06.21.23

LLCC students study ag in Ireland

Group photo of LLCC Ag students in Ireland

(l-r) front row: Pierce Gwinn, Logan Armstrong, Liz Hayden, Peri Andras, Shaylee Maddox, Morgan Black, Grace McCurdy, Kaitlyn Zeedyk, Kylie Schakel, Maggie McClelland, Maycee Cordes, Caedyn Finneran; middle row: Matt Crow, Wyatt Mahoney, Mallory Bowers, Genesis Stockton, Hadley Broadwater, Morgan Edwards, Elisabeth Lee, Natalie Lavin, Lizzy Hoppe, Brittany Slightom, Luke Adams, Blaine Gilley, George Jacaway IV, Wes Bland; back row: Cole Repscher, Alex Sidener, Will Jenkins, Klayton Komnick

Thirty LLCC students participated in a 10-day agricultural industry tour in Ireland May 13-23.

Tour stops included Kilkenny Mart to watch a sheep and dairy cow sale, visits to local farmers’ beef and dairy operations, and Castlecor Potatoes where a father-and-son team showcased their farm and packaging facility for potatoes and onions. Students had the opportunity to see Macroom Buffalo, which is the only water buffalo milk farm in Ireland, watched as the buffalo came in for milking and sampled the farm’s cheese products. Students also visited Fernville Connemara Pony Stud, which specializes in the Connemara Pony Breed, and toured an aquaculture company dedicated to the cultivation of abalone.

The trip also included visits to iconic locations and historic sites including the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle, Clonmacnoise and EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum. The immersive and educational experience totaled over 1,000 miles and allowed students to see agricultural, cultural and historical sites in Ireland.

The LLCC Agriculture study abroad experience was made possible by the Kreher Agricultural Trust.

06.21.23

In the news

Kyla Kruse, director, communications, was interviewed by WICS about yesterday’s LLCC Open House, which provided fun and engaging activities and opportunities for prospective students to find their path by learning about programs and services, talking with faculty and staff, and taking tours.

Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations, wrote “Let there be cake” published in this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register.

06.20.23

In the news

Chris Edmonds, program director, construction trades, was interviewed on WTAX June 16 about the $200,000 Trade Schools Grant awarded to LLCC. The college will partner with Sangamon Menard Regional Office of Education 51 to expand the current Multi-craft Core Curriculum (MC3) high school program. High school students will explore construction apprenticeships, while learning through hands-on labs and field trips to work sites. Read more: llcc.edu/news/construction-grant.

Kim Wilson, recruitment specialist and co-chair of the Juneteenth Committee, was interviewed yesterday by WICS about LLCC’s Juneteenth activities, including the Freedom Walk and documentary showings of Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom.

06.15.23

In the news

Patrick Moore, director of concurrent enrollment, was a guest on “The Work,” the podcast of the Capital Area Career Center. He spoke on the partnership between CACC and LLCC to offer dual credit to career and technical students.

06.13.23

In the news

Marlena Constant, early childhood education advocate, was interviewed by WICS News June 12 for a story on the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) program, which supports those who work or have worked in early childhood education or childcare in earning an additional credential through an LLCC certificate or degree.

Jay Kitterman, culinary and special events consultant, was quoted in this State Journal-Register article June 12 regarding the closure of the Sangamo Club after 133 years of operation.

05.31.23

LLCC to offer free summer health care exploration

Student in mask and gown working a scaleLLCC has been awarded a grant to allow 15 prospective health professions students to explore health care careers this summer while getting paid.

The HELPrS (Healthcare Entry-Level Professional Skills) program will run July 3-Aug. 10, Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will be paid $15 per hour (a total of more than $1,400) while experiencing a variety of health professions and job shadowing. The program also provides free uniforms, books, lunches and transportation to health care sites.

Students who will be high school seniors in fall 2023, as well as recent high school graduates, are eligible (ages 16-20).

“This six-week program will expose students to multiple health care career options,” said Leigh Giles-Brown, program director, diagnostic medical sonography at LLCC. “These include radiography, sonography, neurodiagnostic technology, respiratory care, occupational therapy assistant, emergency medical services and nursing.

“We want to open students’ eyes to the many possibilities available in the medical field. They’ll explore health care professions both on and off campus, learn about college life and get to practice important professional skills needed in the workforce — all while getting paid!”

The program aims to enhance diverse representation in the health care field, with priority given to minorities and males. Applicants from Lanphier High School, Southeast High School and Virginia High School will receive special consideration.

Registration is required by June 16, 2023 with more information available at www.llcc.edu/helprs.

HELPrS is made possible by the Trades School Grant Program and awarded through the Illinois Community College Board.