Paul Hudson, D.Mgt., professor of business, is the author of the new book, “Maximize Achievement – Academic Readiness Guide to College Completion and Graduation,” published by Dog Ear Publishing. The book, currently available at the LLCC Bookstore, amazon.com and BN.com, is designed as a resource for high school, college undergraduate and graduate students; faculty and educational administrators; learning centers and college success skills support systems. Dr. Hudson says he has spent the last eight years observing and recording what keeps students energized and motivated to graduate and succeed. He calls the book an academic “blueprint” that will lead, guide and motivate students toward their goal of academic success.

We extend our condolences to Jane Hartman, professor of music, on the passing of her mother, Nellie Allen, Jan. 1. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Divernon Presbyterian Church. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6 at the church. Read the obituary.

LLCC Arts and Humanities has issued a “call for stories” for a performance the evening of Feb. 17 entitled, “What We Talk About When We Say Love.”

“We are looking for individuals to write and deliver original stories or monologues on any aspect of love,” said Dr. Deborah Brothers, professor of English. “The stories can be about familial, platonic or romantic love – positive or negative – and be up to about seven minutes long.” For inspiration, she suggests listening to podcasts including the Moth Radio Hour, Snap Judgment or This American Life.

Stories should be composed in a Word document and emailed to deborah.brothers@llcc.edu by Wednesday, Feb. 1. Writers should indicate whether they will read their own story or prefer an LLCC theatre student to read for them.

Dr. Brothers will inform everyone who will participate in the show by Friday, Feb 3.

We extend our condolences to David Ferrill, IT specialist, on the passing of his brother, Charles Ferrill, Dec. 23. A funeral mass and interment were held on Dec. 29 in Morrisonville. Read the obituary.

See which faculty and staff have birthdays in January.

We extend our condolences to Maureen Curry, facilities office coordinator, and Dave Mahan, police officer, on the passing of their father, Wayne Mahan, Dec. 13. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 4-7 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. The funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Fraley Cemetery in Taylorville. Read the obituary.

Join the LLCC Holiday Party for faculty, staff and retirees today from 2-4 p.m. in the student union. Join the festivities by wearing your plaid apparel! There will be holiday reels movie trivia, and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Join us in welcoming new LLCC staff members!

Kimberly Young is our new program assistant, nursing in LLCC Health Professions. She previously was a full-time student at LLCC and worked as a TRIO student ambassador and student worker for nursing.

Kimberly can be reached at 786-2437 or kimberly.young@llcc.edu.

Debbie Bell has joined LLCC as custodial operations supervisor, night crew. For the past 16 years, she was employed by the Ball-Chatham School District.

Debbie can be reached at 786-2791 or debra.bell@llcc.edu.

Faculty, staff and retirees are invited to the LLCC Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m. in the student union. Join the festivities by wearing your plaid apparel. There will be holiday reels movie trivia, and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

LLCC will be closed for winter recess Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 through Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. No classes will be held, and administrative offices at the Springfield campus and Outreach Centers in the LLCC district will be closed. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

The LLCC Capital City Training Center will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, and open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 18-22 and Dec. 26-29. The Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1, and open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Dec. 18-21 and Dec. 27-29.

The spring 2018 semester begins Saturday, Jan. 13, and weekday classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 16. Read more about January extended hours for LLCC Admission and Registration; Advising, Counseling, Career, Services; Financial Aid; and Bookstore.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe break!