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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earth Awareness Day Coming South Suburban College April 28th

Earth Awareness Day 2016 flyer

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The student awards for each category are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Students and staff at South Suburban College recently joined forces to assist in celebrating Women’s History Month by mounting photos, books, and articles of and about women for the display case located on the first floor near the Library entrance at SSC. Pictured from left to right are Trelissa Moses, SSC Student and Student Leadership Member; Alejandra Damas-Favela, SSC Student and Student Leadership Member; and Jaisyn Passmore, Student Life Assistant, Office of Student Life and Leadership. Their efforts have paid off as many students stop to read and admire the display.

Our next Women’s History Programming event is “The Non-Traditional Workforce for Women & Men.” This panel of students, workers in their fields, along with SSC educators and staff, will discuss and show the importance of non-traditional job roles for both male and female workers. Additionally, they will highlight how various professions have changed throughout the years, and how South Suburban College can help individuals get a head start, a certificate, or a degree toward these professions, many often paying $50,000 a year or more. Students, faculty, staff and the community are invited.

The event is planned for Wednesday, March 30, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on SSC’s Main Campus located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL. More information is available by calling Corrie Gray at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2499 or Patrice Burton at ext. 5841.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The South Suburban College literary and art magazine The Scriblerian, has won “Most Outstanding Community College Literary/Art Magazine for 2015” from the American Scholastic Press Association and also a “First Place with Special Merit” award. Rick Jones, sponsor to the student organization the New Scriblerus Society for the past twenty-four years, said, “This is quite an honor and one we were surprised to receive. We have won First Place with Special Merit before but never this high honor of being the best in the entire United States. It shows that we are publishing an incredible product of the best in our students’ writing and artwork.” When the editor, Tyler Arnold, was informed, she exclaimed, “Awesome!” Jones said Arnold has been one of the best editors he has ever had the pleasure to work with on the magazine and that she had done outstanding editing for the past three issues of the magazine. “I have a new editor, Adam Witt, this year. He won our English department’s English Student of the Year award last May and is also an incredibly talented short story writer.”

The American Scholastic Press Association notified the college in December that it had won these awards. In a letter received, the ASPA stated, “Your magazine shows the superior efforts of talented and creative editors, writers, artists, layout/graphic designers, staff members and advisors. Creating the magazine supports a community of young writers and gives them esteem.” Jones said he really liked the final commentary that praised the magazine: “The Scriblerian is an excellent publication! Not only have you mastered the basic elements of a good magazine, but you have also published excellent works from your school’s population. Scriblerian is a model for those up-and-coming magazines and an inspiration for those magazines that haven’t quite aced the necessary skills.”

The magazine gave out awards for best poetry, best story, best essay, best art, and cover design at their awards celebration last June. Jones said that this year’s magazine will be available in May, and he expects it to have the same overall quality. He stated, “My layout editor and I work very closely in making sure the magazine contains only the best of the submitted works by our students and that it is proofread very well with each issue. We are quite proud of our accomplishments.” The 2015 edition of the magazine is available in the SSC English Department and library.

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

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College Board Chairman Frank Zuccarelli and President Don Manning recently addressed the Southland Ministerial Health Network (SMHN). Both Manning and Zuccarelli spoke to the esteemed group of church and community leaders about the health and educational needs of the south suburbs.

Zuccarelli stated in his emotional speech, “Enough is enough; the residents of the south suburbs have been ignored for too long. We must band together. We are not looking for a handout; we are just looking for an opportunity.” Zuccarelli and Manning spoke further about the budget crisis in Illinois and how the crisis is preventing south suburban residents from receiving education and workforce training.

Zuccarelli is also the Thornton Township Supervisor and pledged the support of the Township and the College to the Southland Ministerial Health Network. SMHN provides assistance to underserved residents of the south suburbs of Chicago.
For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SOUTH HOLLAND – Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in meeting workforce demands by preparing individuals for high-skill, in-demand jobs that further Illinois’ global competitiveness. Last year roughly two-thirds (66.9%) of all Illinois community college graduates earned a CTE degree or certificate. The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) will join others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education Month. This year’s theme is Opportunities for Career Success!

Illinois has seen continued growth and demand for postsecondary CTE in both higher completion rates and increased program offerings. Since fiscal year 2011, overall, CTE graduates have increased approximately 12 percent at Illinois’ community colleges. To meet workforce demands, 615 new CTE programs were approved last year at community colleges across the state.

“Career and technical education programs are at the core of the community college’s mission to provide educational opportunities tailored to local business and industry needs,” said ICCB executive director Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson. “By partnering with local, regional and national employers, CTE programs are investing in students and providing them with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees and future leaders.”

Carol Brooks, Executive Director of Career Development System in Oak Forest has this to add: “The benefits of career and technical education are extensive, playing a vital role in preparing high school students to transition to South Suburban College and/or the workforce. There are many opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school through successful completion of CTE courses. In addition, CTE industry credentials are available for students to earn in the high school classroom, thus providing another facet towards their future careers.”

The number of students who were members of a state-recognized Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSOs) in 2014-15 totaled 34,393. “Students who participate in CTSOs demonstrate higher levels of academic engagement and motivation, civic engagement, career self-efficacy, and employability skills than other students.” (National Coordinating Council for CTSOs, 2015)

Resource: 2015 ILLINOIS CTE by the Numbers http://www.ilcte.org/fact-sheet/

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

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–In spite of the State budget situation, South Suburban College will continue to provide quality, affordable education with small class sizes and support services. We are not in danger of closing our doors and encourage you to look no farther than SSC when making your plans for the 2016-2017 academic year.

According to SSC President Don Manning, “South Suburban College will continue to provide workforce credentials to our residents; qualifications that can lead to better paying jobs and a better way of life.”

Summer is a great time to take a few classes and our schedule will be available online at www.ssc.edu beginning Monday, March 7, 2016 with registration opening on Monday, March 21, 2016. Don’t wait; classes fill quickly. You will also want to register early for fall to get the courses you want when you want them. Our fall schedule will be available online beginning Monday, April 4, 2016 with registration opening on Monday, April 18, 2016.

Still weighing your options? Come check us out. You may even be eligible to take your first class for free! Details are available online at www.ssc.edu/freeclass. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College is hosting the 2016 SSC Jazz Festival on Saturday, February 13th from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Kindig Performing Arts Center. The 18th annual fest features performances by bands from eleven local high schools and middle schools, as well as instruction and performances by special guest clinicians. This year’s guest artists are saxophonist Mark O’Connor and bassist Marlene Rosenberg. As well, a jazz piano pedagogy clinic will be presented at 10:45 and 1:15 in room 1111 by Daniel Murphy.

“It’s an honor for us to have the festival running for 18 consecutive years,” said Rob Calhoon, SSC Director of Bands. “It is a tribute to South Suburban College, the attending schools and our guest artists to continue to keep our musical heritage alive and thriving.”

The SSC Jazz Festival is a one-day, non-competitive educational festival celebrating jazz and jazz education. Each band performs for and receives a performance clinic by the guest artists. The evening festival concert, taking place at 7:00 p.m. in the Kindig Performing Arts Center, will feature performances by the SSC Jazz Ensemble, the SSC Jazz Orchestra, guest artists O’Connor and Rosenberg, as well as select festival participants.

Admission to the festival, as well as to the evening festival concert, is free of charge. For more information or a complete performance schedule, contact the SSC Music Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2299. South Suburban College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL.

SSC Jazz Festival

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– On October 16, 2015, four class of 2016 SSC Occupational Therapy Assistant students participated in volunteering for the 2015 MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Muscle Team Gala held in the ballroom at Navy Pier. Their hard work, energy and enthusiasm helped the event to raise over $440,000 dollars to support MDA services, programs and research. The students who participated were Ulices Maldonado, Kelly Moriarty, Hope Franzen and Jodi Daebelliehn. South Suburban College is proud of our students for serving their community.

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

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– Community colleges have long operated in the shadows of more expensive four-year colleges, but worries about the cost of college are now drawing students to two-year programs. A new survey by WGBH News shows Americans believe strongly that community colleges are essential to providing families with opportunities and give high ratings to the quality of community colleges compared to four-year universities—and consider them a much better value.

Increasingly, the public has come to understand the importance of a community college education. Data revealed that if someone knew a high school graduate who had inherited $200,000, nearly two-thirds of those polled said they would encourage him or her to go to a community college and keep the rest of the money, instead of spending it all on a four-year degree, the survey, by WGBH News in Boston, found.

One reason is a backlash against the price of private four-year colleges and universities. Fewer than half of those polled said they considered four-year private colleges and universities a good value for the money. Affordability is a factor driving 75 percent of community college students’ enrollment.

“This really is bubbling into the mainstream,” said Chris Anderson, president of Anderson and Robbins Research, who conducted the survey. “The value proposition with four-year colleges may be a little bit out of whack right now.”

With open enrollment and low-cost tuition, South Suburban College serves all students, including: full-time workers, parents, military veterans, immigrants and people who speak English as a second language. Our campuses in South Holland and Oak Forest offer an academic curriculum, which attracts students looking to continue at a four-year institution, as well as those preparing to go right into the workforce. Payment options such as Financial Aid, Scholarships, Work Study and FACTS payment plan are available to help students pursue their education. A variety of one-class tuition waivers can also be found online at ssc.edu. Our Child Care Center serves students in need of child care while participating in college classes and related activities.

Prospective students are encouraged to get started soon with the Online Application at ssc.edu. Tuition at SSC is only $135 per credit hour for In-District students, and the Lake County rate is just $170 per credit hour.

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

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The pre-season #19 ranked South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team opens its 2015-16 season on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 1:30 pm. vs. Trinity Christian College (JV). This year’s squad includes several players from NW Indiana: Anthony Harris (Griffith HS), Marlon Northern (Gary West Side), Devon Mingo (Hammond Morton), and Jalen Wilbert (Merrillville) who will help lead this year’s Bulldogs. The players from the South Suburbs (IL): Jovan Mooring (Hillcrest HS), Russell Robinson Jr. (Seton Academy), Rashaad Alexander (Thornwood HS), and Greg Martin (Tinley Park HS) will also lead this year’s team.

Come out and support the Bulldogs!

All home games will be broadcasted on WJOB 1230AM Radio, and you can listen to the games globally at www.wjob1230.com. Coach Pigatti will talk about the upcoming season on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 9:00am on “Jed in the Morning” which runs on WJOB 1230AM.

For more information call: John Pigatti, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, South Suburban College at (708) 596-2000 x2524, or send an email to jpigatti@ssc.edu.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College is proud to announce alumnus Mark Hood will be appearing this season on NBC’s “The Voice.” After choosing to join Pharrell’s team during the Blind Auditions, Mark has moved into the Battle Rounds.

During the “blinds,” the auditioning singers select the team he or she wants to join if more than one of the celebrity mentors hits the buzzer to turn their chair because they like what they are hearing. Hood received the full four-chair turn for his rendition of Bill Withers “Use Me.” He chose to join Team Pharrell after stating his sound is “kind of like John Legend meets Pharrell.”

Hood, 24 years old, was born, raised and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. He recently graduated from SSC in May of 2015 after studying Radio/TV Communications and participating in the college’s studio programs and talent shows.

“Being a communications student at SSC, I was exposed to so many facets of TV production, which helped my love for entertainment grow,” said Hood. “Learning the behind the scenes, believe it or not, helped me in front of the camera.”

Hood added, “As a freshman at SSC, I participated in the school talent show one cold November night, and I sang the wrong song! It was there that I learned to trust my gut, and don’t try songs you’ve never sang before. I also first sang the National Anthem at an SSC Bulldogs Basketball game, which is a hard song but I conquered it with my SSC supporters standing right there watching.”

“SSC was a home for me where I could express my creative talents. Even when music or performing had nothing to do with the class or lesson, my approach was still appreciated and respected,” said Hood. “Another reason I fell in love with SSC was Mr. John Geraci–he was an amazing instructor that pushed me, yet respected me, and he developed my love and skill for communications like no one else could!”

“The Voice” airs at 7:00 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC. Hood’s second performance on the show will come next week during the Battle Rounds. “My goals are to be a successful actor and singer garnering Grammys, Oscars, Tonys and Emmys,” said Hood.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College is pleased to announce a special guest artist solo exhibition of paintings titled “Moves” by Jay Songero in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery from October 13th through November 20th. There will also be a closing reception for the artist on Tuesday, October 20th at 1:00 p.m. The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the 4th Floor of SSC’s Main Campus. Samples of Songero’s work may be viewed at www.songero.com. The paintings and drawings are inspired by and reflect abstract expressionism and stain painting. The work reflects upon the relationship between viewer and the material essence of the painted image without need for second person.

Songero graduated Thornton High School and attended South Suburban College in the early 70’s as a student for the founder of the SSC Art & Design Department–Dorothea Thiel. A native born Chicago “south-sider,” Songero also attended Northern Illinois University where he studied as a teacher and painter, and earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s of Fine Arts Degrees. He subsequently studied and exhibited in New York City in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. His career was changed by meeting the influential dealer OK Harris Gallery, Mr. Ivan Karp, a cigar-chomping, fast-talking New York gallery owner who helped find, popularize and market the Pop Artists of the 1960’s, including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg. Later, Songero would show in international traveling shows with both Warhol and Lichtenstein, meeting such artists as Warhol, Willem de Kooning, Elaine de Kooning, and Betty Parsons in group shows he participated in at the Arts in Embassy Program and Frank Marino Gallery.

Songero made a life changing move leaving the art world disenchanted with the “hype and faddish world that art had become.” Songero descended into seclusion for almost thirty years only to return when prompted by friends, and a dealer and art promoter persuaded him to begin exhibiting his work once again. He has held a studio and continued to paint in his signature style in Chicago. He has taken elements of the New York school to move his individual vision and expression of action painting through a poured technique and signature style.

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.