Get involved with the Inclusivity Speaker Series!

Are you interested in joining the project team for the Inclusivity Speaker Series? The Safety & Inclusivity Workgroup within the Campus Climate Team is looking for individuals who would like to help plan and administer the Inclusivity Speaker Series for the 2021-2022 academic year. Project team members can contribute in a variety of ways, including researching and suggesting topics and speakers, working to secure facilities and refreshments, marketing, scheduling and more!

If you are interested in joining the team, please fill out the Interest Form for Inclusivity Speaker Series Project Team no later than Monday, July 5. Or, if you have questions and want to chat, feel free to reach out to Shelby Bedford at shelby.bedford@llcc.edu.

Workforce 101 held Saturday

Workforce Institute. Workforce 101 June 26.The first ever Workforce 101 event was held Saturday, June 26, from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. More than 50 prospective students tried out various trades with hands-on activities and met employers at the event. Students could choose up to two sessions  from culinary, hospitality, aviation, HVACR, construction, welding and automotive technology.

Prospective students in HVACR labWeldingCooking in the culinary labProspective students in automotive engine labProspective students learning about aviation

Apprenticeship leading to local career for LLCC student

2021 LLCC graduate Cole Thoron is an apprentice at Ace Sign Co. He’s shown with Ace CEO Todd Bringuet.

2021 LLCC graduate Cole Thoron is an apprentice at Ace Sign Co. He’s shown with Ace CEO Todd Bringuet.

An apprenticeship at Ace Sign Co. of Springfield is leading to a career for Cole Thoron, a 2021 computer science graduate of Lincoln Land Community College.

The apprenticeship is the first of its kind to be established with a local business through LLCC’s Office of Apprenticeship Programming.

Thoron began his apprenticeship in April while still completing coursework at LLCC. Ace is providing on-the-job training to successfully onboard him into his new position.

“Every day is a new experience, and I feel I am developing, solidifying and furthering my skills,” says Thoron.

“We are thrilled to work with a widely respected company that has been a local presence in the Springfield area for over 80 years,” says Brenda Elliott, LLCC director of apprenticeship programming. “Working with LLCC computer science faculty and our career services department, we collaborated with Ace to develop the right mixture of education and on-the-job training for Cole. It’s important to us to keep our students local and keep them loyal.”

“The LLCC Apprenticeship Program has provided Ace Sign Co. a great opportunity to connect with qualified talent like Cole,” said Todd Bringuet, CEO of Ace Sign Co. “The program aids in providing both the apprentice and our supervisors ample time to train and evaluate prospective team members. With Cole as an integral member of our Ace Sign Co. team, we look forward to our continued relationship with LLCC.”

LLCC is working to close the skills gap by establishing local partnerships within the business community. Elliott hopes to expand student apprenticeships, particularly in information technology. “Apprenticeships are not just for trade positions anymore,” she says.

Any business interested in partnering with LLCC on an apprenticeship program to enhance their workforce is invited to contact Elliott at brenda.elliott@llcc.edu or 217-786-2326.

Career Launch at LLCC

Teens in the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois’ Career Launch program got hands-on experience with esports at LLCC last week! They spent time in the Loggers Esports arena with Ron Riggle, LLCC athletic director, and Chase DeWitt, esports head coach.

Teens with Chase DeWitt in LLCC Esports arenaStudent playing game in esports arenaStudents playing games in esports arenaChase DeWitt talking with students in esports arena

Summer 2021 graduation applications

Please remind students that now is the time to submit a graduation application to be considered a summer 2021 graduate. The due date for summer 2021 graduation applications is July 15, 2021. Prospective graduates must submit a graduation application to LLCC Student Records by the deadline for the term in which all graduation requirements will be completed.

NOTE: Applying for graduation is separate from signing up to participate in the annual commencement ceremony. There is a separate sign up for the commencement ceremony held each May. That information will come at a later date.

Prior to submitting the graduation application, students should meet with a student success coach for a degree audit to ensure all requirements have been met for their degree or certificate program.

If you have any question, please contact LLCC Records at 217-786-4956.

Important Deadlines to Remember

July 15, 2021: Deadline for graduation application to be considered a summer graduate

Dec. 1, 2021: Deadline for graduation application to be considered a fall 2021 graduate

Thank you,
LLCC Records

Contractors to begin work in lower level of Cass Gym

Starting today, June 28, contractors will be working on mechanical systems in the lower level of Cass Gym. This work will occur in and around the locker rooms. Please be sure to check for any construction activities before using the locker rooms until the end of July. We have asked them to put signage on doors when their work is in progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tim Ervin at 217-786-9605 or at tim.ervin@llcc.edu.

Recordings of Microsoft 365 accessibility training available

Recordings of last week’s Microsoft 365 accessibility presentations are now available via Stream. You can learn more about how people use Microsoft settings and applications to access the information we prepare. The three sessions addressed hearing, low vision and neurodiversity, and their objectives were:

  • Learning how to set up and navigate the settings within Windows 10, Office Desktop applications and Teams.
  • Customizing elements of an operating system and Office applications
  • Coming away with the ability to tailor the Windows and Office experience through the understanding of the integrated features for inclusivity
  • Learning how assistive technology can empower how people communicate, learn and experience the world

Still a few free tickets left to a Springfield Sliders game!

Sliders Springfield baseball team logo There are still a few tickets left! While supplies last, you can pickup two FREE tickets to join us on Thursday, July 1 at the Springfield Sliders home game. Stop by the VP Office Suite in Menard Hall and see Gailyn Draper, Amy Williams or Julie Eason. Gates open at 5:35 p.m. Game time is 6:35 p.m.

Hope to see you there!