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For more information about any of the press releases below, contact Jennifer Stoner, executive director of communications and marketing, at (708) 709-3949 or Jill Yott communications, specialist at (708) 709-2948.
PSC SITE OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME FORUM
[Released 8/31/09] Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a preventable cause of intellectual disabilities and birth defects. In observance of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day, Prairie State College (PSC) is hosting a FASD Forum to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with FASD.
The forum will be held on Wednesday, September 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the college’s Business and Community Education Center located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. This date is chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol.
Licensed professional counselors, social workers, school teachers, and individuals who would like to learn more about FASD are encouraged to attend. The forum offers 4.5 continuing education units (CEU) for eligible professionals.
The forum is free, but registration is required by calling (708) 709-3750 or visiting matteson.prairiestate.edu. For more information contact Julie DeLong, coordinator, continuing professional education, at (708) 709-7919 or jdelong@prairiestate.edu.
PSC HELPS ENTREPRENEURS FIND THEIR PASSION
[Released 08/26/09] Although she enjoyed her career as a registered nurse, Janice Sabey always dreamed of having her own business. About two years ago, Sabey decided to retire from nursing and chase her dream.
Not knowing how to begin, Sabey, of Frankfort, decided to enroll in an entrepreneurship course run by Prairie State College and Governors State University. After five weeks of classes, she learned how to turn her dream into a thriving business.
“The entrepreneur course helped me perfect my business idea,” said Sabey. “I learned from attorneys, bankers, and CPAs on how to get started, which gave me the confidence to open my store.”
In early August 2009, Sabey cut the red ribbon on her dream and opened Evilena’s Red Dresser in Frankfort. Named for her mother, a dresser that has been in her family for generations, and her favorite color, the store is an upscale consignment store featuring painted furniture, art, and home accessories.
“Shopping consignment is a great way to decorate your home with reclaimed items using creativity, individuality, and affordability,” said Sabey. “My store encourages people to make things new again.”
Sabey has some goals for her business. Following her passion for helping people, she plans to donate 10 percent of her sales to the New Horizon's Youth Ministries when her business reaches profitability.
“The wellness of people has always been an interest of mine and by giving back to the community through the success of my store is something that is important to me,” she said.
Although her store has only been open for a short time, Sabey said the satisfaction being a business owner has been rewarding.
“I’ve enjoyed helping customers recycle their old items and discover new ones to bring into their homes,” said Sabey. “I am excited to be living my dream.” (click on photo to enlarge)
Those looking to start their own business can enroll in the Business for Entrepreneurs Simplified course at Prairie State College. The class runs for five consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning October 3. Attendees will learn the essentials of managing a business and developing a business plan from presenters including attorneys, bankers, certified public accounts, and other business owners. For more information, contact the college’s Matteson Area Center at (708) 709-3750.
PSC AWARDS 19 FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS TO AREA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
[Released 08/26/09] This fall 19 Prairie State College (PSC) students will begin their college education knowing their tuition is covered. They are recipients of the college’s Trustee Scholarships.
These full tuition scholarships are awarded to graduates of high schools within the PSC district to recognize outstanding accomplishments, high academic achievement, and an overall commitment to personal excellence.
The scholarships must be used consecutively through the two-year duration beginning the fall semester immediately upon high school graduation. All recipients must satisfy application requirements including meeting the minimum grade point average and completing a scholarly essay.
“We are pleased to offer these scholarships to further the educational opportunities of our district’s high school graduates,” said Mary Reaves, vice president of academic affairs and dean of students.
This year’s recipients of the Trustee Scholarships are: Amanda Clark (Crete-Monee), Kaitlin Damiani (Bloom), Andrew Deitch (Rich East), Ashley Dettloff (Bloom Trail), David DeVallee (Crete-Monee), Myles Gerska (Rich East), Zachary Kowalski (Crete-Monee), Jamie Kurth (Beecher), Karalyne Murray (Beecher), Ahmad Moghadam (Marian Catholic), Chidinma Nwakanma (Homewood-Flossmoor), Melvyn Okeke (Homewood-Flossmoor), Adriana Popovich (Beecher), Rachel Rainey (Bloom Trail), Antionio Richardson (Rich South), Diana Rodriguez (Bloom), Alberto Ruiz (Bloom), Megan Schoenbeck (Beecher), and Lavonne Williams (Bloom Trail). (click photo to enlarge)
For more information on Trustee Scholarship opportunities for the 2010-11 academic year, contact Carissa Davis, scholarship advisor, at (708) 709-3562 or cdavis@prairiestate.edu.
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBIT OPENS AUG. 31
[Released 8/24/09] As a photographer, Prairie State College (PSC) student Leonard Ferris loves to capture people in their environment. His passion for his subjects earned him top billing in the college’s annual Photographer of the Year Exhibit. The exhibit will run Monday, August 31 through Thursday, September 24.
The Photographer of the Year award is given annually to an outstanding photography student. In addition to being the featured artist at the student show, Ferris also will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
“To create art in any form is to share your story with the viewer, listener, reader, or participant of your chosen media,” said Ferris. “I don’t think this can be achieved without showing the inner workings of your own soul. The people who involve themselves in my art must walk away with a sense that they have discovered something about me as a person and not just about my knowledge of craft and technique.”
The exhibit also features selected works by students in fine arts, photography, and graphic communications. A reception will be held to honor Ferris and the student artists on Wednesday, September 2 from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Other student artists featured in the exhibit are Johann Allen, Park Forest; Odessa Aronson, Homewood; Tammy Bailey, Country Club Hills; Suzanne DeHahn, Homewood; Robert Gilmore, Olympia Fields; David Horton, Park Forest; Sheria Johnson, Richton Park; Jonathan Karavos, Monee; Alexander Malizia, Orland Park; Blanca Martinez, Chicago Heights; Geraldine McCammon, Homewood; Sean McCoy, Hazel Crest; Elnora McDaniel, Crete; Miriam Meade, Chicago Heights; Aaron Mikottis, Monee; Celeste Miller, Crete; Katie Narcisi, Crete; Ryan Niksic, Crete; Annaleese Page, Olympia Fields; Debbie Pieszka, Monee; Tina Marie Ray, Glenwood; Christina Reyenga, Monee; Maureen Rinella, Flossmoor; Alyssa Rhodes, Homewood; Ebony Rogers, Olympia Fields; Katherine Schranz, Flossmoor; Michael Vega, Flossmoor; Jason Vela, Homewood; Brianna Weaver, Country Club Hills; Jessica Westerhoff, Steger; and Darryl White, Gary, Ind.
Hours for the Christopher Art Gallery are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Visits can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the Prairie State College Foundation at (708) 709-3636.
PSC FOUNDATION FUNDS SPECIAL PROJECTS
[Released 08/10/09] The Prairie State College (PSC) Foundation awards more than $75,000 in scholarships annually to PSC students. In addition to scholarship assistance, the foundation supports special projects that are outside the college’s budget. The special projects enhance the learning experience of PSC students and are funded with unrestricted donations. This foundation is funding several learning opportunities this fall.
One opportunity is a poetry reading and discussion with up-and-coming poets Jay Hopler and Kimberly Johnson. The event will be open to the public at a date and time to be announced.
Another opportunity made possible by the foundation is a chance for students in reading courses to hear a first-hand account of the Holocaust from one of the few remaining survivors.
The foundation’s special funding also supports the college’s participation in the national Veterans History Project. The grant will make possible the purchase of mini video cassettes and new video equipment to record veterans’ interviews.
The foundation also will support PSC’s annual Healthy Smiles Day. The college’s dental hygiene students will provide oral health education and cleanings to students from a local elementary school. The foundation funds will provide transportation and oral health education items for the elementary school students.
“The PSC foundation is pleased to assist dedicated faculty and staff in their efforts to provide a variety of learning opportunities for PSC students,” said Martha Kabbes Hesse, foundation president.
For more information about donating to the foundation, call (708) 709-3636 or visit prairiestate.edu and click on “Foundation.”
PSC SITE OF FOODAPALOOZA TO BENEFIT RESPOND NOW
[Released 08/10/09] A ton of food. . . or more.
That is how much Prairie State College (PSC) hopes to collect at Foodapalooza. Foodapalooza will feature eight live performances for the admission price of five or more non-perishable food items to benefit Respond Now. The event will be held on Saturday, August 29 from 2 to 8 p.m. in Parking Lot C of the College, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Rooster Audio/Visual Services of Homewood is a major sponsor and partner for the event.
Foodapalooza will include performances by Alaya Conscious, Circus Boy, Copperhead Road, Lupe Martinez, Month of Grey, Nine Point Nine, the Prairie State College Jazz Band, and Replay. In addition, there will be family-friendly activities including clowns and games. Food vendors also will be on site selling a variety of items including ice cream, Italian ice, popcorn, and pop.
This is the fourth annual Foodapalooza event in the south suburbs. Foodapalooza was established by Homewood resident Brian Meeks who wanted to make a difference in the community. Combining his passion for helping people with his love of music, Foodapalooza was born.
“Foodapalooza is about helping others, and we have been successful in collecting tons of food,” said Meeks. “I am excited Prairie State College is taking an active role in this year’s event.”
In addition to PSC’s participation in Foodapalooza, the college collected food on behalf of Respond Now as part of President Barack Obama’s Day of Service in January.
“PSC has a history of reaching out to those in our neighborhood who are in need,” said Dr. Eric Radtke, PSC president. “We hope that everyone will join us for an afternoon of live performances while helping the community at the same time by bringing donations of food to benefit Respond Now.”
Respond Now is a community agency located in Chicago Heights that serves more than 2,700 people a month, providing everything from food to clothing. Suggested items for donations include tuna, canned spam, peanut butter, jams and jellies, canned vegetables, pork and beans, canned soup, cereals, canned fruits, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, spaghetti sauce, pasta, canned salmon, canned stews and pastas, and packaged rice and noodle mixes.
For more information about Foodapalooza, call the College at (708) 709-3500.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE OFFERING JOB READINESS WORKSHOPS
[Released 07/29/09] During these uncertain economic times, Prairie State College (PSC) is reaching out to district residents by offering free Job Readiness Workshops. The Job Readiness Workshops are designed to help individuals improve their job-seeking skills and job development strategies. The workshops will help participants develop a comprehensive approach to searching for a job including learning about interviewing techniques, where to find jobs, and the advantages of networking.
Three free Job Readiness Workshops are scheduled and will be held on August 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and September 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college’s main campus located at 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights. Participants are to meet at the ATOC building, suite 148. Seating is limited for each session so call (708) 709-3959 to register or e-mail Lisa Wilkins at lwilkins@prairiestate.edu to secure your spot. Participants only need to sign up for one workshop; each workshop is the same, the different times are being offered to accommodate people’s schedules.
“The Job Readiness Workshop is designed to offer assistance to district residents who have been affected by the tough economy. This workshop will help a person identify their unique skills and provide them with the necessary tools to compete in this tough job market,” said Mary Klinefelter, dean of corporate and continuing education.
Lisa Wilkins, a certified Illinois workNet advisor, will be leading the Job Readiness Workshop. Wilkins has many years of experience working in a career resource center and will be able to share her expertise and knowledge with the workshop attendees. The workshops are free and open to the public but registration is mandatory. For more information, contact Wilkins at (708) 709-3959.
PSC SITE FOR GED® PREPARATION AND ESL CLASSES
(Released 7/22/09) The Adult Education Program at Prairie State College (PSC) serves a diverse population of adult learners both on campus and in the community. PSC’s mission is to teach basic skills needed to function effectively as a family member, citizen, worker, and lifelong learner in a changing world.
The college’s adult education program is offering free General Education Development (GED®) classes and free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes beginning Monday, September 14.
GED classes offer students an opportunity to complete high school studies and receive an equivalency certificate. The GED certificate is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma. For more information about the GED classes call (708) 709-7880.
The ESL program is designed to help people make the transition from different countries and cultures to American society. The purpose of the program is to teach skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening to those whose native language is not English.
An assessment is required for both programs and will be held at the college’s Adult Training and Outreach Center located on the main campus at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. The assessment is free. Dates are as follows: Tuesday, August 4 at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, August 5 at 6 p.m.; Thursday, August 6 at 9:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, August 11 at 9:30 a.m.
No appointment is necessary for the free assessment although participants are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. No children are allowed during assessment. For more information about the ESL classes call (708) 709-7992.
PSC RELEASES DEAN’S LIST FOR SPRING 2009
Prairie State College has announced the Dean’s List (pdf of students for the spring 2009 semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must have a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 or better, have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at PSC during the semester, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.
PSC PREPARES STUDENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER
[Released 07/16/09] After spending the last two years at Prairie State College (PSC) completing her general education classes, Jasmine Davis is excited about transferring to Illinois State University this August. This is not Davis’ first experience as a transfer student. While she is following the steady flow of students who move from two-year colleges to four-year colleges, she was first a “reverse transfer” student. A reverse transfer student is one who leaves a four-year university to attend community college.
Right out of high school, Davis, of Park Forest, enrolled at Illinois State University. She earned good grades the first semester, but she didn’t do as well the second semester. Davis decided to transfer to PSC and get her priorities in order.
“At first I wasn’t excited about attending Prairie State College because I felt like I was backtracking,” said Davis. “After a few weeks, I realized that PSC was the best thing that happened to me because I got to begin a new chapter in my life.”
Davis sites excellent professors and support from the Counseling and Academic Advising staff as some of the reasons why she succeeded at PSC.
“I enjoyed the personal attention from my professors as opposed to the classes I took in the lecture hall at the university,” said Davis. “I was able to concentrate on my studies while attending classes close to home. Everything fell into place for me.”
Like Davis, Richard Harstead, of Flossmoor, is another example of a “reverse transfer” student. After high school, Harstead attended Eastern Illinois University. After a semester, he decided to transfer to PSC on a baseball scholarship.
“I came to PSC because I could complete all my general education classes and save money,” said Harstead. “I took the classes I needed to transfer while being an active member of the baseball team.”
This fall, Harstead is transferring to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign to major in business. He also credits the faculty as a great reason to attend PSC.
According to Sarah Hein, PSC counselor/transfer coordinator, the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) makes the transfer process a smooth one. The IAI is a statewide transfer agreement. Through the IAI, PSC associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in arts in teaching graduates benefit from an agreement with over 100 colleges, universities, and community colleges. As part of this agreement, colleges and universities will transfer courses for those students as part of a group, rather than evaluating each on a course by course basis.
“PSC prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities,” said Hein. “All of the counselors and advisors are dedicated to help PSC students whether they are starting as first time college students or transferring from another institution on their journey to earn a bachelor’s degree.”
For more information on enrolling in classes for fall, visit the PSC Web site at prairiestate.edu. Fall classes begin Aug. 24.
PSC PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR RETURNING ADULT STUDENTS
[Released 07/16/09] A military veteran. A father in his 20s. A mother with grown children. A laid off airline worker. What do these people have in common? They all enrolled at Prairie State College (PSC) as returning adult students.
“PSC understands returning to college as an adult student can be overwhelming,” said Diane Janowiak, coordinator of New Directions for Returning Adults. “Most of our adult students have discovered the hardest part isn’t the schoolwork, the time, or the scheduling, it’s taking the first step.”
PSC offers its returning adult students flexible class scheduling, a location close to home, a wide variety of career choices, and a supportive environment to assure they succeed. Returning adult students choose to start their education at PSC for a variety of reasons.
For example, after working in the airline industry for 30 years, Alanda Gray, of Matteson, had a choice to make when her company was sold: retire early or relocate. Deciding that neither was an option, she enrolled in PSC’s networking program. After earning her certificate, Gray is actively working as a Webmaster.
“PSC was close to home and affordable. The college provides returning adults with an excellent support system,” said Gray. “Thanks to my Prairie State education, I have a thriving career.”
A mother of two, Diana Gudowski, of Munster, Ind., also found an excellent support system at PSC. She took a couple of classes a semester in the photography program while she worked part-time and took care of her family.
“PSC offered me the flexibility to earn a degree,” said Gudowski. “The teachers were wonderful, and I enjoyed coming to school. PSC became my second family.”
Like many PSC returning adult students, Jason Fosco, of Flossmoor, decided he needed training for a career. He enrolled in PSC’s automotive technology program because of the program’s reputation, the flexible class schedule, and location from home.
“PSC is great because I get hands-on training in my field from instructors with real world experience,” said Fosco. “The college offers the classes at times that fit my schedule so I could still take care of my son.”
Like Fosco, Michael Hopkins, of Peotone, came to PSC because it was close to home and offered a flexible schedule. After completing his general education courses, Hopkins transferred to Governors State University to earn a bachelor’s and master’s and then attended The John Marshall Law School to earn his Juris Doctorate. He is now an attorney at a law firm in Joliet.
“Prairie State was close to home and affordable,” said Hopkins. “More importantly, it offered me a great opportunity to get a college education while I continued to work and support my family. My education at PSC laid the foundation I needed to take my education – and career – farther than I ever thought possible.”
Adult students thinking of starting or continuing their college education can take the first step and attend a free information session. The event, called New Directions, will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 6 p.m., in the Business and Community Education Center located on the college’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
The New Directions session includes an overview of available academic programs and services, general orientation information, financial aid, and the how to register.
To register for New Directions, visit prairiestate.edu/counselingAdvising/returningadults.html. For those who can’t attend, but want to learn more about starting their college career can contact Janowiak at djanowiak@prairiestate.edu or (708) 709-3603.
PSC RECEIVES OVER $5 MILLION IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDING
[Released 06/17/09] Prairie State College (PSC) was awarded $5,275,000 in capital improvement funding thanks to the efforts of local legislators including Representative Al Riley, 38th District; Representative Anthony DeLuca, 80th District; Representative William Davis, 30th District; Representative David Miller, 29th District; Senator Toi Hutchinson, 40th District; Senator M. Maggie Crotty, 19th District; Senator Edward Maloney, 18th District; and Senator Martin Sandoval, 12th District.
The funding allows PSC to perform various maintenance projects that have been deferred. No capital funding has been approved during the last six years.
According to PSC President Eric C. Radtke, the funds will be used for repairs to roofs, boilers and heating systems, exterior brickwork, electrical systems, and elevators.
“These are not the most exciting or visible projects, but if they are not addressed they will only get worse and cost even more to repair,” said Radtke.
The funds have not been released, pending signing of the capital bill by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
“We are extremely grateful to our local legislative delegation for their support on this funding,” said Radtke. “We look forward to making these much needed improvements.”
PSC Board of Trustees Chairman Mark Fazzini agreed the state support is crucial, “We cannot thank our legislators enough; they worked hard to make available additional funding for much needed maintenance. These funds will help our staff strengthen PSC facilities so we can provide quality services to our students.”
PSC RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE ALLIANCE OF CHICAGO DENTAL SOCIETY
[Released 06/15/09] Prairie State College (PSC) received a grant from the Alliance of the Chicago Dental Society for $1,000 to purchase equipment for the college’s dental hygiene program.
Through this grant, PSC will purchase plaster models of teeth that will allow students to examine and visualize the different structural characteristics of human teeth.
“This is extremely important to the student’s skill development in the practice of dental hygiene,” said Gwen Dean, dean of health professions and director of nursing. “The Alliance of the Chicago Dental Society has continued to provide special funding to the dental hygiene program that has a direct and positive effect on the student’s educational experience at Prairie State College.”
PSC ART EXHIBIT FEATURES ARTISTS FROM CHICAGO GALLERY
[Released 06/11/09] Artists’ works from Chicago’s 33 Collective Gallery will be on display at the Prairie State College (PSC) Christopher Art Gallery from June 22 to July 30. Featured works include paintings, photographs, ceramics, and mixed media.
“33 Collective Gallery embraces culturally diverse perspectives and supports innovative media,” said Jan Bonavia, director of the Christopher Art Gallery. “The 33 Collective Gallery’s mission is to provide exhibition opportunities to dedicated emerging and established artists, and we are excited to bring their work to the college.”
Artists whose work will be on display are Terry Adams, Mary Bookwalter, Carla Carr, Dena Cavazos, Javier Chavira, Joe Compean, Nick Depeder, Sergio Gomez, Kimberly M. Harmon, Tim Hurley, Cheng-Yung Kuo, Janice Meister, Pedro Palacios, Michael Ruback, Steve Sherrell, Lou Shields, Harry Sudman, Michael Wasniowski, Carol Weber, Alice McMahon White, and Mark Zlotkowski.
An opening reception to celebrate the artists will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Christopher Art Gallery. The gallery is located on PSC’s main campus, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
Hours for the Christopher Art Gallery are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Visits can be made by appointment. For more information about the exhibit, or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the Prairie State College Foundation at (708) 709-3636.
VOLUNTEERS USE PERSONAL PASSIONS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
[Released 06/03/09] To make a difference in the lives of others, Jim White shares his love of music, Donald Bartak uses his understanding of math, and Justin Doup applies his leadership skills.
These three individuals are among the thousands of people in the Prairie State College (PSC) district and the 61 million people in the U.S. who give generously of their time and talents annually.
To recognize their commitment to community service, PSC recently awarded White and Bartak with the Michael R. Monteleone Community Service Award and Doup with the Dr. James H. Griffith Community Service Award.
The Michael R. Monteleone Community Service Award is given to a community member in the PSC district who has contributed in an extraordinary way to education through community service as either a volunteer or a community leader. The Dr. James H. Griffith Community Service Award is given to a 2009 PSC graduate who has contributed in an extraordinary way to the community. Both awards are named after former board of trustee members who generously gave their time to the college for over 20 years.
White was nominated by the Cancer Support Center for his commitment to community service both inside and outside the classroom. White, professor of biology at PSC, organized students to participate in the center’s annual Walk of Hope fundraiser, raising over $70,000 in 10 years. He also created two music CDs to raise additional funds and awareness for the center’s free programs.
“Jim leads by example—demonstrating that you can take a personal passion and share it with someone else for the greater good,” the nomination form read. “For our center, Jim has not only helped us further our mission but he has supported the Southland community by instilling core values, a sense of responsibility, volunteerism, and philanthropy in the students that graduate from PSC. You cannot put a price on that kind of education.”
According to Dora Ivory, coordinator of adult education, students often refer to Bartak as the “Amazing Math-a-Don” because he has helped them conquer the math portion of the GED test. Bartak has been an adult education tutor at Prairie State College since 2001, logging nearly 5,000 hours of assisting adult students. He primarily works with small groups of two to three students three times a week, but also works with students one-on-one.
“Don provides an environment of trust and ownership to the students that he serves,” said Ivory, who nominated Bartak. “He has high expectationsof his students and his service, and his commitment to them has been crucial to the literacy project’s math tutorial success.”
Since he has been a student at PSC, Doup has been involved in multiple student clubs, earning three student leadership awards: one for best recruiter for the student newspaper, one for his work as senator for student government, and one for outstanding member for Phi Theta Kappa. In addition to his service on the PSC campus, Doup has volunteered at community events such as Earth Day, Relay for Life, United Way, Autism fundraisers, and the Walk of Hope.
“Even with all his co-curricular activities, classes, and a job, Justin maintained a 3.5 grade point average,” said Helen Manley, coordinator of student life, who nominated Doup for the award. “Justin’s passion for helping others and his desire to makes things better for others was apparent. He has inspired many, and I am sure that his winning attitude will continue.”
Photo from left to right: Justin Doup, Jim White, and Donald Bartak
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FIREFIGHTER GRADUATES
[Released 6/3/09] Prairie State College (PSC) prepares individuals to become trained firefighters and valuable members of their departments through the college’s Firefighter II certificate program. PSC recently held a ceremony recognizing the newest graduates from the program.
The graduates are Luis Bagatella, Chicago Heights Fire Department; Bryan Bialeki, Monee Fire Department; Harry Blaundin, Crete Fire Department; Christopher Davlantis, Chicago Heights Fire Department; Michael Digiulo, Chicago Heights Fire Department; Benjamin Faught, Monee Fire Department; Richard Franco, Chicago Heights Fire Department; Andres Fuentes, Monee Fire Department; Rogell Hamilton, Jr., Chicago Heights Fire Department; Timothy Kavanaugh, Burnham Fire Department; Andrew Kelley, Sauk Village Fire Department; Jason Kelly, Steger Estates Fire Department; Michael Kelly, Sauk Village Fire Department; Jason McCool, South Chicago Heights Fire Department; and Gregory Taylor, Chicago Heights Fire Department.
“The training required to become a firefighter is both mentally and physically demanding,” said Keith Damm, PSC’s fire science coordinator and training administrator of the Flossmoor Fire Department. “In completing the Firefighter II academy, these young firefighters have received a foundation of knowledge that I hope leads each and every one of them towards a long successful career in fire service.”
The Firefighter II program follows the standards of the National Fire Protection Association and the Office of the State Fire Marshall. Students participate in both classroom and field exercises taught and supervised by instructors from area fire departments.
PSC PROFESSORS ENCOURAGE THE SUCCESS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALES
[Released 06/01/09] Prairie State College student Brandon Banks decided to attend Prairie State College (PSC) because he wanted a strong start to his college education. One of the first classes he enrolled in was PSC’s College Success Seminar, Man Up!, a program designed for African-American male students.
“The Man Up! program gave me the encouragement and confidence to succeed,” said Banks. “The professors were hands-on and provided mentoring both inside and outside of class.”
Under the leadership of Linda Uzureau, vice president of academic affairs, PSC’s Man Up! program was created by the college’s four African-American male professors: Bryan Dunston, André Halliburton, James Moore, and Elighie Wilson. To develop the college success seminar, the four professors researched the practices that foster academic success for African-American male students. The professors designed the program to create a positive college experience while teaching the students about the importance of building relationships.
“We have discovered the problems of home and work keep young African-American males from becoming successful in the classroom,” said Wilson. “It is our goal to teach them how to resolve those issues and then how to tackle school.”
Nationwide, the completion rate for African-American males enrolled at community colleges is below 50 percent. Studies have shown colleges that engage their students and encourage relationship building have higher retention and completion rates.
“We do a variety of activities to help motivate the students to be the best they can be,” said Moore. “Young men have expressed how the seminar has helped them become better friends, husbands, fathers, citizens, and students.”
In addition to the positive feedback from the students, the college recently received national recognition from the National Council of Instructional Administrators for the Man Up! program. PSC was one of two institutions to receive such recognition.
“While the recognition from our peers is terrific, it is most rewarding to see the impact this program is having on our students,” said Halliburton.
“One of the reasons we are so successful is because we have made personal connections with our students,” said Dunston. “The students who took the class in the fall came back in the spring to tell us how well they were doing and many have requested more courses like this.”
The professors are working on another college success course that will complement the college’s Protégé program, which was established in 2006. The Protégé program is a year-round initiative for African-American males that cultivates academic progress through mentoring, college visits, cultural outings, and various workshops.
“We are working to blend the academic affairs side, the Man Up! program, with the student affairs side, the Protégé program, to continue to foster the success of our African-American male students,” said Wilson. “We’ve accomplished a lot so far, but we’ve only just begun.”
Photo: From left to right: Dr. James Moore, Dr.André Halliburton, Elighie Wilson, and Bryan Dunston
Jennifer Stoner
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
(708) 709-3949
jstoner@prairiestate.edu
Jill Yott
Communications Specialist
(708)709-2948
jyott@prairiestate.edu