LLCC Commencement planned for May 12

Cassidy Kretschmer LLCC will conduct commencement exercises on Friday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.

Cassidy Kretschmer of Bartelso has been selected as this year’s commencement speaker. She is graduating with an associate in arts degree. Kretschmer is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the women’s basketball team, and she plans to continue her education at Brigham Young University in family studies.

Luke Adams of Athens and Kortney Fisher of Taylorville are serving as student marshals for the commencement ceremony. Adams served as Phi Theta Kappa treasurer and is a member of the LLCC Ag Club. He is earning an associate in arts degree and plans to transfer to Florida Gulf Coast University to continue his education.

Fisher is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was named to the All-Illinois Academic Team. She is graduating with an associate in applied science degree with a concentration in neurodiagnostic technology and is employed by CortiCare. She plans to further her education in health care administration.

Brice R. HuddlestonBrice R. Huddleston, retired Colonel, U.S. Air Force, is being recognized with the 2023 LLCC Honored Alumni Award. Huddleston earned an associate in applied science degree from LLCC and a bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Springfield. He was selected for Air Force Navigator Training and worked as an F-4 weapon systems officer. In 1993 he was called to active duty as the F-16 action officer, coordinating training and operational guidance and deploying to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia for F-16 combat missions. His flying career ended in 2003 with over 2,000 fighter jet flying hours. Huddleston then worked at the Pentagon, assisting in deployment of Air Force assets to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later oversaw the National Guard Joint Operations Center, coordinating support in response to hurricanes, fires and floods. After retiring from the Air Force in 2008, Huddleston worked as a consultant until 2021.

LEAGUE winners announced

Six people at the LEAGUE kickoff backdropLEAGUE 2023 CIRCUS under the big top. LLCC FoundationThe LEAGUE Campaign Kickoff on Professional Development Day was a great success! Thanks to all who participated in the fun! We hope everyone enjoyed the food trucks and Gamma Phi Circus. Congratulations to Sarah Goodman who won $101 in the 50/50 drawing and to Darla Cochran who won $150 in the first LEAGUE cash prize drawing donated by members of the LLCC Cabinet.

To date, 121 people have donated more than $42,000. It’s not too late to make a donation to the LEAGUE Campaign which benefits our students and programs. Stop by the Foundation Office or complete the 2023 LEAGUE Form. There is still time to donate to the LEAGUE Campaign and be eligible for prizes and another cash giveaway of $150.

Thanks for Joining the LEAGUE Circus!

Circus performers standing with CIRCUS letters
Thank you to all who attended the LEAGUE Kickoff on Tuesday. If you didn’t have a chance to make your contribution to the campaign that benefits our students and programs, please complete the 2023 LEAGUE Form or stop by the LLCC Foundation office.

LEAGUE Grant recipients

Three circus members on unicyclesBelow is a summary of the event by the numbers.

  • 300 – the number of faculty, staff, retirees and first responders who enjoyed lunch from one of the food trucks on Tuesday
  • $150 – available in the cash drawing if you make your contribution by this Friday at 5 p.m.
  • 29 –personnel members from the Gamma Phi Circus
  • 1,500 mini donuts served
  • Nine – LEAGUE grants awarded
  • 31 – people made their donations to the LEAGUE campaign prior to the kickoff
  • $171 – total so far collected as part of the 50/50 drawing. Purchase tickets in the Foundation by 5 p.m. tomorrow.
  • 12 – is the number of faculty and staff members who serve on the LEAGUE committee and help plan the details of the campaign
  • 250 bags of popcorn
  • One – special appearance by Ember dressed as our lion mascot

Staff at photo boothEmployees at food trucks

LEAGUE Circus coming to Cass Gym

Dr. Charlotte WarrenDid you correctly guess the answer from yesterday’s LEAGUE Circus trivia? The clue was: She is surrounded by high performers and is proud to shout it from the main ring.

The answer is: Dr. Charlotte Warren, LLCC president.

Congratulations to previous winner Christine Marietta.

Speaking of high performers, the LEAGUE Committee has been busy planning a fun and successful kickoff to our annual faculty and staff giving campaign known as LEAGUE.

LEAGUE Cast of Characters: Robin Ackman, Anne Armbruster, Jessie Blackburn, Barb Eades - coordinator, Rashawn Jones - ringmaster, Jay Kitterman, Lori Large Oldenettel, Stacey Olson, Chris Russell, Tara Walk, Amana Wiesenhofer, Amy Williams, Diane M. Wilson.
Lunch will be provided and will consist of the following options:

  • Twyfords – Choice of brisket or pulled pork sandwich with small mac-n-cheese
  • Az-t-ca – Choice of chicken or beef nachos with melted cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream
  • Food Machine – choice of hamburger and fries or chicken bites with fries
  • Dessert offered from Donut Dollies – choice of six cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar

For those who would like a vegetarian meal or gluten free meal, you must contact Jay Kitterman at Jay.Kitterman@llcc.edu to reserve one. We will have bottled water available. So if you would prefer something else to drink, you may bring it with you.

To make a pledge to the LEAGUE campaign complete the 2023 LEAGUE Form and you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize.

LEAGUE information and Circus Trivia

Did you correctly guess the answer from yesterday’s LEAGUE Circus trivia? The clue was: He may not swing from the trapeze, but he keeps people safe in the air.

The answer is: David Pietrzak, program director, aviation.

For those who would like a vegetarian meal on Professional Development Day, March 28, please contact Jay Kitterman at Jay.Kitterman@llcc.edu to reserve one. We will have bottled water available. So if you would prefer something else to drink, you may bring it with you.

To make a pledge to the LEAGUE campaign, complete the 2023 LEAGUE Form and you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize.

Today’s LEAGUE Circus Trivia clue:

LEAGUE 2023 CIRCUS under the big top. LLCC Foundation

She is surrounded by high performers and is proud to shout it from the main ring.

Can you guess the faculty or staff member of LLCC’s Big Top?

Submit your answer to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize. Check back for the answer. Congratulations to previous winner Leanne Roseberry.

LEAGUE Circus Trivia

Karie LonghtaDid you correctly guess the answer from yesterday’s LEAGUE Circus trivia? The clue was: She is an expert juggler of finance.

The answer we were looking for is: Karie Longhta, associate vice president finance.

Lunch is free, but don’t forget to bring some cash to the LEAGUE Kickoff on Tuesday, March 28, in Cass Gym where we will have 50/50 tickets for sale. You can also purchase tickets in the Foundation office through Friday, March 24. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

Choose from one of three food trucks for lunch at the LEAGUE Kickoff including Twyfords BBQ, Az-t-Ca and Foodie Machine. Save room for popcorn and mini donuts as well. For those who would like a vegetarian meal on Professional Development Day, March 28, please contact Jay Kitterman at Jay.Kitterman@llcc.edu to reserve one.

Today’s LEAGUE Circus Trivia clue:

LEAGUE 2023 CIRCUS under the big top. LLCC FoundationStep right up for today’s LEAGUE Circus trivia. Can you guess the faculty or staff member of LLCC Big top from the following clue:

He may not swing from the trapeze, but he keeps people safe in the air.

Submit your answer to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize. Check back for the answer. Congratulations to previous winner Shawn Floyd.