The 2024 LLCC Computer Science PAC meeting convened on April 26 at the Trutter Center, drawing a total of 33 attendees, including representatives from LLCC) and local employers. This gathering emphasized the partnership between LLCC Computer Science and the regional business community in preparing students for the workforce. Alongside discussions on student success, employment opportunities and employer needs, the program provided an update on its activities since the last meeting.
Category Archives: Mathematics and Computer Science
LLCC at Central Illinois STEM Fair
LLCC Mathematics and Computer Science, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Workforce Institute represented the college at the seventh annual Central Illinois STEM Fair in Rochester on April 10. LLCC promoted STEM education using robots, chemistry experiments, flying drones, microscope demonstrations, live Venus fly traps, geology trivia, interactive GIS displays and many other activities.
Special thanks to the faculty and staff who participated, including Dean Butzow, Jennifer Davis, Jeff Martin, David Pietrzak, Jennifer Ram, Sam Reif, Scott Searcy, Rich Teeter, Brent Todd, Lisa Volk-Draper and Rosie the Snake. Many students also participated, including Farren Ackerman, Isaac Barrett, Angelea Cooke, Liam Green, Sean McCarthy, Aaron Robertson, Alex Sidener and Preston Siewert.
Three career fairs held last week
LLCC held career fairs on campus this past Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, LLCC’s nursing program offered students with opportunities to connect with 15 leading health care providers and explore diverse pathways within the nursing profession. The Workforce Institute Career Fair was also held on Thursday with 62 employers and featured students in welding, HVACR, construction, truck driver training, electrical distribution linemen, automotive technology, diesel technologies, commercial electrical maintenance and industrial technology. The Info Tech Expo was held Friday and provided the opportunity for 16 employers to showcase advancements in technology and computer science and to connect students with careers in the IT industry.
LLCC No. 4 in TechGuide’s 2024 Rankings
LLCC’s Online Associate in Computer Science earned a No. 4 ranking in TechGuide’s 2024 list of Online Associate in Computer Science degree programs. This places LLCC among the top 25 institutions providing exceptional educational opportunities in the country.
TechGuide’s ranking process involves a thorough evaluation, considering various factors such as tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, admission and graduation rates, and alumni success. Data is utilized from reputable sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, including IPEDS and the College Navigator, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our rankings.
Second DoIT Cohort begins
On Tuesday, March 19, LLCC Computer Science welcomed 16 new State of Illinois DoIT trainees to Cohort 2. These trainees will continue their training on the LLCC campus in Logan Hall.
The orientation was facilitated by LLCC faculty and staff to share the college’s mission and services, meet the faculty and staff, and provide student expectations.
The trainees gained practical insights and a strong sense of community, setting the stage for their journey ahead.
Computer Science Academy hosts Cybersecurity speaker today at 3:15 p.m.
Come join LLCC’s Computer Science Academy and the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois for an enlightening keynote titled “Security in the Cyber Age: An Introduction to Policy and Technology.” Dr. Derek Reveron, chair of the Naval War College National Security Affairs Department, will delve into the workings of cyberspace, dissect how both state and non-state actors capitalize on its vulnerabilities and offer strategies for enhancing cybersecurity.
Thursday, March 7
3:15-4:40 p.m.
Menard Hall, Room 2202
Computer Science Academy hosts Cybersecurity speaker
Come join LLCC’s Computer Science Academy and the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois for an enlightening keynote titled “Security in the Cyber Age: An Introduction to Policy and Technology.” Dr. Derek Reveron, chair of the Naval War College National Security Affairs Department, will delve into the workings of cyberspace, dissect how both state and non-state actors capitalize on its vulnerabilities and offer strategies for enhancing cybersecurity.
Thursday, March 7
3:15-4:40 p.m.
Menard Hall, Room 2202
LLCC will host Rube Goldberg Competition for fifth graders
“Outlandish machines” designed by area fifth graders will be on display as LLCC hosts the 17th annual Springfield Area Fifth Grade Rube Goldberg Competition on Saturday, March 2. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. in the Student Union. There is no admission fee, and the public is invited to attend.
This year’s competition involves building a Rube Goldberg that must insert and remove a piece of toast from a toaster through at least 10 different steps. A Rube Goldberg device, such as the board game “Mousetrap,” is an elaborate apparatus designed to complete a certain task through a number of complex steps.
Area fifth graders are currently developing their own unique Rube Goldberg devices for this year’s competition. They receive assistance from engineer volunteers who visit classes and provide instruction on machines and engineering in general, along with suggestions for their Rube Goldberg device. The purpose of this event is to introduce children to the idea of pursuing a career in engineering or a STEM-related field.
This year, there will be teams participating from the following schools: Black Hawk Elementary, Graham Elementary, Morrisonville Elementary, Our Savior Lutheran, Riverton Middle, Rochester Intermediate, Southern View Elementary, Springfield Christian, Trinity Lutheran, and Beckemeyer Elementary School in Hillsboro.
Last year’s task entailed building a Rube Goldberg that would “move a rocket to a launch pad.” Sarah Eyth’s fifth grade class from Our Savior Lutheran, with engineer volunteers Marty Maletich and Phil Raftis from HLR Engineering, took home the top prize locally and at the Engineering Open House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
DoIT Trainees take flight
The future of tech in central Illinois is taking off, and we couldn’t be more excited! On Jan. 17, LLCC welcomed the first-ever DoIT cohort to orientation, marking a new chapter in providing our community with the skilled tech workforce it needs to compete and thrive in the digital age. We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and look forward to what this vibrant group of DoIT trainees will accomplish.
These exceptional students met:
- Dr. Carmen Allen, professor of computer science, sharing her passion for innovation and paving the way for future tech titans.
- Julie Brennan, assistant professor and DoIT liaison, building bridges between academia and industry, shaping a future where tech serves everyone.
- Dr. Amanda Turner, director of student success, equipping our students with the tools and skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape. ️
- Julie Clevenger, executive director, LLCC Center for Academic Success, providing crucial support and guidance, ensuring each student reaches their full potential.
Many thanks to Dr. Laurel Bretz, AVP, continuing, corporate and professional education, for her tireless efforts in coordinating this collaboration.
In addition, Ken Haycraft, director of learning and development – human resources at DoIT, played a key role in coordinating efforts. His dedication and leadership were instrumental in bringing this program to fruition.
CSA CompTIA presentation
On Friday, Dec. 1, the LLCC Computer Science Academy (CSA) hosted an event that featured guest speaker Karen Martin, who offered insights on the top Illinois employers, wages and tech job postings with discussion around pathways into the technology field. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about how courses at LLCC lead to CompTIA certifications and prepare students for the IT workforce.
