Embedded Files
Message from Dr. Michael D. Anthony
Message from Dr. Michael D. Anthony
Hello All,
The summer session is in full swing, and I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather. A little over a month has passed since graduation. I certainly miss all of our students and am excited to see what they will do next. Remembering all the great things they achieved while here inspires me to work harder during the summer to help our future students experience the same level of success as the class of 2023. Speaking of success, the Foundation and PSC volunteers did an excellent job at the recent 30th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing. The event helped raise scholarships which are paramount to the success of our student body. I want to thank Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and the Foundation Deb Havighorst and Manager of Scholarships and Alumni Relations Susan Sebastian for doing an outstanding job on this special event.
As you may have noticed, the atrium renovation project is underway. Whenever I hear the workers or walk by the Atrium, I know it will soon look better than ever. The project still has a ways to go, but we are building a more friendly space for our students, faculty, and staff. Pardon all the noise and dust, but I promise the final product will be worth it.
I am also excited about all our new, outstanding hires at the college. I look forward to putting faces to the names of all our new employees. I can’t wait to meet all of you! Your hard work and growth in your positions will undoubtedly make PSC a better place.
I hope all of you get some rest and have a tremendous rest of your summer!
Dr. Anthony
Commencement 2023
Commencement 2023
Our 2023 graduates shined bright at our commencement ceremony last month. We are proud and wish them well on their journeys ahead. Thanks to all who made the ceremony a success. More photos can be viewed by clicking the link below.
30th Annual Scholarship Classic
30th Annual Scholarship Classic
The Foundation's 30th Annual Scholarship Classic Golf Outing held at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor was a tremendous success. Scholarships were raised for our future Pioneers. Thanks to all participants, volunteers, and workers who helped make this event happen. Please check out a few photos at the link below.
Juneteenth Events
Juneteenth Events
Prairie State College employees and students represented the institution at several weekend events in celebration of Juneteenth. Shout out to Charrise Greer, Crystal Alston-Nobles, Andy Schott (and Jack), Beth Wyack, Juanita Wyatt, Lisa Pickens, Denise Redick, Helen Manley, Melissa Hebert-Johnson, Jaime Miller, Jasmine Jeandennis, Jennica Rodriguez, Jaxon Pena, Emily Neetz, Oshunda Williams, Georges Sanon, Jennifer Tirado, Ryan Jones, Eddie Gallon, Cassandra White, Teresa Wiley, Avril Miles, and Carlos Reyes.
Kids@College
Kids@College
Kids@College offers an educational and fun-filled youth camp. Each camp session will encourage learning, develop skills, and build self-confidence to maximize development. This year’s camp theme, Full STEAM Ahead, will combine the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) with lots of exploration and interactive activities. Our goal at Kids@College is to promote creativity while inspiring children to fire up their engines. Register today! Space is limited. Visit the link below to learn more.
Human Resources
Human Resources
Summer Hours | Ends August 11
Summer Hours | Ends August 11
The summer schedule is in effect through Friday, August 11, 2023. As a reminder, lunch breaks are 30 minutes in length, and 15-minute breaks are eliminated. If you plan to use any type of leave (vacation, personal, holiday, or sick) during the summer schedule, you will need to submit a leave request for 8.5 hours for each of those days.
The College will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 (Independence Day).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program
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.
New Employees
New Employees
Dr. Desiree Anderson
Dr. Desiree Anderson
Dean, Equity and Inclusion
Diane Anderson
Diane Anderson
Instruction Research Librarian/Assistant Professor
Jerrold Martin
Jerrold Martin
Chief Information Officer, ITR
Andie McCaskill
Andie McCaskill
Senior Executive Assistant, Office of the President
Cessanye Osby
Cessanye Osby
Social Media Specialist (part-time)
Cathy Svetanoff
Cathy Svetanoff
Chief Financial Officer
Promotion and Title Change
Promotion and Title Change
Nicole Brassfield
Nicole Brassfield
Technology Support Services Analyst, ITR
Chad Vliestra
Chad Vliestra
Assistant Professor/Coordinator Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services
Departing Employees:
Departing Employees:
Alysse Hansen
Alysse Hansen
Student Success Center
Akiliah Jackson
Akiliah Jackson
Enrollment Services
Dr. Jermaine Morales
Dr. Jermaine Morales
TRIO Upward Bound
Genevieve Nano
Genevieve Nano
Grounds and Sustainability
Leslie New
Leslie New
Academic Advising
Bill Ouchark
Bill Ouchark
ITR
Susie Perez
Susie Perez
Human Resources
Randy Wilson
Randy Wilson
Opportunity Works
Thank you for your years of service to PSC and its students.
Thank you for your years of service to PSC and its students.
Mohammad Salami (22 Years)
Mohammad Salami (22 Years)
Professor/Coordinator, Physics and Astronomy
Pat Trost (27 Years)
Pat Trost (27 Years)
Chief of Staff
Employee News
Employee News
Congratulations to David & Kirsten!
Congratulations to David & Kirsten!
David Chapman, graphic designer, and his partner Kirsten were married on June 4, 2023. Congratulations to the newly weds!
Way to go, Chad!
Way to go, Chad!
The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Chad Vliestra to Assistant Professor/Coordinator Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services at the June regular Board Meeting.
Share with students!
Share with students!
Viktoria Esquivel, adjunct instructor, shared information about the Des Moines Opera to pass along to students.
For Des Moines Metro Opera:
https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/productions/bluebeard/
For the Wagner Society Recital:
http://www.wagnersocietyofamerica.org
For additional information: email vesquivel2@prairiestate.edu
Recipe: Tuna Salad
Recipe: Tuna Salad
Submitted by Donna Rokicki, Support Services. If you have a recipe you want to share in future newsletters, please send to calston@prairiestate.edu.
Submitted by Donna Rokicki, Support Services. If you have a recipe you want to share in future newsletters, please send to calston@prairiestate.edu.
TUNA SALAD
2 large cans of Albacore tuna
1 med. chopped Granny Smith apple
1 med. chopped Red Delicious apple
1 medium chopped onion
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 or 2 stalks chopped celery
6 hard-boiled chopped eggs
mayonnaise or Miracle Whip to taste
Mix all ingredients and serve cold. Serve in a
sandwich, on a bed of salad greens with or without crackers
or chips of your choice.
Optional: Change to pecans, and add a regular-size can of cocktail
shrimp. Add 2 or 3 TBLS of pickle relish. Delicious when served
with fresh fruit on the side.
Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Colby McDivitt
Colby McDivitt
Colby McDivitt was recently named the Champion Award winner by the NJCAA Foundation. The Champion Award was established to honor a member or former member of the NJCAA community who exemplifies resilience, excellence, and passion.
McDivitt is a freshman sofball player at PSC. She baffles hitters from inside the circle with an impressive repertoire of breaking pitches and is a contributor to the teams offensive success.
And, Colby does all of this with a prosthetic left foot.
To learn more about her story. Please visit the link below. Video from the Champion Award presentation is also available by clicking the YouTube link below.
Communications and Marketing
Communications and Marketing
Marketing Monday: WDCE
Marketing Monday: WDCE
Cristina Lazard and Crystal Alston Nobles took Marketing Mondays on the road and presented an overview of Marketing and Communications roles and services to the WDCE team. Thanks to Alisha Clark for welcoming us! Also, to David Chapman and Cessanye Osby for stopping by to support the team. Contact Jeri Bingham if you would like us to stop by your upcoming team meeting at jabingham@prairiestate.edu.
BRAND AWARENESS (Earned Media):
BRAND AWARENESS (Earned Media):
Efforts to raise visibility and solicit recognition of the PSC brand through pitches to the media.
Efforts to raise visibility and solicit recognition of the PSC brand through pitches to the media.
Homewood Stories: June 20
Let’s Talk: Going back to school as a single mom, finding motivation
Olive Harvey College counters war on drugs fallout with new cannabis degree, greenhouse
NCBW 100 hosts panel for women interested in political careers
East Central Community College Men’s Tennis shines on national stage
Prairie State College Commencement: Keynote Address
Prairie State College to Host 9th Annual Mental Health Conference May 15, 2023
Prairie State College Commencement
Celebrating IU Northwest’s Class of 2023
Prairie State College Foundation featured in Crain’s 2023 Giving Guide
BRAND AWARENESS (Paid Media):
BRAND AWARENESS (Paid Media):
Efforts to raise visibility through paid advertising and sponsorship for the PSC brand.
Efforts to raise visibility through paid advertising and sponsorship for the PSC brand.
Digital Media:
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle – Summer registration online ads and link to PSC website
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle – Summer registration
eNEWS Park Forest – Summer registration online ads
Southland Journal – Summer registration online ads
Print Advertising:
Homewood-Flossmoor Neighbors magazine – General Awareness Ad
Homewood-Flossmoor Neighbors magazine – Summer Registration Ad
Out of Home (OOH)/Outdoor:
“Register Now’ Feather Banners on PSC campus
-Halsted Street
-Vollmer Road
-Coolidge
Mini Billboard/Kiosks on grocery store disinfectant wipe dispensers at entrance
-Jewel (Homewood (Halsted St), South Chicago Heights
-CVS (Olympia Fields, Park Forest)
“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)
Digital “Start Near, Go Far” Billboard on I-57 E/B, near 129th Street
Digital “Start Near, Go Far” Billboard on Bishop Ford Expwy, E/B, near 159th Street
Athletics
Athletics
Connect with PSC Athletics on social media!
Connect with PSC Athletics on social media!
Twitter - @PSCPioneers
Facebook - Prairie State College Athletics
Instagram - @prairiestatecollegeathletics
Office of Institutional Advancement and PSC Foundation
Office of Institutional Advancement and PSC Foundation
Crain's Chicago Business
Crain's Chicago Business
The Foundation is thrilled to be recognized in Crain’s Chicago Business’s 2023 Giving Guide and is grateful to Ms. Jeri Bingham, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, for making this happen! Link to website: www.chicagobusiness.com/giving-guide-2023/prairie-state-college-foundation.
Summer 2023 Scholarship Application
Summer 2023 Scholarship Application
The summer scholarship application opened on Monday, April 17. As of June 20:
204 applications were attempted
141 applications had been successfully submitted
139 applications were reviewed
76 applicants were offered tuition and/or textbook awards
34 applicants were not eligible for awards (funded / high EFC)
29 applications are pending student action (update essays, textbook info)
Of the reviewed applications, $18,244.39 has been offered in tuition/textbook awards.
62% of submitted applicants requested textbook assistance
35 textbooks have been loaned as part of the BookSHARE program for a savings of $4,537.44
3.16 is the average GPA of qualified applicants
78% of submitted applicants have a $0 EFC, or no EFC reported (no EFC could be DACA, international, reporting issues)
62% of submitted applicants are first-generation college students
84% of submitted applicants were female, and 31% of applicants were male
50% Black, 17% Hispanic, 20% White, 10% Unidentified, 1% AS, and 2% AN.
The Foundation purchased the following at the PSC Barnes and Noble Bookstore:
The Foundation purchased the following at the PSC Barnes and Noble Bookstore:
Eight textbooks (to be added to the BookSHARE program)
One one-time use lab book
Four one-time-use access codes
31 selective admissions books (DH, NURS, PTA, SURG)
Raiser's Edge
Raiser's Edge
The Foundation has been working with Mr. Bill Ouchark and CampusWorks to merge Foundation records with the Blackbaud software to make it usable for fundraising, donor communications, and recording and having it interact with the scholarship application software. The entire process will likely take most of the summer to be ready for fall.
Retirement and Recognition Luncheon
Retirement and Recognition Luncheon
On Friday, May 19, the College held its first Retirement & Recognition Luncheon since 2019. Employees who received service awards for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service in the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were recognized, as well as all of the employees who retired during those years. In total, there were 135 service award recipients and 32 retirees.
Thirteen retirees were able to attend, and 55 service award recipients were able to accept their awards in person. Thank you to Board Chair Monica Gordon and Trustee John Stanfa, who were able to attend the luncheon.
The following current employees received service awards*
The following current employees received service awards*
2020 - 5 years
2020 - 5 years
Mike Basick
Deneen Brackett
Danielle Coleman, PhD
Brian Donovan
Carmen Dover
Terri Eakins
Joshua Green
Jessica Nastal, PhD
Jonathan Pierre
Michelle Rallins
Carlos Reyes
Chad Vlietstra
2020 - 10 years
2020 - 10 years
Carmen Davis
Christopher Kuchta
Yvette McGhee
2020 - 15 years
2020 - 15 years
Christa Adam, PhD
Rosalva Bermudez-Mendoza
Kristin Carrera
Susan Ecsi
Barbara Graf
Craig Nelson, DO
Beth Wyack
2020 - 20 years
2020 - 20 years
Alanna Cotch, PhD
Mark Green
Alysse Hansen
Paul Rinaldi
Donna Rokicki
Marcianne Schusler
Terra Stamps
Elighie Wilson III
2021 - 5 years
2021 - 5 years
Colleen Ivancic
April McDonnell
Diana Moore
Ed O'Donnell
Dawn Sterning
Dana Trunnell
2021 - 10 years
2021 - 10 years
Mike Bertocchi
Marcia Bulthuis
Cynthia Cornejo, PsyD
Erica Lannan, PhD
James O' Banner
Lisa Knox Pickens
Medhat Shaibat, PhD
Cheri Taylor-Lawton
Justin Vidovic, PhD
2021 - 15 years
2021 - 15 years
Tracy Cohn
Melanie Eddins-Spencer, PhD
Jennifer McCorkle
Raquel Mergenthaler
Andy Schott
2021 - 20 years
2021 - 20 years
Christopher Fogarty
Nicholas Halm-Lutterodt, MD
Jack Mosher
Jennifer Rietveld
Mohammad Salami
2021 - 25 years
2021 - 25 years
Patricia Trost
2022 - 5 years
2022 - 5 years
Brianna Abate
Alisha Clark
Robert Coen
Gabby Diestelmeier
Carol Fawcett
Kathleen Karwoski
Janice Kaushal, PhD
Victoria Kral
Carina Lowe
Beatriz Romero
Mike Tomaszewski
Aundrea Wilder
2022 - 10 years
2022 - 10 years
William Berkley
Carol Braun, DDS
Adane Kassa, EdD
Natalie McGathey, PhD
Jennica Rodriguez
Stefanie Seeley
Rebecca Slagle
Kisha Wells, EdD
2022 - 15 years
2022 - 15 years
Christine Brooms, PhD
Landon Dickerson
Brian Garant
Andre Halliburton, PhD
Max Hammond
Sarah Hein
Kevin Marks
2022 - 20 years
2022 - 20 years
Joe Balogh
Helen Manley
Colleen Moody
Susie Perez
Patrick Reichard, PhD
Pamela St Jacques
Steven Young
2022 - 30 years
2022 - 30 years
Valerie Nicholson
2023 - 5 years
2023 - 5 years
Rebecca Buckle
Erin Craven
Tatjana Dzombic
Mary Fitzpatrick
Yesenia Garcia
Laura Guill
Michael Massengill
Leslie New
Sistina Taele
Johnson Thomas, PhD
Therese Vaci
Ramiro Villanueva
Denita Williams
2023 - 10 years
2023 - 10 years
Crystal Alston-Nobles
Lalinda De la Fuente
Annette Dolph
Hyrum La Turner, PhD
Grace McGinnis
Thane Montaner
Robert Pinnow
Felix Simpkins
Angela Simpson
Jennifer Tirado
Daniel Vaci
Haiming Wang, PhD
Fred Ziems
2023 - 15 years
2023 - 15 years
Alex Altan
Deborah Smith Havighorst
Kim Marisa Kunce
Teresa McCann
Jaime Miller
Thomas Nicholas
Cheron Ricks
Katharine Sims-Drew
Robert Zoeteman
2023 - 20 years
2023 - 20 years
Jason Evans, PhD
Tony Gumushian
Allison Wilkins
2023 - 25 years
2023 - 25 years
Lee Helbert, EdD
Craig Mulling, PhD
Esther Pacheco
2023 - 30 years
2023 - 30 years
Reuben Barrett, DC
Strafford Westgate
*If your name is listed above and you do not have your certificate yet, please contact Susan Sebastian at ssebastian@prairiestate.edu. In total, the College celebrated 2,229 years of service to the College by exceptional people.
Retiree class of 2023: Pat Trost, 27 years; Jan Bonavia, 14 years; Deanna Burghardt, 23 years; Mohammad Salami, 22 years; and Felix Simpkins, 10 years
Former Police Sergeant Sam Pavesich accepted his certificate of retirement recognizing his 16 years of service to the College from Dr. Michael Anthony.
2020 Retiree Elizabeth Logan, former Pathway Advisor, enjoyed visiting with colleagues Deneen Brackett and Lisa Pickens.
Eight members of the retiree class of 2020 attended the luncheon. Dr. Marie Hansel, 15 years; Fran Enochs, 28 years; Dr. Patti Eberhardt, 24 years; Sharyn Jones, 30 years; Karen Clifford, 22 years; Candace Capolillo, 10 years; Elizabeth Logan, 10 years; and Velma McWilliams, 21 years of service to PSC.
Service award winners from 2022 include Pam St. Jacques, 20 years; Brian Garant, 15 years; Dr. Christine Brooms, 15 years; Rebecca Slagle, 10 years; Carol Fawcett, 5 years; Gabby Diestelmeier, 5 years; Alisha Clark, 5 years; Dr. Janice Kaushal, 5 years; Aundrea Wilder, 5 years; Victoria Kral, 5 years; and Sarah Hein, 15 years of service to PSC.
Alumni T-shirts: Commencement 2023
The Foundation premiered new alumni t-shirts and window decals at this year’s commencement. Special thanks to Marketing and Communications for their assistance.
Scholarship Classic Golf Outing: June 5, 2023
Scholarship Classic Golf Outing: June 5, 2023
Guests at the Foundation’s 30th Annual Scholarship Classic Golf Outing enjoyed a beautiful day on Monday, June 5 at Idlewild Country Club. The total income for the event was more than $25,000. The day began with the Helicopter Ball Drop—125 golf balls were dropped from the helicopter on the first hole and the three balls that came closest to the pin won a prize. Congratulations to Professor Andy Schott who won first place and chose an iPad, Mr. John Herr of Hub International who won second place and chose the $300 cash prize but donated it back to the Foundation, and Mr. Nick Barnett who won third place and received a foursome from Idlewild Country Club. The first-place team consisted of Mr. John Finnin of ABC Services, former Trustee Phil Faso and Naman Bhatt of Proven IT, and Chris Petrarca.(See photos under recent events.)
Special thanks to all of the students and PSC employees who helped make the golf outing a success, including:
Special thanks to all of the students and PSC employees who helped make the golf outing a success, including:
Dr. Christa Adam
Ms. Crystal Alston - Nobles
Dr. Michael Anthony
Mr. Joe Belcaster
Ms. Jeri Bingham
Ms. Kristin Carrera
Ms. Alisha Clark
Ms. Gabby Diestelmeier
Ms. Mary Fitzpatrick
Mr. Robert Graham II
Ms. Melissa Hebert-Johnson
Ms. Kim Kunce
Ms. Cristina Lazard
Dr. Bernard Little
Mr. Mike Manderino
Chief Anthony Martin
Dr. Judy Mitchell
Dr. Craig Mulling
Mr. Thomas Nicholas
Ms. Valerie Nicholson
Dr. Justin Pariseau
Ms. Kim Pina
PSC Federation of Teachers
Ms. Jennica Rodriguez
Mr. Allan Scarabello
Mr. Andy Schott
Dr. Charmaine Sevier
Ms. Dawn Sterning
Ms. Pat Trost
Mr. Chad Vliestra
Mr. Elighie Wilson III
Ms. Brittany Zooks
*If your name was inadvertently left off of this list, please contact Deb Havighorst at dhavighorst@prairiestate.edu to let her know.
Rotary Installation
Rotary Installation
On Thursday, June 15, Ms. Deb Havighorst was installed as an officer of the Chicago Heights-Park Forest Rotary Club for the 2023-2024 Rotary year, along with representatives from various organizations in the community, including Governors State University, Franciscan Health, and the Jones Memorial Community Center.
National Council of Jewish Women-South Cook Donation
National Council of Jewish Women-South Cook Donation
On Wednesday, May 31, the NCJW-South Cook Chapter held its annual Closing Luncheon and awarded the PSC Foundation $1,000 specifically for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students and $750 for their Spring/Summer Book Scholarship.
Upcoming Foundation Events:
Upcoming Foundation Events:
September 1 Executive Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
September 28 Annual Meeting, 5 p.m., PSC Board Room or via Zoom
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
The Mix, a sculpture exhibition
The Mix, a sculpture exhibition
Our newest exhibition, The Mix, a sculpture exhibition, features artists Darlys Ewoldt , Kim Matthews , and David Richards . The show runs from through July 19.
Early Childhood Education Symposium
Early Childhood Education Symposium
Early childhood stakeholders are invited to attend our 2023 in-person Early Childhood Symposium as we elevate, educate, and inspire the early care and education workforce.
Workshop Offerings for Educators and Directors:
Gateway approved training
Early childhood course information connected to CDA Competency Standards
Raffles and resource
Early childhood vendors
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. To view information from the Board of Trustees, including meeting agendas, minutes and audio/video recordings, visit Board Meetings.
Monica M. Gordon, Chair
Camiella Williams, Vice Chair and ICCTA Representative
Michelle Aldana, Secretary
Dr. Theresa McCoy-Carpenter, Esq
Jay S. Readey, PSC Foundation Representative
John N. Stanfa, Ethics Commission
Dr. Ronald White, ACCT Representative
Fernanda Vazquez, Student Trustee
Pioneer Awards: May 2023
Pioneer Awards: May 2023
PIONEER AWARD: Dianne DeSousa nominated the library staff for a Pioneer Award for "a sensational job with the 'Americans and the Holocaust' traveling exhibition. The team was recognized at the May regular Board Meeting.
Poetry Contest Winners
Poetry Contest Winners
Poetry Contest Winners were recognized at the May 2023 Board Meeting
primas-hermanas:2023 by Julia Hernandez
Spoiled by Fernanda Vasquez
February Day by Javier Pena
Honorable Mention: Stupid little things by Laura Kim
Tennis Team Recognized
Tennis Team Recognized
The men's tennis team was recognized for its outstanding season. PSC won the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference, Region IV and finished top-20 at the NJCAA National Tournament.
Skyway Winners
Skyway Winners
The Annual Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference, STEM Poster Competition, was held at PSC on April 21. Twelve PSC students presented six research projects this year, won several awards, and were recognized at the May regular Board Meeting.
Request Intranet Updates
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?
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
Request Website Updates
The college Intranet and website fall under the Marketing and Communications Department. Please complete the Website Request Form below for updates, changes, or to request a new page on the PSC website.
Once submitted, Mike Saldaña, content/website specialist, will review your request and follow up. Small changes, such as grammatical errors, can be sent directly to msaldana4@prairiestate.edu.
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