March/April 2024 Newsletter
Community College Month
April is Community College Month, and we hope our students and staff enjoyed the many events hosted over the last four weeks, including the Solar Eclipse Watch Party, Comm Day, International Tea, Open House, and Humanities Day. These events were designed to enhance and enrich the student experience and promote a sense of community pride.
In the atrium, a balloon display and a reflection table were set up for students to share why they chose PSC. Messages such as "It's close to home" and "The advisors made me feel seen and heard" highlighted the commitment of our faculty, staff, and administration and our work in creating a supportive environment for our students. Take a look below at some of our recent events.
Solar Eclipse 2024
On April 8, students and community members gathered in the Scholar's Garden at PSC to witness a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse occurred from 12:51 to 3:22 p.m., with maximum coverage of 94% at 2:07 p.m. Attendees watched the eclipse safely with eye protection provided. The STEM Club assisted in making pinhole projectors using shoe and cereal boxes and attendees were also able to view the eclipse safely via live stream in the Barnes & Noble College Auditorium. The event was featured in the Chicago Tribune. Thanks to the Prairie State Library, Natural Sciences Department, and STEM Club for hosting the event.
International Tea Day: Incredible India
Students gathered in the Conference Center on April 11 to be transported by the sights, colors, and sounds of Incredible India!
Professor Aparna Palakodeti (Biology), Professor Johnson Thomas (Biology), Professor LaLinda De La Fuente (Sociology), and the International Committee provided cultural artifacts, performances, and refreshments. Veronica Thomas, the daughter of Professor Thomas, wowed the audience with her classically trained dance.
If you were unable to attend, you can watch the full presentation on the Prairie State College Social Science Department Facebook page linked below.
Congressional Art Competition
The 2024 Congressional Art Competition Exhibition took place in the Christopher Art Gallery, featuring an Artist’s Reception on Thursday, April 18. Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted the event, where high school students from the 2nd Congressional District submitted their artworks for review by a panel of district artists to choose the winning entry. The victorious artist, a student from Thornridge High School, will be honored at an upcoming awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and their artwork will be showcased in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Pizza with a Professor
On Wednesday, April 17, the Social Sciences Department hosted a "Pizza with a Professor" event to encourage students to enroll in Honors classes for the upcoming fall semester. During the event, students had the opportunity to explore the range of courses available, learn about the curriculum, and understand the eligibility criteria for these enriching academic experiences.
Early Childhood Education Symposium
The 2nd Annual ECE Symposium at Prairie State College was a successful gathering of educators, professionals, and students focused on advancing Early Childhood Education (ECE). Participants engaged in discussions and activities to improve education for young children, with presentations and workshops covering diverse ECE topics such as curriculum development, teacher training, and play-based learning. Keynote speaker Dwayne Reed, a renowned Chicago educator, emphasized the importance of meeting students' needs. The symposium included interactive workshops led by experienced educators and researchers, exploring practical strategies for enhancing teaching and learning in early childhood, including family relationships, engaging men in ECE, self-care, and promoting social-emotional development in children. Grant funds from the ECACE scholarship supported the event's costs.
Spring Open House
On Saturday, April 20 we hosted a successful open house for the community to explore all that PSC has to offer. Visitors were able to meet with professors, advisors, and our beloved mascot Parker! Lady Red, host of the "Midday Mood" radio show on 106.3 FM entertained throughout the event and conducted raffle giveaways. Thank you to all who participated in showcasing our various academic programs, resources, and activities.
Humanities Day
On April 24, The Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Department hosted its annual Humanities Day event featuring a performance by Grammy-Award Winning artist Dom Flemons, an artist exhibition and reception showcasing works from PSC students, an art fair, live music, student showcase, program fair, and faculty showcase. Flemons, who played ten songs, including hits like He's a Lone Ranger and Steel Pony Blues, was a treat for all who attended.
During the showcase, students presented some of the work they completed over the semester. Presentations included making musical instruments from recycled material, making a short film, using sound effects in film, and many others.
Congratulations to the following student award recipients: Richard McCallum, Dr. Maurine Stein Excellence in Humanities Award; Elizabeth Zambrano, Noelle Fitzpatrick, Anna McDonnell, Page Bush-Porco, and Amber Hall (all of whom received the Nicholas and Jacqueline Rinaldi Prize in the Arts Award of Recognition in the Visual Arts).
Message from the President
Hello Pioneers,
As we near the end of the spring 2024 semester, I want to thank each of you for your commitment to this institution and, most importantly, our students. I am proud of the tremendous efforts to provide our students with the exceptional college experience they deserve. Whether inside or outside the classroom, our commitment to delivering quality curriculum, engaging events, valuable guidance, student services and a safe environment reflects our standards of excellence at PSC.
While concerns have been raised regarding the decisions surrounding the venue for our commencement ceremonies, I want to reiterate that our decisions are never made lightly. They result from careful consideration and deliberation and are guided by the best of intentions. It saddens me to hear alternative narratives and misconceptions being spread without a full understanding of the factors involved. Please know that finding a suitable and high-quality venue for our ceremony has always been our top priority. Our students are the heart of our institution, and I stand firm that we will continue to do our best to ensure they never feel marginalized or discriminated against.
This year's ceremony will be filled with excitement and pride. Students have worked hard for this moment, and their families are looking forward to watching them cross the stage on May 18. Let us now come together as a community to support and honor our graduating class as they begin this exciting new chapter in their lives.
I take great pride in the work we do here and am excited to continue collaborating with individuals with a shared passion to support our students, this community, and each other.
Thank you again for your dedication and support, and let's continue to pioneer forward together!
Dr. Michael Anthony
Human Resources
Summer Fridays at PSC
Summer Hours will be in effect from Monday, May 20, through Friday, August 2, 2024. Year-round, full-time employees who follow the general schedule of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the summer schedule will be as follows:
Office hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please note: departments that typically remain open after 4:30 p.m. and those with individual schedules may have exceptions to this schedule. Check with your supervisor for details.
Closed on Fridays through August 2.
Lunch breaks will be 30 minutes (this is unpaid).
15-minute breaks are eliminated.
If you plan to use any leave (vacation, personal, holiday, floating, or sick) during the summer schedule, you must submit a leave request for 8.5 hours each day.
This year, three holidays fall amid the summer schedule, during which the College will be closed.
Memorial Day | (Monday, May 27)
Juneteenth | (Wednesday, June 19)
Independence Day | (Thursday, July 4)
If you have any questions about summer hours, please speak first with your supervisor; then, if you need further clarification, contact Human Resources.
Deidra Smith
Chief Human Resources Officer
Departing Employees
Dr. Charmaine Sevier
Vice President of Administrative Services
Beth Shadur
Christopher Art Gallery Director
Dr. Carol Braun
Professor of Dental Hygiene
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.
Employee News
Happy Anniversary
Thank you to all who stopped by the employee lounge on Thursday, March 28, to celebrate those who started at PSC in the month of March and have been with the college for a year or longer. Happy anniversary to the following PSC Pioneers staff: Michael Bertocchi, Carol Braun, Arthur Kreykes, Andrea McCaskill, Sandy Norfleet, Jodi Pedersoli, Kimberly Pina, Nicole Prices, Daniel Ramirez, Jessica Watson, and Carol Woody.
Dr. Little Featured: Student Affairs Today
Vice President Dr. Bernard Little was featured in Student Affairs Today: Best Practices and Strategies for Student Affairs Professionals: Leaders & Innovators article
Campus Confidential
Vice President of Student Affairs and Diversity Dr. Bernard Little recently participated as a guest panelist on the Campus Confidential: Secrets to Higher Education Leadership podcast. Dr. Little and fellow panelists discussed various topics including insights on the workforce, examination of higher education practices, the importance of unlearning certain preconceptions, and strategies for attracting and retaining talented employees. Listen to the full episode below.
Writing Placement in Two-Year Colleges
Jason Evans, Professor of English, presented at a workshop, "Innovations in Writing Placement from Two-Year College Leaders," at the Conference on College Composition and Communication in Spokane, Oregon, on Saturday, April 6. Faculty members from community colleges in five different states shared their institutional placement stories and engaged in discussion around selecting placement methods, data collection, aligning placement with literacy programs, and engaging institutional stakeholders.
Sarah Hein Presented at Statewide Conference
Counselor and Transfer Coordinator Sarah Hein presented at the statewide Transfer Conference held in April in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Illinois Articulation Initiative's creation. She presented on the topic of IAI course submission, sharing methods used at PSC to obtain 100% IAI approval the last two years, compared to the systemwide average of 61%. Information was shared to help other schools to improve their own approval ratings.
Student Spotlight
Ethan Eisenberg
Ethan Eisenberg has been named the Ed Schwarz Outstanding Communication Student for the 2023-2024 academic year. This award is named in recognition of retired Professor Ed Schwarz, who dedicated 23 years to teaching communication classes at Prairie State College before retiring in 2018. Professor Schwarz excelled in teaching and held roles as the Coordinator of Communication and Chair of the Department of Humanities, Communication, Fine Art and Performing Arts.
The award recognizes exceptional second-year students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in Communication coursework and activities on the PSC campus.
Employee Spotlight
Congratulations, Dana Trunnell!
Dana Trunnell was named the Phi Rho Pi Region IV Forensics Coach of the Year for 2024, an award voted on by students in the region. At the National Tournament, she also received the Collie-Taylor Coach Fellowship Award, named after Jim Collie (College of Dupage) and Peg Taylor (Orange Coast College,) two notable forensics figures. Additionally, Dana was honored with the Phi Rho Pi Service Award for her outstanding service to regional and national forensics organizations.
Workforce Development and Community Education
Mental Health Conference
PSC will host its 10th Annual Mental Health Conference featuring keynote speaker Jasmin Ford, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Patient Advocate. The conference will be hosted on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the PSC Conference Center on the main PSC campus at 202 S. Halsted in Chicago Heights. Join us for a day of insightful discussions and learning in the mental health field.
The theme this year, “The Many Faces of Mental Health,” will explore the diverse aspects of mental health. The guest speaker and presenters will share strategies and discuss various topics including: understanding different mental health conditions, promoting mental well-being, destigmatizing mental health, and exploring innovative approaches to treatment and support. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend the keynote address and choose from various breakout sessions. More information below.
Kids@College 2024
Special Promotion for PSC Employees:
PSC employees can register their children/grandchildren for Kids@College 2024 at a flat rate of $99 per child, with payment through payroll deduction.
🚀 Camp Theme:
"It's a Celestial Summer" - A STEAM-based camp focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, promoting creativity and space exploration joy.
Registration Details:
Limited to PSC employee children/grandchildren.
Payroll deduction forms must be completed and emailed to wdce@prairiestate.edu.
Payment in full required before camp start dates.
Unauthorized registrations will result in forfeiture of fees.
Contact Information:
To register, contact WDCE at extension 3580 or email wdce@prairiestate.edu Join us for an educational and fun-filled youth camp experience at Kids@College 2024.
Southland Black Chamber Lunch & Learn
WDCE held a Lunch & Learn session on April 2 for the Southland Black Chamber, providing its members with insights into potential partnership opportunities in WDCE Workforce Trades, Workforce Professions, and Opportunity Works.
External Affairs
WGN Commercials
WGN Radio recently collaborated with PSC faculty for the third time, welcoming them into the studio to produce commercials promoting their distinctive programs. Dr. Christine Brooms, Dr. Natalie McGathey, and Jonathan Pierre were highlighted in these spots, which aired for 10 days leading up to the Spring Open House event.
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 – Open House 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
WVON – ATM Talk Radio– Open House
WGN Radio – ATM Talk News– Open House
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
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 4/16/24
Headline: Crowd at PSC watches astronomical dance
"With necks craned and special glasses in place, a crowd of area residents and students watched the eclipse Monday, April 8, from the Scholars Garden at Prairie State College ."
https://www.hfchronicle.com/2024/04/16/crowd-at-psc-watches-astronomical-dance/
Southland Journal, 4/16/24
Headline: Upcoming Prairie State College Open House
“Prairie State College (PSC) invites the local community to its upcoming Open House. Stop by the main campus from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, April 20 at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights for an opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore the PSC campus, interact with faculty and staff, and discover the wide range of educational programs and resources available .”
https://thesouthlandjournal.com/upcoming-prairie-state-college-open-house/
Illinois Policy, 4/16/24
Headline: Keith Bass
“After high school, I wanted to do something related to tech. I ended up going to Prairie State College ."
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/story/keith-bass/
Chicago Classical Review, 4/15/24
Headline: Haydn provides the highlight in IPO’s classical-era program
“The IPO’s season continues 6:30 p.m. April 16 at Prairie State College, with a program called “Classical Evolves,” workshopping new pieces by Daixuan Ai, Chris Neiner, Osnat Netzer, and Sepehr Pirasteh.”
The Courier, 4/15/24
Headline: Women’s Soccer’s Second Half Rhythm Leads to Win Over Prairie State College
“The Chaparrals defeated Prairie State College 4-0 after maintaining their offensive rhythm in the second half to give COD a win in the third game of the spring season. ”
https://codcourier.org/womens-soccers-second-half-rhythm-leads-to-win-over-prairie-state-college/
Prairie State Pioneers, 4/12/24
Headline: Why join a student club?
“As a former club president at Prairie State College and now a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, I’ve learned essential skills like responsibility and time management .”
https://pioneersread.wordpress.com/2024/04/12/why-join-a-student-club/
Indiana University East, 4/12/24
Headline: Tennis- Weekend Preview
“The Red Wolves fell to Olivet Nazarene University and Prairie State College last week in Illinois ”
https://www.iueredwolves.com/sports/mten/2023-24/releases/041224_weekendpreview
Chicago Heights Patch, 4/11/24
Headline: International Tea: Incredible India
“Join us in the Barnes & Noble College Auditorium (12:30 - 2:00 p.m.) as guest speakers Aparna Palakodeti (assistant professor, biology) and Johnson Thomas (associate professor, biology) put on our Annual International Tea event on Incredible India! ”
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 4/11/24
Headline: What you need to know today - International Tea
“Prairie State College will host an international tea.”
https://www.hfchronicle.com/2024/04/11/4-11-2024-what-you-need-to-know-today/
Chicago Tribune/Daily Southtown, 4/11/24
Headline: Students, community members view solar eclipse from Scholar’s Garden at Prairie State College
“The Prairie State College Library, which is also a public library, partnered with the college’s Natural Sciences Department and STEM Club to host the Monday eclipse viewing event, said Dawn Sterning, library services manager.”
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 2/29/24
Headline: Art galleries at area community colleges offer culture, inspiration to underserved communities
“When Beth Shadur assembled a recent art exhibit at Prairie State College, she combined the work of two artists whose interpretations of female power could speak to the novice and art connoisseur alike.”
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 4/7/24
Headline: This Week - PSC Eclipse Party
“Prairie State College Library, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, will host an eclipse viewing event in both the Barnes and Noble Conference Center, room 1315, and the Scholar’s Garden. Participants will have an opportunity to make pinhole projectors, eat snacks and hear research by STEM Club students. The Scholar’s Garden will host eclipse viewing with solar telescopes and glasses. Organizers suggest participants bring a blanket or chair ”
Rolling Out, 4/5/24
Headline: Nurses reveal secrets of the operating room and how to get hired
“Dr. Danielle M. Coleman, along with professors Monique N. Campbell and Rhonda C. White gathered as a panel to drop some knowledge on those who had the privilege to hear them in person.”
https://rollingout.com/2024/04/05/nurses-reveal-or-secrets-how-to-get-job/
Chicago Tribune/Daily Southtown, 4/4/24
Headline: Area eclipse events
“Prairie State College’s library and natural sciences department and STEM Club will host an eclipse viewing event from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday in the Conference Center, Room 1315, and the Scholar’s Garden.”
Southland Journal, 4/4/24
Headline: Prairie State College Named Recipient of Urban Area Security Initiative Award
"Prairie State College (PSC) has been named a subaward grant recipient of the Urban Area Security Initiative Award of $500,000 from the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Emergency Management & Regional Security."
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 4/1/24
Headline: PSC art exhibit reception.
“A reception from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Prairie State College Christopher Art Gallery, 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago.”
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 3/26/24
Headline: PSC Economic Forecast Breakfast to feature investment strategist
“The Prairie State College Foundation is hosting its Economic Forecast Breakfast 2024 on Friday, April 12. The 7:30 a.m. program at Olympia Fields Country Club will feature Jason Turner, chief investment strategist and head of multi-asset strategy for Great Lakes Advisors, a Wintrust Wealth Management company. Turner is responsible for portfolio strategy, asset allocation and overseeing the firm’s due diligence and selection efforts.”
eNews Park Forest, 3/23/24
Headline: Prairie State College to Host Job & Resource Fair on March 27
“The Office of Military Student Affairs at Prairie State College is hosting a Job and Resource Fair on March 27th. The event will allow students and community members to connect with various employment and resource opportunities. It will be free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join the fair in the Atrium of PSC’s Main Campus Building. ”
https://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/prairie-state-college-to-host-job-resource-fair-on-march-27/
Fox 32 Chicago, 3/25/24
Headline: Prairie State College hosting 'Ties that Bind' event for prospective students
“Prairie State College is hosting a special event to help young adults who are hoping to pursue a college education. It's called "Ties that Bind" and here to tell us more is William Berkley with Prairie State College ”
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/1430708
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 3/24/24
Headline: Job Fair
“The Office of Military Student Affairs at Prairie State College is hosting a job and resource fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the atrium of the main campus building, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Free and open to the public.”
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 3/24/24
Headline: Spring blood drive
“HOSA-Future Health Professionals student organization is partnering with Versiti Blood Center to host a community blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 25, in the atrium of the main campus building at Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights.”
ABC7 Chicago, 3/23/24
Headline: Trauma response training class offered to South Side residents in Roseland, Chicago Heights
“The second trauma training class will be held next Saturday morning, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights ”
https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-safety-trauma-training-south-side-ujimaa-medics/14562677/
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle, 3/22/24
Headline: Public welcome to Male Success Initiative program Tuesday at PSC
“The Male Success Initiative (MSI) program at Prairie State College 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, 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.”
Southland Journal, 3/22/24
Headline: Commissioner Gordon Partners with Ujimaa Medics to Offer Trauma Training
“Ujimaa Medics will hold trauma training over two weekend dates: March 23 (Roseland Hospital) and March 30 (Prairie State College). The trainings will go from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.”
eNews Park Forest, 3/22/24
Headline: Prairie State College to Host Job & Resource Fair on March 27
“The Office of Military Student Affairs at Prairie State College is hosting a Job and Resource Fair on March 27th. The event will allow students and community members to connect with various employment and resource opportunities. It will be free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join the fair in the Atrium of PSC’s Main Campus Building.”
https://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/prairie-state-college-to-host-job-resource-fair-on-march-27/
Chicago Tribune/Daily Southtown, 3/20/24
Headline: Gill, Jones claim victory as incumbents prevail in south and southwest suburban legislative primaries
“Political signs line a pathway leading to the early voting site at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights Monday.”
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
The Conference Center held 24 events for external clients between March 15 – April 15. Also, there were 69 events for internal clients (employees and students) during that timeframe.
Events with external groups included meetings for Illinois Action for Children, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, SURS (State University Retirement System), SEIU, UMedics, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and Homewood Science Center.
Internal events included student clubs, department meetings, Dental Hygiene Orientation, PSC recruitment presentation to high school counselors, CDL preparation, International Tea, and a Veteran’s Resource Job Fair, Comm. Day, Early Childhood Symposium, and Solar Eclipse viewing and activities.
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
Men's Tennis Captures Region IV Crown
Men's tennis captured the Region IV championship to advance to the NJCAA National Tournament which will be held in Plano, Tx. beginning on May 13. The Pioneers finished the regular season with a 14-9 record.
Baseball and softball are both nearing the end of their regular seasons with an eye on a hopeful postseason run. The Pioneer baseball team sits at 15-32 with seven regular season games remaining. Fabian Romero got his 100th career hit at PSC over the weekend.
Pioneer softball has an 18-24 record with two more regular season games to play.
Connect with PSC Athletics on social media!
Twitter - @PSCPioneers
Facebook - Prairie State College Athletics
Instagram - @prairiestatecollegeathletics
Office of Institutional Advancement and PSC Foundation
Economic Forecast Breakfast
The 2024 Economic Forecast Breakfast was a great success with 172 paid tickets for the event and 18 sponsors. There were 12 scholarship recipients who attended and volunteered for the event, and Assistant Professor of Economics, Michael Massengill, attended the event with 15 additional students. All of the students’ tickets were paid for by our generous sponsors.
Jason Turner, Chief Investment Strategist, and Head of Multi-Asset Strategy for Great Lakes Advisors, a Wintrust Wealth Management Company, was the guest speaker. His presentation, The Economy According to Buffet (Warren and Jimmy) was well received and the Foundation looks forward to welcoming him back next year.
The Foundation is grateful for the leadership of Trustee Jay Readey, who served as chair of the event and represents the Board of Trustees as a Director with the Foundation. Trustee Readey has also volunteered to chair the 2025 event, and the Foundation has already begun planning it for March or April 2025. Once all of the invoices for the event are received, the Foundation will report the profits.
Each employee who participated as a Denim Days donor and supported the Economic Forecast Breakfast received a new pin for their displays.
Special thanks to all of the College employees and trustees who purchased tickets or were sponsors of the event:
Dr. Desiree’ Anderson
Dr. Michael Anthony
Joe Belcaster
Dr. Andy Binanti
Sheila Brooks
Alisha Clark
Bill Condon
Annette Dolph
Dr. SaRrah Fridge
Dr. Marie Hansel
Deborah Smith Havighorst
Melissa Hebert-Johnson
Joni Jarnagin
Dr. Ty Jiles-Vaughn
Jerrold Martin
Michael Massengill
Trustee Theresa McCoy-Carpenter
Andie McCaskill
Dr. Chris McElroy
Yvette McGhee
Grace McGinnis
Jaime Miller
Dr. Craig Mulling
Thomas Nicholas
Al Penner
Trustee Jay Readey
Georges Sanon
Allan Scarabello
BJ Schmidt
Andy Schott
Dr. George Streeter
Trustee Jon Vanderbilt
Trustee Ronald White
Elighie Wilson, III
Scholarships
The Foundation is working through the applications received for SU24 and is preparing for the launch of the 2024-2025 academic year application in May. The annual application will allow students to better plan their financing for the entire academic year and align with the College’s retention strategy.
31st Annual Scholarship Classic Golf Outing
Prairie State College Foundation’s 31st Annual Scholarship Classic Golf Outing will be held on Monday, June 3 at Idlewild Country Club. Get your foursome together now or make plans to join us for the after-party for heavy hors d’ouerves, drinks, and award presentations. The Foundation is also featuring the live helicopter ball drop—don’t miss it!
Alumni Relations
In addition to distributing alumni t-shirts and decals to graduates immediately following the Commencement ceremony, the Foundation is also promoting a new alumni initiative to educate students to Start Near. Go Far. and Give Back to help future students succeed. With a donation of $20.24 in honor of their graduation year, graduates will receive a commemorative PSC alumni tassel keychain to highlight their new alumni status at Commencement and beyond!
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:
May 9 | Last day of class
May 13-16 | Finals Fest
May 10-16 | Final Exams
May 16 | 10th Annual Mental Health Conference
May 18 | Commencement
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
Mood-Boosting Recipes
Kick-off Mental Health Awareness Month with 20 nutritious and mood-boosting recipes to try! If you have a recipe you want to share, please calston@prairiestate.edu to be featured in our upcoming newsletter.
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.