational opportunities leading to employment. Benefits of the grant include financial and technology assistance, tutoring, academic and employment advising, and more.

Three, short-term courses are still available this spring as 8-week classes starting March 15th and later:

Solar Photovoltaic (Solar Panel) Installers
BLD-299 661, Solar Core may be taken on Mondays OR Wednesdays from 6:30-8:20 p.m. beginning on March 15th.
Instruction in the special skills to both install and maintain solar energy panels for residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. Basic installer earnings are approximately $48,900 per year with post-apprenticeship earnings over $100,000 on average. The employment growth of 63% is expected by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more information, please contact Eugene Damiani, program coordinator, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2292 or email edamiani@ssc.edu.

Forklift Operator Training
Forklift Operator Training is a one-day course on either March 30, 31 or April 1st from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Illinois requires all forklift operators to obtain a license to avoid OSHA sanctions and possible penalties. Individuals who wish to pursue a new career or to ensure a safer, compliant workforce are encouraged to attend. This course provides the basic forklift driving skills needed to obtain the Forklift Operator Certification. A certification card from the National Safety Council will be issued to the student upon successful completion of the program. According to BLS, entry level operator earnings are approximately $38,500 per year on average. For more information contact Gervaise Edwards at (708) 225-6032, or email gedwards@ssc.edu.

Contact Tracing
CHW–250 will be offered virtually beginning on March 15th.
This course provides an overview of contact tracing to meet the demand of the growing public health workforce for contact tracing investigators. It will provide training on the basics of disease transmission and the principles behind case isolation and quarantine of contacts as a public health measure. Curriculum will also focus on the ethics around public health data collection and use, risk communication, cultural sensitivity, health equity and the basics of data collection for COVID-19 and other communicable diseases where contact tracers are needed. For more information about contact tracing, please contact Cynthia Williams at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2421 or email CWilliams@ssc.edu.

For more information about free tuition and other WEI benefits for these and other short-term career programs, please email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit ssc.edu/wei.

Cook County Announces Third Large Scale Community Vaccination Site at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Health System CEO Israel Rocha announced today that Cook County will open its third large scale vaccine administration site at South Suburban College to continue vaccinations for individuals eligible under 1b.

Phase 1b includes individuals age 65 and older and essential workers such as first responders, manufacturing employees and grocery store personnel. While an estimated 600,000 suburban individuals are eligible for vaccine under Phase 1b, officials continue to remind the public that there is currently not adequate vaccine supply to vaccinate everyone.

“While current vaccine supply does not meet the demand and in fact has been exhausted – we are standing up large scale sites now to ensure that we are ready as vaccine supply is expected to increase in the weeks and months ahead,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

South Suburban College, located in South Holland, is the third large-scale site Cook County has operationalized following the Tinley Park Convention Center on January 26, 2021 and Triton College on February 2, 2021. When fully operationalized and when ample vaccine supply becomes available, Cook County Health estimates it will be able to provide more than 4,000 vaccines weekly at South Suburban College. To date, Cook County Health has provided nearly 70,000 vaccine doses which is only a fraction of what is needed to get us to the next phase.

“The South Suburban College Board of Trustees and our executive leadership team are proud to collaborate with Cook County to provide a safe, convenient, COVID-19 vaccination site right here at our main campus in South Holland,” said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees. “We applaud President Preckwinkle, the Board of Commissioners and medical professionals of Cook County Health for your tireless efforts to protect our community.”

Vaccinations at all Cook County Health sites are provided by appointment only. Cook County Health will continue to only offer appointment slots based on the amount of vaccine expected and will add appointments as new vaccine shipments arrive. At this time, Cook County Health has exhausted its vaccine supply and cannot open new appointments.

“We are equally as frustrated as the community with the lack of vaccine that has been distributed. We are asking Cook County residents for their continued patience as we work to ramp up one of the largest County-operated vaccine programs in the country,” said Israel Rocha, CEO, Cook County Health.

When vaccine becomes available, Cook County Health will announce the availability of new appointments which can be made at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Individuals without internet access or who need assistance scheduling may call (833) 308-1988 (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday).

In addition to Cook County Health sites, the Cook County Department of Public Health has distributed vaccines to more than 90 partner locations including Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Walgreens, Federally Qualified Health Centers and hospitals who are also offering vaccines by appointment. Additional sites can be found at https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.

In the weeks ahead and pending vaccine availability, Cook County plans to open several additional large sites across the suburbs. County officials expect Phase 1b to take some time and caution residents to remember that moving through the various phases is contingent on the availability of vaccine. Residents not yet eligible for vaccine can also sign up at vaccine.cookcountyil.gov to receive updates on their phase and for information on dozens of additional vaccination sites across Cook County.

“Along the Des Plaines River” Exhibition by Amy Babinec and George Liebert at South Suburban College’s Dorothea Thiel Gallery

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College is pleased to present an exhibition entitled “Along the Des Plaines River” by college faculty member Amy Babinec and George Liebert. The exhibition will be on display in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery until February 4, 2021. An artist’s reception and lecture will be announced at a later date.

Along the Desplaines features a series of paintings created by Amy Babinec and George Liebert, featuring plein-air landscapes along the Desplaines River. Plein-air painting is done outdoors at the site of the subject of the painting, relying on direct observation and capturing the spirt of the landscape. Historically, many artists have chosen to use this method to better capture and interpret the feeling of the landscape, notably more difficult than studio painting where the artist works inside separated from natural elements. The show contrasts two different reactions to the landscape along the Desplaines River. Babinec’s paintings, completed on-site, capture the seasonal color and light within carefully considered geometric compositions. Liebert expands his watercolor and ink sketches into abstractions in the studio, creating improvisational, calligraphic riffs on the traditions of landscape painting, color theory, and art history.

Amy Babinec is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She currently teaches painting, drawing, and design at South Suburban College. George Liebert is Adjunct Associate Professor of Painting and Drawing at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago.

The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the fourth floor and is open for visitors with masks and social distancing Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. The galleries are supported in part by the SSC Foundation. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. For more information, please email jtassin@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316.

Acrylic on paper by Amy Babinec

Acrylic on paper by Amy Babinec
Acrylic on panel by George Liebert

Acrylic on panel by George Liebert

Crucial Conversations: Recognizing & Addressing Sexual Harassment In The Workplace (A Virtual Webinar)

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a virtual webinar entitled Crucial Conversations: Recognizing & Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace on Wednesday, March 3rd from 9:00 – 10:15 am.
Allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct have permeated the news in the last few years. As a result, in 2020 Governor Pritzker mandated all Illinois businesses to provide sexual harassment training for all employees at least once a year. In the webinar, HR Consultant Alexandra Glumac will address three important questions:

  • What is sexual harassment?
  • What do you do if you experience or witness it? and;
  • Whose responsibility is it to stop it? Who should attend?

There are 1.0 PDCs available for SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP and HRCI certification holders. Certificates of completion will be available upon request for individuals representing other industries, to satisfy Governor Pritzker’s mandate.

Sponsored in part by the South Suburban Cook Human Resources Association. The cost is just $25 per person or $20 per person if 3 or more from the same company attend (add $10 surcharge for PDC’s).

The workshop will be held virtually and reservations are required. To register, please email bci@ssc.edu or call (708) 225-6055. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 12 NOON MONDAY, MARCH 1ST. For additional information please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email aglumac@ssc.edu.

BCI to Host Virtual Workshop Exploring the Hidden Power of Racism in the Workplace

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a virtual workshop entitled Racism Anonymous: Exploring the Hidden Power of Racism in the Workplace on Thursday, February 25th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

In this engaging 3-hour introductory workshop, participants will explore the internal and external influences that shape our personal and racial identities. The webinar will examine racism and how those mostly invisible forces elicit structural advantages for some, but also create many harmful impacts on our society and those living within it.

Facilitator Leah Hinton will primarily address four crucial questions that will include:

  1. What is racism really and how does it affect everyone?
  2. How has racism contributed to the shaping of your identity?
  3. How does racism show up as a power system in our culture and at work?
  4. What do I need to know in order to fight racism on the job?

This introductory workshop demonstrates that productive conversations about race are possible and that there is an effective methodology for facilitating them. The workshop may serve as a starting point for an organizational journey toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization.

About the facilitator: Leah Hinton is a native of the south suburban Chicago area who has an extensive background in human resources with a concentration in talent acquisition, training, diversity people culture and professional development. Leah holds a BA from Chicago State University. Her work experience includes cooperative, organizational and agency employment relations. Leah is excited to bring this important dialogue to the southland business community.

Who should attend?

  • Business owners, administrators, C-suite executives
  • Supervisors, managers, team leaders
  • Human resources professionals
  • Employees
  • Anyone aligned with the fight against racism

There are 3.0 PDCs available for SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP and HRCI certification holders. Certificates of completion will be available upon request.

This virtual workshop is sponsored in part by Providence Bank, the South Holland Business Association and the South Suburban Cook HR Association. The cost to attend is just $35 per person or $30 per person if three or more from the same company attend. To register, please call (708) 225-6055 or email bci@ssc.edu. Zoom link will be provided after receipt of payment. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED BY 12 NOON ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD. For other questions, please email aglumac@ssc.edu.

Students Who Register for “Late Start” Classes at South Suburban College May Still Benefit from Tuition Assistance, Free Laptops

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) continues its efforts to provide flexibility to college degree seekers interrupted by the pandemic including late start 12-week and 8-week classes beginning February 8th and later. Spring class schedules, registration services and a new “live chat” with staff are all available online from ssc.edu.

SSC previously announced the free laptop application and other technical supports such as hotspots to assist students with the virtual learning environment. Applications are accepted from https://www.ssc.edu/technology-relief-fund/. Late starting students may also take advantage of SSC’s free class tuition waiver from www.ssc.edu/freeclass. Former students make take advantage of a new one-time SSC Student Debt Relief Fund from www.ssc.edu/student-debt-relief-fund.

Additionally, SSC’s Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant provides wrap-around services including comprehensive financial assistance and academic support to participating students within a variety of program areas providing stackable credentials. These programs will be highlighted at the upcoming Open Houses including Nursing, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Basic Nursing Assistance Training Program (BNATP), Community Healthcare Worker (CHW), Certified Production Technician (CPT), Solar Photovoltaic Installer, Forklift Operator, and the brand-new Barber College at the college’s Main Campus. For more information about the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei.

In addition to the live chat function at ssc.edu, prospective students may call (708) 210-5718 for assistance, or email registration&records@ssc.edu or CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

Pre-Filing Notice for South Suburban College Board

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–Notice is hereby given that the Office of the Secretary of the Board will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. beginning December 14, 2020 through December 21, 2020, for the purpose of accepting candidate petitions or certificates for the consolidated election to be held on April 6, 2021, for the following offices:

  • Two full-term (six-years) members of the Board of Trustees of South Suburban College, Community College District 510

South Suburban College to Host Workforce Equity Initiative Grant Virtual Open Houses to Promote Benefits for Current and New Students

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) recently announced an award of $1,200,000 for the continuance of the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) Grant at South Suburban College. The WEI project is designed to create, support, and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high need areas within SSC District #510.  Through new programs, expanded access, opportunity, and support services, the project is anticipated to yield impactful outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and local businesses.

Additionally, the WEI grant provides wrap-around services including comprehensive financial assistance and academic support to participating students within a variety of program areas providing stackable credentials. These programs will be highlighted at the upcoming Open Houses including Nursing, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Basic Nursing Assistance Training Program (BNATP), Community Healthcare Worker (CHW), Certified Production Technician (CPT), Solar Photovoltaic Installer, Forklift Operator, and the brand-new Barber College at the college’s Main Campus. When SSC’s Barbering Program opens this spring, it will become the only active public barber school in the State of Illinois.

SSC is hosting two WEI Virtual Open Houses to provide information to students who could benefit from WEI funding, programs, and services in the Spring 2021 Semester and beyond. The Open House Zoom links are accessible from www.ssc.edu/info.

For more information about the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei.

Spring classes begin Monday, January 11, 2021, and class schedules, registration services, and a new “live chat” with staff are all available online from ssc.edu. Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration. In addition to the live chat function at ssc.edu, prospective students may call (708) 210-5718.

South Suburban College Paralegal & CJS Programs to host Virtual Open Houses

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College is hosting a Virtual Open House for its Paralegal and Criminal Justice Programs in December. All of SSC’s upcoming Virtual Open House Zoom links are accessible from ssc.edu/info. Attendees can access the Open House links or call in to participate and become informed about exciting career pathways with significant occupational growth outlook.

The Paralegal Virtual Open House will take place on Thursday, December 10th at 6:00 p.m. The Paralegal Program is offering an entry-level class in the Spring 2021 Semester at SSC. Information will be provided about the curriculum including a 60-hour Associate Degree program and a 39-hour Certificate, both designed to prepare students to become highly trained paralegals and legal assistants. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to work in a variety of legal environments. SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana region, arming graduates with a significant advantage entering the workforce.

SSC’s Criminal Justice System (CJS) program will host its CJS Virtual Open House on Monday, December 14th at 6:00 p.m.  The Criminal Justice programs at SSC are designed for those individuals either desiring employment with, or upgrading of their skills for, police agencies, correctional facilities, the courts systems, or security companies. Theoretical and practical coursework is provided for maximum flexibility in career choice. The college offers a 63-credit hour Associate Degree program, a 64-hour Correctional Officer track, and a 36-hour Criminal Justice Certificate.

For more information, please contact Becky Hougesen Walters, J.D., Paralegal/Criminal Justice Coordinator at bwalters@ssc.edu or (708) 596-2000, ext. 2285. SSC has announced spring classes will be offered through its virtual classroom beginning Monday, January 11, 2021, and class schedules, registration services and a new “live chat” with staff are all available online from ssc.edu. Future SSC students can get started at admissions.ssc.edu.

South Suburban College Announces Opening of Barber College at South Holland Campus in the Spring

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Board of Trustees approved the hiring of its first ever Barber College faculty Bobby Mattison at its November 12th Board Meeting. Chairman Frank M. Zuccarelli and the SSC Board first announced the establishment program last December. The college subsequently received full approval from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) this year as well as its licensure from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Construction for the new, fully equipped barbering facility has already been completed at the college’s Main Campus in South Holland.

Mattison will begin leading the program effective January 4, 2021 as SSC readies to open for the spring semester. A licensed barber and barbering instructor, Mattison was instrumental in growing and licensing a Barbering Program at Statesville Correctional Center, and most recently at Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. He also opened a private business called Legacy Barber College with a partner in Glenwood, IL, for which he was featured on ABC News.

Mattison says he looks forward to creating new opportunities for others to become barbers and is excited to get started in his full-time role at the brand-new barber shop/lab at SSC. “You have to find something you love and would do it for free but find a way to get paid for it,” said Mattison. “Barbering is that for me and I know it can be for so many others.”

The SSC Barbering program was established in part by a Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant the college received through the Illinois Community College Board which included funding for several new in-demand programs. The WEI project is designed to create, support and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high need areas within SSC District #510. Through expanded access, opportunity, and support services, the project is anticipated to yield impactful outcomes for individuals, families, communities, local businesses.

The Barbering curriculum is a 17-month credit program leading to professional certification. SSC will be offering a 41-hour Barber Technician (BT) Certificate and a 60-hour Associate of Applied Science Degree in Barbering track for students seeking a college degree as a part of the program. Both tracks will include preparation and testing for National Barbering Written Licensing Examination, which is essential to applying for licensure in Illinois.

“South Suburban College’s Barbering Program will be the only active public Barber School in the state,” added Matt Beasland, Dean of Adult & Continuing Education and administrator over the Barber College. “It will provide our constituents with quick access to a career credential that can lead to family sustaining wages.”

According to BLS data, the average salary for a Barber in Illinois is $42,930, or $20.64 per hour with an increase in demand of 9% by 2026. In the Southland area, there are currently 286 new job openings for barbers.

For more information about Barber School and the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei. Most SSC courses will continue to be offered through the virtual classroom model during the Spring 2021 Semester, with exceptions for some programs such as Barbering. Social distancing and PPEs will be used as appropriate for in-person classes.

South Suburban College to Host Virtual Family Reading Night

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College’s Adult Volunteer Literacy Program is hosting a virtual Family Reading Night event on Wednesday, November 18th beginning at 6:00 p.m. live from the South Suburban College Facebook page. The public is encouraged to join SSC for this free event to learn more about community literacy while enjoying stories and live presentations.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults and children 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 Adult Education Department administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE/GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

For more information about Family Reading Night or the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, please contact Raylynn Stokes, coordinator, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@ssc.edu. This event is sponsored in part by the SSC Foundation.

South Suburban College Paralegal Program to host Virtual Open House, Promote Spring Entry Course

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College is hosting a Virtual Open House for its Paralegal Program on Thursday, December 10th at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The Paralegal Program is offering an entry level class in the Spring 2021 Semester at SSC. Virtual Open House attendees will access the ZOOM link through ssc.edu/info and be informed about an exciting career pathway with a significant occupational growth outlook.

Information will be provided about SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum including a 60-hour Associate Degree program and a 39-hour Certificate, both designed to prepare students to become highly trained paralegals and legal assistants. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and credentials to work in a variety of legal environments including:

  • Civil and criminal litigation
  • Law offices, and corporate legal departments
  • Insurance and banking
  • Public and governmental agencies

“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 Becky Walters, J.D., Paralegal Program Coordinator.

SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana region, arming graduates with a significant advantage entering the workforce. As such, the College requires that all of its instructors be lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction. Prior to joining the SSC team, Walters was a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for nearly 12 years.

SSC has announced spring classes will be offered through its virtual classroom beginning Monday, January 11, 2021, and class schedules, registration services and a new “live chat” with staff are all available online from ssc.edu. Future SSC students can get started at admissions.ssc.edu.

Crucial Conversations: Recognizing & Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (A Virtual Webinar)

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a webinar entitled Crucial Conversations: Recognizing & Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (A Virtual Webinar) on Wednesday, December 2nd from 9:00 – 10:15 am.

Allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct have permeated the news in the last few years. As a result, Governor Pritzker mandated all Illinois businesses to provide sexual harassment training for all employees at least once a year, starting in 2020. Behavioral health occupations requiring an Illinois license are also mandated to attend this training. In the webinar, HR Consultant Alexandra Glumac will address three important questions:

  • What is sexual harassment?
  • What do you do if you experience or witness it? and;
  • Whose responsibility is it to stop it? Who should attend?

1.0 Continuing Education credits are available for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Licensed Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social workers, meeting the criteria for these professionals regarding sexual harassment training.

1.0 PDCs are available for SHRM-CP & SHRM-SCP holders.

Certificates of completion will be available upon request for individuals representing other industries, to satisfy Governor Pritzker’s mandate.

COST: $25 per person; $20 per person if 3 or more from the same company attend. Add $10 surcharge for CEU’s or PDC’s.

The workshop will be held virtually and reservations are required. To register, please email bci@ssc.edu or call (708) 225-6055. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 12:00 pm MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30th. For additional information please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email aglumac@ssc.edu.

Thank you to our partners: UChicago Medicine at Ingalls and South Suburban Cook Human Resources Association.

Business & Career Institute Presents: Exploring the Hidden Power of Racism in the Workplace Webinar

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a webinar entitled Racism Anonymous: Exploring the Hidden Power of Racism in the Workplace on Thursday, December 3rd from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

In this lively and engaging three-hour introductory workshop, participants will explore the internal and external influences that shape our personal and racial identities. We then examine racism and how those mostly invisible forces elicit structural advantages for some but also create many harmful impacts on our society and those living within it. The following four questions that will be explored:

  1. What is racism really and how it does it affect everyone?
  2. How has racism contributed to the shaping of your identity?
  3. How does racism show up as a power system in our culture and at work?
  4. What do I need to know in order to fight racism on the job?

      5. This introductory workshop demonstrates that productive conversations about race are possible and that there is an effective methodology for facilitating them. The workshop serves as a starting point for an organizational journey toward becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization for all the following associates:

      • Business owners, administrators, C-suite executives
      • Supervisors, managers, team leaders
      • Human resources professionals
      • Employees
      • Anyone aligned with the fight against racism

          • The workshop will be held virtually and reservations are required. The cost to attend is $35 per person or $30 per person if three or more from the same company attend. To register, please call (708) 225-6055 or email bci@ssc.edu, and for other questions, email aglumac@ssc.edu.

          About the facilitator: Dr. AnDrea Larkin Hendrix, is an educator who loves to harness critical thinking and healthy debate to inspire learning. She has taught at the college and university levels for 25 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and History, and a Master of Education Degree in Instructional Technology, specializing in HR training and development. AnDrea uses her Ph.D. studies in Rhetoric to examine how people use symbols and messages to create knowledge.

South Suburban College Announces Virtual Classroom, Free Class and Free Laptop Applications for the Spring Semester

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) announces the extension of its Virtual Classroom Model for the 2021 Spring Semester, including online and blended classroom instruction methods and limited on-campus activities. Spring classes begin Monday, January 11, 2021, and class schedules, registration services and a new “live chat” with staff are all available online from ssc.edu.

SSC previously announced the extension of its Virtual Classroom Model for the 2020 Fall Semester along with a free laptop application and other technical supports such as hotspots to assist students with the virtual learning environment. Apply from https://www.ssc.edu/technology-relief-fund/.

New students may also take advantage of SSC’s free class tuition waiver available to first time credit students for fall or spring semesters who reside within SSC District 510 or Lake County, Indiana (cannot be used with Federal and/or State Financial Aid, or other tuition or employer subsidy programs). Apply from www.ssc.edu/freeclass.

Additionally, former students make take advantage of a new one-time SSC Student Debt Relief Fund. Financial resources are allocated to students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are distributed on a case-by-case basis until exhausted. Apply from www.ssc.edu/student-debt-relief-fund.

“These measures will be implemented in ways that prioritize the quality of the student experience,” said President Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D. “We continue to provide high quality educational opportunities for current students and for anyone who has been impacted by the pandemic. We are at your service.”

Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

In addition to the live chat function at ssc.edu, prospective students may call (708) 210-5718 for assistance, or email registration&records@ssc.edu with registration questions or CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu with questions for the SSC Counseling Office.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

Javier Jasso’s “Consecutive: Linear, Passenger” exhibiting at South Suburban College’s Dulgar Gallery

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College Art & Design Department presents an exhibition by artist Javier Jasso entitled “Consecutive: Linear, Passenger” in the Dulgar Gallery through December 4, 2020, with a Virtual Reception on a date to be announced.

Javier Jasso is a Mexican American artist born in Chicago and raised in Mexico. He lives and works on the Southside of Chicago, Back of the Yards neighborhood. Javier says he is a metaphorical and literal builder. Many of the materials he uses come from recycled sources such as metal, plaster, plastic, concrete and wood that he collects from his neighborhood, along with ceramic, a medium and practice that he carries with him from his hometown of Alfareros in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Jasso explains: “Using my personal experience along with research, my current work addresses my perception of how humans respond to their surroundings as well as to the social and cultural issues relating to the natural inclination of searching and finding a place to call ‘home’. I examine space in an ever-evolving concept in today’s global society. I transform the familiarity of a domestic space into a liminal one, where ‘home’ is both an idealized concept and physical reality, paradoxical poetical, and perhaps fictional.”

The public is welcome to visit the art exhibition and reception at no charge; masks and social distancing are required. The Dulgar Gallery is on the 1st Floor of SSC’s Main Campus. SSC Galleries are open Mondays: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Tuesdays: 12:30 – 4:30pm; Wednesdays: 8:30am – 12:30pm; Thursdays: 12:30 – 4:30pm and Fridays: 10:00am – 2:00pm. For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2300, visit www.ssc.edu/art, or email etucker@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

South Suburban College Extends COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Site Services through December with the IDPH

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College has signed a new intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to continue free COVID-19 testing on its Main Campus in South Holland through December 31, 2020.

“This is great news for our SSC employees and students, and for our organizational partners and residents,” said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees. “We have heard from our community about the convenience of this site helping them to better deal with the challenges of the pandemic. We are pleased to offer this support for the remainder of this year.”

The COVID-19 testing drive-thru is conducted by HR Support in the SSC Fitness Center’s east parking lot seven days a week. Tents are highly visible and cars may enter from either 159th Street or State Street to follow the signage. Daily testing is available from 8-4 p.m., and a security detail will continue to be in place while testing is open.

More details about the testing process include:

  • Testing is available for anyone, not only Illinois residents
  • Testing is available for all ages (with parental consent)
  • State-issued identification is required
  • Testing will now be conducted via nasal swab which is painless, and a significant improvement over the more invasive nasopharyngeal test
  • Results are delivered by phone within 4-7 business days

Inquiries may be submitted to (888) 297-7208 or christopherbmurray@gmail.com. SSC is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The drive-thru route will still be limited to south side of campus near the athletic fields. Employees, students and visitors will access the Main Campus through 158th Street, and north lots and entrances.

COVID-19 symptoms may include fever, sore throat, loss of taste, cough or shortness of breath. Visit CDC.gov for more information regarding symptoms.

South Suburban College Business & Career Institute to offer Virtual Sales Meetings Webinar

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College (SSC) will present a webinar entitled Excelling at the Virtual Sale on Wednesday, October 14th from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

The pandemic has put a hold on most traditional face-to-face sales calls and other meetings for the foreseeable future. Now, pitching a product or service or finalizing the sale takes place on Zoom or a phone call. This can be tricky without the ability to see and assess one’s body language and non-verbal behavior. Join expert Tom Byelick as he helps attendees customize a sales approach designed to energize wary and weary clients. Mr. Byelick has years of corporate sales experience and has taught sales courses at Purdue University Calumet.

Participants will gain the following insights from attending:

  • Techniques to establish client buy-in through an empathetic sales approach;
  • Stronger client relationships through a customer-centric approach; and
  • Getting to the “close” of the sale without the pressure.

For additional information please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or e-mail aglumac@ssc.edu.

The workshop will be held virtually. There is no cost to attend but attendees must register by October 13th from https://excellingatvirtualsales.eventbrite.com.

South Suburban College Dean Jeff Waddy Appointed to National Network of Health Career Programs Board

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL—The National Network of Health Career Programs in Two-Year Colleges (NN2) announced last week the appointment of South Suburban College’s Jeff Waddy, MCHES, DrPH, Dean of Allied Health & Careers, to its board. Dr. Waddy is one of just three new board members elected at large from the membership in 2020. NN2 is the only interdisciplinary professional organization serving two-year colleges and programs. Its purpose is to promote and encourage innovation, collaboration, and communication among two-year colleges sponsoring health career programs.

“It is an honor to join the NN2 Board,” said Dr. Waddy. “SSC and NN2 will continue to strive to find new strategies for dealing with challenges in health care. Professional advocacy and clinical placement are pressing concerns during the pandemic. We must work together to resolve these challenges to allow our allied health students back into hospitals, clinics, and other institutions to make a positive impact.”

Jeffery J. Waddy graduated from Albany State College in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/Chemistry. While pursuing his undergraduate studies, Waddy was a participant in the Multidisciplinary International Research Training (MIRT) Grant. This opportunity presented Waddy with the ability to perform scholarly research at the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany. Prior to joining the Master’s Degree program at Southern Illinois University, Waddy worked for J Leek & Associates as a microbiology technician. After completing his Master’s in Health Education/Gerontology, Waddy relocated to the Chicagoland area to work with the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council (MCHC). Founded in 1935, MCHC is composed of more than 140 hospitals and health care organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Dr. Waddy joined SSC as Dean of Allied Health in 2005. He earned his DrPH Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health in 2017. He currently leads 12 health care programs at SSC.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a wide range of academic program options. For more information about SSC, please visit www.ssc.edu.

Artworks by Rafael Rocha on Display in South Suburban College’s Dorothea Thiel Gallery in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College (SSC) is pleased to present a collection of artworks by Rafael Rocha. The solo exhibition will be on display in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery from September 21 – October 16. An artist reception and lecture will be announced at a later date.

Rafael Rocha received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Northern Illinois University. He is an independent artist with a studio in Aurora, Illinois. Mr. Rocha is also a lecturer and studio instructor at SSC. His artwork is both expressive and figurative using human gesture as a basis for communication of expression. The sculptural work is constructed from common building materials and the paintings utilize traditional oil-painting techniques for portraiture. Rocha’s artworks on exhibit focus on his students, himself and associates in gritty sublimely expressive oil portraits, and the figurative sculpture using insulation foam and other industrial materials in expressive gestural life scale human forms. He is influenced by classical western art as well as contemporary events.

The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the fourth floor and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. Masks and social distancing are required on campus. The galleries are supported in part by the SSC Foundation. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. For more information, please email jtassin@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316.
 
IMAGE: “Rejoice” – 65”x47” media oil on canvas from Rafael Rocha’s collection exhibiting at South Suburban College.

SSC to Offer Crucial Conversations Webinar: Recognizing & Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a webinar entitled Crucial Conversations: Recognizing & Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (A Virtual Webinar) on Tuesday, September 29th from 9:00 – 10:00 am and again on Wednesday, September 30th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

Allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct have permeated the news in the last few years. As a result, Governor Pritzker mandated all Illinois businesses to provide sexual harassment training for all employees at least once a year, starting in 2020. Behavioral health occupations requiring an Illinois license are also mandated to attend this training. In the webinar, HR Consultant Alexandra Glumac will address three important questions:

  • What is sexual harassment?
  • What do you do if you experience or witness it? and;
  • Whose responsibility is it to stop it?

Attendees will receive 1.0 continuing education credits Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, Licensed Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social workers, meeting the criteria for these professionals regarding sexual harassment training. Additionally, 1.0 PDCs are available for SHRM-CP & SHRM-SCP holders.

Certificates of completion will be available upon request for individuals representing other industries, to satisfy Governor Pritzker’s mandate.

The cost is $25 per person, or $20 per person if three or more from the same company attend (add $10 surcharge for CEU’s or PDC’s).

The workshop will be held virtually and reservations are required. To register, please email bci@ssc.edu or call (708) 225-6055. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY 12 NOON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH. For additional information please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3254 or email aglumac@ssc.edu. Sponsored by UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial and South Suburban Cook Human Resources Association.

Forklift Operator Training Coming to Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute is offering Forklift Operator Training on two separate sessions in September and four sessions in October at the Oak Forest Center. This certification course covers the basic forklift driving skills needed to obtain a Forklift Operator Certification. A Certification Card from the National Safety Council will be issued to the student upon successful completion of the program. The course will enforce social distancing and use of PPEs.

The cost for each course is $175.00 per person. The September sessions will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th. The October sessions will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th, Tuesday, October 20th, Wednesday, October 21st, and Thursday, October 22nd.

The Forklift Operator Certification from the National Safety Council is available through these sessions at SSC for individuals who are looking for new career skills or for employers who are ensuring a safe and compliant workplace. Illinois requires all forklift operators to obtain a license to avoid OSHA sanctions and possible penalties. Forklift driving is no simple matter; it causes more than 100 deaths each year.

For more information, please contact Gervaise Edwards at (708) 225-6032 or email gedwards@ssc.edu. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois, with convenient access from I-57, I-80, and I-294. Para Información En Español Llame: (708) 210-5740.

Students who Register for 12-Week Virtual Classes at SSC may benefit from Free Class Waiver, Free Laptops

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) continues its efforts to provide flexibility to college degree seekers interrupted by the pandemic including late start 12-week classes beginning September 21, 2020. SSC previously announced the extension of its Virtual Classroom Model for the 2020 Fall Semester along with a free laptop application and other technical supports such as hotspots to assist students with the virtual learning environment. The late start schedule and registration are available online from ssc.edu.

Late start students may also take advantage of SSC’s free class tuition waiver available to first time credit students for fall or spring semesters who reside within SSC District 510 or Lake County, Indiana (cannot be used with Federal and/or State Financial Aid, or other tuition or employer subsidy programs).

Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

Current and prospective students can email registration&records@ssc.edu for additional assistance with registration, or email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu with questions for the SSC Counseling Office.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

South Suburban College to Close on Election Day, November 3, 2020

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– In accordance with the implementation of the new election day closure provisions of Public Act 101-0642, the South Suburban College Board of Trustees enacted the college’s recognition of November 3rd as 2020 General Election Day at its August 13th Board Meeting. SSC’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center will join all other Illinois community college campuses in closing for classes and to the public on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, for the benefit of community health.

Public Act 101-0642 states in part: Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the
contrary, November 3, 2020 shall be a State holiday known as 2020 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly. All government offices, with the exception of election authorities, shall be closed unless authorized to be used as a location for election day services or as a polling place.

Protecting the health and safety of Illinoisans is among the most important functions of State government. COVID-19 presents a severe public health emergency, and the World Health Organization, the United States government, the Governor of Illinois, and the General Assembly therefore declared it necessary and appropriate to make modifications to the administration and conduct of the elections for the November 2020 General Election. The State holiday is for this year only and expires on January 1, 2021.

For information about serving as an election judge or other role in the 2020 General Election in Suburban Cook County, please email Elect.Judge@cookcountyil.gov or call (312) 603-0965. Participants will be required to certify in writing to the election authority the political party the judge chooses to affiliate with.

South Suburban College extends registration, offers tuition debt assistance and laptops to help students prepare for virtual learning

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) recently announced the extension of registration and tuition payments through its new class start date of August 24th to assist students who have delayed their registration decisions about fall classes. Additionally, the college is awarding tuition debt awards to students who have outstanding 2020 bills along with new laptops and other technical supports to help new and current students become successful in the virtual learning environment.

These additional resources are available as follows:

SSC expects to distribute significant awards and resources leading up to the start of fall classes and through the late start schedule in September. Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

Current and prospective students can email registration&records@ssc.edu for additional assistance with registration, or email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu with questions for the SSC Counseling Office.

South Suburban College Offers Technology Support to Fall Semester Students

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) recently announced the extension of its Virtual Classroom Model for the 2020 Fall Semester, including blended classroom instruction methods, limited on-campus activities and athletic programs training. Additionally, the college is awarding new laptops and other technical supports such as hotspots to assist students with the technology necessary to be successful in the virtual learning environment. Fall classes begin Monday, August 17th and class schedules and registration are available online from ssc.edu.

Current and new students need only to complete a simple online form at https://www.ssc.edu/technology-relief-fund/ to apply. SSC expects to distribute significant awards/resources leading up to the start of fall classes and through the late start schedule in September.

Registration Services are open on campus from 8 am – 7 pm Monday through Thursday, Friday from 8 am – 4 pm, and on Saturday, August 15th from 9 am – 1 pm. Virtual student services are also available through ssc.edu.
Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

Current and prospective students can email registration&records@ssc.edu for additional assistance with registration, or email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu with questions for the SSC Counseling Office.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

South Suburban College COVID-19 Testing Tent Starts 8-4 Drive-Thru Hours – REVISED

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College’s COVID-19 testing drive-thru is making some minor modifications including relocated testing tents to the SSC Fitness Center’s east parking lot, and offering new hours from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. HR Support has taken over the ongoing testing responsibilities from the National Guard with continued oversight from the Governor’s Office and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). The changes are intended to improve traffic flow and overall testing accessibility.

With testing moved to the Fitness Center’s east lot, tents will be highly visible and cars may enter from either 159th Street or State Street to follow the signage. Testing will continue seven days a week, and a security detail will continue to be in place while testing is open.

More details about the testing process include:

  • Testing is available for anyone, not only Illinois residents
  • Testing is available for all ages (with parental consent)
  • State-issued identification is required
  • Testing will now be conducted via nasal swab which is painless, and a significant improvement over the more invasive nasopharyngeal test
  • Results are delivered by phone within 4-7 business days

Inquiries may be submitted to christopherbmurray@gmail.com. SSC is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The drive-thru route will still be limited to south side of campus near the athletic fields. Employees, students and visitors will access the Main Campus through 158th Street, and north lots and entrances.

COVID-19 symptoms include but are not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.

South Suburban College Hosts Pinning Ceremony for Associate Degree Nurses, Program Sees Growth Ahead

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Dr. Aldridge-Brown appointed to UC Ingalls Memorial Community Advisory Council.

 
SOUTH HOLLAND-South Suburban College recently honored the 2020 graduates of the College’s Associated Degree Nursing (ADN) Program with a special socially distanced ceremony. The graduates received their nursing pins from Dr. Tasha Williams, Vice President of Academic Services, and Dr. Linda Brown-Aldridge, who completed her first full academic year as the Dean of Nursing at SSC.

This year, seven students successfully completed the ADN program. One of the graduates, Shautavia Meeks-Gill, has already passed National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RN). Her fellow graduates are awaiting their test dates. The students were given the opportunity to attend the mid-year conference of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) in October 2019. With their attendance included the membership in the NSNA, which inspired the students to establish a local chapter at SSC.

“The graduates’ dedication, hard work, and resilience is inspiring, especially with the challenge of COVID-19 during the spring semester,” said Dr. Brown-Aldridge. “The faculty and staff worked hard with the students to provide the needed support for their success during the pandemic.”

When she joined SSC in spring of 2019, Dr. Brown-Aldridge brought more than 30 years of experience working in hospitals and schools in many roles including nursing, teaching, administration and serving as the Chief Nursing Officer at Provident Hospital. She has worked hard with Dr. Williams and her team to position the revitalized program for significant growth. The program admitted 42 new first year Nursing students for the Fall 2020 Semester, the largest class in several years.

“I am dedicated to growing this nursing program to address the health disparities and nursing shortage for our community,” added Dr. Brown-Aldridge. “The decision to come to SSC was life changing for me. Working with the great administration, faculty, staff and students this past year has been very rewarding and fulfilling.”

Dr. Brown-Aldridge was also recently appointed to the University of Chicago Ingalls Memorial Community Advisory Council (CAC). UC Ingalls Memorial recently announced the creation of its first CAC to seek community input on health issues of importance to its primary service area and surrounding communities. Following a rigorous review process, Ingalls leadership selected 15 council members to serve.

The next admission cycle opens October 1st 2020 to March 1st 2021 for the class to begin Fall 2021. SSC’s ADN Program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science program that provides learning experiences directed by faculty in local hospitals and health agencies to focus on the direct nursing care of patients of all ages. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX.

Fall classes will be offered in virtual, online and blended instruction methods beginning August 17, 2020. For more information about the ADN program, please visit ssc.edu/success or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2260.

Forklift Operator Training Coming to Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute is offering Forklift Operator Training on three separate sessions in July and three sessions in August at the Oak Forest Center. This certification course covers the basic fork lift driving skills needed to obtain a Fork Lift Operator Certification. A Certification Card from the National Safety Council will be issued to the student upon successful completion of the program.

The cost for each course is $175.00 per person. The July sessions will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, 2020. The August sessions will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday, August 3, Tuesday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

The Forklift Operator Certification from the National Safety Council is available through these sessions at SSC for individuals who are looking for new career skills or for employers who are ensuring a safe and in compliant workplace. Illinois requires all forklift operators to obtain a license to avoid OSHA sanctions and possible penalties. Forklift driving is no simple matter; it causes more than 100 deaths each year.

For more information, please contact Gervaise Edwards at (708) 225-6032 or email gedwards@ssc.edu. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois, with convenient access from I-57, I-80, and I-294. Para Información En Español Llame: (708) 210-5740.

Opportunities & Pitfalls to Starting a Business during the Pandemic

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College presents a webinar entitled Opportunities & Pitfalls to Starting a Business during the Pandemic on Wednesday, August 5th from 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.

Do you have a great idea for a small business but aren’t sure if you should proceed? Is the post-pandemic economic climate conducive to even starting a business? Can you afford to wait? Join us and find out!! During this 75-minute open forum workshop, we’ll review the current employment scene and prospects for a start-up business, discuss advantages/disadvantages of starting a business in difficult economic times and outline a plan of action!

Our local expert is Tom Byelick owner of 3 small businesses; Ingenuity Small Business Collaborative, a consulting firm; Tomfoolery Fun Club, a comedy-based variety series and; Pretty Amazing!, which specializes in restoring and revitalizing driveways, patios, porches and decks.
We’ll also have a special guest appearance from Amy Todd, the owner of Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders who is opening a wine bar in Lansing, Illinois this fall called Pour on Roy.

Many thanks to our sponsors – ComEd, South Holland Business Association, Ingenuity Small Business Collaborative and South Suburban College!
The workshop will be held virtually and reservations are required. There is no cost to attend. To register, please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opportunities-pitfalls-to-starting-a-business-during-a-pandemic-tickets-109833775780. For additional information, please contact Alexandra Glumac at aglumac@ssc.edu.

South Suburban College President Dr. Lynette Stokes Appointed to Illinois Community College Board

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL—The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) announced last week the appointment of South Suburban College (SSC) President, Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D. to its board. Dr. Stokes was one of just two new statewide appointments along with Dr. Larry Peterson, former President of Shawnee Community College, whom upon confirmation from the Senate will serve terms through June 30, 2021.

“It is truly an honor to be chosen by the Illinois Community College Board and a privilege to represent South Suburban College and my colleagues statewide during this critical time,” said Dr. Stokes. “I would like to thank the ICCB for the opportunity, as well as Governor J.B. Pritzker and Deputy Governor of Education Jesse Ruiz for their tireless efforts on behalf of education. They understand the critical role of community colleges, such as South Suburban College, in providing equitable opportunities to our community. I look forward to getting to work over the next year to address the challenges of the times and to advocate for our students.”

Having worked in public service for over 20 years, Dr. Stokes joined SSC in June 2013 as the Vice President of Academic Services and was named President on October 1, 2018. She has the distinction of being the first female President in the college’s 91-year rich history. Dr. Stokes has served as an advocate of youth in the child welfare system, taught elementary and community college education, and worked for equal rights organizations. Wanting to fulfill her desire to make a positive impact on the education of adult learners, Dr. Stokes earned her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change at Roosevelt University in 2004. This academic credentialing, coupled with the skills she gained while working at the then Operation PUSH, Community Mental Health Council and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, provided the foundation to propel her career into higher education as Dean of Adult Education and Dean of Instruction at City Colleges of Chicago, where she served for nearly 12 years prior to moving to South Suburban. In addition to serving as a presenter for several professional development events in Higher Education and Child Welfare, Dr. Stokes is the 2005 recipient of Roosevelt University’s Most Outstanding Dissertation of the Year; the 2009 recipient of the Kathy Osterman Award for Outstanding Supervisor given to public service employees in the City of Chicago; and 2014 recipient of the Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Award. In 2018 she was honored with the Egretha Education Award for Excellence in Education and the Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education (ICBCHE) Trailblazer Award. In 2020 Dr. Stokes was awarded the MLK Excellence in Education Award by the Southland Ministerial Health Network.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC 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 SSC, please visit www.ssc.edu.

Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program returns with outside instruction at SSC’s Oak Forest Center in September

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OAK FOREST, IL–South Suburban College is preparing for its next session of the popular free Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) this fall. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be August 18-20, 2020, at the college’s Oak Forest Center, with the program set to begin on September 14th incorporating an outdoor classroom, social distancing and personal protective equipment.

SSC has offered HCCTP since 2014 with hundreds of students completing the 12-week specialized training program at a 70% completion rate. HCCTP was originally 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. 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.

Career opportunities for program completers include: Cement Mason, Electrician, Pipefitter, Carpenter, Laborer and Equipment Operator, and more. Requirements are a valid driver’s license, 18 years or older, High School diploma/GED, and passing a drug test (including THC).

Orientation and assessment testing will be held outside at the OFC–located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452. All candidates must have a valid driver’s license with them to attend orientation. For more information please visit www.ssc.edu/hcctp, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3219, or email hcctp@ssc.edu. Para información en Español llame (708) 210-5740.

South Suburban College to Introduce Becky Walters as New Paralegal Program Coordinator at Virtual Open House

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) is pleased to announce Becky Walters, J.D., as its new Paralegal Program Coordinator. SSC will introduce Ms. Walters to current and prospective students through an upcoming Virtual Open House on Monday, July 20th at 6 p.m., accessible from ssc.edu/info. Ms. Walters has taught Criminal Law and Street Law as an Adjunct Professor at Prairie State College and has been a guest lecturer at DePaul University. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her law degree from DePaul University College of Law.

SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana region, arming graduates with a significant advantage entering the workforce. As such, the College requires that all of its instructors be lawyers or judges to ensure the quality of instruction. Prior to joining the SSC team, Walters was a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for nearly 12 years.

“I am thrilled to be joining the South Suburban College team, coordinating the only ABA approved Paralegal Program in the area and an esteemed Criminal Justice Program,” said Walters. “Years of working as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Alternative Prosecutions, working closely with law enforcement, and teaching college students will help me to bridge difficult gaps in these very critical times.”

As an ASA assigned to the Alternative Prosecution and Sentencing Unit, Walters led a team of ASAs screening Chicago felony cases for all of the Cook County Treatment Courts and Deferred Prosecution Programs and was also the assigned prosecutor to the Chicago Veteran’s Treatment Court. Last summer she was recognized by the Jesse Brown VA for her presentation on Veteran’s Treatment Court at their annual Mental Health Summit.

Virtual Open House attendees will access the ZOOM link through ssc.edu/info and be informed about an exciting career pathway with a significant occupational growth outlook. SSC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant curriculum includes a 60-hour Associate Degree program and a 39-hour Certificate, both designed to prepare students to become highly trained paralegals and legal assistants. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and credentials to work in a variety of legal environments.

Fall classes at SSC will be offered in flexible online and blended options beginning Monday, August 17th and class schedules and registration are available online from ssc.edu. Future SSC students can get started at admissions.ssc.edu.

South Suburban College to Host Virtual Program Open Houses to Assist Students with Fall Enrollment

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) recently announced the extension of its Virtual Classroom Model for the 2020 Fall Semester, including a selection of classroom instruction methods, limited on-campus activities and athletic programs training. Throughout the month of July, SSC will be hosting a series of Virtual Open Houses on ZOOM to help students navigate the process and make choices about enrollment. These 30-minute sessions will include presentations and/or demonstrations that will highlight specific programs. The ZOOM links for accessing each of the following sessions are available from ssc.edu/info:

  • July 7th at 12 noon NURSING & BNATP (CNA)
  • July 9th at 6:00 p.m. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
  • July 14th at 12 noon ALLIED HEALTH & CAREERS
  • July 16th at 6:00 p.m. ALLIED HEALTH & CAREERS
  • July 21st at 12 noon COURT REPORTING
  • July 23rd at 6:00 p.m. MUSIC & BUSINESS
  • July 28th at 12 noon BARBERING
  • July 30th at 6:00 p.m. CHILD DEVELOPMENT & HUMAN SERVICES

Fall classes begin Monday, August 17th and class schedules and registration are available online from ssc.edu.

Future SSC students can get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration. Email registration&records@ssc.edu for additional assistance with registration, or email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu with questions for the SSC Counseling Office. Laptops are available on a limited basis for students enrolling in the fall. Students who are registered and in need of a laptop should send an email to StudentLife@ssc.edu to begin the process.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

South Suburban College Announces Virtual Classroom and Blended Courses for the Fall Semester

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) announces the extension of its Virtual Classroom Model for the 2020 Fall Semester, including a blending of classroom instruction methods, limited on-campus activities and athletic programs training. Fall classes begin Monday, August 17th and class schedules and registration are available online from ssc.edu.

“These measures will be implemented in ways that prioritize the quality of the student experience,” said President Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D. “We continue to provide high quality educational opportunities for current students and for anyone who has been impacted by the pandemic. We are at your service.”

Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

Current and prospective students can email registration&records@ssc.edu for additional assistance with registration, or email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu with questions for the SSC Counseling Office. Laptops are available on a limited basis for students enrolling in the fall. Students who are registered and in need of a laptop should send an email to StudentLife@ssc.edu to begin the process.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

Register Now for a New COVID-19 Contact Tracing Course at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College’s Office of Continuing Education is offering a new non-credit course this summer titled COVID–19 Contact Tracing: Changing the Face of the Public Health Workforce. With the pandemic-driven need for contact tracing, this course provides an overview of contact tracing investigations to meet the demand of the growing public health workforce of Contact Tracing Investigators.

COVID–19 Contact Tracing: Changing the Face of the Public Health Workforce is an online 4-week course with 24 contact hours. The course is self-paced and each student will be responsible for completing the course independently rather than following a structure set by an instructor. The course will provide training on the basics of disease transmission, the principles behind case isolation and quarantine of contacts as a public health measure, the ethics around public health data collection and use, risk communication, cultural sensitivity, and the basics of data collection. It will also provide an overview on how to assess relevant symptoms; investigate and follow up with contacts. Students will become knowledgeable about cultural sensitivity and humility as well as how to help contacts navigate the public health and healthcare systems in the jurisdictions in which they are working.

This is a partnership among Governor’s State University, Project Brotherhood and South Suburban College. Project Brotherhood is a health clinic focused on using community outreach and preventive education to meet the needs and improve the health of African American men in the Woodlawn area on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. The clinic is operated by a combination of staff, volunteers, and interns and hosts a variety of free services for members of the community.

“South Suburban College is pleased to announce this brand-new course to meet the demands of our workforce and provide a well-timed educational opportunity to our community professionals,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, SSC President. “We see great value in collaborations like COVID–19 Contact Tracing, and I would like to thank GSU and Project Brotherhood for their partnership on this project.”

Course instructors include the following experts:

  • Dr. Linda Rae Murray, MD, MPH, FACP
  • Dr. Tonya Roberson, PhD, MPH, DTR
  • Mr. Marcus Murray, MPH

The first course begins on July 13th at a cost of $270.00. For more information please contact the Office of Continuing Education at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2231 or email noncredit@ssc.edu.

South Suburban College Announces Seven Academic All-Americans

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College (SSC) Athletic Department announces seven Academic All-Americans from the 2019-2020 Academic Year as recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA):

  • Cayla Turner, Women’s Basketball, 3.64 GPA (Oak Forest High School)
  • Tom Dougherty, Baseball, 3.72 GPA (Shepard High School)
  • Haley Kohnen, Softball, 3.81 (Crown Point High School)
  • Thomas Windt, Baseball, 3.86 GPA (Carl Sandburg High School)
  • Nicolas Fies, Baseball, 3.90 GPA (Munster High School)
  • Alyssa Rosales, Women’s Soccer, 4.0 GPA (Homewood Flossmoor High School)
  • Maribel Salgado, Women’s Soccer, 4.0 GPA (Thornton High School)

“I am so very proud of our Academic All-Americans this year,” said Steve Ruzich, Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach. “At SSC, we pride ourselves on fostering student success both on and off the field. These student-athletes were impacted by unprecedented times, moving to a fully virtual classroom, and in many cases not finishing their team seasons. I would like to congratulate them all.”

SSC offers women’s team sports of Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, and Softball and men’s team sports of Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball. Countless Bulldog student-athletes have transferred to play their respective sports at hundreds of different NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III schools, in addition to NAIA institutions. More than 50 former Bulldogs have further advanced on to play professional and semi-pro sports.

For more information, visit www.ssc.edu/athletics. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Message to the Community

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Greetings South Suburban College Community,

I come to you today with heavy heart at the thought of what is happening in our community today.  The violent upheaval and spirit of disruption, corruption, and lawless behavior is unnerving.  My heart cries for my community!   We are looking at an America that is plagued by systemic racism that has too long been deeply rooted in the fabric of our society.  We must stand together and reverse this spirit of hate and disruption.  As an African American woman, I understand your frustration, I hear your cry and I feel your pain!  I too am angry!  But, looting, vandalism and other acts of criminal behavior will not get our voices heard to demand justice for the victims who have been killed by the hands of those who have taken an oath to serve and protect.

We must do our part to reverse what is happening in our community.  We must stand in solidarity and bring about positive change.  Will you accept that challenge?  Racism, discrimination and violent acts have held us back long enough.  We must turn this heartbreak into positive action.  We must get back to a path of justice, civility and peaceful order.  That’s how we influence change and honor the lives of all of the victims.

Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, we will remain organized, committed, focused, transparent and inclusive in order to achieve the positive results our community desperately needs during this dark period in our nation’s history.  We have never been and will not be silent.  At SSC our philosophy is one of equity and inclusion.  As such, we will continue to serve, embrace diversity, educate, advocate and stand together peacefully to demand justice until our voices are heard and positive change is achieved.

My ask of you today is that you help stop the violence, protest peacefully, protest with a purpose and establish an agenda that everyone can be proud of.  Be the positive change I know is within you. South Suburban College and I are committed to be an active participant in that change for our students, for our community, and for our future generations. And we are here to wrap our arms around you. We are in this together!

In Your Service,

Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D.
President

Governor Pritzker Visits Opening of New COVID-19 Testing Site at South Suburban College’s Main Campus in South Holland

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College has been chosen as a COVID-19 testing site by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Illinois Governor JB Pritzker visited the site today along with South Suburban College Chairman Frank M. Zuccarelli and President Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D., on its opening day of testing. The testing tents were set up near the college’s Fitness Center, utilizing the spacious parking lot and secluded roadways for drive-thru testing.

“I was glad to visit our newly-relocated south suburban state testing site this morning in South Holland, and I thank the Illinois National Guard and South Suburban College for standing it up so quickly,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Widespread testing is central to our strategy to beating this virus and restoring our state, so if you’re experiencing any symptoms or are more at-risk, please visit a site near you. It’s on all of us to protect our communities.”

The site will be open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and testing is available to anyone with COVID-19 concerns. The drive-thru route will be limited to south side of campus near the athletic fields. Employees, students and visitors will access the Main Campus through 158th Street, and north lots and entrances.

“South Suburban College looks forward to providing a convenient, safe testing resource to our community,” said Chairman Zuccarelli. “As a community college, our mission of service to the community extends far beyond the classroom and we have always taken pride in stepping up to do our part when we are needed.”
Phase 3 of Restore Illinois is expected to bring approximately 700,000 Illinoisans back to the workplace, and with that comes the restoration of additional state services. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has resumed vehicle emission testing at the Markham Community Based Testing Site, prompting the COVID-19 testing relocation to SSC.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to provide this critical support in collaboration with IEMA and the National Guard,” added Dr. Stokes, President of SSC. “The testing will pose no disruptions to our community on campus. Our institution has also made an outstanding pivot to a virtual classroom model for our residents and college students that may be displaced this summer and fall.”

All individuals with symptoms are encouraged to seek testing at these Community Based Testing Sites. Symptoms include but are not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Additional accommodations have been made for the following individuals with or without COVID-like symptoms:

  • Healthcare workers
  • First Responders
  • Employees of Correctional Facilities
  • Individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 patients
  • Employees that support Critical Infrastructure (grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation)
  • All local and state government employees
  • Individuals with compromised immune systems, chronic medical conditions

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs. Visit ssc.edu or email registration&records@ssc.edu for more information.

Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, South Suburban College President; JB Pritzker; Illinois Governor; Frank M. Zuccarelli, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees; and members of the National Guard discuss the opening of the new COVID-19 testing facility
Pictured: Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, South Suburban College President; JB Pritzker; Illinois Governor; Frank M. Zuccarelli, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees; and members of the National Guard discuss the opening of the new COVID-19 testing facility at the college’s Main Campus in South Holland.

Check Out South Suburban College’s Virtual Information Sessions to Get Ready for Summer and Fall Classes

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– Summer and Fall Registrations are in progress at South Suburban College (SSC) online from ssc.edu. SSC is providing two sets of Virtual Information Sessions via Zoom on May 26th and 27th both for general enrollment and transfer questions, as well as Workforce Equity Initiative grant applications. The Virtual Information Session links are accessible through www.ssc.edu/info.

SSC has moved to a Virtual Classroom Model through the summer semester with some exceptions. The College continues to provide a high level of instruction, support services, and educational resources online and through e-learning technologies. The Virtual Information Sessions will assist prospective new students and reverse transfer students will acclimating to the new processes in order to get enrolled.

The general enrollment Virtual Information Sessions are as follows:

  • May 26, 6 p.m.
  • May 27, 12 noon

Additionally, the WEI grant provides wrap-around services including comprehensive financial assistance and academic support to participating students within five program areas providing stackable credentials including Nursing and Patient Care Technician (PCT), Basic Nursing Assistance Training Program (BNATP), Community Healthcare Worker (CHW), and Certified Production Technician (CPT) in addition to the Barbering program.

The WEI Virtual Information Sessions are as follows:

  • May 26, 12 noon
  • May 27, 6 p.m.

The 2020 Summer Semester begins the week of Monday, June 1st. Summer is an excellent time for students to take the next step in their success by customizing a class schedule at a convenient, affordable institution. Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

Visit www.ssc.edu/info or email registration&records@ssc.edu for additional information regarding these sessions, or for assistance with registration. Laptops are available on a limited basis for students enrolling in 2020 Summer and Fall Semesters. Students who are registered and in need of a laptop should send an email to StudentLife@ssc.edu to begin the process.

Cannabis Classes Among South Suburban College’s Summer Non-Credit Online Offerings

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– It’s not too late to get registered for classes at South Suburban College. SSC’s Office of Continuing Education has scheduled a variety of non-credit courses that will be offered through the college’s Virtual Classroom this summer. Registration is open right up to the start of class the week of June 1, 2020.

New to SSC’s non-credit schedule are six Cannabis classes including an Introduction to Cannabis, Cooking with Cannabis, Cannabis Law, dispensary information and more. With the wide variety of start course lengths, times and offerings, students have the flexibility of fitting school around a busy schedule. Class topics include:

  • Art
  • Communications
  • Computers
  • Food Service Sanitation
  • Health & Wellness
  • Hospitality
  • Law Enforcement
  • Pharmacology (Cannabis)
  • Psychology
  • Real estate

For more information about SSC’s non-credit classes or to register, please contact the Office of Continuing Education at noncredit@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu.

A Message from President Stokes regarding South Suburban College’s COVID-19 efforts and initiatives

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Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Administration,

South Suburban College has extended our Virtual Classroom Model through the Summer Semester. Our facilities will open on June 1, 2020, pending new developments.

While SSC continues to be proactive, we do not want you to be deterred from pursuing your educational goals or completing your studies. Summer and Fall 2020 Registrations are open! The class schedules are available online via Self-Service. Please contact registration&records@ssc.edu for assistance with registration.

This will get better. I am so grateful for your continued support and for the way our community has united around these efforts.

Thank you, and be safe.

Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D.
President
South Suburban College

Classes Will be Offered Through Virtual Classroom Model This Summer at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– Summer Registration is in progress at South Suburban College (SSC) online from ssc.edu. The 2020 Summer Semester begins the week of Monday, June 1st. Current and prospective students are encouraged to register soon to secure their preferred schedule.

SSC has moved to a Virtual Classroom Model through the summer semester with some exceptions. The summer class schedule is updated weekly online from ssc.edu. The College continues to provide a high level of instruction, support services, and educational resources online and through e-learning technologies.

The summer semester is an excellent opportunity for students to take the next step in their success by customizing a class schedule at a convenient, affordable institution. Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self-Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

Current and prospective students can email registration&records@ssc.edu for additional assistance with registration, or email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu for questions for the SSC Counseling Office. Laptops are available on a limited basis for students enrolling in 2020 Summer and Fall Semesters. Students who are registered and in need of a laptop should send an email to StudentLife@ssc.edu to begin the process.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

South Suburban College Announces Tree Campus USA® Recognition on Earth Awareness Day

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–In honor of Earth Awareness Day, South Suburban College is pleased to announce its 2019 Tree Campus USA® recognition. Tree Campus USA, an Arbor Day Foundation program, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. SSC was one of just 20 schools in Illinois to be recognized at the time of the award notification.

In a statement from Arbor Day Foundation, “to obtain this distinction, SSC met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus USA, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects. Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship.”

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. SSC and its Sustainability Committee continue to work to do its part. The SSC Sustainability Committee was established in 2011 to coordinate SSC’s efforts in sustainability leadership within its community. Its number one goal is to educate staff and students about how to practice environmental stewardship at home and in the community.

SSC’s Main Campus has a diverse range of beautiful tree and plant species. The Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. Visit ssc.edu for more information.

 

Students of South Suburban College’s Green Club worked in collaboration with the College’s Sustainability Committee to achieve Tree Campus USA recognition.
Pictured – Students of South Suburban College’s Green Club worked in collaboration with the College’s Sustainability Committee to achieve Tree Campus USA recognition.

 

Athletic Uniforms and Supplies

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IMPORTANT: Due to a recent COVID-19 exposure, our campus is now closed until May 11, 2020.  We have rescheduled the Athletic Uniforms and Supplies bid opening to 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. This is a public virtual bid opening. The bid submission deadline has been extended to May 11, 2020, at 3:00 pm.

Please quote us your net cost on the following: Athletic Uniforms and Supplies. Sealed bids and samples will be received in the Campus Police Office, Room 1215, 708-569-2000 ext. 2235 at South Suburban College 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois 60473 Door #3 up to the hour of 3:00 PM on May 6, 2020. Vendors must ensure the delivery service contacts Campus Police at the above phone number prior to delivery to ensure receipt of bid. All persons dropping off bids and samples must wear personal protective equipment, which should include masks and gloves.  Bids will be opened at 12:30 PM on May 7, 2020 in a virtual bid opening.  This is a public bid opening.

Register to Attend the Bid Opening

Custodial Supplies

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IMPORTANT: Due to a recent COVID-19 exposure, our campus is now closed until May 11, 2020.  We have rescheduled the Custodial Supplies bid opening to 12:00 pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. This is a public virtual bid opening. The bid submission deadline has been extended to May 11, 2020, at 3:00 pm.

Please quote us your net cost on the following: custodial supplies. Sealed bids and samples will be received in the Campus Police Office, Room 1215, 708-569-2000 ext. 2235 at South Suburban College 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, Illinois 60473 Door #3 up to the hour of 3:00 PM on May 6, 2020. It is strongly suggested that vendors dropping off bids and samples wear personal protective equipment, which should include masks and gloves.  Bids will be opened at 1:30 PM on May 7, 2020 in a virtual bid opening.  This is a public bid opening.

Register to Attend the Bid Opening

South Suburban College Foundation Seeks Student Assistance Donations through New COVID-19 Impact Fund

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –South Suburban College Foundation (SSCF) is seeking donations to assist students with hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as initiate an investment in the expansion of College healthcare programs. The SSCF announced the establishment of a COVID-19 Student Impact Fund last week with an initial $10,000 commitment to provide some relief to students in the form of laptops, tuition and related educational expenses.

While donations of all levels are welcomed, the SSCF is seeking gifts of $600 to fulfill the maximum COVID-19 Student Impact Awards for each student, which is the estimated cost of one class, fees and book or the amount to cover a quality laptop and hotspot card for remote education. The College has moved to a Virtual Classroom Model through the remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester. Tax deductible donations to both new funds as well as the General Scholarship Fund and other may be made from ssc.edu/foundation or by check to “SSC Foundation” at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, IL 60473. The SSCF extended its general scholarship deadline to April 24th and its spring gala, Showcase 2020-Rx for Success, has been rescheduled for August 14, 2020.

CARES Act and New Tax Deduction for all Taxpayers
To help alleviate the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) last week which is distributing relief checks up to $1,200 per taxpayer. Among its many provisions is a new universal deduction for charitable contributions. Taxpayers who don’t itemize may now deduct up to $300 per year in charitable contributions. Congress has granted this universal nonitemized “above the line” charitable deduction so that all taxpayers can deduct at least some of their donations. Taxpayers should itemize only if all their personal deductions, including charitable contributions, exceed the standard deduction. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which went into effect in 2018, roughly doubled the standard deduction.

About the SSC Foundation
The mission of the South Suburban College Foundation is to support the educational purposes and objectives of the College by providing assistance in the promotion of its services and facilities. The SSC Foundation seeks funding to strengthen College programs with a primary focus on student scholarships. Established in 1973, the Foundation is solely governed by a Board of Directors composed of the region’s business, civic and community leaders. The SSCF is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organization chartered in the State of Illinois and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 237191738). It works cooperatively with individuals and organizations in developing a plan to fit the needs of the donors. Email foundation@ssc.edu.

Bulldogs Guard Carter Garners National Player of the Year Honors

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Player Courtney Carter has been named the 2019-20 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. A sophomore guard for the Bulldogs, Carter averaged 15.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game along with an NJCAA-best mark of 5.5 steals per game and a fourth-best mark of 7.9 assists per game. He led South Suburban to a 29-4 overall record and a Regional Championship, before COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the National Tournament.
“It is a great honor to win the National Player of the Year,” said Carter. “I could not have done it without the great players and teammates I had around me. Working hard takes so much out of you for the moment, but puts so much in you for the future. It paid off.”

Carter represents South Suburban’s third National Player of the Year during Head Coach John Pigatti’ s past seven seasons (Michael Harris-2013, Jovan Mooring, 2016. Coach Pigatti was also named Region-IV-District-4 Coach-of-the-Year for the 10th time.

“I am extremely happy for Courtney to receive this honor,” said Coach Pigatti. “He has had a tough go at it with breaking his foot during the end of his freshman year and still playing the Regional and National Tournaments with it. His toughness, resilience, and hard work rehabbing last year paid off in receiving this award. Courtney is a special person, and I was honored to be his coach.”

Carter also earned NJCAA Region IV Tournament MVP and NJCAA DII First Team All-America honors. The Memphis, TN, native will stay in Illinois when he transfers to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville of the Ohio Valley Conference to further his academic and athletic career this fall.

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

NEWS ADVISORY: The 2020 Census is LIVE

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You can now fill out your census form at home either ONLINE or by phone to (844) 330-2020 or (844) 468-2020 for Spanish. Be prepared with the letter you have received and follow the instructions on the U.S. Census website. Cook County will continue to conduct virtual outreach to make sure everyone is counted.

Why Does it Matter?

  • The Census impacts every individual and community in Cook County.
  • The data is used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities in areas such as transportation, healthcare and affordable housing, to name a few. One example is the Community Development Block Grant Program.
  • An accurate census helps ensure fair representation at all levels of government – congressional districts, commissioner districts and wards.

Emergency Electrical Repairs and Related Work

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Titled, sealed bids will be received in the Campus Police Office, Room 1215, 708-596-2000 ext. 2235, at South Suburban College, 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL  60473, Door #3 up to the hour of 5:00 PM April 23, 2020 for the following work: Emergency Electrical Repairs and Related Work for SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE. Bids will be opened at 10:00 AM on April 24, 2020 in a virtual bid opening.  To register visit www.ssc.edu/purchasing.  Work will be let under one prime contract, to the lowest responsible bidder.  Plans and Specifications may be obtained on or after April 13, 2020, at the office of the Architect, PLANERA ARCHITECTS 18225 Morris Avenue, Homewood, Illinois, 60430. Contractors wishing to submit proposal are advised to contact the architect prior to picking up plan and specifications.  Further, all questions regarding the Plans and Specifications should be provided to the architect prior to the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting.  The architect may be contacted at 708-747-3600. ALL BIDDERS MUST BE PRE-QUALIFIED.  If not pre-qualified, complete A.I.A. Document A-305 (Contractors Qualification Statement) for consideration before picking up Plans & Specifications.  A 10% Bid Bond will be required of all bidders.  A 100% Performance Bond and a Labor/Material Bond will be required of the successful bidder, written by a Surety approved by the Owner.  Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond for an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the Contract, will furnish a satisfactory performance and payment bond, execute the Contract and proceed with the work.  Upon failure to do so, the bidder shall forfeit the amount deposited as liquidated damages and no mistakes or errors on the part of the bidder shall excuse the bidder or entitle him to a return of the aforementioned amount.  A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held virtually on April 16, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.  To register visit www.ssc.edu/purchasing.  The scope of the project will be detailed and questions will be answered.  Onsite inspections will be done by appointment only beginning April 17, 2020 and concluding April 20, 2020.  On site inspections will limit the number of participants and contractors must provide their own personal protective equipment.  Bidders will examine the plans and specifications and the location in which said work is to be done and judge for themselves all the circumstances and surrounding conditions affecting the cost and nature of the work, and all bids will be presumed to be based on such examination, familiarity and judgment.  Compliance with all requirements of the laws of the State of Illinois shall be mandatory.  These requirements shall include, but are not limited to, payment of the prevailing wage including fringe benefits for labor on the work to be done, the provisions of all State of Illinois and federal laws concerning public works projects, the State of Illinois Human Rights Act, and the regulations of the Illinois Human Rights Commission.  The Board of Trustees, Community College District #510, South Holland, Illinois, reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and award the bid in the manner that best serves the interests of the Owner.

Register to Participate:

Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting – April 16, 2020 @ 10 AM

Bid Opening – April 24, 2020 @ 10 AM 

South Suburban College to Donate Supplies and Shields to Local Healthcare Providers, Foundation Establishes COVID-19 Impact Fund

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –South Suburban College (SSC) is donating supplies and masks to local healthcare providers. The College’s Allied Health & Careers and Nursing Departments have gathered a significant range of N95 masks with respirators, surgical masks, filters, gloves, gowns and personal protection kits for area hospitals. Additionally, during SSC’s facility closure, staff at the SouthWorks Maker Lab within the College’s Oak Forest Center have been granted limited access in order to produce face shields.

“Our healthcare faculty have taken the initiative to make supplies available and our Maker Lab managers have committed to organizing the project to 3D print and assemble protective face shields to help protect our community,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, SSC President. “All of these items will be donated to local agencies and hospitals. I’m so proud that our institution is able to do some small part to help keep our local healthcare workers safe.”

The SSC Foundation also announced this week the establishment of a COVID-19 Student Impact Fund with an initial $10,000 commitment to provide some relief to students. The Foundation hopes to secure additional donations to assist students with hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as initiate an investment in the expansion of College healthcare programs.

“Our Foundation Board has made a commitment to getting resources to students with an immediate need by providing tuition assistance and laptops,” said Patrick Rush, Director of PR & Resource Development. “It was also important for us to create a pathway for donors who wish to make a sustained impact through the much needed expansion of our Allied Health and Nursing Programs, which are a critical funnel to our local frontline healthcare workforce.”

Tax deductible donations to both funds may be made by check to “SSC Foundation” or online from ssc.edu/foundation. Rush added that the Foundation extended its general scholarship deadline to April 24th and its spring gala, Showcase 2020-Rx for Success, has been rescheduled for August 14, 2020.

SSC recently announced its facility closure through April along with a move to a Virtual Classroom Model through the remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester.

Pictured: Face shields made in the SouthWorks Maker Lab at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center will be donated locally.

Register Now for Summer Classes at South Suburban College

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Summer Registration is in progress at South Suburban College (SSC) online from ssc.edu. The 2020 Summer Semester begins the week of Monday, June 1st for both credit and non-credit classes. The summer class schedule is also available online from ssc.edu. Current and prospective students are encouraged to register soon to secure their preferred schedule.

The summer semester is an excellent opportunity for students to take the next step in their success by customizing a class schedule at a convenient, affordable institution. New SSC students should get started with the Online Application. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

The SSC Foundation has extended its scholarship deadline to Friday, April 24, 2020, for new and current students. More than 150 scholarships with a wide range of criteria are available for the coming summer, fall, and spring semesters. The application process is made easy and must be completed online at ssc.edu/scholarships.

The College is has currently moved to a Virtual Campus through March 29, 2020 but continues to provide a high level of instruction and support services. Visit ssc.edu for updates and for educational resources.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

South Suburban College to Extend Spring Break through March 22nd

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College is extending its Spring Break for students through March 22, 2020 as a precaution related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The college is also implementing a Spring Break for all Adult Education classes next week. Students with a clinical rotation will be contacted with more details.

SSC will remain open and maintain standard operating hours. All employees will continue working through the extended break. Classes will resume on March 23rd to keep the Spring 2020 Semester on schedule. The college is working to ensure all credit classes may be offered in an online format, if necessary. More information will be shared on class delivery later next week. All campus events scheduled through March 22nd are postponed. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Men’s Basketball National Tournament which was scheduled for next week in Danville, IL, has also been postponed.

Currently, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 at SSC. Visit www.ssc.edu for ongoing updates.

SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn in Oak Forest.

Breakfast with BCI Presents: Marketing Tips on a Budget

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College Business & Career Institute (BCI) presents a Breakfast with BCI Workshop titled “Marketing Tips on a Budget – Learn Facebook Hands-On” scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon in the MB Financial Suite on the 1st floor of the college’s Main Campus. Registration and continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m.

This workshop will be facilitated by Ericka Glorious Moore, owner and branding expert of the story of [e]. She will provide marketing tips including hands-on Facebook instruction in this fun and interactive workshop. With over 19 years of corporate and non-profit experience, Ms. Moore will share opportunities to grow attendees’ Facebook page followings and help turn followers into sales. Attendees should bring their laptop and extension cord and be ready to learn and engage.

The workshop takeaways include:

  • Learning the importance of Facebook marketing
  • Creating your own content and photos for posts
  • Learning how to schedule posts
  • Understanding hashtags and identifying yours
  • And much more!

The cost of the workshop is $49 per person with early bird registration until March 23, or $59 after March 23, 2020. To register online, go to https://marketing-tips-on-a-budget.eventbrite.com, call (708) 225-6055 or email bci@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL.

South Suburban College to Host Census Informational Sessions

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College wants everyone in College District 510 to be counted. The college will be hosting informational sessions regarding the 2020 Census at both the Main Campus in South Holland and the Oak Forest Center.

The United States Census counts every resident in the country and takes place every 10 years. SSC has been selected to participate in Census outreach through a grant in conjunction with Cook County and is actively promoting the importance of being counted within its community. This data is highly secure, and by law cannot be shared with immigration or law enforcement agencies or affect government benefits. Among other important reasons for participation, the data is used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities in areas such as transportation, healthcare and affordable housing, to name a few.

SSC will host the informational sessions in March and April for staff, students and the community. Bilingual translators will be available. The sessions are scheduled as follows:

  • Oak Forest Center – March 18 and March 19, 6:00 p.m., Room 5190
  • Main Campus – April 1 and April 22, 12 noon, MB Financial Bank Room

By Census Day, April 1, 2020, households will be invited to participate in the 2020 Census, with options for responding – by mail, online or phone. Visit www.CookCountyIL.gov/Census for more info.

SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn in Oak Forest.

Barber Equipment and Supplies

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Please quote us your net cost on the following: Barber Equipment and Supplies. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 10:00 AM on March 18, 2020, in the room 2115. Bids will be opened at that time in the room 1233, 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. This is a public bid opening.

We estimate, but do not guarantee, the bid(s) will be awarded shortly after March 18, 2020.

“Boost Your Biz” Expo for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners Coming to South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Business & Career Institute (BCI) of South Suburban College (SSC) is planning a free small business expo titled “Boost Your Biz” on Thursday, June 4, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the college’s Main Campus. The expo will be presented in partnership with SSC, Ingenuity Small Business Collaborative, the Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce, the South Holland Business Association and the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce.

Created specifically for the budding entrepreneur, solopreneur, at-home business and small business owner looking for services to successfully build their businesses, the Boost Your Biz Expo will feature premier providers for all of your business needs! If you have a great idea for a business but aren’t sure where to start; need ideas to enhance products and services; need guidance to strategize, expand and take more risks, join us at the Boost Your Biz Expo on June 4th!
The expo features experts representing the following areas:

  • Website Development
  • Video Promotion
  • Public Relations/Marketing/Sales
  • Social Media
  • Printing
  • Banking/Loans
  • Tax Advisement/CPA
  • Legal/Applying for LLC
  • Insurance
  • Education
  • Local Chambers of Commerce

What else can you expect from attending?

  • Opportunities to network with other small business owners
  • Small break-out sessions from some of our experts
  • Connections with local chambers of commerce
  • Give-aways!
  • Light snacks and beverages

This event is free and open to entrepreneurs, in-home and small business owners. It will be held at SSC’s Kindig Performing Arts Center at 15800 S. State St. South Holland, IL. You must register for the event by going to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-boost-your-biz-business-expo-tickets-96129833921 or https://bit.ly/2PekhCt. Visit www.ssc.edu/bci for more information, or please email bci@ssc.edu or call (708) 225-6055.

Nancy Fleischman Exhibition at South Suburban College’s Dorothea Thiel Gallery

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College is pleased to present a collection of artworks by Nancy Fleischman titled “From the Body.” The solo exhibition will be on display in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery from March 2 – March 26, 2020. A reception for the artist will take place in the gallery on Tuesday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m.

Nancy Fleischman is a Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist who creates sculpture, using the body and ephemerality to create objects and installations. Fleischman received her MFA’s from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Fashion and Architecture, and another in ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art. She has shown at NCECA, A/NT Gallery, Sullivan Galleries, Nightingale Gallery, Cranbrook Art Museum, Evanston Art Center, General Motors Design Center, and Noyes Cultural Center. Fleischman has had many distinguished residencies such as Mac Dowell Colony, Millay Colony, and the Bemis Center among others. She has taught at The School of the Art Institute, Chicago State University and SSC.

The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the fourth floor and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. The galleries are supported in part by the SSC Foundation. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. For more information, please email jtassin@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316.

Pictured: Sample No. 1 from Nancy Fleischman’s “From the Body” collection exhibiting at South Suburban College.

NEW Short-Term Solar Panel Installation Certification Program Begins at South Suburban College Next Month

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College’s Building Construction Technology Program is launching a new 16-week cohort for a cutting-edge Solar Photovoltaic Installers Certificate. The first session (BLD-299) will start during SSC’s spring second 8-week courses March 17th through May 14th on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Upon successful completion of the first 8-week session, students are eligible to sit for the NCCER Core Curriculum certification test. The final 8-week session will run during the 2020 Summer Semester.
Solar photovoltaic installers are key to the process of solar panel installation and maintenance. They use specialized skills to install residential and commercial solar projects. They are responsible for safely attaching the panels to the roofs of houses or other buildings, and ensuring that the systems work. Solar photovoltaic installers must be able to work with power tools and hand tools at great heights, and possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring as well as basic math skills.

Clean energy such as solar power is expected to be a key piece of the growing “green economy,” and jobs in solar power show great potential for new employment opportunities. This growth in the solar power industry is evidenced by the rapid increase in solar capacity over the past several years, leading to the increased demand for skilled workers. Jobs in this industry are located in many states and cover a wide variety of occupations. As solar technology evolves and new uses for solar power are discovered, occupations in the industry will continue to grow and develop.

Solar photovoltaic installers are often self-employed as general contractors or employed by solar panel manufacturers or installation companies. Installers trained as electricians or those that are licensed as general contractors can make significantly more. According to industry sources, basic solar installers average an annual salary of $42,680, and Union two-year apprenticeship completers are earning average yearly salaries over of $100,000. There are currently jobs available and employers searching for qualified workers in the Chicagoland area with a National Employment Outlook of a 63% increase 2018-2028.

For more information, please contact Eugene Damiani, program coordinator, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2292 or email edamiani@ssc.edu. Para Información En Español Llame: (708) 210-5740. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Philips EPIQ 7 Xmatrix – REBID

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Please quote us your net cost on the following: Philips EPIQ7 Xmatrix. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 9:30 AM on March 4, 2020 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.

The results of the bid will be posted on line at www.ssc.edu/purchasing after the bid is awarded. We estimate, but do not guarantee, the bid(s) will be awarded at the March 12, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting.

South Suburban College to Host Live First District Court Oral Arguments at Annual Law Day April 30th

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Legal Studies Department will host their annual Law Day on Thursday, April 30, 2020. 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.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with the Live First District Appellate Court Case Arguments to take place from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon in the PAC. A Criminal Justice Demonstration will follow along with a Live Court Reporting Demonstration between 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the MB Financial Room.

Current and future students, teachers, and guests of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to find out what SSC has to offer in the field of legal studies through its Court Reporting, Paralegal 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.

Seeking Employers for Community Career Fair at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College and Thornton Township are partnering once again to offer a 2020 Career Fair on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will be held in the South Suburban College Atrium at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

SSC and Thornton Township are currently seeking employers and hiring managers to participate at the fair. The Career Fair is free for Career seekers and is an excellent opportunity for employers to recruit upcoming SSC graduates, alumni and local professionals, and interview them in semi-private space.

There is a $75 Early Bird Employer Registration by March 1st or $100 for Employer Registration from April 2nd t – May 1st. Early registration is encouraged at www.ssc.edu/careerfair.

For more information or to sponsor this event, please call (708) 210-5748, or email lbuckner@ssc.edu or ajones@ssc.edu.

2020 Chicago Women’s Conference & Expo – Vision 2020 Sharpen Your Focus

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) announces its 2020 Chicago Women’s Conference on Friday, March 13, from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., located at the college’s Main Campus in South Holland, Illinois. This year’s theme “Vision 2020 Sharpen Your Focus” marks the 12th Annual event planned through the college’s Business and Career Institute (BCI). Women of all backgrounds ages 18 and up are welcome to come together for one day dedicated exclusively to women.

What started off as a small series of workshops in 2009, has turned into a yearly event that continues to grow. Last year over 350 participants and 50 vendors attended this truly unique opportunity. SSC invites all women to join in the experience and connect with hundreds of other women this March. This year’s Keynote speaker, Ericka Glorious Moore, will present “Vision 2020: If You Can SEE It, You Can BE It.”

The Admission Fee is $49 per person and registration runs through March 11th. The day’s activities will include a hot breakfast buffet, networking opportunities, engaging break-out sessions on health & wellness, personal empowerment, business & finance and a fun and exciting fashion show! Attendees should be dressed to get a complimentary, web-ready headshot! Throughout the day, guests can shop the event’s wonderful vendors featuring many women-owned and local businesses.

Submit the online registration form at www.thechicagowomensconference.org or email bci@ssc.edu with questions. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street, South Holland, IL.

Register Now for Non-Credit Classes at South Suburban College

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– It’s not too late to get registered for classes at South Suburban College. SSC’s Office of Continuing Education offers a variety of non-credit courses throughout the Spring Semester, with registration open right up to the start of class.

With the wide variety of start dates, class times, course lengths and offerings, students have the flexibility of fitting school around a busy schedule. Some of the programs available include:

  • IL-CCL Firearms Training
  • Food Service Sanitation
  • Introduction to Photography
  • Line Dancing, Computers for Seniors
  • Learning Windows
  • Dialysis Tech Basic Training
  • The Road to Wellness
  • Real Estate Principles
  • And much more.

Classes are starting February 10th and later. For more information about SSC’s non-credit classes or to register, please contact the Office of Continuing Education at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2231, or visit www.ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Musical Performances Coming to SSC Stage in March

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March 2, 2020 – 7:00 pm
Orchestra & Chamber String Ensemble Concert

March 3, 2020 – 7:00 pm
Jazz Combo Concert

March 6, 2020 – 7:00 pm
Symphonic Band, SSC Voices Concert

March 18, 2020 – 12:00 pm
Lecture Recital: Irene Claude, SSC Flute Faculty

PLEASE NOTE: This calendar is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change. Please visit www.ssc.edu/calendar for the complete and most current schedule. Unless otherwise stated, 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. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

For more information regarding concert performances, and to confirm performance dates, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316.

South Suburban College Coding Specialist Program to Host February 29th Open House

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OAK FOREST, IL–South Suburban College Department of Allied Health & Careers is hosting an Open House for the Coding Specialist Program on Saturday, February 29th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the college’s Oak Forest Center.

Coding Specialist is a three semester, 40 credit hour certificate program (including prerequisites) with excellent job potential. The program is one of only two in the State of Illinois approved by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon successful completion of the program the student will be eligible to sit for the following coding exams administered by the American Health Information Management Association: Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Students also enjoy the benefit of a virtual internship and coding exam review during the final semester.

The Coding Specialist Open House is an excellent opportunity to speak to instructors who are experts in the field about a program that provides flexibility for traditional students and returning adults who are balancing career and family responsibilities. Courses are offered on nights and weekends three days per week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturdays. Class locations include both the Main Campus in South Holland and the Oak Forest Center.

New in 2019 are two annual entry points for admission into the Coding Specialist Program. Prospective students will need to complete four basic prerequisites before applying for acceptance by July 15th for Fall Semester and by December 15th for Spring.

The Open House will be located in Room 5230 at the Oak Forest Center – 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452. Please contact the Allied Health & Career Programs Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2204 or email vebrooks@ssc.edu.

South Suburban College Player, Team Earn National Honors

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Program has earned two national honors this week on the heels of Head Coach John Pigatti’s 400th victory. The Bulldogs were named the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Two-Year College Team-of-the-Week for January 20-26, 2020. Additionally, sophomore guard Courtney Carter was named National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Player-of-the-Week.

“It has been quite an eventful week for our basketball team,” said Coach Pigatti. “I am very proud of the efforts our players displayed last week in defeating three NJCAA Division I teams. There are roughly 500 Men’s Basketball teams in the country so being named NABC JC team of the week is a great honor and all the credit goes to the players. One of those players Courtney Carter, and his National Player-of the-Week recognition is well deserved for his outstanding play on both ends of the court. He is a great player with a huge future ahead of him.”
The Bulldogs were 3-0 on the week with wins over Olive-Harvey, Harry S. Truman, and Kankakee Community College moving up to 4th in the current NJCAA Division II Poll. The Bulldogs are currently 21-3 on the season. Carter, from Memphis, TN, was named both National and Region IV Division II Player-of-the-Week after averaging 20 points, 6.3 rebounds, 9 assists, 6 steals, and 1 block during those wins.

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

Pictured: South Suburban College sophomore guard Courtney Carter was named NABC National Player of the Week.

Volleyball Camp Coming to SSC in February

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Volleyball Program is accepting registrations for its Winter Camp for boys and girls Ages 8-14 on Sunday, February 16th from 3-5 p.m. at South Suburban College. The goal of the camp is to improve fundamentals and to have some fun along the way.

To register please call or text Coach Michelle Orth at (708) 655-9965, or email morth@ssc.edu. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Regional High School Art Student Exhibit & Festival Coming to South Suburban College in February

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College will host its 24th annual Regional High School Art Student Exhibit from January 27th through the student art festival celebration on February 21, 2020.

The exhibition includes 22 regional high school districts from Illinois and Indiana. Approximately 300 pieces of student artwork will be on display in the galleries and display cases of the Art & Design Department.

All of the participating high school students and teachers will celebrate the exhibition on February 21st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with a visiting artist lecture, a gallery crawl reception, and demonstrations in the Digital Graphic Arts Studio, Painting Studio, Ceramics Studio and a special bronze casting in the Sculpture Studio. The Art Festival begins in the Performing Arts Center at 10 a.m. with opening remarks. Visiting guest artist Sergio Gomez, a Chicago-based artist and former SSC faculty, will provide a PowerPoint presentation of his artwork and life experiences in the art world. An awards presentation for the High School Students artwork will follow with Javier Chavira serving as juror of this year’s exhibition. Several businesses, including Jimmy Johns of Homewood will sponsor the awards. Additionally, two Art Merit Scholarships from the Offices of the President and Vice President of Academic Services of South Suburban College will be presented.

The Art & Design Department of SSC is located on the fourth floor, northeast section of the main building on the South Holland campus. The Dorothea Thiel and Photo-Four Galleries are both located within the Art and Design studio complex. The Lee E. Dulgar Gallery is located on the first-floor atrium area of the college. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL.

The public is cordially invited to attend the exhibition and festival free of charge. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and college holidays. More information is available from Mr. Jack Kirkpatrick, Chairman of the Art/Design Dept. (708) 596-2000, ext. 2445.

Pictured: Artwork by Treshawn Lewis of TF North High School earned the award for best cover design for SSC’s Regional High School Art Student Exhibit & Festival.

Open House Coming February 1st for Student Home Construction Project in Park Forest

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban Trades Initiative announces an Open House of the first rehabbed house by a student and apprentice partnership program on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. The house is located at 305 Sauganash Street, Park Forest, IL.

The South Suburban Trades Initiative was created by the Village of Park Forest to provide a workforce development classroom. Funding has been provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Abandoned Property Program and the Village of Park Forest. The work was conducted through a collaboration by the South Suburban College Building Construction Technology Program, Prairie State College HVAC Program, and the apprentice programs run by the Plumber’s Local 130 and Painters Local 147.

The public and local media are invited to tour the home and learn more about this important initiative and its future. This event is hosted by Village of Park Forest, South Suburban College and Prairie State College. For more information call (708) 283-5622.

South Suburban College Head Basketball Coach John Pigatti Earns 400th Win

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Pigatti won his 400th game last night in a 74-67 victory over Olive Harvey. In his 14th season at the college, Pigatti’s record is now 400-78, good for an .837 winning percentage.

“It’s a tremendous accomplishment and a tribute to some great players who have come through here at South Suburban,” said Coach Pigatti. “Our players have really bought into our program and are committed to working hard on and off the court. We have been proud to have two Player-of-the-Year recipients and 10 First Team All-Americans, but more importantly countless players who have earned their degrees and transferred on to four-year programs.”

Coach Pigatti has won nine Region IV Championships, his teams have been to nine NJCAA Division II National Championships and have at times been ranked #1 in the country. Currently ranked sixth in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Men’s Basketball Top 20 Poll, the Bulldogs are 19-3 this season and have won 10 in a row. The Bulldogs have been ranked in the top ten every season since Pigatti has been at SSC.

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

Pictured: Bulldogs Head Coach John Pigatti and the 2020 Basketball Team celebrate his 400th win at South Suburban College.

Forklift Operator Training Coming to Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute is offering Forklift Operator Training on three separate sessions in February at the Oak Forest Center. This certification course covers the basic fork lift driving skills needed to obtain a Fork Lift Operator Certification. A Certification Card from the National Safety Council will be issued to the student upon successful completion of the program.

Each session will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, February 7th, Saturday, February 8th, and Monday, February 24th. The cost for each course is $175.00 per person.

Illinois requires all forklift operators to obtain a license to avoid OSHA sanctions and possible penalties. Forklift driving is no simple matter; it causes more than 100 deaths each year. These sessions are designed for individuals who are seeking career advancement employers who are seeking safety and in compliance for their forklift operators.

For more information, please contact Gervaise Edwards at (708) 225-6032 or email gedwards@ssc.edu. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois, with convenient access from I-57, I-80, and I-294. Para Información En Español Llame: (708) 210-5740.

Philips EPIQ 7 Xmatrix

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Please quote us your net cost on the following: Philips EPIQ7 Xmatrix. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 10:00 AM on January 29, 2020 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.

We estimate, but do not guarantee, the bid(s) will be awarded at the February 13, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting.

RESULTS: The College has rejected the bid for the EPIQ 7 Xmatrix Machine due to budget constraints.

South Suburban College Announces Development of Barber College at South Holland Campus

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the establishment of a new Barber College at its December 12th Board Meeting. SSC’s goal is for the Barber College to launch its first class during the Fall 2020 Semester. The program has been submitted to the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and is pending approval. Construction for a new, fully equipped barbering facility has already begun in a highly visible first floor location at the college’s Main Campus in South Holland.

“We are extremely pleased by the response from the community as we researched several new programs that will be coming to South Suburban College,” said Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, SSC President. “Barbering can be a lucrative career that provides entrepreneurial opportunities. This new educational track will be much more accessible and affordable through our community college than the alternative options available to our constituents.”

Dr. Stokes said the Barbering program was established in part by a Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant that SSC received through the Illinois Community College Board which included funding for several new in-demand programs. The WEI project is designed to create, support and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high need areas within SSC District #510. Through expanded access, opportunity, and support services, the project is anticipated to yield impactful outcomes for individuals, families, communities, local businesses.

WEI provides wrap-around services including comprehensive financial assistance and academic support to participating students within five program areas providing stackable credentials including Nursing and Patient Care Technician (PCT), Basic Nursing Assistance Training Program (BNATP), Community Healthcare Worker (CHW), and Certified Production Technician (CPT) in addition to the Barbering program. Students who are not selected to participate in the grant will still benefit from the opportunity to enroll in the following new programs.

The Barbering curriculum is a 12-month credit program leading to professional certification. SSC will be offering a 50-hour Barber Technician (BT) Certificate and a 65-hour Associate of Applied Science Degree in Barbering track for students seeking a college degree as a part of the program. Both tracks will include preparation and testing for National Barbering Written Licensing Examination, which is essential to applying for licensure in Illinois.

“South Suburban College’s Barbering program will be the only active public Barber School in the state,” added Matt Beasland, Dean of Adult & Continuing Education and administrator over the Barber College. “It will provide our students with quick access to a career credential that can lead to family sustaining wages.”

According to BLS data, the average salary for a Barber in Illinois is $42,930, or $20.64 per hour with an increase in demand of 9% by 2026. In the Southland area, there are currently 286 new job openings for barbers.

The Barbering program at SSC will offer programming and support at a fraction of the cost to attend area proprietary institutions. For more information about Barber School and the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC 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 SSC, please visit www.ssc.edu.

Pictured: Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, SSC President, and Matt Beasland, Dean of Adult & Continuing Education, helped kick off construction for a new Barber College at SSC last week.

Children’s Theatre Company to present Cinderella at South Suburban College in January

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The Children’s Theatre Company of South Suburban College announces its annual play for young audiences in January. This year’s offering will be Michele L. Vacca’s “Cinderella.” Performances are scheduled for January 11 and 18, 2020, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and January 14-17, 2020, at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. each day. Reservations are required for weekday performances.

This delightful, fast moving and humorous play is directed by Ellie Shunko, manager of the Kindig Performing Arts Center and Lansing resident. “This Cinderella story is not the Disney version or a musical,” says Shunko. “The story contains a lot of humor. The Fairy Godmother has a sidekick and is quite the wise cracker. It should be loads of fun.”

Tickets are $5, cash or checks only, we do not accept credit or debit cards. Call (708) 210-5741 or email boxoffice@ssc.edu. For more information, email ssctheatre@ssc.edu or visit the Kindig Performing Arts Center website at http://learn.ssc.edu/theatre/. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street in South Holland, IL.

SSC’s Maker Lab to Host Ornament Making Workshop at Oak Forest Center on December 17th

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OAK FOREST, IL– South Suburban College’s Maker Lab is offering a Maker Day: DIY Holiday Ornament Workshop on Tuesday, December 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the college’s Oak Forest Center.

Participants of all ages are encouraged to bring family and friends to create personalized ornaments. The cost is $7 per ornament or 2 for $10. RSVPs must be made at Eventbrite: “SSC Maker Lab: DIY Holiday Ornament Workshop.” Checks should be made payable to South Suburban College.

Maker spaces and labs are places for people to gather and create using a variety of tools including advanced technology such the 3D printer and laser cutter at SSC’s Maker Lab. These do-it-yourself (DIY) spaces have areas for both independent and group work. SSC’s Maker Lab is conveniently located at the Oak Forest Center – 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.

For more information, please contact Anna Helwig, ahelwig@ssc.edu, or call the Building Construction & Industrial Technology Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2664.

Seeking Star Awards Nominations for The Chicago Women’s Conference at South Suburban College

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OAK FOREST, IL– South Suburban College is seeking nominations for The Star Awards, which will be presented at the 12th Annual Chicago Women’s Conference being held at South Suburban College on Friday, March 13, 2020. The two awards recognize women for their outstanding leadership in business, community activities and/or education and their encouragement of others to also be STARS. One of the awards recognizes lifetime achievement of a South Suburban College (Thornton Community College) alumna.

STAR awardees are role models because they not only focus on achieving their own goals, but through their inspiring actions they profoundly motivate others to do the same. We urge the writers of the applications to be sure to tell the full story of the woman they are nominating. Applications are being accepted through Monday, February 3, 2020, and are available from the website: www.thechicagowomensconference.org

This year marks the fifth year of the Star Awards. This year’s conference theme is Vision 2020: Sharpen Your Focus! Last year’s Star Award winners were SSC Lifetime Alumna winner LaTanya Allen, a graduate of the college’s court reporting program and now a law student at University of Mississippi Law School after working as a court reporter and serving as president of the Mississippi Court Reporter Association, and Star Award winner Shanina Thomas, an adjunct professor at Harold Washington College in African American Studies and History.

“These women are inspirational. They excel in what they do and then go even further by sharing their knowledge, kindness, and leadership with others,” said Nancy Burrows, Co-chair of The Star Awards Committee. “The awards are presented towards the beginning of the day and contribute to the upbeat, ‘can do’ tone of the rest of the day.”

Dr. Lynette Stokes (middle), SSC President, pictured with 2019 Star Award recipients Shanina Thomas and Latanya Allen.

South Suburban College to Host Rocky Clark Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser on National Day of Giving

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –South Suburban College and the SSC Foundation will host a special National Day of Giving event – Rocky Clark Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser – on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. The free event will begin with breakfast from 9 – 10 a.m. and memorial presentation to follow from 10 – 11 a.m. in SSC’s Kindig Performing Arts Center. The fundraiser is sponsored by college Chairman Frank M. Zuccarelli, Thornton Township, and Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris. Individuals may donate online or at the event, with the SSC Foundation matching all gifts.

Established in 2012, the Rocky Clark Memorial Fund provides scholarship opportunities to students with challenges at SSC. The fund was created following the passing of former student Rocky Clark on January 5, 2012. Rocky had been paralyzed from the neck down after a spinal cord injury in 2000. His injury was a result of a tackle which occurred during a football game at Eisenhower High School against Oak Forest. He spent the next eleven years nearly prone in a wheel chair. Rocky Clark began as a freshman at SSC in the spring of 2004 and last attended in the spring of 2007. He was an inspiration to all he came in contact with and was the first recipient of the Walter Payton Scholarship.

All are welcome to attend the full breakfast and memorial event at no charge. RSVP to foundation@ssc.edu and donations are now accepted online from ssc.edu/foundation and in-person at the event. The college is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL.

This event is part of the SSC Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Fund Drive for those who wish to make a difference in the lives of local college students in need of financial assistance. The drive provides both a charitable gift opportunity and tax-deduction (EIN: 23- 7191738) for all donors. The Foundation Office works cooperatively with individuals and organizations to develop a donor plan of any level. New scholarships can also be established with a $1,000 donation.

At SSC, 90% of students fall under the low income, first generation or disabled criteria. The SSC Foundation awarded over $140,000 to students in 2019, and has now granted over $2.2 million since 1987.

Paralegal Open House Coming to South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center December 12th

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OAK FOREST, IL– South Suburban College is hosting an Open House for its Paralegal Program on Thursday, December 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Oak Forest Center in Room 5190. Attendees will learn about an exciting career pathway 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 a 60-hour Associate Degree program and a 39-hour Certificate, both designed to prepare students to become highly trained paralegals and legal assistants. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and credentials to work in a variety of legal environments including:

  • Civil and criminal litigation
  • Law offices, and corporate legal departments
  • Insurance and banking
  • Public and governmental agencies

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.

“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., Paralegal Program Coordinator.

Paralegal classes are offered at the Oak Forest Center, online and at the Main Campus in South Holland. SSC is also offering an entirely Oak Forest-based curriculum track option. Spring Registration is currently in progress. The class schedules are available online at www.ssc.edu.

The Oak Forest Center is conveniently located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue. For more information, please contact Jason M. Cieslik, J.D., Paralegal/Legal Assistant Program Coordinator at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2579 or email jcieslik@ssc.edu.

Schiller FT-1 Portable Tablet Style EKG Machines

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Please quote us your net cost on the following: Portable Table EKG Machines. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 10:00 AM on December 10, 2019, 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.

Bid was awarded on January 8, 2020.

Certified Production Technician Open House Coming to South Suburban College Oak Forest Center

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OAK FOREST, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is hosting a Certified Production Technician Open House on Thursday, November 21st from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Room 5170 of the college’s Oak Forest Center. The Open House will feature a program overview from 6:00-6:30 p.m. with lab tours and questions from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Certified Production Technician (CPT) curriculum is a two-semester program designed to build the core competencies of manufacturing production to prepare students for internships and entry-level positions in manufacturing. There are currently 741 openings in the Chicagoland area for CPTs with an average salary range of $17.50-19.22. BLS projects a 5% growth in the field between 2016 and 2026. CPT students have the potential of earning five industry-recognized credentials through MSSC and the National Safety Council (Forklift Operator).

The CPT Program is supported by the Workforce Equity Initiative. As part of the program, students will be eligible for financial assistance with textbooks and testing fees as well as tuition based on additional criteria. Participants will also be eligible for support services such as tutoring and career coaching.

For more information contact Anna Helwig, ahelwig@ssc.edu, or call the Building Construction and Industrial Technology Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2664. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

Health Care Industry Night Coming to South Suburban College November 18th

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College is hosting a Health Care Industry Night on Monday, November 18th from 5-8 p.m. in the college’s Performing Arts Center. The event will include informational sessions and a panel discussion about SSC’s Nursing and Community Health Worker Programs, as well as its new Patient Care Technician Program. Industry leaders and SSC instructors will be on hand to answer questions about the career outlook and curriculum.

SSC recently announced its selection for a Workforce Equity Grant through the Illinois Community College Board, which includes funding and support services for students in several new in-demand programs including Patient Care Technician (PCT). The PCT program will be offered during the Spring 2020 Semester and will provide stackable credentials in EKG, Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program (BNATP), and Phlebotomy.

This event is sponsored by SSC’s Career Development Center, Allied Health & Career Programs and the Department of Nursing. There is no fee to attend and refreshments will be provided. Registration is currently open for the Spring 2020 Semester and prospective students may get started with entry level classes in the New Year. The online schedule can be viewed from www.ssc.edu. Please call (708) 210-5708 for more information.

Jordan Scott Photo Exhibition on Display at 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 of photographs by Jordan Scott in the Photo Four through the Closing Reception on November 20th at 12:30 pm.

Scott received a Chicago Photography Academy Certificate in 2015 and a BA from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He grew up in Skokie, Illinois, nearby a business district extending roughly a mile in all directions from the corners of Peterson and Lincoln Avenues. For fans of the vintage, the unusual and the seedy, the offbeat and out of place style of architecture on Peterson and the unfashionable motels on Lincoln hold a special place. On close consideration, these buildings are beautifully out of time and place. These now squalid and crime ridden rest stops (several offering hourly rate options) were once considered family friendly and modern. It’s just a matter of time before the city or local community groups demand their demolition, or the current owners finally sell for redevelopment. Scott decided to document some of these idiosyncratic structures before the inevitable occurs.

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.

Maker Lab Workshop-“Intro to Laser Cutting” Coming to Oak Forest Center

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College’s Maker Lab, located at the Oak Forest Center, is presenting a workshop designed to introduce “makers” to laser cutting on Saturday, November 9th from 12-2:00 p.m.

Makers will be introduced to 2D design using Inkscape and Corel Draw software. The workshop will teach different processes such as raster, engrave and cut. Makers will receive instruction in safe operation of two different laser cutters, including rotary tool applications and using a variety of materials such as wood, metal, leather, cardboard, cardstock, glass and plastics.

The class fee is $25.00 with a single fee available for a parent-child team. Participants ages 8 and up are welcome; under 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The class will be located in Room 5130 at the Oak Forest Center–16333 Kilbourne Oak Forest, IL.

Register on Eventbrite from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ssc-laser-cutting-workshop-part-1-tickets-79040033869 to reserve your spot. Payment will be accepted by check at the workshop. For more information, please email dcampbell@ssc.edu or call 708-596-2000, ext. 3256.

Bulldogs to Open Season This Weekend Ranked 3rd in the Nation

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The South Suburban College Basketball Programs are gearing up for the 2019-20 season with the Men’s Team set to open at home this Saturday, November 2nd vs. Northwestern University (Club). The Bulldogs are ranked #3 in the newest NJCAA Division II Pre-Season Poll. They will feature 12 new players and will be vying for their 10th Regional Championship and National Championship Tournament appearance during Head Coach John Pigatti’ s 14 seasons at the school.

“This year’s team has a very versatile mix to it,” said Coach Pigatti. “We have 12 new players and several who can play different positions on the floor. It should be a very interesting season!”

The Lady Bulldogs will open on the road November 5th vs. Wilbur Wright College at 5 p.m. They are ranked #18 in the Preseason Poll and will be defending their 2018-19 Regional Championship with an eye toward another National Tournament berth. The Lady Bulldogs home opener is on November 12th vs. Waubonsee Community College at 5 p.m.

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

Free GED/HSE and English as a Second Language Classes offered through South Suburban College in South Holland, Oak Forest and Riverdale

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College’s Adult Education Department offers a wide range of opportunities for adults to build the basic skills required for success. Registration for the free ESL & GED classes will take place November 1 and 7, November 14 and 15, and November 21 and 22 at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Room L233. Potential students must come on time since a placement test will be given. Spring classes begin January 21, 2020. Students interested in GED can choose classes from General Studies, Math, Welding/ICAPS or CNA-Bridge/ICAPS.

Many adults choose to pursue a high school education through the High School Equivalency (GED/HSE) program. The HSE program will develop the skills required to pass the High School Equivalency exams. HSE classes are free and are conveniently offered in South Holland, Riverdale and Oak Forest. SSC’s Adult Education Department is also offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) in South Holland and Oak Forest. ESL helps non-native students to improve their English skills from beginning to advanced levels.

At the time of Registration All Students will take a Placement Test and need the following items:

  • CURRENT STATE I.D. OR DRIVERS LICENSE INDICATING ILLINOIS RESIDENCE
  • UNDER AGE 18 – WITHDRAWAL FORM FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL OF CURRENT RESIDENCE
  • PROOF OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (GED/HSE only)

Information provided will be kept confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-380). Priority registration is given to continuing students who are making progress in their studies. Waiting lists will be taken as classes have a maximum number of students who can be served. (Indiana Residents cannot participate in this program.)

For more information contact South Suburban College at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2240 or 2385, or visit www.ssc.edu. To request ADA accommodations (allow three weeks), please contact Gail Bonds-Carpenter, ADA Coordinator, (708) 596-2000, ext. 2691. The SSC Adult Education program is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

SSC Bulldog’s Baseball Program to hold a holiday Youth Catching Camp December 26th and 27th

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College Head Baseball Coach Steve Ruzich will be directing a two-day Catching Camp on Thursday, December 26th and Friday, December 27th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Coach Ruzich has directed youth camps for the past 34 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 1183-679.

The cost of the Catching Camp is $100, and checks should be made payable to “SSC Bulldogs 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.

South Suburban College to Host Free Family Reading Night

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College’s Adult Volunteer Literacy Program is hosting its annual Family Reading Night event on Wednesday, November 13th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the college’s Performing Arts Center Lobby. The public is encouraged to join SSC for this free event to find out about community literacy while enjoying stories and presentations. There will also be free books for children, raffles, interactive games and refreshments.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults and children 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 Adult Education Department administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE/GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

For more information about Family Reading Night or the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, please contact Raylynn Stokes, coordinator, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois. This event is sponsored in part by the SSC Foundation.