Valerie Wright, associate of dean of nursing, spent some time with Morgan, the therapy poodle yesterday morning. The therapy poodles stopped by to visit the nursing students and will be back on April 27, 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. and May 8, 10 a.m.-noon. All are invited to visit these friendly dogs!

 The LLCC Student Government Association will sponsor a 1K Zombie Run this Saturday, April 22, beginning at 9 a.m. in front of the LLCC softball field behind Cass Gym.

The public is invited to participate in this zombie-themed, fun event. Pre-registration is available at https://sgazombierun.eventbrite.com or participants may register on site beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday.

The first 30 registrants receive a free T-shirt, and prizes will be awarded. Cost to participate is $10 or a minimum of five ready-to-eat items to be donated to the LLCC Student Life Office Food Pantry to assist students in need of a meal during their time on campus. Suggested ready-to-eat items include trail mix, to-go peanut butter cups, serving size cereal, mac and cheese cups, ready-to-eat tuna or chicken salad kits, easy-open cans of soup, ready-to-eat pasta or rice meals, protein or granola bars, crackers, bottled water and juice boxes. All donations should be in original packaging listing the use by, sell by, or best if used by date.

Any items not utilized by students will be donated to the Central Illinois Food Bank. Questions may be directed to Marie Watson, student engagement coordinator.

The SAVE Taskforce would like to thank everyone who participated in the Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action. The Day of Action brought sexual assault awareness and resources to the LLCC community, while also giving hope to sexual assault survivors that they are not in this alone.

Congratulations to Michael Phelon, Open Door coordinator, winner of the faculty/staff runway competition and Bobby Herpel, winner of the student runway competition. Michael and Bobby both received a trophy made by Leslie Stalter, professor of art.

The SAVE Taskforce would like to announce future engagement opportunities:

Thursday, April 20 – Computer Science Academy and the Gay-Straight Alliance clubs are sponsoring a Jeans Day. Interested participants can drop off their $5 to Student Life.

 Saturday, April 22 – Chemistry Club, Brady Gentry, chief of police and Michael Phelon, Open Door coordinator will be participating in Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (PCASA) Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. All faculty, staff, and students can walk in the event to raise awareness and funds for Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault. You can also support the Chemistry Club team, Brad Gentry and Michael Phelon in the walk by going to https://www.firstgiving.com/team/349174

Friday, April 28 – UIS Take Back the Night- all faculty, staff, and students can meet in the Commons at 7 p.m. to walk over to the UIS event together.

Dr. Wendy Howerter, associate vice president, academic innovation and effectiveness, and Frank Marsaglia, professor, computer networking, were interviewed by WICS/FOX 55 News April 14 on the National Science Foundation grant received for development of a competency based cybersecurity certificate program. Earlier, they were interviewed by WCIA News and the State Journal-Register.

LLCC’s VALIC representative will be on campus today, from 1-4 p.m. in the V.P. Conference Room. Read more by clicking below and make your appointment.

You are INVITED

Winners of the Library’s annual Edible Books Festival were “The Famous Chocolate Pie from ‘The Help,'” submitted by Julie Rios; and “A Bad Case of Stripes,” submitted by Jamie McCoy. The event was coordinated by Leslie Rios, librarian and associate professor, in honor of National Library Week. Thanks to all who participated!

See all the entries!

The LLCC Gay Straight Alliance is hosting an open discussion on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community in the R.H. Stephens Room on Thursday, April 13  from noon-1 p.m. speakOUT is an event where members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies can have a open discussion about issues affecting them. 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 goal is to provide a cathartic and healing experience as well as to open dialogue and discussion for understanding and support. This event is open to students, faculty and staff.

Please encourage students to stop by A. Lincoln Commons today for a Financial Literacy & Volunteer Fair hosted by the Capital Area Money Smart Week Committee. The fair will feature a Geocache for College Cash contest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for current LLCC students. Students will be required to locate seven financial education posters at the fair, scan a code and answer the corresponding question. Each poster covers a different financial topic from budgeting to managing student loans. One $1,000 and one $500 scholarship will be awarded the winners. The scholarships can be used to pay tuition at LLCC or at another university if the student is preparing to transfer to a four-year school. In addition, participating students will be entered in a nationwide drawing with a cash prize of $1,500. Thank you to Bank of Springfield, Heartland Credit Union, Marine Bank, Security Bank, UCB – United Community Bank, and U.S. Bank for sponsoring the event and Geocache Scholarships. Learn more

Lori Smith, scholarship program coordinator, Alison Mills, financial aid advisor, and Lynn Whalen, executive director, PRM, were interviewed for an upcoming story in the Illinois Times on the 10th annual (and final) Brian McMillen Memorial Run/Walk, to be held May 27. Register for the event here.

Jay Kitterman, consultant, Culinary Institute, wrote this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column on wine.