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
LOCATION IMPULSION EXHIBIT TO OPEN AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE JUNE 4
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[Released 05/11/2012]The Prairie State College (PSC) Foundation is presenting "Location Impulsion," from June 4 through July 26, at the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
The work of artists Bonnie Peterson, Nina Weiss, and Michael X. Ryan will be highlighted during the exhibition, which features their works that are created directly in response to location.
"These artists each respond to 'location' as a place of inspiration that defines their creative practice. Their responses to each place are based on their own individual sensibility," said Beth Shadur, gallery director. "The response is intellectual, sensory, emotional, and site-specific, and evokes memory."
Peterson, a frequent traveler, says she experiences places through long hikes. She says her art "chronicles [her] adventures in the wilderness and through life."
Weiss says she responds directly to natural settings during her frequent travels teaching workshops. She says she hopes to "go beyond traditional ideas of a green landscape; addressing the complex colors of nature; creating layers of contrast, line, and form."
Ryan is a visual artist who says he "creates drawings, mappings, and wood reliefs that focus on patterns made or discovered while traveling places lived and visited."
An artists' reception is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 9, in the gallery.
The Christopher Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday. Showings are available by appointment at (708) 709-3636. The gallery will be closed on Wednesday, July 4.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE APPROVED AS ENTITLED INSTITUTION FOR GATEWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY CREDENTIALS
[Released 05/4/12] Prairie State College (PSC) recently received approval as a Gateways to Opportunity Entitled Institution for Early Childhood Education (ECE) Credential Levels 2-4 and Infant Toddler Credential Level 2.
PSC students now have the opportunity to qualify for these credentials as they take courses or complete an A.A.S. degree in child and family studies. The voluntary credentials define what a person working with children birth to age eight should know and be able to demonstrate at various levels of training, education, and experience within the early care and education field.
The approval puts PSC among a select group of institutions in Illinois. All Gateways to Opportunity credentials have competencies that reflect multiple professional standards, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards.
Gov. Patrick Quinn signed Gateways to Opportunity credentials into law in 2009. Gateways credentials are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development. They are symbols of professional achievement that can be earned by completing an approved program at an entitled college or university.
"The future in childcare studies is in these new state credentials," said Associate Professor Alison Drake, coordinator of early childhood education at PSC. "It provides more opportunities for our students."
More information on the Early Childhood Education Program at PSC is available at prairiestate.edu/socialsciences/early_childhood/index.html.
TWO PSC STUDENTS NAMED TO PHI THETA KAPPA ILLINOIS ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
[Released 04/27/2012] Two Prairie State College (PSC) students recently were honored at the 14th Annual Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Banquet, held April 18 in Springfield, Ill.
Carlo Pierandozzi and Erin Witt were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, campus leadership, and responsible community involvement. They were selected by committee from a group of PSC student applicants. As part of the honor, Pierandozzi and Witt are named to the 2012 Illinois All-Academic Team, which includes 81 students representing 42 community colleges in Illinois.
"The Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team is one way we can honor the outstanding academic achievements made by our community college students, and recognize the positive contributions community colleges and their students make to our Illinois communities," said Illinois Community College Board President and CEO Geoff Obrzut.
Pierandozzi has served as a scholarship committee member for PTK at PSC, and was chairman of Commit to Complete Signing Day. He also served as a PTK Public Relations Committee member and Fundraising Committee member. In addition to his PTK activities, Pierandozzi has been involved in the PSC Sustainability Program, and worked as a volunteer tutor and computer lab facilitator. In his community of Chicago Heights, he has volunteered with the Adult Literacy Program.
Pierandozzi has been named to the Dean's List every semester since spring 2010. He is graduating with an associate degree from PSC in May 2012, and plans to pursue a degree in actuarial science. He already has been accepted to several area universities.
Witt has served as treasurer of PTK at PSC, as well as a Public Relations Committee member, Scholarship Committee member, and Fundraising Committee member. In addition to her PTK activities, Witt also has been an artist and writer for the Student Review newspaper at PSC. In her community of Sauk Village, she assists with the Cub Scouts by conducting meetings, preparing newsletters, planning outings, and at Cub Scout Day Camp.
Witt recently was named a recipient of the Governors State University (GSU) Honors Scholarship. She is graduating with an associate degree from PSC in May 2012, and plans to attend GSU in the fall, majoring in elementary education.
SUMMER COURSE REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY AT PSC
[Released 04/27/2012] Registration for summer courses is underway at Prairie State College (PSC). Course offerings include credit and non-credit courses, courses for students from other colleges or universities that are home for the summer, and free courses for high school seniors.
Credit courses include two eight-week summer sessions. The first session begins May 29 and ends July 19. The second session begins June 11 and ends Aug. 2. Classes are offered days, evenings, and online.
To register for credit courses, new students must complete an enrollment application in person at the college, located at 202 S. Halsted St., in Chicago Heights, or online at prairiestate.edu/admissions/newStudents.html. Current students can register for credit courses in person or online on WebAdvisor.
Credit courses also provide students who are home from college for the summer with the opportunity to fulfill general education requirements at a fraction of the cost, and transfer the credits back to their home college. Classes available include English, speech, biology, chemistry, history, and math. For more information, visit prairiestate.edu/summeronly.
High school students who plan to graduate in 2013 can take advantage of the college's tuition-free offer. To be eligible, students must attend a high school in the PSC district, have a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4-point scale, and have permission from their high school. For more information, contact Beth Wyack, enrollment advisor, at (708) 709-7776.
From bike repair to certificate programs, PSC also has a number of non-credit courses that begin throughout the summer. Students can register for non-credit courses by completing the registration form available online at prairiestate.edu/ced or in the back of the printed course schedule. Students also can register for non-credit courses in person at the Matteson Area Center, located at 4821 Southwick Drive, Matteson; or in the Enrollment Services Office on the PSC main campus.
The summer course schedule is available online at prairiestate.edu and on PSC's main campus. Schedules are mailed to district households and are available at the public libraries. For more information, call the college at (708) 709-3500 or visit prairiestate.edu.
PSC VICE PRESIDENT MARY REAVES TO ADDRESS GRADUATES AT MAY 19 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY [Released 04/25/2012]Mary Reaves, Prairie State College (PSC) vice president of student affairs and dean of students, will address the graduates and their guests at the 53rd annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 19.
Reaves has worked in higher education for 40 years. Before coming to PSC in 1986, she spent 14 years at Chicago State University, serving as assistant to the president, affirmative action officer, and assistant director of university relations. Since joining the staff at PSC, Reaves has served as director of student services and executive dean of student services before being named to her current position. She is retiring from PSC at the end of June.
During her career, Reaves has served on the board of the Council for Support and Advancement of Education, Illinois Committee for Black Concerns in Higher Education, Illinois Council of College Attendance, Illinois Community College Board Task Force of Financial Aid, and Illinois Community College Board Statewide Committee on Remedial Education. She is past chair for the Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education and a member of the Illinois African American and Latino Higher Education Alliance. She also has completed the ELI training with the League of Innovation and the Harvard Management Institute.
Reaves has an Associate of Arts degree from Loop College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University, a Master of Arts degree from Chicago State University, and a Specialist in Education from Northern Illinois University.
More than 400 students will graduate from PSC with associate degrees and certificates, and approximately 275 graduates will participate in the ceremony. For more information about PSC's commencement ceremony, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (708) 709-3507.
**DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DIRECTOR IS KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR ANNUAL PSC VETERANS STOLE CEREMONY [Released 04/23/2012] Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Erica Borggren will be the keynote speaker when Prairie State College honors its graduating student veterans with a stole ceremony. The ceremony will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 3, in the auditorium of the main campus, located 202 S. Halsted St.
The event is intended to recognize graduating veterans for their academic achievement, and award them ceremonial stoles in gratitude for their service to the country.
In addition to Borggren’s address, students from the Bloom Trail High School Naval Junior ROTC will present the colors, and Jessica Haywood, a graduating senior from Bloom Trail High School, will sing the National Anthem.
Keynote speaker Borggren is an Illinois native and U.S. Army veteran. Following her graduation as valedictorian from the United States Military Academy in West Point, she was designated as a Rhodes Scholar and the recipient of a Truman Scholarship. She later earned a master's degree in comparative social policy from Oxford University. During her time in the military, Borggren served as a senior staff member for Army Gen. David H. Petraeus. She has been director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs since she was appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn in August of 2011.
"I am very proud to have the opportunity, on behalf of Gov. Pat Quinn, to attend this ceremony and congratulate these veterans who have pursued their studies at Prairie State College," said Borggren. "It is important for veterans who have served our country to take advantage of the new GI Bill and become even better equipped to serve in Illinois’ communities and companies.”
Carissa Davis, veterans affairs coordinator and scholarship advisor, who organizes the annual ceremony, said, “returning to school and civilian life can be a big adjustment for men and women in uniform. This ceremony honors their service and celebrates their accomplishment in furthering their educations." For more information, contact Davis at (708) 709-3562 or cdavis@prairiestate.edu.
** Update (4/30/2012): The speaker for this event has been changed. Simon Wlodarski, chief of staff for the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) will give the keynote address. Wlodarski serves as the IDVA's project manager for new construction development, mental health program development, and interagency liaison. Additionally, he serves on the State's Energy Sector Partnership and the Illinois Workforce Investment Board Veterans' Taskforce. He also works with Gov. Pat Quinn's Office on community outreach. Wlodarski graduated from Fenwick High School in Oak Park, received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from Iowa State University and his Masters in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University.
ARTWORK BY GRADUATING PSC STUDENTS ON DISPLAY APRIL 30 TO MAY 24
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[Released 04/20/2012] Works of art from nine graduating Prairie State College (PSC) students will on display from April 30 to May 24 in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
The featured works include drawings, paintings, photography, and mixed-media pieces by the students, who are completing degrees in fine arts, graphic communications, and photography.
A reception in honor of the student artists will be held from noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, in the gallery, which is located on the college's main campus, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
Professor Paul Rinaldi, coordinator of PSC's fine arts program, says the variety and complexity of the art presented by the featured students is "striking."
"Some of our students work from an emotional reservoir rooted in memory and dream, while others seek to give image to aspects of life and reality that are often overlooked or not visible through the casual gaze," he said. "In other works, one finds a profound desire to express self and identity through varied conceptual constructions. The diverse backgrounds and creative interests of our students are truly what bring vitality to our visual arts program."
Students whose art will be displayed are Carol Bruns and David Koenig of Beecher; Shane Senesac of Crete; April Grammer of Flossmoor; Samantha Cook and Norman Harris of Matteson; Jeanette Howard of Richton Park; Alan Bulava of South Chicago Heights; and Sybil Moore of Steger.
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 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 SPEECH TEAM WINS BRONZE IN NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
[Released 04/19/2012] The Prairie State College speech team was named national bronze medal winners for the small school division during the recent Phi Rho Pi National Speech Tournament in Schaumburg, Ill.
They competed alongside 366 students from 60 schools from 11 different states. Team members were Nick Williams and Kelli Campbell of Homewood and Adrianna Carr of Park Forest. The team was coached by Professors David Naze, Elighie Wilson, and Ed Schwarz.
Carr also was named national champion in prose interpretation and national silver medalist in informative speaking. Campell was named national champion in persuasive speaking, receiving a first place vote from all three judges.
"Over the last eight months, these three students have worked relentlessly to perfect their performances. They have had their share of competitive success during the regular season, but they saved their best for last on the biggest stage," said Naze. "They represented themselves, the speech program, and the Prairie State College community with great class and perseverance. All Pioneers should be proud."
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAM JOINS FORCES WITH THE FIRST LADY AND DR. BIDEN TO SUPPORT VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES
[Released 04/13/2012] First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden announced this week a commitment from nurses across the country eager to serve our veterans and military families as well as they have served us. Prairie State College (PSC) joins more than 150 state and national nursing organizations and more than 500 nursing schools in a commitment to further educate our nation's three million nurses so they are prepared to meet the unique health needs of service members, veterans, and their families.
The initiative is led by the American Nurses Association, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing, in coordination with the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense.
"Whether we're in a hospital, a doctor's office, or a community health center, nurses are too often the first people we see when we walk through the door. Because of their expertise, they are trusted to be the frontline of America's health care system," said Obama.
"That's why Jill and I knew we could turn to America's nurses and nursing students to help our veterans and military families get the world-class care that they've earned. It's clear from today's announcement that the nursing community is well on its way to serving our men and women in uniform and their families."
"Nurses are at the center of providing lifesaving care in communities across the country – and their reach is particularly important because our veterans don't always seek care through the VA system," said Biden. "This commitment is essential to ensuring our returning service men and women receive the care they deserve.
The invisible wounds of war, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), have impacted approximately 1 in 6 of our troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq – more than 300,000 veterans. And since 2000, more than 44,000 of those troops have suffered at least a moderate-grade traumatic brain injury.
Veterans seeking care within the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system are often treated by health care professionals who have received extensive training in mental health issues. But the majority of veterans in the country seek care outside of the VA system -- they usually visit their local hospital staffed by nurses and doctors in their communities. That's why today's announcement will be so significant for our troops and their families. America's nurses are trusted partners in providing lifesaving and life-sustaining care in nearly every community and every setting where health care is delivered. They can make a dramatic and positive impact on the long-term health of hundreds of thousands of veterans. And they are eager to understand the needs of those who have served, to recognize the warning signs of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or suicide, and to know where to send them for help.
PSC's pledge is to by 2014 educate current and future nurses on how to recognize and care for veterans impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, and other combat-related issues; enrich nursing education to ensure that current and future nurses are trained in the unique clinical challenges and best practices associated with caring for military service members, veterans, and their families; integrate content that addresses the unique health and wellness challenges of our nation's service members, veterans, and their families into nursing curricula; share teaching resources and apply best practices in the care of service members, veterans, and their families; grow the body of knowledge leading to improvements in health care and wellness for our service members, veterans, and their families; and join with others to further strengthen the supportive community of nurses, institutions, and healthcare providers dedicated to improving the health of service members, veterans, and their families.
Dr. Marie Hansel, dean of health and industrial technology and director of nursing at PSC, said the school is proud to be a part of such an important initiative.
"In the nursing program at PSC, we recognize the need to focus on preparing our students to address the health care needs of veterans, military members, and their families. This is especially true now, with so many men and women returning home with both the visible and invisible wounds of war."
WEEKEND HOURS ADDED TO PSC FREE COMPUTER TRAINING CENTERS
[Released 04/09/2012] Prairie State College is adding Saturday hours to the Adult Training and Outreach Center (ATOC) location of the "Opt-In" program. The added hours allow for those who cannot attend during the weekday hours an opportunity to improve their computer skills.
The Saturday hours are being offered from 9 a.m. to noon at ATOC, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
Additional training hours in the program include 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday at ATOC; and 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Matteson Area Center, located at 4821 Southwick Dr. in Matteson.
The training centers are free and open to the public, and provide training in Microsoft programs, internet usage, email, and social media.
Lisa Zeigler, grants program project manager, says hundreds of individuals have been using the weekday computer training centers to get one-on-one assistance toward improving their technology skills since they opened in October of last year.
"The training is designed to meet each individual at their skill level and begin improving from there," she said. "Patrons of the center can learn beginner and advanced computer skills at their own pace."
The program is funded by a generous grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information about this program, contact Zeigler at (708) 709-3548 or e-mail lzeigler@prairiestate.edu.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE SPEECH TEAM BRINGS HOME BRONZE IN REGIONAL COMPETITION
[Released 04/04/2012] The Prairie State College (PSC) speech team was named third place winners of the Phi Rho Pi Regional Speech Tournament, hosted by Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Ill.
Bringing home the bronze medal were Adrianna Carr of Park Forest, Kelli Campbell and Nick Williams of Homewood, and Elizabeth Rossi of Crete.
Williams also was named regional champion for persuasive speaking. Carr was a bronze medalist for speech to entertain. Campbell was awarded a bronze medal for persuasive speaking.
Team coach, Professor David Naze, said, "This was a solid showing for our students as we gear up for nationals. Our students have demonstrated that the quality of their performances goes a long way in such a big competition."
The team also was coached by Professors Elighie Wilson and Ed Schwarz. The team currently is preparing for the Phi Rho Pi National Speech Tournament, which will be held April 9 through 14 in Schaumberg, Ill.
TOOTH FAIRIES VISITED PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE FOR HEALTHY SMILES DAY
[Released 04/03/2012] Tooth fairies visited Prairie State College on Tuesday, April 2, 2012, for Healthy Smiles Day. Tooth fairies Natalie Sanfratello of Homewood (left) and Mandy Reimer of Joliet (right) visited with dental hygiene student Theresa Vorderer of Oak Lawn and patient Mariah Murillo of Chicago Heights.
Healthy Smiles Day provides children in the community with free dental care. During the event all 67 children received cleanings and 150 sealants were done, along with exams, and fluoride treatments, which in private practice would cost an average of $15,690. The exams are done by a supervising dentist.
PSC CELEBRATES EARTH WEEK WITH SEVERAL COMMUNITY EVENTS
[Released 03/29/2012] Prairie State College (PSC) has several events planned to celebrate Earth Week 2012 from Saturday, April 14 through Friday, April 20.
As part of the activities, students and employees have been invited to ride a bike or walk to the campus during the week of April 16 to 20. There will be two training sessions preceding the bike/walk event that are open and may be of interest to the public. Both will be held on the PSC main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
The first, "Best Practices for Commuting by Bike," is a free, 90-minute course presented by the League of American Bicyclists that will cover topics including route selection, bicycle choice, driving your bike safely in traffic, safety checks, dealing with cargo, and clothing, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. It will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 3. To register, e-mail sustainability@prairiestate.edu.
The second, "Traffic Skills 101," also is presented by the League of American Bicyclists, and gives bicyclists the skills they need to ride confidently, legally, and safely for transportation, fitness, and recreation on roads, in traffic, and on trails. The course is offered online and on-bike. The online session is available at bikeed.org, and must be completed before attending the on-bike session. The on-bike session will be at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 14 on PSC's campus. There is a $30 per person fee, which will be waived if enough participants register. To register, e-mail sustainability@prairiestate.edu.
An Earth Week Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 17, in the atrium. Attendees can test their carbon footprint, as well as learn about renewable energy systems, saving money by weatherizing your home, eco-friendly cleaning products, the PSC Community Garden, local environmental organizations and initiatives, and more.
At 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 19, a free Interactive Reptile Program and Community Film Night will be held in the PSC Conference Center, located on the main campus. The evening beings with an hour-long presentation by Jim Nesci, a reptile educator, and his reptiles Bubba the alligator, Tank the tortoise, and others. Nesci's "Conservation through Education" program provides unknown facts and humorous stories about this misunderstood group of creatures.
The night continues with a 6:30 p.m. screening of "Vanishing of the Bees," featuring Ellen Page. The documentary examines how honeybees mysteriously have been disappearing across the planet. There will be one screening for adults and a separate screening for children.
Guest lecturer Orrin Williams, executive director of the Center for Urban Transformation, is presenting "Does Urban Agriculture Exist?" from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., Friday, April 20, in the Health Tech Building Lounge. His lecture will focus on scaling up urban agriculture and the role of community colleges.
Additionally, a Community Electronics Recycling Collection Event is being held Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot C of the main campus. As of Jan. 1, it is illegal to dispose of electronics at the curb in Illinois. Community members are welcome to bring unused electronics to campus to be properly recycled, free of charge. A full list of items that can be recycled is available at prairiestate.edu/sustainability.
To learn more about all the events being held at PSC in recognition of Earth Week, visit prairiestate.edu/sustainability, call (708) 709-7940, or email sustainability@prairiestate.edu.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING COLLECTION EVENT SCHEDULED APRIL 14
[Released 03/26/2012] As of Jan. 1, it is illegal to dispose of electronic equipment at the curb in Illinois. On Saturday, April 14, Prairie State College (PSC) is hosting an Electronics Recycling Collection event, where you can bring your outdated electronics to be properly recycled free of charge.
The collection will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in parking lot C of the college's main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted Street in Chicago Heights.
The event is co-sponsored by USMe, a specialty division of Universal Scrap Metals (USM), one of America's premier scrap metal wholesalers, providing recycling services for ferrous and non-ferrous metals of all kinds, plus initial processing of used aluminum beverage cans.
Equipment that can be recycled includes personal computers, keyboards/mice, laptops, printers, stereo equipment, answering machines, personal electronics (cellphones/PDAs), fax machines, gaming systems, cameras, DVD players, VCRs, and more. A full list of recyclable items is available on the PSC website at prairiestate.edu/sustainability.
For more information e-mail sustainability@prairiestate.edu, or call (708) 709-7950.
PSC TO HOST JOB FAIR ON APRIL 17
[Released 03/23/2012] Prairie State College (PSC) invites job seekers to attend the 2012 Spring Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 17, in the Conference Center of the college, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
The job fair is free and open to the public. Company representatives will recruit for both full- and part-time positions. Several companies already are scheduled to participate, including Frito Lay, Inc., Franciscan Alliance, CN, Chicago Heights Steel, Chicago Magnesium, Hadady Corporation, and Chicago Youth Centers. New employers regularly are added. A complete, up-to-date listing of companies and the positions they are hiring for is available at prairiestate.edu/jobfair.
"Job fairs are a wonderful opportunity for job seekers to speak directly to employers who are eager to fill their open positions," said Tanya Norfleet, coordinator of career development services.
For more information about the job fair, contact Norfleet at (708) 709-3755 or Ramien Manson, career advisor, at (708) 709-3922, or e-mail Career Development Services at careerdevelopment@prairiestate.edu.
For more information, call (708) 758-2225.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE STUDENTS HELP REHAB YOUTH CENTER
[Released 03/21/2012] Pictured here are Prairie State College Painting & Drywall students performing their on-the-job training by helping rehab the youth center for the F.U.T.U.R.E. Foundation Youth Services, located in Ford Heights. F.U.T.U.R.E. serves approximately 100 low income youths, providing after school activities between the times of 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., longer than any agency dedicated to serving youth in Ford Heights.
SAUK VILLAGE EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE TEAM UP FOR DISASTER RELIEF
[Released 03/23/2012]The Sauk Village Emergency Services have teamed up with Prairie State College (PSC) to send relief donations to the residents of Harrisburg, IL. Harrisburg was struck by an F4 tornado on February 29, leaving hundreds of people homeless.
Relief supplies needed are cleaning supplies, toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet paper, etc), diapers, towels, washcloths, blankets, sheets, rakes, car seats, winter gloves, work gloves, socks, and underwear. Please do not donate general clothing, food, or water. Donations can be dropped off at PSC's Transportation, Warehouse, and Logistics Training Center at 191 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. Donations also will be accepted at the Sauk Village Fire Department at 1804 222 St.
Monetary donations can be made by check and mailed to Harrisburg Ministerial Association at 20 S. Webster St., Harrisburg, IL 62946. Please write "disaster aid" in the memo line of your check.
The deadline to donate is Tuesday, March 20 at 5 p.m. The donations will be delivered by Dave Wilkinson, PSC's coordinator of the truck driving program. A PSC truck from the truck driving program will be used to deliver the supplies.
For more information, call (708) 758-2225.
TWO PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT COLLEGIATE WRITING COMPETITION
[Released 03/14/2012] Two Prairie State College (PSC) students were recognized during this year's Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Writing Competition hosted by Elgin Community College.
Kiara Anderson of Matteson won second place for her short story, "What a Beautiful Wedding." The story details an extravagant wedding of a beautiful young couple who are not pleased about who they are marrying, but the circumstances of their lives prevent them from following their hearts.
Olisaemeka Okakpu of University Park received an honorable mention for his short play, "Cain," about an African man caught in the slave trade of the 1700's. He tells his story through a monologue that is performed behind him on stage.
A day-long literary festival highlights the annual creative writing competition. In addition to the competition, the festival includes a book fair, readings, and workshops.
The students were recognized at a recent PSC Board of Trustees meeting. Professor Patrick Reichard, who was PSC's faculty representative to the festival, announced their successes at the meeting.
"Prairie State's Creative Writing classes have had a lot of success in the last few years at the Skyway Festival. Kiara and Meka's pieces are both examples of the great writing our English students produce each year," he said.
Photo caption: Prairie State College (PSC) student Olisaemeka Okakpu (second from left) received an honorable mention during the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Writing Competition hosted by Elgin Community College. He was recognized during a recent meeting of the PSC Board of Trustees, and congratulated by (from left) PSC Professor Patrick Reichard, Student Trustee Ashlyn Snuckle, and President Eric Radtke. Not pictured was the second place recipient, PSC student Kiara Anderson.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE SPEECH TEAM PLACES SIXTH IN STATEWIDE COMPETITION
[Released 03/12/2012] The team of Prairie State College (PSC) students competing in the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association (IIFA) State Tournament at Illinois Central College in Peoria, Ill., received sixth place overall in the community college division and brought home several individual awards in various categories.
They competed against students from 20 other schools, including Northwestern University, Bradley University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, North Central College, and statewide community colleges.
Adrianna Carr of Park Forest received sixth place in open division prose interpretation, competing in the final round where normally only varsity four year school competitors place.
Nick Williams of Homewood was named state champion for persuasive speaking in the community college division, received second place for dramatic interpretation in the community college division, and received third place for poetry interpretation in the community college division.
Kelli Campbell of Homewood received fifth place in the community college division for prose interpretation and fourth place in the community college division for persuasive speaking.
The team was coached by was coached by PSC Professors Ed Schwarz, David Naze, and Elighie Wilson.
"This was the most important tournament of the season to this point, as it gave the students an opportunity to showcase their talents and hard work across the state of Illinois," said Naze. "Our three students demonstrated their ability to stand out among the state's best competition and will only continue to get better as we get ready for the remainder of the season."
PSC SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
[Released March 9, 2012] Thousands of people in the Prairie State College (PSC) district generously give their time and talent to make the community a better place. To honor these individuals, PSC is accepting nominations for two community service awards, one to honor a PSC graduate and another to honor a community member.
The first is the Dr. James H. Griffith Community Service Award, given to a 2012 PSC graduate. Nominees should be a person or group who has contributed in an extraordinary way to the community. The award is named after former Trustee Dr. James H. Griffith, who served for 25 years on the Prairie State Board of Trustees.
The second award is the Michael R. Monteleone Community Service Award, given to a community member of the PSC district. Nominees must be a person or group who has contributed in an extraordinary way to education through community service, as either a volunteer or a community leader. A nominee’s service efforts should be within the PSC district, although additional activities in other areas would be recognized. Also, the nominee should not be employed in the community service or public service field. The award is named after former Trustee and Board Chair Michael R. Monteleone, who served on the Board of Trustees for 21 years, from 1981 to 2002.
All nominations must arrive at the PSC President’s Office no later than Friday, April 13. To receive a nomination form or for more information, call Deb Havighorst, executive assistant to the Board of Trustees, at (708) 709-7918.
Nursing Honors Induction Photo
Prairie State College inducts six students into the Alpha Chapter of the Illinois Organization of Associate Degree Nursing Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society. Students shown from left to right are Tara Sogergren, Michael Jimenez, Jovon Clark, Shineria Morgan, Allena Debow-Davis, and Tanya Burk-Willson.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE STUDENTS CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN SPEECH COMPETITION
[Released 03/07/12] Three Prairie State College students brought home awards from the Harper College Litrenta Triangle Speech Tournament Feb. 17 and 18.
Angela Parrish of Olympia Fields was named tournament champion for persuasive speaking; Adrianna Carr of Park Forest received sixth place for Informative speaking and fifth place for prose interpretation; and Matt Jiles of Flossmoor received fifth place for impromptu speaking. Additional team members were Addison Jackson of Oak Forest, Elizabeth Rossi of Crete, and Marilyn Foster, Kelli Campbell, and Nick Williams of Homewood.
The team was coached by PSC Professors Ed Schwarz, David Naze, and Elighie Wilson.
"This was the biggest tournament of the season to this point, and we are so pleased to see the progress our students continue to make,” said Naze. “We look forward to the home stretch of the season and to see how our students continue to improve."
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE SEEKS EMPLOYERS FOR JOB FAIR
[Released 03/05/12] Employers looking for candidates to fill open positions are invited to register for the Prairie State College annual job fair. The job fair is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Conference Center of Prairie State College, located at 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.
"The job fair is an excellent opportunity for employers to meet and interview potential employees," said Tanya Norfleet, coordinator, career development services. "Nearly 300 job seekers from diverse educational backgrounds and skill sets attended the fall job fair."
The job fair is open to currently enrolled students, alumni, and community members seeking employment. Registration is $50 per company and includes seating and lunch for two representatives, table covering, and signage. Each additional representative attending the fair is $25. To register for the job fair, visit prairiestate.edu/jobfair.
For more information on the job fair, contact Norfleet at (708) 709-3755 or Ramien Manson, career advisor, at (708) 709-3922 or e-mail careerdevelopment@prairiestate.edu.
PSC FOUNDATION'S ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST PRESENTS JASON VASSIL
[Released 2/20/12] Jason Vassil, Senior Product Specialist for DWS Investment's U.S. Product Management team, will be the guest speaker at the Prairie State College (PSC) Foundation Economic Forecast Breakfast. The event is scheduled for Friday, March 16, at 7:30 a.m. at the Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Dr., Olympia Fields. MB Financial Bank is the event sponsor.
A continental breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., with the featured presentation beginning at 8:15 a.m. Individual tickets are $25.
Advance registration is required by calling the PSC Foundation at (708) 709-3636. The registration deadline is Friday, March 9.
Sponsorships also are available. A Table Sponsorship for $300 will reserve a table for 10 and includes breakfast and recognition listings in the program and on event signage. A Friendraiser Sponsorship for $75 will reserve two seats and includes breakfast and recognition listings.
In addition to providing a prominent expert's analysis of the economy to the south suburban business community, the breakfast also raises scholarship money for PSC students.
"Sponsorships underwrite the costs for the Economic Forecast Breakfast and allow companies to use the event as a 'friendraiser' for their own clients and/or key employees," said Cathy Kloss, executive director of the foundation. "We welcome individuals and companies to hear from an expert economist while supporting PSC student scholarships."
Vassil serves as the Senior Product Specialist for DWS fixed income funds and is actively involved in the firm's fixed income investment strategy. He is a key voice in establishing firm-wide views on fixed income product positioning. In addition, he has a broad understanding of global fixed income markets and the overarching economic themes which impact them.
Jason holds a BS in accounting and finance from Kansas State University and has his NASD Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses.
For more information about this event, contact the PSC Foundation office at (708) 709-3636.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE TO HOST AREA HIGH SCHOOL JURIED ART EXHIBIT
[Released 2/20/12] Students from several south suburban area high schools will have their art work on display at the Prairie State College (PSC) High School Juried Art Exhibit from Monday, March 12, through Thursday, April 5. The exhibit is being hosted at the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the PSC campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
A reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 15. A 7 p.m. awards ceremony announcing the winners of the exhibit also will be held that evening.
Students from all high schools in the PSC district are invited to participate in the annual show, which features a variety of media including computer art, drawing, graphic design, mixed media, painting, photography, and sculpture. Entries were submitted through the high school art departments and judged by PSC's art faculty.
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.
SIX AWARDED TENURE AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE
[Released 2/13/12] Prairie State College (PSC) recently announced that six faculty members have met the college's expectations for tenure, including commitment to student success, collaboration with their peers, and dedication to the college's mission and core values.
Receiving tenure, effective August 2012, are Dr. Dianne DeSousa, assistant professor of Psychology; Jennifer Eick-Magan, assistant professor of English as a Second Language; Maureen Giglio, assistant professor of Nursing; Jessica Gravely, assistant professor of English; Georgia Karras, assistant professor of Industrial Electricity; and Dr. George Streeter, assistant professor of Humanities.
Vice President Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, dean of faculty, says the candidates were selected from a highly qualified pool of candidates during the hiring process, and were mentored and tested to fitness by the tenure process. Elements of the tenure process include review by a peer committee of tenured faculty, student evaluations, deans' reviews, and classroom visits. Prior to being awarded tenure, the faculty candidates also prepare an extensive teaching portfolio.
"PSC only tenures outstanding and exceptional faculty members because of our tenure process," he said. "Among community colleges, the PSC tenure process is gold standard. I am very proud of the achievement of tenure by these faculty members," he added.
Vice President of Community and Economic Development Terri Winfree said, "we are truly fortunate to have such a great group of faculty join the tenure ranks at Prairie State College. I am impressed with the high level of professionalism and expertise that this group will bring to the classroom. Our students will benefit by learning from these highly esteemed professors."
The faculty members were recognized during the recent Board of Trustees meeting, held Jan. 31. The meeting was followed by a reception honoring the tenure recipients.
"These six individuals are a real testament to the high caliber faculty PSC employs to support student learning," said PSC Board of Trustees Chair Jacqueline Agee. "I am proud to be part of an institution that recognizes such great instructors and rewards them for their successes."
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE SPEECH TEAM MEMBERS WIN SEVERAL AWARDS
[Released 2/9/12] The Prairie State College (PSC) speech team brought home several individual awards from a recent tournament hosted by College of DuPage.
Adrianna Carr of Park Forest received fourth place for varsity prose and fifth place for novice informative; Kelli Campbell of Homewood received fourth place for varsity persuasion; Nick Williams of Homewood received sixth place for novice persuasion; and Angela Parrish of Olympia Fields was named tournament champion for novice persuasion. Parrish also received second place for novice poetry. Also competing in the tournament was Elizabeth Rossi of Crete. The team was coached by PSC Professors Ed Schwarz, David Naze, and Elighie Wilson.
"Coming back from winter break means getting back to competition by shaking the rust off a little bit,” said Naze. “Our students showed they were ready to get back into competition, and did so with a splash," said Naze.
SEVERAL EVENTS SCHEDULED TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE
[released 2/6/12] Prairie State College is hosting several events in February, in celebration of Black History Month. All events will be held on the college’s main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, the Charles Drew/Heartland Blood Drive will be held in the Atrium. The blood drive is sponsored by the Campus Programming Board.
The Health Promotion Office is hosting several events, including “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” a testing and sexual health information session, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Conference Center; National Condom Day, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Atrium; and “Sex Love, and Relationships,” an abstinence workshop, from 2 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, in room 2407.
The Protégé Program is sponsoring a Poetry Showcase in the Café, from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16.
The 24th annual Jazz Fest, sponsored by the Music Department, will be at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, in the Conference Center Auditorium. Tickets are available in the Business Office before the concert, or at the door on Feb. 17. The cost is $15 for the general public or $10 for students and senior citizens.
A Vendor Fair, sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Multicultural Affairs, is being held in the Atrium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20 and Tuesday, Feb 21. For more information contact Esther Pacheco (708) 709- 3503 or e-mail epacheco@prairiestate.edu.
The Eighth Annual PSC Idol Contest is from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23 in the Conference Center Auditorium. It is sponsored by the Black Student Union.
More events may be added. For more information visit the Student Leadership Center in room 1260 or call (708) 709-3910.
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.
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