Category Archives: LEAGUE

03.22.24

Professional Development Day & LEAGUE Kickoff March 26

Spring 2024 Professional Development Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 26.

Access the updated schedule-at-a-glance and the full session descriptions on the Staff Training and Development page on the HR portal. Please note that the location for the general session (1:15-2:15 p.m.), “Prioritization & Time Management,” has been changed and will now be held in Student Union.

Faculty sessions for the day include:

  • 9-11 a.m. — Instructional department activities.
  • 1:15-2:15 p.m. — Welcome by Dr. Jason Dockter and “Who Are Our Students?” by Cody Cox, Trutter Center
  • 2:30-4:20 p.m. — Concurrent sessions
  • Late afternoon/evening — Instructional department activities with adjuncts, adjunct coordinators and deans.

LEAGUE Kickoff and Lunch

2024 LEAGUE ticket. Tuesday. March 26. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Good for a complimentary lunch from one of the food trucks. Lunch 11-noon food trucks. Join us in the Student Union for a coffee bar, cookies, entertainment and Kahoot trivia.All faculty and staff are invited to join the LEAGUE Committee for the LEAGUE Kickoff and Lunch on Professional Development Day! To join us, you can pick up a lunch ticket at a ticket booth under the Menard Hall awning. You can then choose from one of the three food trucks available on the east side of Menard Hall for a complimentary lunch beginning at 11 a.m.:

  • Leo’s Pizza – choice of mushroom, cheese or pepperoni pizza.
  • AZ-T-CA – chicken or beef nachos or a vegetarian option.
  • Twyford BBQ – Beef brisket or pulled chicken with choice of potato casserole or mac-n-cheese.

After you pick up lunch on the east side of Menard, head to the Student Union for some entertainment, a coffee bar and some Neslee Toulousee chocolate chip cookies.

For special dietary requests, please contact, please contact Jay Kitterman at Jay.Kitterman@llcc.edu to reserve.

Guess the LEAGUE Friend

LEAGUE. LLCC Foundation

Were you able to guess that yesterday’s wannabe songstress and LEAGUE Friend was Nicole Ralph, associate vice president human resources?LEAGUE friend Nicole Ralph

Speaking of vocalists, today’s friend has been performing with many central Illinois bands and singing in the Illinois Country Opry circuit since they were 6 years old. In 1991, ‘92 and ‘93 they were voted female vocalist of the year by the Illinois Country Music Association. They still appear as a guest artist at Central Illinois Opry houses from time to time.

This friend has worked for LLCC for 26 years in various roles including nursing continuing education, truck driver training, student services, and the Workforce Institute. They are a 1989 alum of LLCC and have donated since they began at LLCC because they have watched many students struggle with financing their education, balancing a home budget and unexpected expenses. They appreciate that there is someplace for students to turn for assistance when those unexpected needs arise to ease their burden. This student emergency assistance fund is known as the Pay It Forward Fund and you can choose to designate your LEAGUE gift for this purpose. Can you guess who this LEAGUE Friend is? Submit your answer to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

03.21.24

Join the LEAGUE Committee on Tuesday, March 26.

LEAGUE Kickoff and Lunch

2024 LEAGUE ticket. Tuesday. March 26. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Good for a complimentary lunch from one of the food trucks. Lunch 11-noon food trucks. Join us in the Student Union for a coffee bar, cookies, entertainment and Kahoot trivia.All faculty and staff are invited to join the LEAGUE Committee for the LEAGUE Kickoff and Lunch! To join us, you can pick up a lunch ticket at a ticket booth under the Menard Hall awning. You can then choose from one of the three food trucks available on the east side of Menard Hall for a complimentary lunch beginning at 11 a.m.:

  • Leo’s Pizza – choice of mushroom, cheese or pepperoni pizza.
  • AZ-T-CA – chicken or beef nachos or a vegetarian option.
  • Twyford BBQ – Beef brisket or pulled chicken with choice of potato casserole or mac-n-cheese.

After you pick up lunch on the east side of Menard, head to the Student Union for some entertainment, a coffee bar and some Neslee Toulousee chocolate chip cookies.

For special dietary requests, please contact, please contact Jay Kitterman at Jay.Kitterman@llcc.edu to reserve.

Guess the LEAGUE Friend?

LEAGUE friend, Laurie Rhodes.

Did you guess Yesterday’s LEAGUE Friend was Laurie Rhodes, director, child development center?  Correct guesses have been entered into a drawing to win a prize.

Today’s LEAGUE Friends has been with LLCC for almost 28 years. Although they didn’t graduate from here, they have taken classes. They even took a private applied music class to sing, but in their own words “I’m terrible!” They were convinced they could be good enough to someday sing at an event that showcases LLCC talent. They give because their spouse is an alum and talks about their time at LLCC as some of the best years of their life. This Friend wants others to have that same opportunity. Maybe people skills and trivia are more their thing.

03.20.24

Professional Development Day Schedule and LEAGUE Kickoff Details

Spring 2024 Professional Development Day will be held Tuesday, March 26. An overview of the faculty professional development day activities can be found below. The LLCC Foundation will also be hosting the Annual LEAGUE kickoff event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on this day.

AIeL would like to thank all of the presenters who have graciously agreed to share their knowledge and experiences with their colleagues on this day.

Faculty Professional Development Day

Beyond the Basics: Engaging All Learners Time

9-11 a.m. – Instructional department activities. Department specific information will be provided by deans.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – LLCC Foundation Annual LEAGUE Kickoff Event and Luncheon in the Student Union, Menard Hall

1:15-2:15 p.m. – Welcome by Dr. Jason Dockter, Vice President, Academic Services and “Who Are Our Students?” by Cody Cox, Research and Analytics Associate II, Institutional Research and Effectiveness – Location: Trutter Center

2:30-4:20 p.m. – Concurrent sessions

Time Track 1
Beyond Accessibility: Bridging Our Gaps		 Track 2
Beyond DEI: Refreshing Our Approach		 Track 3
Beyond the Lecture: Activating Our Students
2:30-3:20 p.m. Design for All, Teaching for Success: Universal Design for Learning

Dr. Vance Martin (University of Illinois’ System)

Robert H. Stephens Room

 Building an Inclusive Face-to-Face Class

Dr Jennifer O’Malley, Leigh Giles Brown

Menard 2202

 See, Experience and Learn: Active learning Classrooms in Action

Dr. Ted Babin, Dr. Gillian Bauer, Dr. Matthew Schownir, Dr Karen Sisk, Kimberly Alexander, Rebecca Miller

Sangamon 1102, 1103 and 1104
3:30-4:20 p.m. Level Up Your Files: A Hands-On Lab

Dr. Vance Martin (University of Illinois System)

Menard 2229

 Building an Inclusive Online Class

Rebecca Miller, Rihab Sawah, Amy Strawn

Menard 2202

 Mental Health Resources: Promoting Mental Health in College Students

Dr. Tamilore Odimayo (Mental Health Savage LLC)

Trutter Center

Late Afternoon/Evening – Instructional department activities with adjuncts, adjunct coordinators and deans. Department specific information will be provided by your dean.

LEAGUE Kickoff

LEAGUE. LLCC FoundationAre you a Friends fanatic? The theme of this year’s LEAGUE Campaign is Friends and the committee has some fun things planned for the LEAGUE lunch on Professional Development Day, March 26 including:

11 a.m.-noon – Complimentary lunch from one of three food trucks on the east side of Menard.

11:30 a.m.-noon – Gianna Hines will be playing some 90’s songs on guitar in the Student Union.

Noon-1 p.m. – Program including Kahoot Trivia, LEAGUE Grant Awards and a special feature you won’t want to miss!

50/50 raffle tickets will be available so bring cash. A coffee bar and cookies will be provided and you can also make your donation to the annual faculty and staff giving campaign. There are drawings for some great prizes for anyone who makes a donation including $150 cash prize donated by members of the Cabinet. Make your donation now and avoid the line 2024 LEAGUE Form.

LEAGUE friend, Mike Dunlap.Did you guess Yesterday’s LEAGUE Friend was Mike Dunlap, accounts receivable/collection technician in Finance?  Mike also serves on the LEAGUE Committee.

Guess the LEAGUE Friend?

This LEAGUE Friend has been with the college for 26 years and has been donating for 21 years! They are an alum and met their spouse at LLCC. They donate to the LEAGUE Campaign because LLCC has played an important part in their family’s education. In their role, they see every day how education provides opportunities and makes a difference for families. This friend loves water and all sports associated with it. On weekends you can find them with a fishing pole in hand but at work they may be holding a little one’s hand. Can you Guess the LEAGUE Friend? Submit your answer to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize!

03.19.24

Professional Development Day and LEAGUE Kickoff March 26

Professional Development Day

Spring 2024 Professional Development Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 26. Access the updated schedule-at-a-glance and the full session descriptions on the Staff Training and Development page on the HR portal.

8-11 a.m. – Departmental Activities

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – Foundation Annual LEAGUE Kickoff Event and Luncheon, Student Union

1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. – General Session: Prioritization & Time Management, Student Union

2:30-3:20 p.m. or 3:30-4:20 p.m. – Track One: Promoting Mental Health in College Students, Trutter Center

2:30-4:20 p.m. – Track Two: Mental Health Resources, Millennium Center 2203

  • 2:30-3:20 p.m. – Community Mental Health Resources
  • 3:30-4:20 p.m. – Finding Your Zen: Strategies for Relieving Stress

2:30-4:20 p.m. – Track Three: Workplace Skill Building

  • 2:30-3:20 p.m. –  Strategies for Better “Customer” Communication, Menard Hall 1179
  • 3:30-4:20 p.m. – Microsoft Office 365: Outlook Tips & Tricks, Menard Hall, 1173

LEAGUE Kickoff

LEAGUE. LLCC FoundationAll faculty and staff are invited to join the LEAGUE Committee for the kickoff celebration of the faculty and staff giving campaign known as LEAGUE on Professional Development Day. Choose from one of the three food trucks available for a complimentary lunch:

  • Leo’s Pizza – choice of mushroom, cheese or pepperoni pizza.
  • AZ-T-CA – chicken or beef nachos or a vegetarian option.
  • Twyford BBQ – Beef brisket or pulled chicken with choice of potato casserole or mac-n-cheese.

After you pick up lunch on the eastside of Menard, head to the Student Union for some entertainment, a coffee bar and some Neslee Toulousee chocolate chip cookies.

For special dietary requests, please contact, please contact Jay Kitterman at Jay.Kitterman@llcc.edu to reserve.

Misty SchiererGuess the LEAGUE Friend

Did you guess the U2 superfan and LEAGUE Friend was Misty Schierer, graphic and website coordinator?

Today’s LEAGUE Friend has worked at the college for just six months. Not only do they help students with their accounts, they give because doing so makes them happy knowing the money will go towards helping students continue their education. When not at LLCC, they like to spend time outdoors golfing or camping. Can you guess the LEAGUE Friend? Submit your answers to LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu for a chance to win a prize.

03.18.24

Make plans to attend Professional Development Day and LEAGUE kickoff March 26

Professional Development Day

Professional Development Day will be held March 26!

  • 8-11 a.m. – Department activities
  • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – LEAGUE Kickoff
  • 1:15-2:15 p.m. – General session: Prioritization and time management
  • 2:30-4:20 p.m. – Concurrent sessions

Can you Guess Who This LEAGUE Friend Is?

LEAGUE. LLCC Foundation

This huge U2 fan can’t remember the number of times they have seen the rock band in concert but they do recall they have been at LLCC for 19 years. They give because they like that donations to the LEAGUE Campaign go back to the students we serve and help make things happen that might otherwise not be possible due to budget constraints. They also like choosing where their monies are donated. This person is creative and uses computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform and captivate their audience! Try to guess who this LEAGUE Friend is for a chance to win a prize! Submit your answer today at LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu. Watch for the answer in LincIn.

Speaking of entertainment, the LEAGUE Committee has lots of fun planned for the kickoff of the annual LEAGUE Campaign on March 26. Beginning at 11:30 a.m. Gianna Hines will be playing some of your favorite hits from the 90s in the Student Union. Download the Kahoot app on your phone and join us for some Friends and 90’s trivia. The winner will receive a basket donated by Raising Canes.

03.08.24

LEAGUE SWAG

Do you like swag? Some people donate to the LEAGUE campaign not only to support our students and programs at LLCC but to get some cool stuff. Below is what is being offered this year as incentive items in return for donations to LEAGUE.

LEAGUE 2024 campaign incentives. Coffee mug, $3, umbrella $7, tshirt, $10, all incentives for $25 or more per paycheck.

LEAGUE friend, Bill Harmon.

Guess the LEAGUE Friend

Were you able to guess the LEAGUE Friend from the clues provided yesterday? The person who likes to play in the dirt is none other than Bill Harmon, professor agronomy.

Check back after break for more information about plans for the upcoming LEAGUE Kickoff on March 26 and for more opportunities to Guess the LEAGUE Friend. In the meantime, don’t wait for the LEAGUE Kickoff to get your swag. Complete the 2024 LEAGUE Form.

Congratulations to David Leitner, Lindsey Weihmeir and Christie Hovey on their correct guesses. Please stop by the LLCC Foundation to pick up your prize.

03.07.24

LEAGUE Grant Awards to be announced March 26

Skeleton purchased with a LEAGUE grant.Did you apply for a LEAGUE Grant?

LEAGUE Grant awards will be announced at the LEAGUE kickoff on Tuesday, March 26 in the Student Union. The program will begin at noon.

One of last year’s LEAGUE Grants was awarded to radiography for a new skeleton for the classroom, one that has wheels for positioning, and flexibility within the spine to demonstrate flexion and extension of the vertebral column.

Can You Guess Who This LEAGUE Friend Is?

LEAGUE friend, Shawn AllenDid you guess that the LEAGUE Friend from yesterday was Shawn Allen, Registrar for the college since Jan. 2? If so, your name was entered into a drawing for a LEAGUE prize.

Another long-time Friend of LEAGUE has been with the college for 27 years and has given for that long as well! This Friend is an alum who graduated from LLCC in 1986. They donate to the LLCC Foundation through the LEAGUE Campaign because they want to help current and future students be able to afford to attend LLCC as they received a scholarship when they were a student. “My favorite past times include playing trivia games, reading and barbecuing.” You may also find him playing in the dirt.

Can you guess the name of this LEAGUE Friend? Please submit your answer to LLCC.Foundation@llcc.edu.

03.06.24

Join Your LEAGUE Friends!

LEAGUE FRIEND Mark Roehrs.All faculty and staff are invited to join the LEAGUE Committee on Professional Development Day, Tuesday, March 26. A complimentary lunch will be available from one of the three food trucks outside of Menard Hall. Bring your lunch to the Student Union to eat with your friends and enjoy a little entertainment. The theme of the LEAGUE Campaign is “Friends” and we will be playing some 90’s trivia.

Speaking of trivia, did you guess the LEAGUE Friend from yesterday was Mark Roehrs, professor of history? If you guessed correctly, your name will be entered into a drawing for a prize!

Can you guess the next LEAGUE friend?

They graduated from LLCC in 1998 and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. They began working at LLCC in 2004 and have held a few different positions over the years.

Married for 23 years, they have one son and two chocolate labs. They love spending time with family and friends and the beach is their happy place!

The reason they have donated to the LEAGUE campaign for the past 19 years is because they believe that any donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference for our students. “Some years I ask that my donation goes toward student scholarships, other years I ask that it goes toward the greatest needs of the college. Either way, I know that our students will benefit from my donation, and it is one more way I can support them.”

Try to guess who this LEAGUE Friend is for a chance to win a prize! Submit your answer at LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.

03.05.24

What is LEAGUE?

LEAGUE. LLCC FoundationLEAGUE is an acronym for Leaders Establishing Annual Gifts Underwriting Education. It is the annual faculty and staff giving campaign and the purpose is to raise money in support of our students and programs. Since the LEAGUE campaign began in 1995, nearly $900,000 has been donated by faculty and staff members.

As the donor, you can choose how your donation will benefit students and programs including: the general scholarship fund, LEAGUE grants program or for the greatest need.

The LEAGUE Campaign will officially kick off on Tuesday, March 26 where you will have the opportunity to make a gift or pledge or complete this 2024 LEAGUE Form. The LEAGUE committee has chosen a “Friends” theme for the campaign.

Can you Guess Who This LEAGUE Friend Is?

This is their 23rd year at LLCC. Though not an alum, they have been playing noontime basketball in the gym at LLCC for 23 years and have been enrolled in the CEW class for that for about 8-10 years now.

They donate for a variety of reasons including:

  1. The swag.
  2. They designate the Lincoln Land Faculty Association Scholarship Fund because it’s important for the school, the students, and the union.
  3. “I donate because my daughter was fortunate enough to attend LLCC for free and got a fantastic education and I feel like I owed something back for that.”

Try to guess who this LEAGUE Friend is for a chance to win a prize! Submit your answer today at LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu. Watch for the answer in LincIn.

01.31.24

Today is the deadline to apply for a LEAGUE Grant

Attention faculty and staff. The LLCC Foundation will award $10,000 for equipment or programs that will enhance teaching or learning at LLCC. Apply for a LEAGUE grant today. Deadline is Jan. 31, 2024 at 5 p.m. Grants are made possible by the generous donations to the annual faculty and staff giving campaigns.The LLCC Foundation is accepting applications for LEAGUE Grants. A total of $10,000 is available for projects and programs at LLCC. Grant applications must be submitted today by 5 p.m. Please contact Michelle Pulce-Flynn, director of grant development, for an application at michelle.pulce-flynn@llcc.edu or by phone at 217-786-2446.

LEAGUE is the annual faculty and staff giving campaign. Donations to the LEAGUE Campaign make these grants possible. The grant awards will be announced at the LEAGUE Kickoff event on Tuesday, March 26.

There is not a dollar limit set on proposals, however the highest average amount awarded per grant is generally $1,500 to $2,000. The Foundation has funded projects such as:

  • Owl systems at each Outreach Center to offer more course offerings at the Centers.
  • Flexible endoscope for surgical technology so that students have hands on instruction on how to use, assemble, clean and sterilize these instruments.