African-American History Month kicks off this week with the following events:
Monday, Feb. 2 – African-American History Month Kickoff, noon to 1 p.m., A. Lincoln Commons. The kickoff features Tejumola Ologboni (Teju), storyteller, folklorist, oral historian and accomplished percussionist. Teju is an avid student of African folklore and one of the nation’s leading authorities on African spirituality and culture. His stories are drawn from African traditions and African-American history. His high-energy, fast-paced and witty performances draw listeners with gestures, movements and music.
Wednesday, Feb. 4 – Chahrm the Band with Ada Lou presents “Legendary Blues From the Past to the Present,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., A. Lincoln Commons.
Through this Wednesday, Feb. 4, the LLCC Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2015 Drs. Raymond and Ann Pearson Master Teacher Award. This award annually recognizes an exceptional faculty member for his or her professional contributions to LLCC. To submit nominations, log onto Blackboard, or go to www.LLCCFoundation.org, hover over “What We Do,” then click on “Nominate a Master Teacher.” Paper nomination forms may also be printed from the web site or are available in the LLCC Foundation office. For more information stop by the LLCC Foundation, level one, Menard Hall room 1214, call 786-2217 or e-mail LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.
The Instructional Technology and Distance Education (ITDE) department is hosting the Innovation Celebration on Professional Development Day (March 24).
The Innovation Celebration is a poster session highlighting innovative instruction and student learning initiatives at LLCC. This event will provide an opportunity to exchange teaching experiences and student engagement activities in a casual atmosphere.
ITDE invites you to submit an exhibit proposal and share your experience and knowledge with colleagues across campus. To learn more about the Innovation Celebration and to submit an exhibit proposal, go to www.llcc.edu/itde/innovation-celebration.
The A-Team will meet Thursday, Feb. 5, from noon-1 p.m. in MNRD 1179. The A-Team , or Asperger’s/Autism Awareness and Support Group, is an informal group of students, faculty, and staff who are interested in talking and learning about the challenges and successes of students with Asperger’s or Autism in the college setting. If you have any questions about this group, please contact Cara Swafford: cara.swafford@llcc.edu, or Linda Chriswell: linda.chriswell@llcc.edu. We hope to see you there!
Applications are currently being accepted for the police sergeant position. This position is being advertised internally only, so only current LLCC employees can apply. Interested employees can view the full position description, qualifications and apply online at https://llcc.peopleadmin.com/postings/761 by Friday, Feb. 6.
The 7th annual Lincoln Lecture in commemoration of Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12 will feature Ron J. Keller, associate professor of history and political science at Lincoln College and director of the Lincoln Heritage Museum. Keller will speak on “Who Does This Guy Think He Is?? 150 Years of Living, Loving and Loathing Lincoln’s Legacy.” The presentation begins at 9 a.m. in the Trutter Center.
Keller says his presentation will address the Lincoln legacy. ”From the moment of his tragic assassination 150 years ago, Abraham Lincoln was catapulted immediately into the annals of American greatness. Ever since then, America has emulated him, adored him, written about him and argued about him. While most consider him our greatest president, there have been some groups and individuals who have resisted and even scorned his legacy. Lincoln has, and remains, a more controversial and polarizing historical figure than many realize.”
Drawing upon quotes, images and other iconography in this presentation, Keller examines the disparate public and private perceptions of this man. This presentation will challenge the audience to ponder what Lincoln’s legacy means to us today, and what these perceptions say about America’s past and present.
Keller, who holds degrees from Olney Central College and Eastern Illinois University, has co-authored several books, including two 2010 releases: “Abraham Lincoln in Logan County” and “A Respect For the Office: Letters From the Presidents.” He served as a contributor to the publications “Lincoln and Freedom,” “The Oxford Encyclopedia of African-American History” and “The Essential Lincoln.” He is presently writing “Abraham Lincoln as State Legislator” for Southern Illinois University Press, due out in late 2016.
Keller has presented topics on the scholarship of Abraham Lincoln statewide and nationally. He serves on the board of the Abraham Lincoln Association, and is an advisor to the Lincoln Forum. In 2005, he was appointed to the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and was invited to the White House for a special Abraham Lincoln commemoration ceremony. In 2009, Governor Pat Quinn and the Lincoln Academy bestowed Keller with the Order of Lincoln—the highest honor given to a citizen of the state of Illinois—and which honors individuals who have contributed to the betterment of humanity or whose dedication to the principles of public service inspire all Illinoisans. He also received the 2011 Alumnus Award from Olney Central College.
Know of a student needing to pick up an extra class this semester? Twelve-week, Short Semester classes begin Feb. 9 at LLCC. These classes offer the same content, number of classroom hours and credit hours that traditional, semester-long classes offer, but in a 12-week format.
Spring Short Semester classes include:
• Public Speaking Fundamentals, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-5:20 p.m.
• Introduction to American Politics, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:50 p.m.
• Introduction to Sociology, online
• Improvisational Jazz, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6:50 p.m.
Also offered are private applied music lessons and theatre practicum in acting, stage management and directing, along with touring theater. Theatre classes must have permission of the instructor prior to registration.
Current LLCC students may register for Short Semester classes in person, by calling 217.786.2292 or their nearest LLCC location, or online via WebAdvisor. Students new to LLCC should begin by filling out an admission worksheet, available at www.llcc.edu (click on the “Apply” button.)
A reminder that LLCC’s VALIC rep Terri Bailey will be available to discuss various investment options on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the VP conference room, Menard Hall. Faculty and staff can make appointments HERE.
Kevin Lust, director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC, was quoted in an article, “Getting Down to Business,” in the February edition of the Norris Electric Cooperative Illinois Country Living magazine.
The LLCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recently submitted its “Honors in Action Project Award Application” to Phi Theta Kappa headquarters. This is one of many requirements for the members of the Alpha Epsilon Kappa chapter to maintain their Five Star chapter status. Students researched the topic of compassion, and then began an ongoing relationship with the Ronald McDonald House to volunteer preparing meals on a regular basis.
The report was prepared and submitted by Chapter President Melissa Plummer.
A copy of the “Honors in Action Project Award Application” has been placed in the library for anyone interested in reading it. You may also contact Claire Gordon, Phi Theta Kappa coordinator, to request a copy (claire.gordon@llcc.edu or 786-4944).
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