LLCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recently completed all the requirements for Five Star Chapter Status, the highest level of recognition, for the 10th year in a row. Requirements include participation of the chapter in regional events, recruitment activities and completion of two service projects — one to benefit the college and one to benefit the community. These projects are developed, planned and implemented by chapter officers and members.

The college project, which took place in November 2022, brought together students at the Springfield campus and Taylorville, Jacksonville and Litchfield locations to sign a banner stating what they love about community college. Following the signing, the banners were displayed at the Hoogland in Springfield and at the YMCAs in Taylorville and Jacksonville. This “CC Smart” campaign generated 242 testaments to the value of a community college education and raised awareness of that value in the communities served by LLCC.

The “Honors In Action” community service project, which took place in December 2022, was a sensory-friendly toy drive benefitting Hope Learning Academy Springfield and the Hope Autism Clinic. The drive resulted in a donation of 36 toys and a $250 donation from the Springfield Police Union.

The advisor for LLCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter is Gillian Bauer, professor of English. Claire Gordon, retired professor of communication, serves as assistant advisor.