Dr. Ashley Green, assistant professor, English, and Writing Center coordinator, presented at the 17th Annual Conference on Illinois History Sept. 24-25 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Sponsors for the conference included the Illinois Historic Preservation Society and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

Dr. Green participated in a panel with MacMurray faculty, Philosophy Professor Dr. Eric Berg, History Professor Dr. Chris Strangeman and English Professor Dr. Jeannie Zeck. The panel, “What is the Place of the Humanities?,” offered discussion on the importance of the humanities in building a better society and preparing students better for workforce success.

Dr. Eric Berg spoke about the importance of philosophy in teaching students how to think analytically and critically about their world; in addition, he believes philosophy helps students understand the why behind social and healthcare policies. Dr. Strangeman spoke to the importance of history in helping individuals feel a part of a historical continuum and global community. Dr. Zeck talked about the importance of literature, poetry and theater as a way to understand the human experience and develop a greater sense of empathy. Dr. Green discussed the significance of figurative language as a vehicle by which trauma victims can communicate their experience. Trauma, by definition, eludes articulation and full understanding. Dr. Green argued that through the use of figurative tools, a traumatized individual can best process his/her experience, express it to society and, finally, come to fully understand the traumatic event and integrate it with his/her identity.

Truck Driver Training’s Bob Howard and David Foster participated in “Touch the Truck Day,” a family event sponsored by State Senator Sam McCann, at Chatham Middle School Saturday, Sept. 12. A large number of attendees viewed the various types of trucks that were on display for children to see and experience.

Dick Rogers, automotive technology professor, spoke to the Association of Information Technology Professionals June 16 about automotive automation. His presentation included the role of computers in the automobiles in the past and what is coming in the future.

Lorie McDonald, director, LLCC-Litchfield & Hillsboro, spoke to the Illinois State Retirees Association Mary 12 at the Hillsboro Moose Lodge on Litchfield and Hillsboro credit and non-credit opportunities.

David Bowman, workforce development coordinator, spoke recently at an energy efficiency legislative breakfast sponsored by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Chris McDonald, Ph.D., political science professor, is presenting Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at the Illinois State Military Museum. Professor’s McDonald’s presentation is based on his newly published book, “”Three Lying or Four Sitting”–From the Front in a Ford.”

Jamie Stout, director, Community Education, spoke to members of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Taylorville March 24. She provided information about Community Education programs and the LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning.

John Kidd, culinary specialist, and student Devlin O’Reilly presented a demonstration at the 17th annual Illinois Products Expo at the Illinois State Fairgrounds March 7.

Beth Wiediger, Ph.D., professor of psychology, was the guest speaker at the February World Affairs Council of Central Illinois (WACCI) monthly program at UIS’s Brookens Auditorium. Her program title was “The Role of Women in Brazil.”

The Jane Hartman (music professor) Trio performed at the pre-election dinner and reception at the Illinois State Capitol Sunday evening for Governor-elect Rauner and 800 people. Last night, the Trio  performed at a cocktail reception in the Illinois Museum Library, with music continuing into the evening at the Lincoln Museum prior to the Toby Keith concert at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. In addition, LLCC music student Denise Pittman and alum Nicolas Brady performed with the Lincoln Troubadours at Rauner’s reception at the Old State Capitol. The vocal coach and conductor for the Troubadours is LLCC adjunct music instructor Sue Hamilton.