A Letter to the Editor in the Nov. 10 State Journal-Register praised the Levi, Ray and Shoup, Inc. aviation center and LLCC’s aviation program, quoting director Dave Pietrzak.

Bill Harmon, professor of agronomy, was interviewed by WICS on Nov. 9 regarding the third annual Agriculture Career Expo being held on campus. High school students learned about the many job opportunities available in ag. They toured campus ag facilities, met with faculty and students, and networked with representatives from various ag-related businesses. See photos from the event on LLCC’s Facebook page!

Dave Pietrzak, director, LLCC aviation program, was interviewed by the Springfield Business Journal on Monday, Nov. 6 regarding the program, job demand for A&P technicians and the new facility. A number of aviation students were photographed for the story, which will run in the November issue of the magazine.

LLCC has a long history of excellence in online education and will celebrate with a 20^th anniversary ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at noon in A. Lincoln Commons. Becky Parton, dean, LLCC Academic Innovation and eLearning, wrote the essay “LLCC celebrating 20 years of online education” in yesterday’s Connections section of the State Journal-Register.

Jolene Adams, coordinator, LLCC Culinary Institute, is the author of this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register, “Planning holiday meals and baking? A list is essential!”

LLCC has been named one of 22 organizations across the state to win a 2017 Illinois Sustainability Award. From global corporations to small specialized businesses, the Illinois Sustainability Awards recognize significant achievements toward keeping the state’s economy green and going strong. LLCC was recognized for its commitment to sustainable campus operations. Dr. Judy Jozaitis, LLCC vice president of workforce development and community education accepted the award at a Chicago ceremony hosted by the Illinois Sustainability Technology Center – Prairie Research Institute.

Energy efficient upgrades to LLCC campus facilities have included installing roof top solar panels (also used for educational purposes), replacing aged boilers and chillers with high efficiency units, replacing constant volume air handlers with variable air volume handlers, replacing windows with energy efficient models and installing energy management systems.

The college adopted the use of 26 green cleaning products and switched all vending machines to Energy Star compliant models. The college paper reduction project has reduced paper usage across the campus by an average of 13 percent. Communal garden space has grown to 42 garden beds, two bee hives and two high tunnel greenhouses used to raise vegetables throughout the year.

In addition, 15 acres of native prairie landscapes at LLCC replaced high maintenance grass and created habitats for native wildlife. The native plant species added to the grounds provide learning opportunities for biology and environmental students. Establishing the prairies saved money, time and an estimated 200 gallons of gas, formerly used for mowing, annually.

Dee Krueger, director, LLCC-Taylorville, was interviewed on the WTIM Morning Talkshow on Thursday, Oct. 26.  She talked about the programs featured in the latest FORWARD; spring classes being offered at LLCC-Taylorville, including the criminal justice classes that will be utilizing the new crime lab; and other upcoming events.

Dave Pietrzak, director, LLCC aviation program, was interviewed by the State Journal-Register regarding the program and the new facility, for a story that will run this Saturday. A number of aviation students were photographed for the story.

Officials of LLCC and the Springfield Airport Authority, along with Dick Levi of Levi, Ray and Shoup, Inc., assisted LLCC aviation student Lukas Keck in cutting the ribbon to the new Levi, Ray and Shoup, Inc. Aviation Center at LLCC yesterday. The new center, located at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, was made possible by an $850,000 gift from Mr. Levi. A number of elected officials, including Governor Bruce Rauner, State Senator Bill Brady, State Representative Tim Butler and Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder attended the ceremony. WICS, FOX55, WAND, WCIA, Access 4 and IIS covered the event.

“Mr. Levi recognized that expanding and modernizing our aviation center would allow more students to receive hands on, technical job training in the repair and maintenance of aircraft, leading to rewarding and in-demand careers,” said LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D.  “Our entire community benefits from more students trained for more local jobs.”

Dennis Shackelford, chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees, added, “Students in the LLCC aviation program have a nearly 100 percent job placement rate. With an expected high turnover in the field due to retirements, we anticipate great opportunities for our graduates over the next two decades. We’re proud to offer them a state-of-the-art facility in which to learn.”

The ribbon cutting was preceded by an open house, during which LLCC aviation mechanics students and instructors guided visitors through the center.

Jay Kitterman, consultant, LLCC Culinary Institute, wrote this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register, “A trip to the British Isles.”