Adult Education welcomes Kirsten Langley

Kristen LangleyLLCC Adult Education welcomes Kirsten Langley as the new program assistant. Kirsten is an LLCC alum who is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Before coming to LLCC, Kirsten worked in medical records at SIU School of Medicine. Welcome home Kirsten!

LLCC Adult Education at the ICCB Forum for Excellence

Mike AkudaEarlier this month LLCC Adult Education student Mike Akuda represented LLCC on a student panel in Peoria at the ICCB Forum for Excellence. Mike is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and enrolled at LLCC to improve his English language skills. Mike then completed LLCC’s Digital Marketing and E-Commerce certificate in June 2024 and utilizes his news skills to run his two online businesses.

In the news

Dr. Laurel Bretz, associate vice president of continuing, corporate and professional education, was interviewed by WTIM yesterday. She discussed the start of fall classes and educational opportunities in LLCC Continuing Education, including custom training, continuing education units, online options, GED prep, English language skills and community education classes.

LLCC to host Conversation Tables at Chatham Public Library

LLCCAdult Education will host Conversation Tables for English language learners every Monday, 5-6:30 p.m., from Oct. 7-Nov. 18, at Chatham Public Library, 600 Spruce Street.

“Conversation Tables will give English language learners a chance to connect with others and practice conversational English in a comfortable environment,” said Patty Mendoza, director, adult education and literacy at LLCC.

It’s free to participate in Conversation Tables, but registration is required. LLCC will hold information sessions at the Chatham Public Library on the following dates:

  • Sept. 10 – 9-9:30 a.m. & 10-10:30 a.m.
  • Sept. 12 – 5-5:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 17 – 9-9:30 a.m. & 10-10:30 a.m.
  • Sept. 26 – 5-5:30 p.m.

Registration will be held immediately following each session and will include a short English language assessment, which could take up to an hour.

Conversation Tables were made possible through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds designated for literacy.

Visit www.llcc.edu/literacy-tutoring for more information. You can also register for Conversation Tables by contacting Marybeth Hentrich, adult education coordinator, at 217-786-2572.

LLCC Adult Education Recognition Ceremony, May 9

You are invited to celebrate the successes of our LLCC Adult Education and Literacy students on May 9 from 6-8 p.m. in the Student Union.

Students will be recognized for their achievements such as completing their high school diploma, English language learning achievements and completion of Bridge and ICAPS courses.

LLCC student named IACEA Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year

Congratulations to LLCC’s Maxime Kassa, who was recently named Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year at the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association (IACEA) Conference on March 7. The award recognizes an adult education student who has improved the life situation of themselves or others as a result of learning experience, has demonstrated leadership within formal or nontraditional learning, has overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue learning experience, and has been supportive of others engaged in adult learning. After coming to LLCC to strengthen his English skills, Maxime completed his construction occupations certificate and will graduate this May with an associate degree in applied science in construction occupations. He has inspired others to enroll in the college’s adult education program.

Allison Tinch, Marybeth Hentrich, Maxime Kassa, Sue Alexander and Patty Mendoza pose for a photo with Maxime's award.