09.14.23

Deadline tomorrow to register for Cardboard Boat Regatta

2022 Lincoln Land Cardboard Boat Regatta. Abe Lincoln paddling a cardboard boat.Faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to participate in LLCC’s second cardboard boat regatta on Sept. 22 at Lake Macoupin! Check in will be 9-10 a.m. with the race starting at 11 a.m. Register by Sept. 15 through the online regatta registration form, at the LLCC Police Department in Sangamon Hall South or by calling 217-786-2278.

The LLCCPD can provide cardboard, while supplies last. (Please note: duct tape is not provided.) A boat construction area is provided in the lower level of Sangamon South. Contact LLCCPD for more details.

The boats will be on display on the lawn west of the Helen Hamilton Center prior to the race. Awards will be given in such categories as fastest boat, best design, LLCC spirit and Titanic!

View additional event details, information on boat construction and rules.

09.14.23

Walk to End Alzheimer’s brown bag lunch event Sept. 20

Walk to End Alzheimer's logo. Alzheimer's Association.All are welcome to join LLCC’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s team for a fun and engaging lunch. Here’s how it works:

  • Save the date for Wednesday, Sept. 20, at noon in Millennium, Room 2203.
  • Before work that day, make a brown bag lunch (feel free to get creative and decorate your bag while also listing any allergies like nuts, gluten, citrus, etc.).
  • When you arrive to the event, add your brown bag lunch to the others on the table and grab a number.
  • Once everyone arrives, each person gets to pick a bag not knowing what is in it. You can either eat what is in your bag, or trade with another person (kind of like elementary school when you traded with your friends).
  • If you feel inclined, donate the money you saved from not going out to lunch that day to a charity. We are biased, but we love LLCC’s Team Loggers supporting the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®!

Any questions? Reach out to Leslie Johnson at leslie.johnson@llcc.edu.

09.13.23

Perspectives on AI: ChatGPT as a Threat or a Challenge?

Presentation by Dr. Bernd Estabrook, Professor of Global Studies at Illinois College
Monday, Sept. 18, 3:30-5 p.m. in the Trutter Center
Register for Sept. 18 presentation

New developments in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have the potential to initiate tremendous changes in our society – not the least in how we educate our students. Many educators have expressed concern about AI programs like ChatGPT, which allow students to have AI do their writing for them. What effect will programs of this kind have on the teaching of writing and on our students’ ability to express themselves using the written word? How should educators react to this remarkable challenge to our traditional curriculum?

In this presentation, Dr. Bernd Estabrook, Professor of Global Studies at Illinois College in Jacksonville, offers some perspectives on the challenges posed by these new technologies for student writing and proposes a unique vision on how we as educators can move forward.

Dr. Bernd Estabrook, Professor of Global Studies at Illinois College in Jacksonville, teaches courses in a variety of subject areas: German Language and Culture, International Studies, and the humanities. No matter the course, Dr. Estabrook helps students use original primary sources, inspires students to study abroad, and teaches students to examine, critically and reflectively, all ideas taught in his classes. Most recently, Dr. Estabrook has launched a new podcast, “Edumeasure: Assessing Liberal Arts Education.” This podcast is for teachers, students, parents, and others concerned with transforming teaching and learning, and it explores creative, unconventional responses to current issues in education.

Note: Faculty participants will receive 2 points toward their Training and Innovation professional development total for successful completion of this workshop.

09.13.23

Honey Harvest yields 100+ lbs.

Man in hat inspecting honeycombYesterday’s honey harvest was a success! According to organizer Dave Cox, professor of biology, “We harvested 100-120 lbs. of honey and 30 lbs. of honeycomb.”  The honey will be used by LLCC’s culinary program as well as at various college events.  A number of LLCC staff, students and community members attended. In photo: Brent Todd, dean of natural and agricultural sciences.

 

09.13.23

LLCC to host SkySoar Fest Friday

Drone flying over fieldLLCC’s Computer Science Academy is hosting SkySoar Fest, an outdoor showcase of radio-controlled flyers and drones, on Friday, Sept. 15, 1-3 p.m. on LLCC’s Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd., northeast of Cass Gymnasium. In case of rain, displays and presentations will be moved inside to the Student Union in the lower level of Menard Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Faculty from LLCC Computer Science, Agriculture, Geography and Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Training programs and members of the Sangamon Valley RC Flyers will have displays and provide demonstrations. They will also talk about applications for small, unmanned aircraft technology in various careers, including search and rescue, precision agriculture, mapping and photography.

09.13.23

Career coach points of contact

The LLCC Career Center is establishing specialty areas with each career coach serving as the main point of contact for faculty and staff. Below is a breakdown of departments/events and the career coach who is serving as point of contact. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Josh Collins.

Cathy Huffman’s programs and events:

  • Arts & Communication
  • Social Sciences & Business
  • Workforce Institute (including ESI 101)
  • Medical District programs
  • Healthcare Entry-Level Professional Skills
  • Phi Theta Kappa/Honors
  • Cooperative Work Experience (CWE 101)

Marina Wirsing’s programs and events:

  • English & Humanities (including EGL 103)
  • Health Professions
  • Math & Computer Science
  • Natural & Agriculture Sciences
  • Adult Education
  • Campus Visit Day/Open House
  • Career Launch
  • First Year Experience
  • Student Government Association (SGA)
09.12.23

Honey harvest demonstration begins at 10 this morning

Dave Cox holding and talking about honey combDave Cox, LLCC professor of biology, and members of the Prairie State and Lincoln Land Beekeepers Associations will demonstrate the process of honey extraction from beehives at LLCC’s West Lake Nature Grove, 2321 West Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, today, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The process will begin with honey super removal from the apiary at West Lake Nature Grove. Participants are encouraged to wear protective gear. At a minimum, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are required. A limited number of bee suits and veils will be available for participants to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Those without protective gear can observe from a safe distance away from the hives.

Honey supers will be removed and taken to A. Lincoln Commons for a demonstration, beginning between 10:45 and 11 a.m., on how to extract the honey from the frames. Participants can help with the extraction process and sample the raw honey.

09.12.23

“A Violin’s Journey” this morning at 10 in Trutter Center

Violins of Hope. Celebration of Survival.
You’re invited to join LLCC Community Education and the Academy of Lifelong Learning for “A Violin’s Journey,” an educational recital, this morning at 10 in the Trutter Center. Dr. Yona Stamatis, associate professor of music at UIS and violinist, will share her family violin story and discuss the role of arts and music in remembering the Holocaust. Dr. Stamatis will perform with a violin from the “Violins of Hope” collection, and  the lecture/recital will center around the Auschwitz Violin from the Violins of Hope collection.

With the extraordinary story of this violin as a springboard, she will examine the subject of music and the Holocaust: What was the role of the music during the Holocaust? How does music contribute to acts of remembrance and commemoration? And what should be done with the musical instruments that survived the Holocaust?

This recital is part of a “Celebration of Survival” Sept. 7-13 presented by the Jewish Federation of Springfield. The Federation is bringing 12 of the 70 violins in the “Violins of Hope” collection to Springfield. These instruments, whether played or hidden, survived the Holocaust. They have been lovingly restored and have traveled the world to give voice to the victims and reinforce messages of hope, harmony and survival. For additional opportunities to listen to or view the violins visit www.shalomspringfield.org.

The recital is open to the campus community and guests. If you would like to attend or bring a guest, please email community.education@llcc.edu to add your name(s) to the list.

09.12.23

First Data Byte conversation at 11:10 this morning

Join the Data Governance Council (DGC) for the first Data Byte conversation of the fall semester at 11:10 this morning in Millennium Center, Room 2203. This month’s focus will be the rurality of the LLCC student body.

The fall series will take place on the second Tuesday of each month: Oct. 10 (scholarships);  Nov. 14 (probation/suspension students); and Dec. 12 (employees). All will be held in Millenium Center, Room 2203 from 11:10-11:50 a.m. Feel free to bring your lunch. Or maybe you’ll be the lucky attendee who wins a Quiznos lunch!