LEAGUE Grant Awards

The LEAGUE Grant awards were announced during the Zoom event on Professional Development Day. Awards were given to the following areas and programs:

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography for a DMS neonatal head phantom
  • Radiology for two portable IV/venipuncture training arms
  • Respiratory Care program for a preemie neonatal simulator
  • Radiography for CD series on Patient Centered Care for Diverse Populations
  • Accessibility Services for an exam reader pen
  • Culinary Arts & Hospitality for updated technology for Bistro Verde

Watch assistant professor Ada Range explain how LEAGUE grants have benefited students in math and science department at LLCC.

Make your donation to the LEAGUE Campaign by submitting the 2021 LEAGUE Form. With your donation you will also have a chance to win one of the two $150 cash prizes available!

For more information, contact the Foundation at 217-786-2785 or  LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

Laura AndersonCan You Guess the LEAGUE Superfriend?

Did you guess that Artsy1 was LEAGUE Committee superfriend Laura Anderson? Laura is an assistant professor of art and has been with LLCC since 2018.

LEAGUE Campaign

Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s LEAGUE Zoom event. The winners of the superhero costume contest were Ada Range and Diane Wilson.

Make your donation to the LEAGUE Campaign by submitting the 2021 LEAGUE Form  and have a chance to win one of the two $150 cash prizes available.

For more information, contact the LLCC Foundation at 217-786-2785 or by email LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

Patrick Moore

Can You Guess the LEAGUE Superfriend?

Did you guess yesterday’s Justice LEAGUE superfriend was Patrick Moore? Patrick serves at LLCC as the director of the concurrent enrollment department. He began his journey with the college as a student in 2003. As a proud alum, he returned in 2015, to teach as an adjunct instructor for the social sciences department. Since his return, he has had opportunities to build partnerships with a number of high schools in LLCC’s district.

Meet the Superfriends ‘21 League. Special Appearance on Professional Development Day Tuesday, March 30 at noon on Zoom. Characters: from left to right: Lt. Kit Kat Superpower: A fierce positive mental attitude . Artsy 1 Superpower: Turning blank canvases into amazing pieces of art. Songbird Superpower: Can lull villains into submission by singing. Supergirl Superpower: A master of human rights. Guardian against harassment and discrimination. Biology Lover Superpower: Can teach Kindergarten’s how to take turns while teaching college students cellular and molecular biology. Labwoman Superpower: Professor of Anatomy by day … mom of three by night. Mighty Gem Superpower: A real jewel when it comes to assisting students in Cass County. Noseman Superpower: He can smell an emergency from a mile away and teach students what to do when in one. Plastic Man Superpower: Agent of positive change. A flexible, malleable, student centered creative thinker. The Bridge Superpower: Extreme strengths in communication to college and high school personnel, strength to build bridges between high school and college studies, and the abilities to quickly transport to various facilities and high school districts as needed. Flash Superpower: The power to move at superhuman speeds to get required merchandise to the students before the first day of class. Super Woman Superpower: Raising funds for the benefit of our students. Chief Justice Superpower: Sworn to protect campus from lawlessness. Symbol for justice, incorruptible force for good, analytical mind, keen observation skills. Superhero trivia! Dress as your favorite superhero costume contest! Prizes! League Grant awards announced! Grab your lunch and take a break from sessions. Join Batman and Robin and other Superfriends. Make your contribution today by contacting the Foundation at 6-2785 or LLCCFoundation@llcc.eduCan you guess this final superfriend serving on the Justice LEAGUE?

Name: Artsy1
Superpower: Turning blank canvases into amazing pieces of art

Submit your answer by email to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize!

LEAGUE Kickoff today

Please join the Justice LEAGUE today at noon on Zoom. The link can be found in the PDD schedule. There will be fun trivia, more prizes and the announcement of the LEAGUE grant recipients. Watch Batman and Robin on the LEAGUE video for details.

Sport your best superhero costume and use the fun Zoom backgrounds below for a chance to win a day pass to Knight’s Action Park’s Splash Kingdom. 

If you would like to make your donation now to the LEAGUE Campaign, please complete the 2021 LEAGUE Form or contact the Foundation at 217-786-2785 or LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

LEAGUE Zoom backgrounds

Download one of the following backgrounds for today’s LEAGUE Zoom event!

Calling All Superheroes and cityscapeSuper! Pow!! Wow. Slam. Wooz, Zap. Whamm. Snap.Superhero word bubbleGreen backgroundYellow backgroundRed background

Can You Guess the LEAGUE Superfriend?

Shelby BedfordDid you guess that SuperGirl a master of human rights and guardian against harassment and discrimination was Shelby Bedford,compliance and prevention coordinator at LLCC? Her position involves coordinating equity compliance; conducting harassment, discrimination and identity-based violence investigations; helping students understand and exercise their rights; and supporting students experiencing gender-based violence. Shelby has worked at LLCC for more than five years and is enjoying her third year on the LEAGUE committee. Outside of work, Shelby is finishing up her M.A. in human rights with a certificate in gender-based violence from the University of Arizona.

Meet the Superfriends ‘21 League. Special Appearance on Professional Development Day Tuesday, March 30 at noon on Zoom. Characters: from left to right: Lt. Kit Kat Superpower: A fierce positive mental attitude . Artsy 1 Superpower: Turning blank canvases into amazing pieces of art. Songbird Superpower: Can lull villains into submission by singing. Supergirl Superpower: A master of human rights. Guardian against harassment and discrimination. Biology Lover Superpower: Can teach Kindergarten’s how to take turns while teaching college students cellular and molecular biology. Labwoman Superpower: Professor of Anatomy by day … mom of three by night. Mighty Gem Superpower: A real jewel when it comes to assisting students in Cass County. Noseman Superpower: He can smell an emergency from a mile away and teach students what to do when in one. Plastic Man Superpower: Agent of positive change. A flexible, malleable, student centered creative thinker. The Bridge Superpower: Extreme strengths in communication to college and high school personnel, strength to build bridges between high school and college studies, and the abilities to quickly transport to various facilities and high school districts as needed. Flash Superpower: The power to move at superhuman speeds to get required merchandise to the students before the first day of class. Super Woman Superpower: Raising funds for the benefit of our students. Chief Justice Superpower: Sworn to protect campus from lawlessness. Symbol for justice, incorruptible force for good, analytical mind, keen observation skills. Superhero trivia! Dress as your favorite superhero costume contest! Prizes! League Grant awards announced! Grab your lunch and take a break from sessions. Join Batman and Robin and other Superfriends. Make your contribution today by contacting the Foundation at 6-2785 or LLCCFoundation@llcc.eduCongratulations to Karla Wilham for answering correctly and winning a prize!

Can you guess this Justice LEAGUE superfriend?

Name:  Lieutenant Kit-Kat
Super Power: A Fierce Positive Mental Attitude
Encouraging student success by day, taming the world with obscure sitcom quotes by night.

Submit your answer by email to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize!

Local LLCC winners of the 2021 Paul Simon Essay Contest announced

The LLCC Writing Center would like to thank all students who submitted essays for the Paul Simon Essay Contest along with all the faculty and staff who helped promote the contest and encouraged students to participate. We received a lot of strong submissions this year.
Please join us in congratulating the local LLCC winners of the 2021 Paul Simon Essay Contest:
  • First place: Makenzie Hereth
  • Second place: Hunter Woods
  • Third place: Jennifer Haggerty
As our first place winner, Makenize Hereth’s essay will be forwarded on to the statewide competition for the chance to win a $500 scholarship for the fall 2021 semester, and her essay will also be published in the upcoming edition of “The Lincoln Land Review.”
All of our winners will also receive prizes courtesy of the LLCC Foundation and the LLCC Bookstore.

Can you guess the LEAGUE superfriend?

Adam WatkinsDid you guess Plastic Man was Adam Watkins, dean, of arts and communication?  Dean Watkins is from St. Louis and began his role at LLCC July 1. He comes to us from East Central College in Union, Missouri, where he served as chair of the fine and performing arts department. He was honored as the Missouri Community College Teacher of Excellence Award Winner in 2017. In addition, he is a mixed media artist, curator and musician. His work deals with the notions of the post-pop culture that we live in and the constant re-contextualization of it alongside his own personal translations of Derrida’s theories on ontology regarding the future, the past, “ghosts,” being and machines. Adam earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury, England, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Webster University in St. Louis.

Meet the Superfriends ‘21 League. Special Appearance on Professional Development Day Tuesday, March 30 at noon on Zoom. Characters: from left to right:  Lt. Kit Kat Superpower: A fierce positive mental attitude . Artsy 1 Superpower: Turning blank canvases into amazing pieces of art. Songbird Superpower: Can lull villains into submission by singing. Supergirl Superpower: A master of human rights. Guardian against harassment and discrimination. Biology Lover Superpower: Can teach Kindergarten’s how to take turns while teaching college students cellular and molecular biology. Labwoman Superpower: Professor of Anatomy by day … mom of three by night. Mighty Gem Superpower: A real jewel when it comes to assisting students in Cass County. Noseman Superpower: He can smell an emergency from a mile away and teach students what to do when in one. Plastic Man Superpower: Agent of positive change. A flexible, malleable, student centered creative thinker. The Bridge Superpower: Extreme strengths in communication to college and high school personnel, strength to build bridges between high school and college studies, and the abilities to quickly transport to various facilities and high school districts as needed. Flash Superpower: The power to move at superhuman speeds to get required merchandise to the students before the first day of class. Super Woman Superpower: Raising funds for the benefit of our students. Chief Justice Superpower: Sworn to protect campus from lawlessness. Symbol for justice, incorruptible force for good, analytical mind, keen observation skills. Superhero trivia! Dress as your favorite superhero costume contest! Prizes! League Grant awards announced! Grab your lunch and take a break from sessions. Join Batman and Robin and other Superfriends. Make your contribution today by contacting the Foundation at 6-2785 or LLCCFoundation@llcc.eduCan you guess this LEAGUE Committee superfriend?

Name:  Supergirl
Superpower:  A master of human rights. Guardian against harassment and discrimination

Submit your answer by email to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize! Congratulations to Amy Williams and Michelle Pulce-Flynn for answering correctly and winning a prize!

LEAGUE Kickoff Tomorrow!

Please join the Justice LEAGUE tomorrow at noon on Professional Development Day. The link can be found in the PDD schedule that was emailed to you by Human Resources. There will be fun trivia, more prizes and the announcement of the LEAGUE grant recipients. 

If you would like to make your donation now to the LEAGUE Campaign, please complete the 2021 LEAGUE Form or contact the Foundation at 217-786-2785 or LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

Can you guess the LEAGUE superfriend?

Did you guess the real identity of LEAGUE superfriend Mighty Gem was Vanessa Avery? Vanessa is an administrative assistant for our LLCC-Beardstown Outreach Center and has been with LLCC for 20 years. Before that, she was a student, student worker and a part-time employee.   

Can you guess this LEAGUE Committee superfriend?

Can you guess this Justice LEAGUE superfriend?
Name:  Plastic Man
Job: Agent of Positive Change
LEAGUE SuperheroesSuper power: A flexible, malleable, student centered creative thinker.

Hint – He is one of our newest deans and is a mixed media artist, curator and musician.

Submit your answer by email to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize!

Congratulations to Christie Hovey for her correct guess.

$150 Cash Prize Drawing

If you like winning things especially cash, then make your contribution to LEAGUE for a chance to win one of two $150 cash prizes donated by members of the LLCC Cabinet. The first drawing will be Monday, April 5. The second drawing will be in a month.

If you would like to make your donation now to the LEAGUE Campaign, please complete the 2021 LEAGUE Form or contact the Foundation at 217-786-2785 or LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

Can you guess the LEAGUE superfriend?

Chris RussellSworn to protect our campus from lawlessness meet one of the newest members of the Justice LEAGUE, Chris Russell. Retiring from the Springfield Police Department after 25 years of service, Chief Russell began as chief of police at LLCC in June 2020.

Born and raised in Springfield, Chris is an LLCC alum and a graduate of Illinois State University and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.

Can you guess this LEAGUE Committee superfriend?

LEAGUE SuperheroesCan you guess this Justice LEAGUE superfriend?
Superfriend name: Mighty Gem
Superpower: A real jewel when it comes to assisting students in Cass County

Submit your answer by email to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize!

Congratulations to Laurie Lewis-Fritz for her correct guess.

LEAGUE Zoom Event

Remember to join the Justice LEAGUE superfriends at noon on Zoom on Professional Development Day for trivia, a superhero costume contest and the announcement of the LEAGUE Grant awards. The link can be found on the schedule of activities for PDD provided in an email by human resources.

The LEAGUE grant awards will be announced during the Zoom event. View this video of a former LEAGUE grant recipient to see how your donations benefit our students.

If you would like to make your donation now to the LEAGUE Campaign, please complete the 2021 LEAGUE Form or contact the Foundation at 217-786-2785 or LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

Can you guess the LEAGUE superfriend?

Kim LeskoDid you guess correctly the LEAGUE superfriend who moves at superhuman speeds to get the required merchandise to students before the first day of class was none other than Kim Lesko?  If so, we have entered you into a drawing to receive a prize.

Kim graduated from LLCC in 1984 and worked in the Child Development Center from 1985-1992 back when it was in Montgomery House. She worked the night shift, eventually moving to days before becoming a stay-at-home mom. In 2015, Kim started working at the bookstore as the specialty merchandise technician where she is responsible for ordering merchandise that is required for classes including nursing scrubs, tools, chef coats, polos, chemistry goggles and lab coats.

Kim says that LLCC has been a big part of her life and an amazing place to be. From being a part of young children’s first experiences in an accredited child development center to promoting students to participate in the LLCC graduation ceremony. Kim has been moved to tears with the stories of how the student has made it to walk across that stage and graduate.

LEAGUE SuperheroesCan you guess this LEAGUE Committee superfriend?

Superfriend name:  Biology Lover
Superpower:  Can teach kindergarteners their ABCs while teaching college students cellular and molecular biology
Hint – you can see this person in the LEAGUE video!

Submit your answer by email to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize!

Congratulations to Jeff Eason for his correct guess.

New LEAGUE video

Years ago at a local community college, faculty and staff gathered on Professional Development Day for the kickoff of the annual faculty and staff giving campaign known as LEAGUE. What are the plans for this year? Watch Batman, Robin and LEAGUE Committee members to find out.

Two sculptures being added to LLCC campus

"Take Five" and "Paradigm Shift"Two new sculptures will be soon be adding to the beauty and interest of the LLCC campus in Springfield. These sculptures, “Take Five” and “Paradigm Shift,” are being donated by Dr. Terry Travis. They will join Barry Tinsley’s “La Terra” and be placed between Menard Hall and Millennium Center. “Stele Head” will also be moved from its current location near the Workforce Careers Center to the area near the A. Lincoln Commons.

“Take Five” is by artist Pat McDonald. The sculpture is made of steel, wood and paint. It is 12 ft. by 8 ft. by 8 ft.

Highway Construction Careers class“Paradigm Shift” is by artist Bruce Chaban. The sculpture was first exhibited in the 1999 Pier Walk Exhibition at Chicago’s Historic Navy Pier. It is 22 ft. by 4½ ft. by 5 ¼ ft. and weighs one ton.

LLCC students in Tom Spear‘s highway construction careers training class began work yesterday digging out the dirt and starting the forms for the concrete pads. Today they will complete the forms and compact rock, and on Wednesday they plan to pour concrete.

Students begin digging foundations for new sculpture placement.Students digging to create forms for sculptures.
Students working on digging a base for "Take Five"Prepping ground for a form and pouring of concrete.

Can you guess the LEAGUE superfriend?

Gailyn DraperDid you guess that Gailyn Draper is our Songstress of Songs superfirend who uses her power of love and music to make the world a better place? For nearly six years, Gailyn has served as assistant to the vice president of student services.

She attended Ohio Northern University and Bowling Green State University where she received her degree in vocal performance and conducting. Gailyn taught voice privately for 20 years and has performed as a guest soloist with the Phoenix Symphony Chorale, Toledo Symphony, Butler Philharmonic the Naperville Community Chorus and the DePaul Community Chorus as well as with our own Springfield Community Chorus. It may seem like an odd marriage, music and administrative work; however, Gailyn will tell you many of the same qualities one needs to be a professional musician are needed as an administrative professional: discipline, attention to detail, the ability to think strategically, real-time problem solving, multitasking, being a team player, perseverance and stamina.

LEAGUE SuperheroesCan you guess this LEAGUE Committee superfriend?

Superfriend name: Flash
Superpower: The power to move at superhuman speeds to get required merchandise to the students before the first day of class.

Submit your answer by email to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize!

Congratulations to Brenda Elliott and Amy Flynn for winning prizes.

Why Give to LEAGUE?

The annual faculty and staff giving campaign known as LEAGUE will kickoff with a zoom event at noon on Professional Development Day. The LEAGUE Grant awards will be announced during the event. These grants are made possible thanks to your donations to LEAGUE. Check out his video from a previous LEAGUE Grant recipient, Janelle Murphy.