Press Release Archive
For more information about any of the press releases below, contact Jennifer Stoner, executive director of communications and marketing, at (708) 709-3949 or Andrea Small, communications specialist, (708) 709-2948.
NETWORKING EVENT CREATES CONNECTIONS BETWEEN MENTORS AND STUDENTS
[Released 02/26 /2013] 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 7, in the Conference Center of the college main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
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.
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, contact William Berkley at (708) 709-2946 or wberkley@prairiestate.edu
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 7, in the Conference Center of the college main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
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.
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, contact William Berkley at (708) 709-2946 or wberkley@prairiestate.edu
PSC FOUNDATION'S ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST FEATURES SPENCER L. KLEIN
[Released 02/21/2013] Spencer L. Klein, senior portfolio manager for MB Financial Bank, will be the guest speaker at the Prairie State College (PSC) Foundation Economic Forecast Breakfast, being held at 7:30 a.m., Friday, March 15, at the Olympia Fields Country Club, located at 2800 Country Club Dr. in Olympia Fields. MB Financial Bank is the event sponsor.
A continental breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., followed by the featured presentation at 8:15 a.m.
The cost is $25 per person, and advance registration is required by calling the PSC Foundation at (708) 709-3636. The registration deadline is Friday, March 8.
Additional sponsorships are available. A $300 Table Sponsorship will reserve a table for 10, and includes breakfast and recognition listings in the program and event signage. A $75 Friendraiser Sponsorship 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."
Klein joined the Wealth Management Department of MB Financial Bank in 2011, and has more than 17 years of investment management experience. His primary responsibility is portfolio management for affluent individuals, fiduciary and trust accounts, and public pension plans. He participates in the department's research efforts on tactical asset allocation. He also writes the department's monthly newsletter, the Market Brief. Before joining MB Financial Bank, Klein was senior investment advisor with JPMorgan, a senior portfolio manager with MainStreet Advisors, a senior portfolio manager with National City Bank, and a portfolio manager with the Feldman Investment Group.
Klein has a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago, and an MBA with concentrations in economics and finance from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business. He is a member of CFA Chicago and the CFA Institute, and has been a CFA charter holder since 1999.
For more information or to register for the event, contact the PSC Foundation office at (708) 709-3636.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE IS SITE OF 2013 COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY
[Released 02/15/2013] Prairie State College (PSC) was selected as one of the regional hosting sites for this year's College Goal Sunday. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Matteson Area Center, located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson.
College Goal Sunday is a nation-wide annual event that provides students information regarding financial resources, and provides hands on assistance to students interested in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid professionals from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the organization facilitating the event, will be on hand to answer questions regarding funding sources and the financial aid process from application to awarding. Representatives also will conduct hands-on FAFSA workshops.
"This nation-wide event presents a prime opportunity to anyone interested in attending college for the upcoming school year, by giving them access to financial aid professionals who can answer questions and provide assistance with the financial aid process," said Jaime Miller, executive director of enrollment and financial aid services at PSC. "It is always recommended to complete the FAFSA as early as possible for the best chance of securing certain funds which may be limited."
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the PSC Financial Aid Office at (708) 709-3735.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE SPEECH TEAM TAKES FIFTH IN COLLEGE OF DUPAGE TOURNAMENT
[Released 02/21/2013] The Prairie State College (PSC) speech team placed fifth in the Community College Division of a recent tournament hosted by College of DuPage.
Individual awards also were presented to Jasmine Ross of Richton Park, who received third place for open division of persuasion; Sarah Hill of Harvey, who received fifth place for open division of dramatic interpretation; and Nick Williams of Homewood, who received third place for 2-year division of speech to entertain.
Also competing were Dejoie Simmons of Country Club Hills, Kimberly Fox of Matteson, Matt Jiles of Flossmoor, and Liz Rossi of Crete. The team was coached by PSC Professors David Naze, Elighie Wilson, and Ed Schwarz.
"It was a long day, but it was worth it," said team member Ross.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE IS SITE OF 2013 COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY
[Released 02/15/2013] Prairie State College (PSC) was selected as one of the regional hosting sites for this year's College Goal Sunday. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Matteson Area Center, located at 4821 Southwick Drive in Matteson.
College Goal Sunday is a nation-wide annual event that provides students information regarding financial resources, and provides hands on assistance to students interested in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid professionals from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the organization facilitating the event, will be on hand to answer questions regarding funding sources and the financial aid process from application to awarding. Representatives also will conduct hands-on FAFSA workshops.
"This nation-wide event presents a prime opportunity to anyone interested in attending college for the upcoming school year, by giving them access to financial aid professionals who can answer questions and provide assistance with the financial aid process," said Jaime Miller, executive director of enrollment and financial aid services at PSC. "It is always recommended to complete the FAFSA as early as possible for the best chance of securing certain funds which may be limited."
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the PSC Financial Aid Office at (708) 709-3735.
2013 NATIONAL TRIO DAY NORTH SCHEDULED AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE
[Released 02/13/2013] Prairie State College (PSC) is the site for the 2013 National TRiO Day North, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, on the PSC main campus, located at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
The annual event is held on the last Saturday of February, and celebrates the history of TRiO programs. TRiO days are organized through the Illinois Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (ILAEOPP). The theme for ILAEOPP this year is "Uniting for Common Goals: Building Alliances, Leadership, and Advocacy."
PSC has planned a community service project for the event, having participants create 400 toiletry bags for individuals receiving services and shelter from the local Crisis Center for South Suburbia.
PSC has been offering TRiO programs at the college for the last three years. The PSC TRiO-Student Support Services program serves 160 low-income, first-generation, and disabled students a year. The PSC TRiO-Talent Search program serves 500 local low-income and first-generation participants from area middle schools and high schools. Additionally, the program provides services to high school drop-outs in an effort to aid them in entering the post-secondary educational funnel.
For more than 40 years, the federally funded TRiO programs have been helping low-income, first-generation, and disabled students complete elementary school, high school, and even college at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's degree level. For many participants, their participation in the program is their first introduction to post-secondary education, and without the assistance of the TRiO program, college entrance as well as college completion would be impossible. There are more than 2,900 TRiO projects serving nearly 850,000 students. TRiO programs are hosted at more than 1,200 colleges, universities, and agencies throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, and Pacific Islands.
NURSING PROFESSOR TINA PARKS AWARDED TENURE AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE
[Released 02/11/2013] Prairie State College (PSC) recently announced that Assistant Professor Tina Parks met the college's expectations for tenure, including commitment to student success, collaboration with her peers, and dedication to the college's mission and core values. The announcement was made at the January Board of Trustees meeting. The tenure is effective August 2013.
Vice President Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, dean of faculty, who recommended Parks for tenure, says Parks was selected from a highly qualified pool of candidates during the hiring process, and was mentored and tested to fitness by the tenure process. Elements of the PSC 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.
Parks joined the nursing faculty at PSC in 2010. Before coming to teach at PSC, she practiced as an LPN in Columbus, Ohio, providing care to a diverse home bound population.
Parks has a bachelor's degree in communication and pre-nursing from Denison University and a master's degree in nursing from DePaul University. She currently is enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Purdue University, where she is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society.
"PSC only tenures outstanding and exceptional faculty members because of our tenure process," Atewologun said. "Ms. Parks' tenure committee praised her organization skills, her ability to encourage students to participate in a way that fosters mutual respect, her commitment to nursing education, and her contributions to the department," he said.
Photo caption:
Dr. Marie Hansel (right), dean of health and industrial technology and director of nursing at Prairie State College (PSC), congratulates Tina Parks, assistant professor of nursing at PSC, on receiving tenure. The announcement was made at the January meeting of the PSC Board of Trustees.
PSC PRESENTING 25TH ANNUAL JAZZ FEST FEB. 22
[Released 02/07/2013] Some of the nation's top jazz artists will perform at Prairie State College's (PSC) 25th Annual Jazz Fest at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, 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. The concert also will include a performance by the Southland Jazz Ensemble, a big band comprised of some of the finest professional musicians in Chicago and the south suburbs.
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 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Tickets also can be purchased at the door on the evening of the concert.
The fourth annual Howard Luckey Excellence in Jazz Leadership Award will be presented to PSC adjunct music faculty member Phillip Crews, who Nicholson calls "one of the finest music directors in the country."
"He has had a significant impact on nurturing jazz musicians and performance at both Thornton High School and Rich Central High School," she added. Crews also is director of the PSC Community Concert Band.
The Luckey 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. In January, Luckey was posthumously recognized as the PSC 2013 Hall of Honor inductee.
"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.
Those who attend the evening concert also can enjoy the Christopher Art Gallery exhibit, "Collaborative Vision: Selections from The Poetic Dialogue Project," featuring collaborative works by teams of artists and poets. The gallery will be open at 6:30 p.m. before the concert and through intermission.
For more information on the Jazz Fest, or to purchase tickets to the concert, call the college at (708) 709-3500.
COLLABORATIVE VISION EXHIBIT TO OPEN AT PSC FEB. 11
[Released 02/04/13] The Prairie State College (PSC) Foundation is hosting "Collaborative Vision: Selections from The Poetic Dialogue Project," featuring collaborative works by teams of artists and poets, from Monday, Feb. 11 through Thursday, March 7, in the Christopher Art Gallery, located on the Chicago Heights campus at 202 S. Halsted St.
Beth Shadur, director of the Christopher Art Gallery, curated The Poetic Dialogue Project that was featured at the Chicago Cultural Center in 2009. Shadur paired 31 visual artists with 31 poets based on the resonance of their works. Artist and poet were asked to develop a creative collaboration, in whatever direction they chose as a pair, to create a new work of art. A selection of these works will be shown in PSC's exhibit.
"Poets mentioned experimenting and working outside their own comfort zone to create new ideas and forms for their work, while artists who had never considered text as part of their work found ways to integrate the poet's voice," said Shadur.
Artist and poet pairs whose art will be displayed are Beth Shadur and Lois Roma-Deeley, James Mesple and Jeffrey Levine, Lynn Takata and LR Berger, LaShawnda Crowe Storm and M. Eliza Hamilton Abegunde, BettyAnn Mocek and Michael Heller, Annette Turow and Steve Orlen, Mirjana Ugrinov and Cynthia Hogue, Kim Laurel and Michael Burkard, Charlotte Segal and Margaret Rozga, Granite Amit and Jan Beatty, and Anna Fernandez and Kathryn Dohrmann.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, poet Margaret Rozga will do a reading of her book 200 Nights and One Day. Rozga and her husband, Father James Groppi, led the fair housing marches in Milwaukee during the 1967 civil rights era.
An artists' reception is being held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21.
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.
PSC NURSING STUDENTS ACHIEVE A PERFECT PASS RATE ON NATIONAL EXAM
[Released 02/01/13] All 46 of the 2012 graduates of Prairie State College's Nursing program who took the licensing exam passed on the first attempt– a 100 percent pass rate. Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain a license to practice as a registered nurse.
"It is all about the faculty. The PSC nursing faculty invests themselves so completely in educating the nursing students. This dedication is demonstrated by this excellent achievement by our nursing students. This speaks volumes for the quality of PSC's Nursing program," said Marie Hansel, dean, health and industrial technology, and director of nursing. "Our nursing program has an excellent reputation with area health-care institutions."
Graduates of all nursing programs, both two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degree programs, must pass the same licensing exam to become registered nurses. Historically, associate degree graduates achieve scores equal to or higher than the bachelor's track.
This is a remarkable achievement because the PSC nursing graduates surpassed both the national pass rate of 90 percent and the State of Illinois pass rate of 91 percent.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE
[Released 1/25/13] Prairie State College (PSC) 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. 4, the Charles Drew/Heartland Blood Drive will be held in the Atrium. The blood drive is sponsored by the Campus Programming Board.
Coinciding with the next PSC Christopher Art Gallery exhibit, Selections from Collaborative Vision: the Poetic Dialogue Project, and supported by a grant from the PSC Foundation, visual artist LaShawnda Crowe Storm and poet and Yoruba priestess Maria Hamilton Eliza Abegunde will be visiting PSC. They will present their collaborative project that can be seen in the exhibition. Their dialogue resulted in a collaborative installation that looks at black history in terms of women's roles. The event will be held on Feb. 4 in the Conference Center's Heritage Room from 9:45 a.m. to noon.
The Protégé Program is hosting Protégé Club Week from Feb. 11 through Feb. 15. A variety of events for current students will be scheduled, including HIV testing, contests, panel discussions, and a Valentine's Day musical showcase featuring Essence Allen.
Black History Month Trivia, sponsored by the Campus Programming Board, is being held in the Pioneer Café on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
A Taste of Soul Food also is being held on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and skits are being performed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Atrium. These events are being sponsored by the Black Student Union.
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. 18 and Tuesday, Feb 19. For more information, contact Esther Pacheco (708) 709- 3503 or e-mail epacheco@prairiestate.edu.
The 25th annual Jazz Fest, sponsored by the Music Department, will be at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, in the Conference Center Auditorium. Tickets are available in the Business Office before the concert, or at the door on Feb. 22. The cost is $15 for the general public or $10 for students and senior citizens.
The 9th Annual PSC Idol Contest is from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28 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 or visit prairiestate.edu and view the events calendar.
HOWARD LUCKEY PSC 2013 HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEE
[Released 1/25/13] The late Howard Luckey is the 2013 Hall of Honor inductee for Prairie State College (PSC). The announcement was made during PSC's spring convocation held Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at the college's main campus in Chicago Heights. The PSC Hall of Honor was created in 2010 to recognize and honor past employees who made a significant and positive contribution to the college. Howard certainly met the criteria because of his dedication to the college on so many levels.
Ed Schwarz, PSC professor of communication, accepted the award on behalf of Howard's family. "Howard gave of himself, his time, his money, and his heart to the college. PSC was his family and we miss him greatly," he said. "He would do anything asked of him to help PSC. The college, his students, and his colleagues are all richer for having known him," Schwarz continued.
Howard joined the faculty at PSC in 1968 where he taught in the social sciences department until 1988. After retiring, he continued teaching at the college as an adjunct professor. During his tenure at PSC he supported Phi Theta Kappa for 10 years; he served several times on the curriculum committee, faculty senate, and the executive council. He was a part of numerous search committees and one of the 1998 accreditation subcommittees. He also contributed his time and talent to the PSC Foundation, 50th Anniversary Committee, PSC Summer Speech Camp, the Jazz Fest, and many more activities.
During its history, PSC has employed many individuals who have committed time and energy to help shape its mission, values, and reputation. The Hall of Honor is one way to make sure all current employees never forget those that came before. Each recipient or their family receives a plaque and there is a permanent display of all Hall of Honor awards at the college.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE ANNOUNCES BASIC FIREFIGHTER AND EMT GRADUATES
[Released 1/22/13] 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 Roy Pacheco of Chicago Heights Fire Department; Nick Carollo, William Eberhardt, James Hineline, and Garrett Nykaza of Crete Township Fire Protection District; Joseph Hopkins and Steve LaRocco of South Chicago Heights Fire Department; Lewis Clark and Karl Goss, Jr. of Park Forest Fire Department; and Codi Ramaeker of Sauk Village Fire Protection District.
Edward Leeson, Village of Matteson fire chief, was the speaker for the Fire Academy graduation and he urged the graduates to never stop learning. "Fire fighting is a way of life, not just a job. The best firefighters are always ready to act. In a sense, once you become a firefighter you are never off duty. The public expects you to be ready to handle any situation at any time." He provided the graduates with examples of how their instructors had helped out in emergency situations when they were off duty.
Leeson continued his message, "The fire service is about service to others and not self-serving. It takes dedication, hard work, a commitment to continuing education, and a commitment to one another. It takes a love of the job. … once you are in this field, if it's truly what you are supposed to do, you'll just know it. There's an inner sense. It's a calling."
The master of ceremonies for the Basic Firefighter ceremony was Rich Atwood, basic firefighter coordinator.
The speaker for the 2012 EMT graduation was PSC Associate Professor of Nursing Maureen Grady. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Vanessa Scheidt, an emergency department nurse at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights and a graduate of PSC's nursing and EMT programs.
The 2012 EMT program graduates are Nicholas R. Braun, John Spero, and Brian D. Wagner of Beecher; Omar Ramos of Calumet City; Cornelius M. Southern of Chicago; Brian Desiderio, Robert C. Luczak, Jeremy M. Lensing, Mark Panici, Mark J. Huisman, and Salvatore Wortel of Chicago Heights; Roberta Gralewski, Briana N. Johnson, and Chamika Ruff of Country Club Hills; Josué Reyes and Daniel Zagone of Crete; Talion C.D. McNeal of Flossmoor; Erik E. Glenna and Courtney Tillman of Glenwood; Steven M. Kunce of Homer Glen; Tara Nye, Amanda Doerfler, Michael Matasar, and Victoria J. Vinson of Homewood; Steve M. Cremonesi of Lansing; Jarrell Greer of Matteson; Kyle Nieland of Monee; Thomas K. Ohlman of Palos Heights; Frieda L. Currie, Stacy Novak, and Nicholas Hursarik of Park Forest; Ashley L. Goodwin of Richton Park; Marcus J. Green of South Holland; Jasmine Morris of Tinley Park; and Christina Wilson of Sauk Village.
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.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
[Released 1/17/13] Prairie State College (PSC) President Dr. Eric Radtke announced his retirement today at the college's annual spring convocation. His retirement is effective August 3, 2013, allowing sufficient time for the Board of Trustees to conduct a search for a successor.
"This is something that I have been planning for quite some time, I am retiring to spend more time with my family and to pursue personal interests," Radtke said.
The announcement was made during the college's spring convocation, the annual two hour meeting held prior to the start of each semester. During convocation the college is closed so that all faculty and staff can meet to discuss past accomplishments and plans for the upcoming semester.
PSC is located in Chicago Heights and serves approximately 12,000 credit and non-credit students.
FIRE SPRINKLER VALVE PROP DONATION PROVIDES LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR PSC FIRE ACADEMY STUDENTS
[Released 1/15/13] Students in the Prairie State College (PSC) fire science program now will have the opportunity to actually see how a fire sprinkler system works before encountering one at a fire. The hands-on learning opportunity is thanks to a fire sprinkler valve prop donation from the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) to PSC's Fire Academy. It was a group effort to make the donation to PSC with Reliable Fire Sprinkler providing the valve and Fire Sprinkler Fitters Local #281 building the pedestal and assembling it.
"It will be so valuable for our students to see how a fire sprinkler system actually works and to do so in class. This donation will help the instructors better explain fire sprinkling and detection," said Chad Vlietstra, PSC fire science coordinator. The fire sprinkler valve prop is valued at $3,000, a significant donation for the fire science program.
The donation was made at the PSC main campus on Friday, Jan. 11, by members of the NIFSAB advisory board. Thomas Lia, NIFSAB executive director, explained the NIFSAB offers assistance and donations to programs dedicated to teaching fire science. "We understand the value of students having equipment they can actually handle and manipulate," Lia said. The NIFSAB is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting progressive legislation, raising public awareness, educating code officials and governmental policy makers by demonstrating the proven performance of fire sprinklers in saving both lives and property.
"Donations of equipment or material provide valuable learning opportunities which are beyond the college's budget. We are grateful for this wonderful generosity, and we encourage other local individuals, businesses, and organizations to consider donating in this special way. Such donations are tax deductible, too," according to Cathy Killian Kloss, executive director of the PSC Foundation.
PSC's Fire Science program prepares individuals for a career in fire science with a combination of classroom learning and simulated fire situations where students practice the skills they have been taught. This fire sprinkler valve prop fits in to the curriculum by offering a chance to handle the equipment in a classroom situation. PSC offers an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Fire Science Technology, Fire Science Technology certificate, Firefighter II certificate, and Firefighter/EMT certificate. For more information about PSC's Fire Science program, visit prairiestate.edu or call (708) 709-3500.GET PLUGGED IN AT PSC
[Released 1/09/13] The Sustainability Center at Prairie State College (PSC) is excited to offer free charging to community members at the college's newly installed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. The charging stations are part of the college's strategic sustainability plan and are just one of the many initiatives PSC is implementing to green the campus and serve as a community demonstration site.
To showcase the new EV charging stations, PSC is hosting Plugged In on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the PSC main campus, 202 S. Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL. Phillips Chevrolet of Frankfort and Carbon Day Automotive also are sponsoring the event. Registration begins at 4 p.m. with a dedication ceremony at 4:30 p.m., and electric vehicle demonstration, EV incentives and rebates, and refreshments.
"The EV charging stations highlight PSC's commitment to sustainability and position PSC as an integral part in the statewide effort to create the infrastructure necessary to support EV drivers," said Allessandra Cairo, PSC sustainability coordinator. In addition to the new EV stations, PSC now offers designated green parking at the college's main entrance for EV, hybrid, and low emission vehicles (those receiving more than 35 mpg). It was with these efforts and more that PSC was recognized as a Bronze Level Compact School by the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council (GGCC) within the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact program.
Advance registration for the Plugged In event is required by Jan. 30. Register by emailing Allessandra Cairo at acairo@prairiestate.edu. For more information about this event and other sustainability activities, visit prairiestate.edu/sustainability.
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTER EARNS NATIONAL NAEYC ACCREDITATION
[Released 1/08/13] The Prairie State College (PSC) Children's Learning Center located at the college's main campus at 202 S. Halsted Street in Chicago Heights, has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. The accreditation places the program among the top in the nation. The Children's Learning Center (CLC) provides quality childcare for children ages 24 months to 12 years old. Full and regularly scheduled part-time care is offered to accommodate the scheduling needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community.
"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Vice President of Student Affairs, Greg Thomas. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."
The CLC is housed in an 11,426-square-foot state-of-the-art facility at the northwest corner of PSC's main campus. The building has four children's classrooms, a college classroom, a multipurpose room, a secured outdoor playground, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.
To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the CLC went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten program standards. NAEYC-accredited programs also are subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts for five years. The NAEYC has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. The NAEYC Accreditation system was created to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality preschools, child care centers, and other early education programs.
For more information about enrolling your child at the CLC, please visit prairiestate.edu/clc or call (708) 709-3725.PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE SPEECH TEAM WINS SEVERAL AWARDS AT COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY TOURNAMENT
[Released 12/21/12] The Prairie State College (PSC) speech team received seventh place of 13 teams and brought home several individual awards from a Dec. 1 tournament hosted by the College of Lake County.
Nick Williams of Homewood received first place for program oral interpretation and fourth place for speech to entertain. Sarah Hill of Harvey received fifth place for speech to entertain. The team was coached by PSC Professors Ed Schwarz, David Naze, and Elighie Wilson.
“It was nice seeing all of my speech friends that I’ve made throughout the season,” said Sarah Hill.
EVOCATIVE ART EXHIBIT OPENS AT PSC CHRISTOPHER ART GALLERY JAN
[Released 12/20/12] The Prairie State College Foundation is presenting the art exhibit “Evocative,” Jan. 7 through 30, 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 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10.
This exhibition of sculpture, ceramics, paintings, photographs, prints, and mixed media works was chosen by juror Paul Klein of Klein Artist Works. Paul Klein has long been an art advocate and proponent for artists. In 2006, his long-term contributions were acknowledged by the Chicago Society of Artists when he was selected as their Man of the Year. Klein operated Paul Klein Gallery in Chicago and Seattle, and is the author of online Artletter.
Works were submitted by over 80 artists from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. In choosing the 21 works from more than 270 submitted, Klein indicated, “I looked for art work that fulfilled two qualities: first, that I got a sense of the artist, their purpose, and what they sought to communicate, and second, that the art evocated something within me that I thought the viewer of the show also might respond to.”
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. 21 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.
PSC RECOGNIZED FOR BEING GREEN
[Released 12/14/12]
Prairie State College recently was named a Bronze Level Compact School by the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council (GGCC) within the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact program. PSC fulfilled all the requirements of the Bronze Level which included endorsing a written statement acknowledging support for sustainability, designating a focal point for sustainability activities with dedicated staff for the effort, creating a website highlighting the institution's sustainability efforts, and creating opportunities for faculty and staff to provide suggestions on ways to advance the college's sustainability efforts.
The statewide compact program encourages colleges and universities across the state to incorporate sustainability into campus operations, academics, student activities, and community outreach. The Bronze Level designation recognizes PSC's commitment to creating a college-wide sustainability program and for engaging the community. PSC can continue advancing through the levels of the compact program to achieve the next compact level.
According to Allessandra Cairo, PSC's sustainability coordinator, this designation is acknowledgement of the teamwork among the PSC's faculty, staff, and students. "I am excited the college has received this recognition from the Governor's office. This is evidence of how we are working together to advance sustainability on our campus and this level of recognition highlight's the team's success." For more information about sustainability at PSC, visit prairiestate.edu/sustainability.
PSC NURSING FACULTY MEMBER RECEIVES FELLOWSHIP AWARD
[Released 12/13/12]
Linda Zroskie, Prairie State College (PSC) associate professor nursing has received a 2013 Nurse Educator Fellowship Award from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The competitive award recognizes well-qualified nursing faculty at institutions of higher learning that award degrees in nursing. The award is an incentive to retain outstanding nursing faculty and to supplement the Fellow's salaries. Zroskie has been teaching a PSC for 18 years, first as an adjunct nursing professor and then teaching full-time beginning in 2007.
"This award is so well deserved. Linda is an excellent nursing faculty member and is such an asset to our program," said Dr. Marie Hansel, dean of health and industrial technology and director of nursing. "This is the first time one of PSC's nursing faculty has received this prestigious award."
Requirements for the competitive award include having a master's degree in nursing, being employed as a full-time faculty member in nursing, and having made significant contributions to the nursing program at their institution. As part of being a Fellow, Zroskie will be actively involved in nursing advocacy including participating in with the IBHE and the Illinois Center for Nursing on statewide nursing issues.
"I am very excited about receiving this award. I plan to use it to further my education and it is my hope that by doing so, I will better serve our nursing students at Prairie State College," Zroskie said.
Nursing has been a long-term high demand field that requires the retention of well-qualified professors to help address the demand for well trained nurses.
ADANE GEBEYAW KASSA JOINS PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE AS DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH AND PLANNING
[Released 12/06/12] Prairie State College (PSC) recently named Adane Gebeyaw Kassa director, institutional research and planning.
In that role, he will lead the college-wide efforts to create and maintain a culture of evidence-based decision-making. He will conduct institutional research and analysis to enhance academic planning, enrollment management, program assessment, and strategic decision-making. He also will play a key role in responding to external regulatory agencies, developing performance indicators, and guiding institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.
"We are excited about Dr. Adane Kassa joining the PSC family as the director of institutional research," said Gregory Thomas, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. "He comes to PSC with a strong professional background in conducting institutional research, utilizing research software, coordinating federal and state reporting, forecasting population and market trends, promoting institutional effectiveness, and satisfying the data/research demands of projects, grant programs, faculty, students, and staff."
Kassa joins PSC from Muskegon Community College, where he was director of institutional research and grants. Prior to his work at Muskegon, Kassa served as project evaluator/research assistant and then project coordinator at City Colleges of Chicago, program director with the Ethiopian Community Association, employment program manager/electronics instructor with the Vietnamese Association of Illinois. When in Ethiopia, Kassa served as high school principal/electricity teacher and then finance and HR manager for the Ministry of Education.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Administration from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, a Master of Science in Technical Education with a minor in Adult Education from Dresden University of Technology in Dresden, German, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Chicago State University.Jennifer Stoner
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
(708) 709-3949
jstoner@prairiestate.edu
Tina Saigh
(708)709-7801
tsaigh@prairiestate.edu