LLCC’s aviation program and Bob Brandis of Brandis Aviation received a “thumbs up” in the Nov. 16 State Journal-Register for his donation of a Learjet 24B to the program. The column noted: “One of only three in Illinois, LLCC’s Aviation Mechanics Program provides hands-on preparation for an industry nodding and looking for skilled employees. The currently enrolled 30 students will learn the alignment of the jet’s structures and work on assembly and rigging, in addition to learning firsthand about the operational jet engine and the number of engine support systems. This generous learning tool donation will serve current and future students, as well as enable them to take off for rewarding careers.”

Bill Beaty, fire science program coordinator, was the subject of a Nov. 15 State Journal-Register article on his recent appointment as fire chief of Garden City, Kan. Bill will continue working at LLCC through December.

Jacob Deters, student engagement coordinator, was interviewed by WICS/FOX Illinois about the 24th annual Veterans Day Ceremony held yesterday at LLCC to honor all veterans, including LLCC faculty, staff and students who have served in the armed forces.

Michael Phelon, director, Open Door Program, wrote the essay “Workforce Equity Initiative provides free job training to low income students” in the State Journal-Register Nov. 10.

Laurie Rhodes, director, LLCC Child Development Center, was interviewed by WICS/FOX Illinois on Nov. 8 about what being ready for kindergarten looks like and what parents can to do help prepare their children.

LLCC students Anne-Marie Andersen and Theo Kennon were interviewed by the State Journal-Register for a story on how they met at the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired and now both attend LLCC. Anne’s student assistant Seth Jacobs, along with Brenda Protz, professor of speech, were also interviewed about the newly-married couple.

Jay Kitterman, consultant, LLCC Culinary Institute, wrote today’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register entitled, “The future.”

The LLCC Library donation of a collection of 133 books owned by renowned Lincoln biographer Dr. Benjamin P. Thomas to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has been published by news outlets across the country. Tammy Kuhn-Schnell, dean, LLCC Library, is quoted in the articles. LLCC also received a thumbs up from the State Journal-Register for the second week in a row — this week for the LLCC Library sharing these books with a wider audience, and last week in recognition of the $1 million grant for the Open Door – Workforce Equity Initiative.

Jennifer Ramm, professor of biology, was interviewed by WTAX yesterday about the Chemistry Club’s seventh annual “Haunted Lab,” which will be held on Friday, Oct. 25.

Rihab Sawah, assistant professor of physics, was interviewed yesterday by the State Journal-Register and NPR Illinois about the “Stamps of Hope” art exhibit and the gallery talk and reception, which will be held Thursday, Oct. 24.