On May 9, 2024, PSC students and employees gathered to prioritize their well-being in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. A variety of stress-relieving activities were available to rejuvenate the mind and body, including massage chairs, plant-plotting stations, a juice bar, and essential oil blending. Everyone treated themselves to some much-needed TLC.

Special thanks to Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, Cristina Lazard, and Senior Director of Student Engagement & First-Year Experience, Juanita Wyatt, for taking the lead on this event and bringing it to campus

In celebration of May Day—International Workers Rights Day—President of Local 1600 Cheron Ricks and President of Local 3816 Andy Schott invited employees to enjoy cupcakes to commemorate the long history of Labor's struggle to secure humane working conditions, fair wages, and power through collective action. 

The Recruitment and Outreach Department hosted High School Counselor Appreciation Day on April 12. During the event, the department presented all that PSC has to offer to counselors from H-F, Crete-Monee, Rich Township, and Bloom Township. Chad Vliestra and Nick Biasella from Emergency Services played key roles in organizing a field trip to the MAC to highlight the EMT and Fire Science Departments, along with our new Paramedicine program. Our local counselors thoroughly enjoyed participating in the demonstration stations.

Director of Athletics Joe Belcaster arranged transportation for the group and conducted a tour of the Prairie State College Fieldhouse. Additionally, we showcased grant opportunities for students with assistance from Brian Stanley (WEI) and Michelle Guiliani (PATH). The group also had the opportunity to visit the Nursing Lab with Dr. Marie Hansel and the Surgical Tech Lab with Heather Pevion.

The Marketing and Communications team invited students and employees to fuel up for a strong finish with complimentary beverages, including coffee, tea, and smoothies, provided by Coffee-n-Repeat.

Representatives from Prairie State College attended the 16th Annual Degrees of Impact Gala, benefitting One Million Degrees (OMD) and their mission of providing pathways towards success for OMD scholars.

Jennifer Tirado, Georges Sanon, Kamesha Hayes, and Cassandra White represented PSC at the second annual Juneteenth 5K Walk on Saturday, June 15 at the Rich Township High School Track in Richton Park. PSC was a sponsor of the event, with all proceeds supporting the USO, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals serving in the American military and their families.

Celeste Garcia, Latinx Outreach and Retention Coordinator and Jennica Rodriguez, Director of the PEACE Center, attended the 31st Annual Illinois Latino Conference on Higher Education (ILACHE) Conference at Northern Illinois University on April 26, 2024.  This year's theme was “Advocating for Latino/a/x Leadership & Access: Campeones de Equidad.”  Guests were able to select from a variety of workshops as well as a Research Symposium. 

Dr. Desirée Anderson, Jennica Rodriguez, and Lisa Pickens from PSC attended the White House Power Up Initiative at Malcolm X College. The event brought together professionals from various sectors to discuss initiatives aligning with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona's Raise the Bar call to action. Panelists from CPS, city colleges, nonprofits, and corporations shared effective strategies for promoting educational equity, particularly for Black students and families. Mayor Brandon Johnson also shared insights from his educational background with attendees. The event showcased citywide initiatives supporting the needs and success of Black students

PSC has a partnership with Franciscan Health Fitness Center! This partnership allows full-time employees to receive a 50% reimbursement on their dues by attending the Franciscan Health Fitness Center 24 times per quarter. That's right, 50% back into your wallets!! 

This is a great way to prioritize your health while saving on expenses. Every visit counts toward your goal, whether hitting the gym, attending a class, or taking a wellness walk. Don't miss out on this fantastic benefit—start earning your discount today! 

The Prairie State College (PSC) Forensics team finished the season earning numerous accolades at several tournaments, including the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Nevada.

Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Tournament (Prairie State College)  |  February 24, 2024 and March 1-2

PSC hosted the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Tournament, one of only a few tournaments where two-year and four-year schools compete against one another. Carrington Valentine (Hazel Crest, IL) was a finalist in the Open Division of Informative Speaking (Four-Year Division), earning 6th place. Valentine was also the Two-Year division Champion of the IPDA Debate. Jalen Pia and Miranda Melgoza also competed for PSC.

Region IV Tournament (Moraine Valley College) | March 15-16

Valentine won a Bronze Medal (Third Place) in Informative Speaking.

Phi Rho Pi National Tournament (Reno, NV) | April 1-6

Valentine finished his incredible season, earning second place in Informative Speaking. 

PSC won second place in the Individual Events Sweepstakes in the Hindman Division and third place in the Overall Sweepstakes (with the Debate included). 

At the national tournament, Dana Trunnell, PSC Professor of Communication/Coordinator and forensics coach, was honored with the prestigious Collie-Taylor Coach Fellowship Award and recognized as one of the two recipients of the Phi Rho Pi Service Award.

During the spring 2024 semester, PSC student Melissa Coyt interned with PSCreative, our Marketing and Communications Department. Throughout her internship, Melissa collaborated with the team and made significant contributions to social media marketing and internal communication projects, including bringing fresh ideas, strategic insights, and more! She exceeded expectations, and we look forward to witnessing her growth as she continues her education at PSC. 

To welcome future Pioneers to the PSC community, the Marketing and Communications, and Recruitment teams distributed celebratory boxes to new students in time for National Decision Day, which occurs annually on May 1.

Each box was filled with PSC swag, a confetti popper, and a sign that they could take pictures with and post on social media, letting their friends and family know they had chosen to continue their educational journey at PSC. #startneargofar #PSCPioneer

Athletics experienced continued growth during the previous school year. Men's soccer made our community proud with a valiant effort off the heels of a national championship. The Pioneers spent a good portion of the season ranked No. 1 in the country and qualified for the national tournament.  

Men's tennis maintained its standard of qualifying for the national tournament and capturing the Region IV championship.

Women's soccer showed flashes of excellence under new coach Carlos Reyes and will surely improve next season.

Men's basketball won 12 games while women's basketball improved all season under new head coach Tanner Kuehn. Miracle Thomas became the first player in program history to score over 1,000 points for her career.

Softball finished 18-28 and coach Frank Wilkins won his 500th game in the process. Baseball won the most games its won in several seasons hitting the 15-win mark under first-year head coach Dre Gilmore. 

The Foundation celebrated PSC graduates at Commencement 2024 with complimentary alumni t-shirts and decals. New alumni had an opportunity to support Foundation scholarships with a PSC-themed tassel keyring in honor of their graduation year, with a donation of $20.24. The Foundation was very pleased with the number of graduates who participated.

Join the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and other guest performers for an evening of music on the steps of the Flossmoor Public Library. On July 25, reconnect with neighbors, make new friends, and come together to celebrate the arts. Prairie State College is a sponsor of this free event. 

After 24 years at Prairie State College and over four decades in higher education, Elighie Wilson III is entering retirement. 

Elighie leaves a lasting legacy of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to academic advancement. He has been serving PSC since August of 2000 in various roles beginning as a tenure-track Professor in Communications. Wilson was the Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Department Chair, Coordinator of Faculty Development, and Communication Program Coordinator. He has also served as the Co-Director of the Speech Team and Summer High School Speech Workshop, demonstrating his commitment to student development inside and outside the classroom.

Elighie’s impact on the faculty, students, and staff was immeasurable. We wish you all the happiness on your upcoming journey. You will be missed!