Press Releases
For more information about any of the press releases contact:
- Jennifer Stoner, executive director of communications and marketing, (708) 709-3949
- Tina Saigh, communications and marketing specialist, (708) 709-7801
- Andrea Small, communications specialist, (708) 709-2948
NETWORKING EVENT CREATES CONNECTIONS BETWEEN MENTORS AND STUDENTS
[released 2/1/12] African American male students in the south suburbs have an opportunity to network with professionals from the community at a free event hosted by the Prairie State College (PSC) Protégé Program.
“The Ties That Bind or Knot: Strengthening Ties with African American Males,” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 8, at the Union Street Art Gallery, located at 1527 Otto Blvd. in Chicago Heights.
“Students need as much help as possible in seeing how to obtain and use their college degree, and this annual networking event is a rare opportunity for students to connect and communicate with African American professionals in areas that they themselves have indicated interest,” said Sean Smith, coordinator of the Protégé Program. “This is our sixth year doing this and it has grown beyond what we’ve ever expected.”
Students will meet and mingle with professionals in government, health care, education, business, music, technology, law, and the military. The first 50 students to register for this invitation-only event will receive a necktie at the end of the evening.
“It’s very important for first- and second-year college students, as well as high school students, to see what success really looks like, and how achievable getting there actually is,” said Smith. “Developing connections along the way is critical to achieving that success.”
Professionals interested in participating in the event should contact Smith at (708) 709-3912 or ssmith@prairiestate.edu by Feb. 24.
The Protégé Program cultivates academic success through mentoring, personal advisement, transfer college visits, cultural outings, and various workshops aimed at overcoming common obstacles to the students’ academic success. For more information, visit prairiestate.edu/aami.
FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS OFFERED FREE AT PSC
[released 1/31/12] Submitting a completed and accurate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most important step in obtaining financial aid. By completing the FAFSA in the spring, students will be able to meet the required financial aid deadlines. Prairie State College (PSC) is hosting two workshops to help students and parents file the FAFSA online. The workshops are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, and 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, at the college’s main campus at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
The workshop is free and open to the public, and advanced registration is requested by calling (708) 709-3735, or by completing the registration form online at prairiestate.edu/finaid/workshops.html. Assistance also is available in Spanish.
In order to complete the FAFSA, applicants will need to provide a completed or estimated 2011 tax information (parent’s and student’s 1040, 1040A, and/or 1040EZ federal tax applications and W-2 forms); the student’s driver’s license and social security number; the parent’s social security number and date of birth; records of untaxed income (welfare, social security, AFDC/ADC, or veterans benefits); current bank statements; current mortgage information for properties other than the family’s principal residence; records of businesses, farm (if not the family’s principal residence), and assets (stocks, bonds, and other investments); and a calculator.
For more information on the FAFSA workshops at PSC, contact the college’s Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs at (708) 709-3735.
PSC PRESENTING 24th ANNUAL JAZZ FEST FEB. 17
[released 1/30/12] Some of the nation’s top jazz artists will perform at Prairie State College’s (PSC) 24th annual Jazz Fest at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, in the auditorium of the college, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
Featured musicians include Chicago trumpeter Orbert Davis, drummer Ernie Adams, and bassist Larry Gray, as well as New Orleans saxophonist Ed Petersen and PSC’s professor of music, Valerie Nicholson, on piano.
Ticket prices are $15 for general admission. Students and senior citizens tickets are $10 each. Tickets are available in advance in the PSC Business Office Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets also can be purchased at the door on the evening of the concert.
The third annual Howard Luckey Excellence in Jazz Leadership Award also will be presented. The award goes to a community member who has provided extensive and consistent support of jazz through teaching, performing, or organizing in a spirit of humility and community. The award was established in memory of Howard Luckey, a PSC social science faculty member who passed away in 2010.
“Howard was a long time supporter of the Jazz Festival and music education,” said Nicholson. “He understood the importance of the arts in people’s lives and the impact they have on intellectual, creative, and emotional growth.”
The Friday performance is part of the annual two-day festival hosted by PSC, which also includes instrumental clinics led by the featured artists. The clinics are for local junior high and high school jazz musicians. It is an opportunity for students to receive instruction in technique and performance from the jazz masters.
“This year's concert is going to be fantastic, as usual,” said Adjunct Professor Robert Calhoon, who coordinated the fest. “We are so fortunate that some of that some of the finest and busiest jazz musicians in the country take time out of their schedules to come to Prairie State, work with students for two very full days, and then hang out and play a concert on Friday night.”
Those who attend the evening concert also can enjoy the Christopher Art Gallery exhibit, “Presence-Absence,” a two-person show featuring paintings by Sergio Gomez and Mark Zlotkowski. The gallery will be open before the concert and through intermission.
For more information on the Jazz Festival, or to purchase tickets to the concert, call the college at (708) 709-3500.
LATE START CLASSES BEGIN AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE FEB. 10
[Released 01/27/12] Busy work schedules, family obligations, and changing life situations can make it difficult to start college classes at the beginning of the semester. For those who were unable to begin classes in January, Prairie State College (PSC) offers several courses beginning Feb. 10.
Students need to register for courses as soon as possible because availability is limited. Registration for Late Start courses is ongoing and will continue until the courses begin or are filled.
PSC offers more than 40 Late Start courses, which run for 12 weeks instead of 16 weeks. Late Start courses have longer class times to compensate for their abbreviated schedule, and cover the same amount of material as the 16-week courses. Late Start courses also offer the same number of credits as the 16-week courses, and satisfy the same requirements for students working toward a degree or certificate.
Late Start course offerings include anthropology, art, business, English, history, humanities, math, music, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and more. A complete listing of course offerings can be viewed online at http://prairiestate.edu/cou/latestartflyr-fl11.pdf.
Prior to registration, new students must complete an enrollment application, in person, at the college, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, or online at http://prairiestate.edu/admissions/newStudents.html. Current students may register online or in person. Hours of operation for Enrollment Services are Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about registering for courses, contact the Counseling and Academic Advising Center at (708) 709-3506.
PRESENCE-ABSENCE EXHIBIT TO OPEN AT PSC FEB. 6
[Released 01/25/12] The Prairie State College Foundation is hosting "Presence-Absence," a two-person show featuring paintings by Sergio Gomez and Mark Zlotkowski, from Feb. 6 through Feb. 29, at the Christopher Art
Gallery located on the Chicago Heights campus at 202 S. Halsted Street.
According to the artists, the exhibit is intended to "encourage its audience to a deeper understanding of their own visible and invisible experiences."
Gomez is the director and co-founder of 33 Collective Gallery in Chicago. In 2009, he founded VisualArtToday.com, a curated online exhibition space for international contemporary art. Gomez also is a graphic designer, illustrator, faculty member at South Suburban College, and an independent curator for the Zhou B. Art Center in Chicago.
Zlotkowski was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Northwestern University. He teaches in the Department of Art and Media Design at DePaul University.
An artists' reception is being held from 4:30 to 7:30, Thursday, Feb. 9.
The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits also can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at (708) 709-3636.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE ANNOUNCES BASIC FIREFIGHTER AND EMT GRADUATES
[Released 01/13/12] Prairie State College (PSC) recently held graduation ceremonies for the Basic Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs.
Graduates of the Basic Firefighter program were Christopher Blandon of Ford Heights Fire Department; Michael Carey and Nicholas Drake of Chicago Heights Fire Department; Steven Dees of Park Forest Fire Department; Michael Golden of Phoenix Fire Department; Justin Hamilton, Amy Most, and Daniel Wychocki of Crete Fire Department; Patrick Harvey, Ryan Holman, Michael Morgan, and Jason Postma of Crete Township Fire Protection District; Kurt Homberg of Kankakee Township Fire Protection District; Melissa Kelley of South Chicago Heights Fire Department; and Phil Werner of Glenwood Fire Department.
The master of ceremonies for the Basic Firefighter ceremony was Rich Atwood, program coordinator. The keynote speaker was Kevin Welsh, chief of the Glenwood Fire Department, and the student speaker was Jason Postma, of Crete Township Fire Protection District.
Graduates of the EMT program were Timothy Ackerman, Elmer H. Bausch, Patrick J. Callahan, Vincent Carter, Jr., Michael Galen, Michael R. Stowers, and Dylan Vance, of Homewood; Lauren Anderson, of Matteson; Nicholas J. Capolillo, Michael R. Crandall, III, and Brian Rimkus, of Park Forest; Dylan Cunningham, of Thornton; Melissa Garcia, of South Chicago Heights; Kyle D. Haemker and Richard J. Viktora, of Crete; Rachel Nicole Hearon, of Sauk Village; Keith Holem, of Crown Point, Ind.; Benjamin F. Hughes and Aaron E. Morris, of Richton Park; Miecsha Renee Johnson, of Lynwood; Kevin O’Donnell, of Flossmoor; Anthony Smith, of Matteson; Stefanie Ward, of Monee; and Jason Zornow, of Beecher.
Two graduates, Galen and Stowers, were named valedictorian of the graduating class for completing the EMT program with the top scores.
Mistress of ceremonies for the EMT graduation was Vanessa Scheidt, of Franciscan St. James Health, and the keynote speaker for the ceremony was Bruce Ziegle, deputy chief of the Park Forest Fire Department.
The Basic Firefighter program prepares students to become municipal firefighters and take the state fire marshal exam. The program follows the standards of the National Fire Protection Association and the Office of the State Fire Marshall.
The EMT program prepares students to take the state certification exam to obtain a license to work on an ambulance crew or in an emergency room.
For more information about the Basic Firefighter or EMT program, contact Marie Hansel, dean, health and industrial technology, director of nursing, (708) 709-3648 or mhansel@prairiestate.edu.
PSC HOSTING 'BOOTS TO BOOKS' STUDENT VETERAN ORIENTATION JAN. 11
[Released 12/12/11] Prairie State College (PSC) is hosting "Boots to Books: The transition from military life to college life," a student veteran orientation, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, in room 1240 of the main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
All first-time or returning student veterans are invited to attend the event, which will include presentations by Mary Reaves, vice president of student affairs; Carissa Davis, coordinator of veterans affairs and scholarship advisor; and a representative from counseling and advising.
Attendees also will be taken on a tour of the newly established Student Veterans Center on campus, led by the Student Veterans Center Coordinator and U.S. Army Veteran Robert James.
For more information about the orientation or the Student Veterans Center at PSC, contact James at (708) 709-3567 or e-mail rjames2@prairiestate.edu.
PSC SPEECH TEAM BRINGS HOME AWARDS IN TWO TOURNAMENTS
[Released 12/15/2011] The Prairie State College (PSC) speech team competed in two tournaments in November and December, bringing home several awards.
During the Kishwaukee College tournament in November, the PSC team placed fourth of 15 teams, and individual team members also received several awards. Nadia Crawley, of Lynwood, was named tournament champion for communication analysis and won fifth place for informative speaking. Adrianna Carr, of Park Forest, won fourth place for informative speaking, and third place for poetry interpretation. Kelli Campbell, of Homewood, won fifth place for persuasive speaking. Nick Williams, of Homewood, won sixth place for persuasive speaking. Robert Roberts, of Chicago Heights, won eighth place for speech to entertain.
Crawley said of the experience, "I'm really excited about this team. We have a lot of talented students who can really take their speeches far."
The PSC team also placed sixth of 15 schools in the tournament at College of Lake County on Dec. 3. Individual awards included Williams receiving fifth place for poetry interpretation and fifth place for persuasive speaking; and Angela Parrish, of Olympia Fields, receiving sixth place for poetry interpretation. Parrish also was named tournament champion for persuasive speaking. Additional team members included Connor MacLeod and Matt Jiles, of Flossmoor; Lamar Riddle, of Richton Park; and Roberts.
Team coach Professor of Communication David Naze said, "We are very pleased to see such young and new talent do so well and represent the program the way they did. We are looking forward to competition in the spring semester."
Both teams also were coached by communication Professors Elighie Wilson and Ed Schwarz.
GENEROUS STATE GRANT ALLOWS PSC TO OFFER FREE BRIDGE TO MANUFACTURING CAREERS COURSE (New Registration Dates Added)
[Released 12/15/2011] Due to a generous $20,000 grant from the State of Illinois, Prairie State College (PSC) is offering a free class, Bridge to Manufacturing Careers, from 1 to 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17.
The course is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment or post-secondary training in the manufacturing field. Students will receive instruction, guidance, and support as they increase reading, writing, math, and technology skills; explore manufacturing careers, job requirements, and employer expectations for employment; and conduct job searches, write résumés, complete applications, and develop interviewing and workplace communication skills. It is open to students preparing for the GED® tests or those who have earned a GED® certificate or high school diploma.
After completion of the course, students will be prepared to take the GED® Exam, apply for admission for an entry level manufacturing class at PSC, or use the course completion on a résumé while searching for entry-level employment.
Registration is being held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19, and 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the Adult Training and Outreach Center on the PSC campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
For more information about the course, contact Angioletta Maltbia, student services specialist, adult education, at (708) 709-7931 or e-mail amaltbia@prairiestate.edu.
DECOMPRESSION ART EXHIBIT OPENS AT PSC CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY JAN. 3
[Released 12/13/2011] The Prairie State College Foundation is presenting the art exhibit "Decompression," Jan. 3 through 26, in the Christopher Art Gallery on the Chicago Heights campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. There will be an artists' reception from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19.
Featured artists include Indiana artists Dawn Diamantopoulos and Lee Heinsen-Ligocki, and New York City artist Megan Green. The artists were challenged by the questions: How do you decompress at the end of the day? How do you resolve where your life has led you, compared to where you thought you'd be? How do you put the day away for the night?
Diamantopoulos says her series, "History Repeats," began when she wanted to rework an art book's writings into layered drawings. "The phrases were taken/adapted from that book. There wasn't a good theme line in each group, yet the lines I pulled actually relate to more areas of my life than the original writing," the stay-at-home mom/artist said.
According to Heinsen-Ligocki, a professional truck driver, her collection of drawings, "Trippin Hands," are intentionally small for portability. "The drawings reflect thoughts and experiences from hours of solitude," she said. "Each image suggests an idea, but there is an underlying message the viewer can inwardly interpret," she added.
Green's current series of photographs, "Out of Town," chronicles her travels for work, she says. "What began as a lark has almost become a necessity now when I travel. To me, it's nothing deeper than inserting myself in a space that is temporary to me - temporarily supposed to be a place of comfort, to sleep, to work, to come back to after shooting all day," she added.
The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits also can be made by appointment. The gallery will be closed on Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at (708) 709-3636.
THREE NEW PIECES ADDED TO PSC BOARD OF TRUSTEES STUDENT ART COLLECTION
[Released 12/8/2011] The Prairie State College (PSC) Board of Trustees recently added three student art works to the Student Art Collection. The pieces were chosen from the May 2011 Graduating Student Exhibit and the 28th Annual Exhibition of Photographer of the Year in fall 2011.
The pieces selected were "Absence of a Memory," a painting by William Matthews III, of Matteson; "Drip," a photograph by Michael Carr, of Lansing; and "Whole in the wall hole," a photograph by Sherryl Smith, of Park Forest.
Smith, who also was this year's featured Photographer of the Year, said her interest in photography started at a young age. "I loved how photos told stories, and images explained things to me that words were never able to do," she said. "I could experience pain, joy, and sorrow, all from one paragraph."
Established in September 2008 by the Board of Trustees, the collection features student artwork, and is exhibited in prominent places throughout campus. The collection now includes 19 pieces of art.
Art Professor Paul Rinaldi said, "We are very proud of the high level work our students are creating here at PSC. The new photographs and painting are a testament to these students' creativity and personal vision."
"The Board of Trustees collection provides a wonderful opportunity for the college to collect and display such powerful works, contributing in a major way to the cultural presence in our community," he added.
MOLARO NAMED ASSOCIATE DEAN OF LIBRARY AT PSC
[Released 12/05/2011] Prairie State College (PSC) recently named Anthony Molaro associate dean of library and instructional technology. In that role, he will provide vision, leadership, and support to the faculty and staff of the library and the staff in instructional design and technology, as well as support online instruction and instructional resources using technology. He also will serve as the liaison between Academic Affairs and the office of Information Technology Resources.
Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, vice president for academic affairs, said Molaro will accelerate the speed of innovation started by his predecessor in the library and instructional technology area.
"Mr. Molaro comes to us with a proven record of pioneering the adoption of technology, such as cloud-based computing methods. He is a strong proponent of building relationships with faculty, staff, and patrons to ascertain needs and plan strategically to exceed expectations," he said.
Molaro brings to PSC a wealth of experience in libraries, research, and technology. Most recently, Molaro served as CEO of Highwood Public Library, where he was responsible for the administration of all library functions, supervised personnel, and served as the primary representative of the library in the community. He also has served as head of technical services and technology at Messenger Public Library in North Aurora, Ill, librarian and liaison to professional programs for Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich., circulation coordinator and reference librarian for Dominican University Library in River Forest, Ill, and research services assistant II for Loyola Health Science Library in Maywood, Ill.
Molaro has a master's degree in library and information science from Dominican University, and an M.B.A. and bachelor's degree from Elmhurst College. He currently is pursuing a Ph.D. degree from Dominican University. Molaro also is an adjunct instructor at Waubonsee Community College.
"Mr. Molaro's knowledge of the community college system is partly based on his own experience as a student and graduate of a community college. I am excited thinking of the potential of this appointment and what it means for our students and PSC," Atewologun added.
GENEROUS STATE GRANT ALLOWS PSC TO OFFER FREE BRIDGE TO MANUFACTURING CAREERS COURSE
[Released 12/01/11] Due to a generous $20,000 grant from the State of Illinois, Prairie State College (PSC) is offering a free class, Bridge to Manufacturing Careers, from 1 to 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17.
The course is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment or post-secondary training in the manufacturing field. Students will receive instruction, guidance, and support as they increase reading, writing, math, and technology skills; explore manufacturing careers, job requirements, and employer expectations for employment; and conduct job searches, write résumés, complete applications, and develop interviewing and workplace communication skills. It is open to students preparing for the GED® tests or those who have earned a GED® certificate or high school diploma.
After completion of the course, students will be prepared to take the GED® Exam, apply for admission for an entry level manufacturing class at PSC, or use the course completion on a résumé while searching for entry-level employment.
Registration is being held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5 in the Adult Training and Outreach Center located on the PSC campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
For more information about the course, contact Angioletta Maltbia, student services specialist, adult education, at (708) 709-7931 or e-mail amaltbia@prairiestate.edu.
TURKEY OIL DRIVE AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE AIMS TO TURN WASTE INTO FUEL
[Released 11/22/11] With the growing trend of deep frying turkeys for Thanksgiving, the Sustainability Center at Prairie State College (PSC) is conducting a vegetable oil collection drive to help dispose of the leftover cooking oil in an environmentally sound way by converting it into biodiesel.
The drive will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, on the PSC campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. The drop off point will be in Parking Lot C, off of Vollmer Road, and will be marked with an oil collection drive sign.
Donors can bring used oil of any age or use, as long as it is delivered in a sealed container. In return for bringing in the oil and while supplies last, each donor will receive a free bottle of soap- a byproduct of the biodiesel conversion process.
"It's a challenge for people to figure out what to do with all that oil left over from frying a turkey, and we're happy to provide an easy way to get rid of it, and allow it to be converted to biodiesel which will be used to run a vehicle," said Beth Koprowski, sustainability coordinator at PSC.
For more information, contact Koprowski at (708) 709-7950 or bkoprowski@prairiestate.edu.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE OCTOBER GRANT AWARDS EXCEED $5 MILLION
[Released 11/07/2011] In October, Prairie State College (PSC) was awarded several grants, totaling $5.1 million. The grants include several from the federal government, intended for use in the degree programs, and one from the state government, intended for use in the non-credit programs.
The U.S. Department of Education Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Program most recently awarded PSC two grants: the Academy for Student Excellence in Math and Science: Bioscience Initiative award, which will bring in $1.25 million over the next five years; and the SySTEMic Change at Prairie State College: Ensuring African American Student Success in Math and Science award, which will bring in $2.34 million over the next four years. Both grants are intended to improve the enrollment, retention, and degree completion of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
"These awards provide PSC the opportunity to meet major challenges in college and career readiness, retention, and degree completion, especially in disciplines where students need mastery of STEM subjects," said Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, vice president of academic affairs. "The grant leads to positive institutional impact, and we cannot afford to waste the opportunity. It is a unique privilege to be entrusted with the tools-highly qualified faculty, supportive college environment, and the funds-to make it so for our students and the district."
Earlier in the month, the U.S. Department of Education awarded PSC a $1.15 million TRIO grant, dispersed over the next five years, to host a Talent Search Program for the southeast region of Cook County, one of the poorest areas in the state of Illinois. The goal of the Talent Search program is to identify and help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.
According to Shawn L. Govan, dean of student services, PSC's program will serve 500 student participants throughout PSC's target area, which includes some of the communities' most disadvantaged middle- and high-school students.
"Programming efforts are designed to encourage retention, graduation, and matriculation to the secondary and post-secondary level and beyond, in addition to providing both student participants and parents ongoing programming and educational workshops on financial literacy and the college financial aid process," she said.
The PSC non-credit programs also were recognized with $360,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for on-the-job training assistance for unemployed workers in the area.
Terri Winfree, vice president of community and economic development at PSC said, "we are absolutely thrilled to be positioned to offer assistance to the residents of our district. With the assistance of the new grant initiatives we can expand our offerings and serve a larger audience."
PSC President Dr. Eric Radtke noted the importance of the generous funding in a time of continuing economic struggle. "We are pleased to know that these federal and state agencies recognize our needs and have the confidence in our ability to take on these major initiatives," he said. "These awards will help us expand and enhance the programs and services we offer our students as other sources of funding continue to erode."
PSC EARNS ACCOLADES AT NCMPR DISTRICT CONFERENCE
[Released 11/04/2011] Prairie State College (PSC) received a Gold and two Silver Medallion Awards of Excellence at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 Conference in Detroit, Mich., last month. Members of the Communications and Marketing Department accepted the awards on behalf of PSC.
The gold award recognized PSC for various marketing items promoting the 2011 Jazz Fest. The first silver award was for the non-credit programs brochure, and the second silver award recognized the most recent high school poster promotional piece.
Jennifer Stoner, executive director of communications and marketing at PSC also was named the 2011 recipient of the Communicator of the Year for District 3 for demonstrating special leadership or ability in college communications. Stoner’s receipt of the award automatically nominates her for NCMPR’s national award, which is presented at the national conference.
Stoner, a resident of Manhattan, Ill., has been head of the Communications and Marketing department at PSC since 2007. She oversees the activities of a number of communications functions of the school, including publications, public relations, graphic design, advertising, video production, and the Web site, as well as Institutional Support Services and the Information Center.
Kristin Carrera, lead graphic designer at PSC who nominated Stoner for the award, said that Stoner deserves to be recognized for how hard she works, despite her humility about her accomplishments.
“She will be the first to tell you that it's not about her. It's about her team,” Carrera said.
But, Carrera added, Stoner’s efforts are not going by unrecognized. “It's amazing how much one person can make an impact on an institution,” she said. “There is one person who, hands down, has made a lot of changes to benefit the college, and that is Jennifer Stoner.”
PSC SPEECH TEAM BRINGS HOME THIRD PLACE HONORS
[Released 11/02/11] The Prairie State College (PSC) speech team received third place honors at a recent tournament hosted at Moraine Valley Community College. The team competed against students from 15 other schools in the region, and was coached by PSC Professors Ed Schwarz, David Naze, and Elighie Wilson.
Team members Kelli Campbell, of Homewood; Adrianna Carr, of Park Forest; LaMar Riddle, of Richton Park; Robert Roberts, of Chicago Heights; Matt Jiles, of Flossmoor; Nick Williams, of Homewood; Addison Jackson, of Oak Forest; and Connor MacLeod, of Flossmoor, also received individual awards at the event.
Campbell was named tournament champion for persuasive speaking; Carr was named tournament champion for prose interpretation and received sixth place for informative speaking; Riddle was named tournament champion for speech to entertain and received second place in poetry interpretation; Roberts received second place for speech to entertain; Jiles received fourth place for speech to entertain; Williams received fourth place for persuasive speaking; Jackson received seventh place for persuasive speaking; and MacLoed received seventh place for informative speaking.
First year team member and Gulf War veteran Jackson said “My first experience in a speech tournament was one of awe and intrigue. Initial nervousness gave way to feelings of empowerment and excitement. I had no clue that the world of speech competition would be not only a learning experience, but also one of team pride and camaraderie."
Photo caption:
Members of the Prairie State College team placing third in a speech tournament hosted by Moraine Valley Community College were (standing, from left) Nick Williams, LaMar Riddle, Connor MacLeod, Kelli Campbell, Addison Jackson, Matt Jiles, and Elizabeth Rossi, and (seated, from left) Adrianna Carr and Robert Roberts.
IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER EXHIBIT OPENS AT PSC CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY NOV. 7
[Released 10/31/11] The Christopher Art Gallery at Prairie State College (PSC) is hosting the exhibit “In the Eye of the Beholder” from Monday, Nov. 7 until Thursday, Dec. 8.
Featured artists are members of the Area Artists Association of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, including Barbara Balis, Carol Block, Tom Brand, Laurie Schirmer Carpenter, ANKO (Anneke Dekker-Olthof), Kathy Gleser, Julia Holmaas, Laurel Izard, Connie Kassal, George Kassal, Deborah Landry, Rich Manalis, Brett Maniscalco, Sara Scherberg, Ginny Scott, Carole Stodder, Melissa Washburn, and Gwynne Winsberg.
The group exhibit will highlight the diversity and professionalism of the Area Artists Association, which was established in 1980 to increase the appreciation and recognition of local and regional member artists through the exhibition and promotion of their work.
An artists’ reception will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10, at the gallery, located on the PSC campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Visits also can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the PSC Foundation at (708) 709-3636.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE BREAKS GROUND ON GARDEN OF LEARNING
[Released 10/19/11] A group of faculty, staff, and students at Prairie State College (PSC) gathered Oct. 14 for the volunteer groundbreaking of the new PSC Garden of Learning. Sustainability Coordinator Beth Koprowski (kneeling, left) organized the event to launch the garden project, intended to bring together the PSC community with other area individuals and organizations to learn basic gardening skills and grow fresh vegetables. The garden also will provide an educational resource to study and address issues of food distribution, healthy living, and agriculture.
VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY AND RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE NEW STUDENT VETERAN'S CENTER AT PSC SCHEDULED FOR NOV. 9
[Released 10/15/11] Prairie State College (PSC) is honoring veterans and introducing the newly established PSC Student Veteran’s Center during a special Veteran’s Day ceremony from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the Atrium on the PSC campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
Among the features of the celebration will be a Color Guard and National Anthem presentation and a special “Missing Man Table” and memorial display. PSC administration and staff members also will present the new Student Veteran’s Center vision and services offered, and a student veteran will give his perspective of the center.
The celebration is open to the public, and will come to a close with a special ribbon cutting and tour of the center, which is located on PSC’s campus.
HEALTH FAIR HOSTED AT PRAIRIE STATE NOV. 10
[Released 10/04/11] Prairie State College’s (PSC) Health Promotion Programming is hosting the fall semester health fair, “Health is the Greatest Wealth,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Atrium of the PSC campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
Dozens of vendors including clinicians, exhibitors, and educators will be on campus. Other health professionals expected include chiropractors, dental/eye specialists, and physical therapists. There also will be a number of screenings including cholesterol, blood pressure, chiropractic wellness exams, anonymous HIV testing, glucose (please fast eight to 10 hours prior to attending the fair), and pre-vision screenings.
The fair features exciting door prizes, giveaways, exhibitions, and interactive educational activities on topics including sexual health, nutrition, stress management, fitness, and drugs/alcohol.
The health fair is a campus-wide event that is free and open to the public. Darcelle Dieudonné, retention coordinator, health promotion, encouraged faculty, students, and staff at PSC, as well as members of the community to attend, saying, “health is indeed the greatest wealth that anyone can have. Come take advantage of the free health screenings so that you may remain healthy.”
Participating agencies include Ingalls Health System, South Suburban Family Shelter, Aunt Martha’s Health Center, Advocate South Suburban Hospital, and some private health services, including therapeutic services, health career agencies, and several other campus/local social agencies.
For more information, contact Dieudonné at (708) 709-7998 or ddieudonne@prairiestate.edu.
OPT IN TO TECHNOLOGY AT PSC
[released 10/21/11] Bridge the gap between technology and a new you. Prairie State College’s (PSC) new Opt In program consists of two computer training centers and free classes to teach basic technological skills.
One location is at the Adult Training and Outreach Center at 202 S. Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, room A145. The hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. The second is located at the Matteson Area Center located at 4821 Southwick Dr., Matteson, Computer Training Lab. The hours for this location are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 through 6:30 p.m.
No matter what skill level you have or want to have Opt In can help. Learn how to use the Internet, e-mail, and even Facebook. Free classes on Microsoft programs and computer basics are available. Tutors also will be available to help improve math, reading, and writing skills with the help of Internet resources. Explore the world of information technology and get support in potential careers and with job searches through the Illinois WorkNet Center.
“We set out to eliminate the digital divide not only for current students but also for members of the community who may not have access to computers,” said Terri Winfree, vice president of community and economic development at PSC. “This program can help people jump-start their career or get assistance on a personal level to increase their comfort level with technology.”
Both computer labs and on-site tutors are free and open to the public. This program is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Drop in to opt in to at the location nearest you.
For more information about this program, contact Lisa Zeigler at (708) 709-3548 or lzeigler@prairiestate.edu.
PSC FOUNDATION SEEKING SUPPORT FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER
[released 10/19/11] Each year hundreds of Prairie State College (PSC) students turn to the PSC Foundation for assistance paying for tuition, fees, and textbooks. To provide financial assistance for current and future PSC students, the PSC Foundation is hosting its annual scholarship fundraiser from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Nov. 11, at the Olympia Fields Country Club, located at 2800 Country Club Drive.
The theme of this year’s event is “Star Spangled Scholarships: Sparkling Support for PSC Students.”
“When PSC students face financial struggles—job loss, medical bills, children’s school expenses that take priority over their own—the PSC Foundation is able to assist students to achieve their educational goals,” said Great Lakes Bank Foundation Director Jeanne Stevens, who co-chairs the event. “With the generosity of community supporters who will join us for this celebration of scholarships, no PSC student will have to choose between paying a utility bill or buying a costly textbook.”
The celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, and a performance by the PSC Jazz Band.
Dinner begins at 8 p.m. in the Normandy Room, and features a special salute to veterans and student testimonials performed by the PSC Speech Team. The Stand Up for Scholarships quick pledge event, a live auction, and a dazzling dessert pyrotechnics show also will be featured during dinner.
A complimentary coffee and cookie bar, dancing in the Pavilion Room, and a cash bar will follow dinner.
Auction items include travel and getaway packages; an Olympia Fields Country Club golf foursome; electronics; gift cards for a variety of stores and restaurants; wine baskets; entertainment opportunities, ranging from museums and architectural tours to dance lessons and concert tickets; and much more.
Information on how to donate, as well as a full, updated list of auction items, is available at http://prairiestate.edu/foundation/news-events.html#auctionitems.
The event is black tie optional. Reservations currently are being accepted, but space is limited. Individual tickets are $175. A portion of each ticket may be tax deductible. A vegetarian meal option also is available by advance reservation.
To purchase tickets for the event or donate to the Foundation, call (708) 709-3636.
ANNUAL COLLEGE FAIR HOSTED BY PSC OCT. 25
[Released 10/14/2011] Prairie State College (PSC) is hosting the Illinois College Exposition Fair (ICE) from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, in the Atrium on the PSC main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
More than 100 representatives from in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities will be on hand to answer high school students’ and their parents’ questions about programs, campus activities, and admissions requirements. Current PSC students who are thinking about transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree also can learn about their transfer options.
There will be two financial aid seminars about applying for federal financial aid at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. in the Conference Center Auditorium.
The annual event is organized by the South Suburban Counselors Fair Committee, which includes counselors from PSC, Bloom High School, Bloom Trail High School, Crete-Monee High School, Marian Catholic High School, Peotone High School, Rich Central High School, Rich East High School, and Rich South High School.
Sponsors for this year’s fair include Country House and Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
The fair is free and open to the public. For a complete listing of colleges and universities attending the fair, visit prairiestate.edu/counselingAdvising/transferstudents/ICEflyer.pdf. For more information call PSC’s Counseling and Academic Advising Center at (708) 709-3506.
DONATE A CAR TO HELP STUDENTS AT PSC
[Released 10/06/11] Prairie State College (PSC) is accepting used car donations to help students in the automotive technology program. One donation can be used to educate hundreds of students in more than 10 degree and certificate programs.
These vehicles are used by students in the lab. Vehicles are used for up to five years and typically serve around 80 students a year in the program.
Donated vehicles can be any make or model from 1998 or after, however, the vehicle must be running. Vehicle drop-offs are welcome, but call ahead first. If a drop-off is not possible there also is a pick-up option. Donations are accepted all year long and there are special tax deductions when a vehicle is donated.
For more information about vehicle donations, contact Tony Gumushian, associate professor and coordinator of the automotive technology program, at (708) 709-3614 or tgumushian@prairiestate.edu.
For more information about the tax deduction forms, contact Cathy Kloss, executive director of the foundation, at (708) 709-3944 or ckloss@prairiestate.edu.
Prairie State College (PSC) is accepting used car donations to help students in the automotive technology program. One donation can be used to educate hundreds of students in more than 10 degree and certificate programs.
These vehicles are used by students in the lab. Vehicles are used for up to five years and typically serve around 80 students a year in the program.
Donated vehicles can be any make or model from 1998 or after, however, the vehicle must be running. Vehicle drop-offs are welcome, but call ahead first. If a drop-off is not possible there also is a pick-up option. Donations are accepted all year long and there are special tax deductions when a vehicle is donated.
For more information about vehicle donations, contact Tony Gumushian, associate professor and coordinator of the automotive technology program, at (708) 709-3614 or tgumushian@prairiestate.edu.
For more information about the tax deduction forms, contact Cathy Kloss, executive director of the foundation, at (708) 709-3944 or ckloss@prairiestate.edu.
Prairie State College (PSC) recently hosted the 5th Annual Hispanic Professional Connection. This event gives students an opportunity to network with members of the community. This year Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzales attended and spoke about the importance of retention. Pictured are (from left) Mildred Andaluz, PSC outreach assistant and bilingual advisor, and Andrés López, a local marketing professional.
PSC JOB FAIR SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 19
[Released 10/05/2011] Representatives from companies and institutions from across the metropolitan Chicago area will be recruiting for full- and part-time positions ranging from entry level to professional and managerial levels at the Prairie State College (PSC) annual fall job fair. This year's job fair is being held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, at the PSC Conference Center, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
By attending the PSC job fair, attendees can identify potential jobs, expand networking opportunities, hone interviewing skills, gather information about companies, and more. Attendees also are encouraged to dress in business attire and bring résumés to present to recruiters for open positions.
"Job fairs are one of the most effective ways to land jobs because employers at job fairs are actively hiring," said Tanya Norfleet, coordinator of career development services at PSC. "Attendees should take the time to show employers they are serious, and should treat their time with employers like job interviews."
The PSC job fair is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged, and is available on the PSC Web site at http://prairiestate.edu/jobfair.
For more information, contact Norfleet at (708) 709-3755 or Ramien Manson, career advisor, at (708) 709-3922. Questions also can be sent to careerdevelopment@prairiestate.edu.
PSC BUILDING TRADES, PAINTING, AND DRYWALL PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM UNDERWAY
[Released 10/04/11] Prairie State College (PSC) students are hard at work at one home in Chicago Heights. The new Building Trades, Painting, and Drywall Pre-Apprenticeship Program is underway and the students are remodeling the basement.
The pre-apprenticeship program was offered tuition free to accepted applicants and was made possible by generous grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and JP Morgan Chase Foundation. The eight-week program is being offered in partnership with PSC and the South Suburban Community Development Corporation, with the support of Victory Apostolic Church and Christ for Everyone Ministries.
The program includes six weeks of training in the classroom and two weeks practicing the skills they learned. In the basement remodel, the students are doing all of the framing, insulation, drywall, and painting. The course also prepared them to do electrical work and plumbing repairs.
“This community effort is working together to provide remedial education, addressing barriers to employment, training in the painting, drywall, and carpentry industry, on-the-job training, entrepreneurial skills, and potential entry into union pre-apprentice training,” said Lisa Zeigler, PSC grants program project manager.
An orientation and testing day for spring session is being held at 8 a.m., Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the PSC Conference Center, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. For more information on this program, contact Lisa Zeigler at (708) 709-3548 or email lzeigler@prairiestate.edu.
Photo Caption: PSC students shown here are working on a frame for a basement wall at a house in Chicago Heights.
Jennifer Stoner
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
(708) 709-3949
jstoner@prairiestate.edu
Tina Saigh
Communications and Marketing Specialist
(708)709-7801
tsaigh@prairiestate.edu