15 Years in the Making – New Facility to Transform Healthcare Education in the Chicago Southland
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL — South Suburban College (SSC) is hosting a historic groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM to celebrate the start of construction on its highly anticipated Allied Health & Nursing Center. The event is expected to bring together SSC leadership, elected officials, community partners, faculty, staff, students, and supporters to mark a milestone that has been 15 years in the making.
The $52 million project is made possible through a Capital Development Grant from the State of Illinois, with Governor JB Pritzker playing an instrumental role in securing the funding. This investment underscores the state’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the healthcare workforce across the region.
The new Allied Health & Nursing Center will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced simulation labs, and collaborative learning spaces designed to expand SSC’s capacity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. The facility will directly address the region’s critical need for skilled nurses, medical technicians, and allied health specialists while strengthening partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and care providers.
“This is more than a building; it is a promise to our community,” said Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, SSC President. “It’s a promise to prepare our students to serve with skill and compassion, to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals, and to strengthen the health and vitality of the Chicago Southland for generations to come. While some who began this journey with us are no longer here in the physical sense, they are with us in spirit, and we honor their contributions today.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will feature remarks from Dr. Stokes, Terry R. Wells, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees and Mayor of Phoenix, IL, and other dignitaries. Chairman Wells highlighted the significance of the project for the future of both SSC and the region.
“This facility reflects our vision for a stronger, healthier future,” said Wells. “It will provide our students with world-class training right here at home and send a clear message that we are investing in our people, our economy, and our community’s well-being.”
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the Allied Health & Nursing Center will allow SSC to serve more students, offer new programs, and enhance hands-on learning opportunities in high-demand healthcare fields. The project is part of SSC’s ongoing commitment to quality education, workforce development, and community impact.
PHOTO: South Suburban College’s New Allied Health & Nursing Facility.
About South Suburban College
Founded in 1927, South Suburban College is a comprehensive public community college located in South Holland, Illinois. SSC is committed to lifelong learning and community development through affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. With a diverse student body and a wide range of academic and career programs, the College continues to foster innovation, equity, and excellence in higher education.