February/March 2024 Newsletter
Women's History Month
International Women's Day
Prairie State College students, faculty and employees wore purple to celebrate International Women's Day on Friday, March 8. This gesture served as a powerful tribute to the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of women at PSC and beyond.
2024 Job and Resource Fair
The Office of Military Student Affairs at Prairie State College hosted a Job and Resource Fair on March 27, allowing students and community members to connect with a wide range of employment and resource opportunities. Attendes had the opportunity to network with a diverse variety of employers and organizations that offered housing, veteran service organizations, community resources, legal and educational information, and many more. Some of the organizations included International Brotherhood of Electrical Works (IBEW) #134, PipeFitters Local Union 597, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and Illinois State Police.
Ties that Bind
The Male Success Initiative Program (MSI) hosted its annual "Ties That Bind" event on Tuesday, March 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Prairie State College atrium. Participants sharpened their networking skills and learned how to build professional relationships.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Theta Mu Lambda Chapter mentors were in attendance to provide African American & Hispanic/Latino male students with career advice, tips on attire, interviewing techniques, and more information on how to succeed in college. All in attendance received a necktie at the end of the evening. PSC's own William Berkely was featured on Good Day Chicago to highlight the event. Check out his full interview below:
PI Day at PSC
Pi is the most studied number in mathematics, and for good reason. The number Pi is integral to our understanding of geometry. Pi has uses in physics, astronomy, and mathematics. Pi is used in architecture and construction as well, and has been a vital part of everything from arches and bridges to the Pyramids of Giza. On Pi Day we celebrated with pizza pies from Aurelio's and key lime, cherry, apple and banana crème pies for dessert! Shout out to External Affairs for coordinating this effort.
Model Illinois Government
On Friday, February 16, five PSC students attended a Model Illinois Government committee simulation hosted by Roosevelt University. This committee simulation was designed to prepare students for the statewide Model Illinois Government held February 29 - March 3. At the Roosevelt simulation, students role-played members of the Illinois House of Representatives debating bills while learning parliamentary procedure. Maggie Sterning role-played a journalist. Lake Forest College, Governors State University, Purdue University, Northwest, and the University of Illinois at Springfield also sent student representatives.
Pictured: Franco Villalobos, Hudson Ferreira, Donovan Johnson, Maggie Sterning, and Eduardo Nunez.
Sister Circle
PSC now has a new women’s student support group called “Sister Circle!” Personal Counselor Shannon Word and Alumna Student Cassandra White (who wrote a research paper on the need for a women’s support group) have been working together to bring this group to PSC and hosted its first meeting on March 27.
The support group provides women with a safe environment while offering empowering exercises, peer support, and exploring key themes such as fostering self-worth.
Sister Circle Support Group will continue to meet every other Wednesday in classroom 2409 from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
For more info, contact Counselor Shannon Word, NCC, LCPC at sword@prairiestate.edu.
Resources Available on the Intranet:
New Fitness Center Hours
The Fitness Center will now be open Monday -Thursday, 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m. -3 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon.
Evacuation Chair Training
Have you ever wondered “How do the mobility impaired or injured people evacuate upper floors in an emergency?” Do you know what devices are available to assist disabled students, staff or visitors evacuate upper floors during emergencies?
Prairie State College police will be hosting training on the EVACU CHAIR CD-7 on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 10:00 am, in Conference Center room 1315. Participants will also have hands-on training in the movement of someone down a set of stairs using the Evacu-Chair.
If you are interested in learning how to use the Evacu-Chair, contact Chief Anthony Martin at amartin@prairiestate.edu. A second session will be scheduled for April 25, 2024.
Center for Teaching and Learning
Prairie State College is in the process of establishing the Center for Teaching and Learning in room 3190, designed as a collaborative space to enhance education at PSC. The room will feature a comfortable and inviting atmosphere with a TV, tables, and couches, fostering discussions and idea-sharing. A leadership team is being formed to ensure a well-rounded learning experience for students and employees. Professor Dana Trunnell is leading the transformation of room 3190 into the CTL and is enthusiastic about its potential to promote collaboration across divisions at PSC. Ongoing improvements are underway, with the relocation of a bookcase from the employee lounge to the room.
Pace Celebrates 40 Years
Pace is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer, and we are invited to join in the excitement! To celebrate 40 years of serving Chicagoland riders, Pace will install 40 benches at Pace bus stops across the region. With the artistic talent of our faculty and students, it can be a success. Many students and community members rely on Pace to get around, and these benches will reflect the thousands of riders who use Pace daily.
All interested participants are asked to provide 2-3 work samples and a design concept for their bench by April 12. Selected artists will be notified by April 19 and will have an opportunity to choose from a selection of bench locations. Pace will provide benches to selected artists and a $500 stipend to complete their designs.
Questions can be directed to PaceBenches@GatesmanAgency.com.
FAFSA Workshops
Financial Aid will be hosting a series of FAFSA Workshops in the Learning Achievement Center (LAC) every Tuesday and Wednesday through April 10. Parents and students needing assistance completing the 2024-25 FAFSA are encouraged to attend. Spread the word!
Humanities Day
We have a Grammy- Award winning musician visiting our campus in April! Dom Flemons will perform from 9:30-11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24 in the Barnes & Noble College Auditorium. This kicks off our annual Humanities Day celebration organized by the Arts and Humanities Department and sponsored by the Prairie State Foundation. Spread the word. Come and enjoy some music together.
Human Resources
New Employees
Joe Edwards, Ed.D.
Director of Student Care and Support
Departing Employees
Elizabeth Johnson
Administrative Assistant, Opportunity Works
Simone Shama
Financial Aid Evaluator
EAP: Employee Assistance Program
Offered through Prairie State College, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program offering free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees with personal and work-related problems.
Spring Holiday
Prairie State College will be closed on March 29. The college will resume classes on Monday, April 1.
Employee News
Happy Anniversary
Thank you to all who stopped by the employee lounge on Thursday, February 29, to celebrate those who started at PSC in the month of February and have been with the college for a year or longer. Happy anniversary to the following PSC Pioneers staff: Matilda Agyakye, Jennifer Eick-Magan, Yesenia Garcia, Chris Kutcha, Inez Mackey, Carlos Reyes, Jennica Rodriguez, Cheri Taylor-Lawton, and Robert Wald.
Sisters with Superpowers
On March 22, three of our Prairie State College professors participated in a conversation hosted by Rolling Out discussing their areas of specialty: nursing, surgical technology and physical therapy. Dr. Danielle Coleman, a nursing professor, facilitated the panel discussion. Sisters with Superpowers is an engaging show celebrating African American women's resilience and diversity. The series highlights their diverse backgrounds, talents, and impacts on the world, from entrepreneurs to artists, inspiring audiences to embrace their own superpowers.
Published! New Book by Terry Foote
Adult Literacy Program Volunteer Terry Foote is pleased to announce the publication of his new book, Artistic Avenue, which is available in paperback and e-book. Artistic Avenue, is a captivating collection of picturesque poetry with classic and contemporary themes. Each poem takes you on a journey that discloses itself page by page and will leave you creating an environment uniquely yours. For more creative content visit, https://www.terrencefoote.com/.
Student Spotlight
Berthrand Ewang-Mengalle and Laura Kim
PSC Students Berthrand Ewang-Mengalle and Laura Kim presented their work at the ILSAMP Conference on February 23-24, 2024, and competed against 16 other chemistry posters from other four-year institutions. Laura and Berthrand took second place in chemistry. Both cared for zebrafish and fed them microplastic three times a week. Then, they dissected the zebrafish and used FTIR spectroscopy to trace the microplastic particles in the fish's different organs. They found microplastic in the zebrafish's gill, stomach, and liver.
Workforce Development and Community Education
Fabulous Me Spring Makeover Class!
Monday, April 15, 6 – 8 p.m., ATOC Room 111
Learn how to choose products that are right for you
Learn step-by-step how to create a beautiful, sophisticated look
Bring your own foundation and brushes
Bring any makeup products you like or have questions about
$49 includes a free eyeshadow palette!
Course Code: PICRF-097-C1
Sewing Classes
Back by popular demand! Our Basic Sewing class which began March 9th filled up quickly. Due to the tremendous response, we have added additional basic and advanced classes. Seats are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Basic Sewing class
PIPIN-056-C2
April 6-27, 2024, Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
ATOC, Room 131
Basic Sewing class
PIPIN-056-C3
April 8-29, 2024, Mondays 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
ATOC, Room 133
Advanced Sewing class
(NOTE: This class is for those who already have a basic knowledge of sewing and know how to read a pattern and select fabric)
PIPIN-015-C1
April 6-27, 2024, Saturdays 1:00-4:00 p.m.
ATOC, Room 131
For questions and further details, please contact WDCE at (708) 709-2957 or email wdceprofessions@prairiestate.edu.
External Affairs
Who Inspires You?
To celebrate Women's History Month, External Affairs invited the PSC community to share messages about the remarkable women who inspire you the most. Thanks to all who contributed to the display. Many beautiful messages were shared honoring the incredible women who have made a difference in your lives.
Conference Center Commercial
Prairie State College has a new commercial for showcasing the Conference Center and Barnes & Noble Auditorium. This short video tour is part of an advertisement series that features three 30-second commercials showcasing various students and programs at the College.
BRAND AWARENESS (Paid Media):
Efforts to raise visibility through paid advertising and sponsorship for the PSC brand.
Digital Advertising:
Southland Journal – Spring Registration Ad
Southland Journal – Opportunity Works Ad
Southland Journal – Open House Ad
Southland Journal – Start Near, Go Far Ad
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle – Spring Registration Ad
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle – Open House
Print Advertising:
South Suburban News – General Awareness Ad
Homewood-Flossmoor Neighbors magazine – General Awareness Ad
South Suburban News – General Awareness Ad
Tinley Park Progress – General Awareness Ad
Radio Advertising:
SOUL 106 – Urban Contemporary 106.3 FM – Opportunity Works Ads
Power 92 – Urban Contemporary 92.3 FM – Opportunity Works Ads
Out of Home (OOH)/Outdoor:
Mini Billboard/Kiosks on grocery store disinfectant wipe dispensers at entrance
60886 - Jewel at 3220 Chicago Road, South Chicago Heights, IL, 60411
60902 - Jewel at 17705 S Halsted St, Homewood, IL, 60430
64839 - CVS at 3400 LINCOLN HWY., Olympia fields, IL, 60461
70304 - CVS at 1 MAIN STREET, Park forest, IL, 60466
“Start Near, Go Far” Billboard and kiosk at the South Holland Oasis on the 80-294 Tollway east of the Halsted exit
“Start Near, Go Far” Billboard on I-394 W/S, N/O STEGER RD, N/F
“Start Near, Go Far” Billboard on Union Street at Stop Sign (Will County)
BRAND AWARENESS (Earned Media):
Efforts to raise visibility and solicit recognition of the PSC brand through pitches to the media
BVM Sports, 2/16/24
Headline: Chicago State Men’s Tennis Team Triumphs Over Prairie State College with 8-1 Victory
"Chicago State men's tennis team secured their first victory of the season with an 8-1 win over Prairie
State College at Park Forest Health and Fitness Club in Chicago Heights."
Minnesota State Community Technical College Website, 3/11/24
Headline: Spartans Manage Just One Hit in 12-1 Loss to Prairie State College
“Prairie State College scored 10 runs in the first inning and went on to defeat M State by the score of 12-1 on Monday as the Spartans fell to 1-3 on their Florida trip. The Pioneers added a pair of third inning runs and finished with 8 hits.”
https://athletics.minnesota.edu/sports/bsb/2023-24/releases/20240312k9r48v
Chicago Tribune/Daily Southtown, 3/11/24
Headline: Former Park Forest Mayor Jon Vanderbilt still working for vocation school at shuttered Rich East campus
“On the last Tuesday of each month, however, he drives to Prairie State College. As the vice chair of the school’s
board of directors, he dutifully attends these meetings. His position on the board enables him to maintain a fairly normal schedule. This routine is a far cry from his daily, six-year grind, first as a village trustee then as mayor from 2019 to 2023."
Legacy.com 3/11/24
Headline: Gayla Cahan, Obituary
“In addition, she was a dental hygiene instructor at Prairie State College, Girl Scout leader, volunteer, excellent
baker and a beloved friend to many.”
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/gayla-cahan-obituary?id=54584261
Joliet Patch, 3/11/24
Headline: Male Success Initiative Host Annual Networking Event "Ties that Bind"
“The Male Success Initiative (MSI) program at Prairie State College (PSC) will host its annual “Ties That Bind” event on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Atrium on the Main Campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.”
Southland Journal, 3/4/24
Headline: Male Success Initiative to Host Annual Networking Event ‘Ties that Bind’
“The Male Success Initiative (MSI) program at Prairie State College (PSC) will host its annual “Ties That Bind” event on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Atrium on the Main Campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.”
Sun-Times, 3/1/24
Headline: IDOC to provide career information across the state in March and April
“3/27 – Prairie State College Career and Resource Fair, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at 202 South Halsted St., Chicago Heights, IL”
MyRadioLink, 3/1/24
Headline: IDOC to provide career information across the state in March and April
“3/27 – Prairie State College Career and Resource Fair, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at 202 South Halsted St., Chicago Heights, IL”
ILHIGHEREDCOALITION, 3/1/24
Headline: Illinois Community College Celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
“February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and Illinois community colleges across the state, including Prairie State College (PSC), are celebrating their valuable role in preparing the workforce for in- demand jobs. “Don’t compromise on Comfort! PSC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program offers students the basic knowledge and skills needed to diagnose electrical and mechanical problems,” said Dr. Ty Jiles, Dean, Career and Technical Education.”
Southland Journal, 2/29/24
Headline: Illinois Community College Celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
“February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and Illinois community colleges across the state, including Prairie State College (PSC), are celebrating their valuable role in preparing the workforce for in- demand jobs. “Don’t compromise on Comfort! PSC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program offers students the basic knowledge and skills needed to diagnose electrical and mechanical problems,” said Dr. Ty Jiles, Dean, Career and Technical Education.”
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 2/29/24
Headline: Cook County Clerk’s Office webpage combats election misinformation
“Expanded early voting at more than 50 suburban locations will begin Monday, March 4, including Prairie State College in Chicago Heights.”
Jobs and Career Match, 2/28/24
Headline: IDOC to provide career information across the state in March and April
“3/27 – Prairie State College Career and Resource Fair, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at 202 South Halsted St., Chicago Heights, IL”
Patch, Chicago Heights 2/27/24
Headline: Prairie State College Job/Resource Fair is 3/27
“This Job/Resource & Job Fair, being presented by the PSC Office of Military Student Affairs, is open to the public, and over 40 vendors are projected to attend.”
Southland Journal, 2/27/24
Headline: Prairie State College Speech Team Amid Successful Season
“The Prairie State College (PSC) Forensics team is having a successful season with impressive results so far. Competing in three tournaments held across Illinois, the team’s results are outlined below for each tournament. Syncere Billups (Homewood, IL) won first place in the Top Speaker category and was the tournament Champion in
IPDA Debate. Billups teamed up with Carrington Valentine (Hazel Crest, IL) for third place in Duo Interpretation.
Valentine shined on his own, earning the tournament championship in Informative Speaking.”
https://thesouthlandjournal.com/prairie-state-college-speech-team-amid-successful-season/
Patch, Joliet 2/26/24
Headline: Prairie State College Job/Resource Fair is 3/27
"The PSC Job/Resource Fair 2024 at Prairie State College will take place on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m."
eNews Park Forest, 2/22/24
Headline: Touching base with Superintendent about Technical Education Center at Rich East Site
“This project is a combined effort by a consortium of six districts: Rich Township District 227, Bloom Township District 206, Homewood-Flossmoor District 233, Prairie State College District 515, Southland College Prep District 162, and SPEED S.E.J.A. District 802.”
Christopher Art Gallery
Power: A Feminist Exhibition
The show features work by Lilach Schrag and Ginny Sykes, and is a feminist exhibition celebrating Women's History Month. Works include installations in mixed media and Sykes' 100 Women Project.
The exhibition will run from March 20 to April 11, 2024, and the Artists' Reception will be held on Wednesday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Christopher Art Gallery.
Conference Center
Conference Center/Early Voting
The Conference Center was a host site for the Cook County Clerk’s Office’s Early Voting this year. From March 4 – March 18th, over 1200 suburban voters cast their ballots in the primary election in our facility. The Conference Center was also named a receiving center, and on March 19, other area precincts brought the votes that were cast in their facilities to PSC where they were collected from staff from the Cook County Clerk’s office until 11:30 p.m.
Conference Center Advertising
The Marketing Communications Team developed a television commercial to promote the Conference Center to local south suburban audiences. The :30 second spot ran for the month of January through February 11 as an introduction or re-introduction to the surrounding communities informing them that the space is open and available to them.
There were over 800 spots scheduled across 40+ networks including high-profile sports such as NCAA basketball on ESPN, FS1, and Big Ten Network as well as NBA basketball on TNT in the South Suburban and South Lake zones. The commercial also aired in Spanish as well. The commercial was additionally delivered during streamed content in the same south suburban targeted areas with 100,000 impressions.
There has been an uptick in calls since the commercial began airing with requests to use the space as early as March and as late as October. The commercial can be still be viewed on Prairie State College’s YouTube channel.
Institutional Research
PSC Student Facts
Each month, the Institutional Research office will share interesting facts about PSC and our students. These facts will be gathered from the internal and external data reporting that we work on. We hope these monthly tidbits get you excited and curious about how data can help us better understand and serve our students! Reach out to Annette Dolph with any data-related questions.
Athletics
Spring Sports Take Trips Over Break
Baseball took its annual trip to the Russmat Tournament in Florida. The Pioneers finished the trip 3-4 and are 8-11 to start the year. Our softball squad took its annual trip to Myrtle Beach, winning three games. Men's tennis split a pair of matches in Ohio. Please check out a few photos from the trips.
Connect with PSC Athletics on social media!
Twitter - @PSCPioneers
Facebook - Prairie State College Athletics
Instagram - @prairiestatecollegeathletics
Office of Institutional Advancement and PSC Foundation
Summer 2024 Scholarships
The Foundation has opened the summer scholarship applications and is working closely with the Office of Financial Aid to move to an annual application process instead of a semester by semester process. More information will be coming as we work to implement this procedure for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Economic Forecast Breakfast
The last day to register for the Economic Forecast Breakfast is Monday, April 1. Please register with the link below or contact Deb Havighorst at (708) 709-7918 for more information. Thank you to those who have already committed to being sponsors:
Peter Havighorst
Melissa Hebert-Johnson
HUB International
Illiana Financial Credit Union
John Kasperek Co., Inc.
Old Plank Trail Bank
PSC Federation of Teachers
The Wexler Group
Elighie Wilson III
Foundation Full Board Meeting
The full board met at the college via Zoom on March 7, and Vice President Sonia Gomez (Illiana Financial Credit Union) ran the meeting. Dr. Anthony reported on the college budget process and preparations for the upcoming summer and fall semesters. Foundation Treasurer Cathy Svetanoff reviewed the FY2023 financials, which show that the Foundation has about $2.7 million in net assets and a net income of $110,000 in FY23. The Investment and Finance Committee will review the finalized audit at the end of April and present it to the Board of Directors for approval in May.
Denim Days
During 2024, the Foundation will sponsor 78 Denim Days. For a $1 donation each day, employees can wear denim to work. All employees who pay or pledge to pay at least $78 in 2024 will receive a special collector’s pin and a desktop pin display, stating they are changing lives by supporting student scholarships.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming College Events:
April 20 - PSC Open House
April 24 - Humanities Day
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees' regular monthly meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. To view information from the Board of Trustees, including meeting agendas, minutes, and audio/video recordings, visit Board Docs.
Current Members:
Camiella Williams | Chair
Jonathan Vanderbilt | Vice Chair
Michelle Aldana | Secretary
Dr. Theresa McCoy-Carpenter, Esq
Jay S. Readey
John Stanfa
Dr. Ronald White
Fernanda Vazquez | Student Trustee
Healthy Spring Recipes
Whether you are looking for warming soup recipes to bridge the gap between the seasons, or for more light and vibrant spring salads or dinner ideas, you’ll find some inspiration here.
Request Intranet Updates
Please take a look at your page(s) on the Intranet and complete the Intranet Request Form below. Once received, the communications team will review your request and follow-up.
If you have any questions, please contact
Allan Scarabello at ascarabello@prairiestate.edu.
Have an Announcement?
We love good news! If you have an announcement you want to share, submit the form below, and we'll publish it in the upcoming newsletter.
Request Website Updates
We are actively updating and linking pages to the new PSC website. We ask that you report issues directly to us at marketing@prairiestate.edu so that we can log, track, and correct them.