Food for Fines

April 9-13 is National Library Week, and the LLCC Library is kicking off its Food for Fines fundraiser drive, which continues through the end of the semester. Food for Fines allows patrons (students, faculty, staff or community members) to “pay off” any fines or fees on their account by bringing in donations for the LLCC Food Pantry. Patrons can bring in one non-perishable item to receive $5 off their total fines. For instance, if you owe $20 in processing fees and bring in four donation items, your account balance will go down to zero. Please note that donations cannot be used to pay for lost books. View a list of items that the LLCC Food Pantry is in need of. Feel free to contact Tavis Lawson or Scott Ebbing if you need any more information. Thank you!

In the news

Bird bandingTony Rothering, professor of biology; Lawrence Strubhart, horticulturist and Introduction to Bird Identification student; along with other bird banding participants were interviewed by Mark McDonald on Tuesday, April 10. The LLCC bird banding research project will be the subject of an edition of PBS’ Illinois Stories airing within the next month.

Jay Kitterman, consultant, LLCC Culinary Institute, is the author of this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State-Journal Register,  “Culinary medicine is a new trend.”

Tasty Italia a success with all proceeds to students

“Tasty Italia” was held Saturday, April 7 at LLCC’s Bistro Verdé. It was a sellout success again thanks to generous guest chefs and donors Mike Aiello and Sergio “Satch” Pecori. The guest chefs created an Italian feast, all in the name of student learning! The LLCC Foundation extends special thanks to Mike and Satch for sharing their talents as well as their treasure in presenting this event. The two donated all food and beverages allowing 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit LLCC culinary students!

Mike AielloSergio "Satch" PecoriSergio "Satch" Pecori and Sean KeeleyMike Aiello

LLCC hosts Illinois Community College Journalism Association conference

Tim McKenzie, professor of journalism and humanities, organized LLCC’s hosting of the Illinois Community College Journalism Association conference April 5-6. Sixty-one journalism students from eight community colleges in the state attended. Among the speakers were Lynn Whalen, executive director of public relations and marketing, along with a roundtable of LLCC journalism alumni Ryan Wilson (now studying broadcast journalism at UIUC), Leanna Churchill (now studying journalism/communication at UIS), Isaac Warren (now studying digital media at Greenville University) and Lukas Myers (a former journalism major now studying philosophy at Millikin University). Keynote speaker was Charlie Wheeler, director of the Public Affairs Reporting Program at UIS.

GSA hosts speakOUT open discussion tomorrow at noon

The LLCC Gay-Straight Alliance is hosting a speakOUT open discussion on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community in the Robert H. Stephens Room on Wednesday, April 11 from noon to 1 p.m. There will be an open mic at this event for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to discuss their experiences. It is also a great place to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. The goals are to provide a cathartic and healing experience and to open dialogue and discussion for understanding and support. This event is open to students, faculty and staff.

In the community – John Paul Jaramillo

Four Illinois authors, including John Paul Jaramillo, LLCC professor of English, will be speaking at the Author’s Tea on Tuesday, April 17 from 4:30-6:30 at the Prairie Skies Public Library District’s Pleasant Plains location. Jaramillo is the author of “The House of Order” and “Little Mocos” as well as many stories and essays. There is no charge for this event, but seating is limited. You may call or stop by the Pleasant Plains or Ashland libraries to register. Refreshments will be available at the event.

In the news

The MCCC Agora at Monroe County Community College in Michigan currently features a profile on LLCC alum Michael Snyder, now a political science professor at the school, whose statements include, “I started at a community college called Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill. It’s really not an overstatement to say that you get a stronger academic feel at a two-year school than a four-year school.”

Livestock Judging Team members earn All-American status; Ag Club wins awards at National PAS Conference

Two members of the LLCC Livestock Judging Team, coached by Craig Beckmier, professor of agriculture, recently earned All-American status at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

LLCC sophomores Mason Gordon and Adrian Austin were among 15 students nationwide to receive the honor.

To earn All-American status, in addition to excelling in the classroom, Gordon and Austin had to compete and score well at the major national collegiate livestock events including the Kansas City Royal, North American International Exposition in Louisville, and the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

Both students have been LLCC Agriculture Club officers while enrolled at the college. After completing their studies at LLCC, Gordon, originally from Rushville, Ind., plans to transfer to Purdue University to major in agribusiness and political science. Austin, from Mt. Vernon, Ill., intends on transferring to Kansas State University with a major in ag communications.

Also, members of the LLCC Agriculture Club, advised by Professor and Agriculture Program Coordinator Bill Harmon performed well at the National Postsecondary Agriculture Student (PAS) Conference in Louisville last month, where they competed against teams from 18 states. Read more about the awards received.