Congratulations to Dr. Karla Ivankovich, LLCC alum, who received one of three Outstanding Alumni Awards presented by the American Association of Community Colleges at the AACC Conference in NYC yesterday. Dr. Ivankovich is a counselor, educator, spokeswoman and CEO of OnePatient Global Health Initiative, a nonprofit committed to accessible mental and physical health care in underserved populations. She says her passion was fostered by LLCC instructors who showed her “the need for service is as important as the need to breathe.”

Calling all LLCC alumni! We know there are a lot of staff and faculty who have taken at least one class at LLCC, and we would love for you to help us get more “likes” and have the chance to win amazing prizes too. Please find us at https://www.facebook.com/LLCCAlumni and participate in our Connect Contest!

Help us reach our 1,500 goal! Participate now for a chance to win a prize package valued over $150 from the following LLCC community businesses:

• @WhimsyTeaCompany
• @TrendsettersFloral
• @theluminarychefs
• @cafemoxo

To enter:

Comment on the Connect Contest post with your favorite LLCC memory, instructor or class by May 24 at 11:59 p.m. Note: Contestants must “like” us to be eligible to win.

The following is optional, but greatly appreciated: Share the post and encourage LLCC alums to “like” us and participate in the fun!

Dr. Catherine A. Kush has been named the 2021 recipient of the LLCC Honored Alumni Award.

Dr. Kush is the director of the upper division BSN program and an assistant professor of nursing at Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College where she received the Dean’s Award for Exceptional Service. Kush also maintains a part-time practice as a geriatric nurse practitioner.

During her 46-year career in nursing, she has also worked as a clinical nurse and adjunct professor at several colleges of nursing. Kush earned an R.N. from LLCC, a bachelor’s degree from Capital University, post-master’s certificates from St. Louis University and University of Missouri St. Louis, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from St. Louis University. She also served in the Army Reserves and then went active duty, retiring as a Lt. Colonel from the Army Nurse Corps after 21 years of service.

As the recipient of this year’s Honored Alumni Award, Kush will receive artwork made by Bryon Hartley, an alum of the LLCC art program.

LLCC is accepting nominations for the 2020 Honored Alumni Award. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15, 2020.

Anyone may nominate an LLCC alum (someone who has successfully completed coursework at LLCC) for the award by completing a form at www.llcc.edu/honored-alumni-award.

Nominations will be scored on four criteria: 1) role model – inspiring excellence in others, 2) outstanding success – significant career or personal achievements, 3) impact –accomplishments that changed the community for the better and 4) community service – a visible commitment to the community through leadership and/or volunteerism.

The 2020 honoree will be recognized at LLCC’s commencement ceremony on May 15, 2020.

Past recipients of the Honored Alumni Award include: 2019 – Samuel Wheeler, Ph.D. of Springfield; 2018 – Timothy B. Smith of Cantrall; 2017 – William “Bill” D. McCarty II of Springfield; 2016 – Dr. Andrew Thoron of Newbury, Fla.; 2015 – Cinda Edwards of Springfield; 2014 – Dr. Karla (Carwile) Ivankovich of Glenview; 2013 – Jim Matheis of Springfield; 2012 – Gregg Humphrey of Springfield; 2011 – Bruce Compton of Litchfield; 2010 – Michelle Tjelmeland of Springfield; and 2009 – Bill Ames of Springfield.

For more information, call LLCC Alumni Services at 217-786-2206 or email alumni@llcc.edu.