12.19.14

LLCC Board of Trustees honors national championship livestock judging team

The LLCC Board of Trustees honored the college’s national championship livestock judging team at the December board meeting Wednesday evening.

Coach Craig Beckmier, professor of agriculture, told trustees, “We are proud to bring you this national championship trophy, earned by some of the finest young people in the U.S. who represented your college very well.” He said the team placed in the top five in several competitions prior to earning first place at the recent North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. Professor Beckmier, who was honored at the competition as Fred Francis Coach of the High Team, introduced team members Rob Johnson of Niantic; Dalton Heavner of Pittsfield; Damon Stayton of Carlinville; Amy Loschen of Kempton; Adam Heffelfinger of Ashland, Ohio; Jackson Johnson of Poneto, Ind.; and Will Harsh of Radnor, Ohio.

LLCC Board Chair Justin Reichert said the board was very proud of the team and pleased to honor them, noting that all planned to continue their educations at four-year college or university agriculture-related programs.

Trustees also acknowledged, with thanks, recent major gifts to the LLCC Foundation to support student scholarships, including $1.5 million from the estate of Howard Million, $420,687 from the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Trust and $40,000 from Virginia Gies.

In routine December action, the Board approved the 2014 tax levy that is expected to result in an LLCC district tax rate at or near the current rate of approximately 46 cents per $100 of equalized assessed property value.

And, Bill Harmon, professor of agronomy and 2014 Pearson Master Teacher at the college, spoke to trustees on his teaching philosophy “Who Cares?” and how he uses it to increase student engagement and learning. His essay on the subject can be read HERE.

12.19.14

Alice Edwards named outstanding adjunct instructor at LLCC

Alice Edwards of Springfield, adjunct instructor of music, was recently recognized with the Outstanding Adjunct Instructor Award.

The award recognizes exceptional classroom teaching, expertise in the field, and commitment to innovative teaching, assessment and student learning.

Ms. Edwards has been an instructor at LLCC since 2002, following her retirement as an associate professor of piano at Olivet Nazarene University. In addition to classroom teaching at LLCC, she offers private applied piano lessons.

Ms. Edwards’ experience is extensive and varied. She has served as harpsichordist and organist for the Illinois Symphony, Olivet Nazarene University Symphony and Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra and as an organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kankakee and Springfield. She performed two European tours with the Illinois Symphony Chorus, and last summer, a Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France with Prairieland Voices.

A student described Ms. Edwards as an instructor who “encourages and guides in such a way that makes you feel accomplished. She makes learning a positive experience and leads by example.” A colleague observed that Ms. Edwards “is always teaching in Studio B, facing life with a smile and a song.”

12.19.14

In the news

Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president, was interviewed Dec. 17 by the State Journal-Register for an upcoming article on the female college presidents in Central Illinois.

Jay Kitterman, director, Culinary Institute and Special Events, was interviewed Dec. 16 by the State Journal-Register for an upcoming profile of Chef David Radwine.

Bill Harmon, professor of agronomy, spoke to WICS Dec. 18 about improved relations with Cuba and how they may positively affect agricultural exports to that country.

12.18.14

KUDOS to these 20 employees!

KUDOS to these employees for going above and beyond to assist others and for living LLCC’s core values! Each will receive a KUDOS certificate today.

Susan Aherin, Gary Bach, Victor Broderick, Michelle Burger, Gaye Catlin, David Ferrill, Angela Gerberding, Sarah Goodman, Ashley Green, Mike Hanson, Mark Hardiman, Tim Humphrey, Cynthia Maskey, Chris McDonald, Marie Robert, John Ryan, Tracy Schatteman, John Turley, George Vaughn and Holly Walton.

Click December 2014 KUDOS awards to read what they did and who nominated them.

The next KUDOS will be announced the first week of March. Nominate a deserving colleague by clicking on the KUDOS tab in the upper right corner of LincIn.

The KUDOS award is an informal way to recognize the small and large ways our faculty and staff contribute to the positive environment that is LLCC. The person you nominate will receive a KUDOS certificate, with winners announced in LincIn. You can make an anonymous nomination if you wish. Brighten someone’s day and say “thank you, great job!” with the KUDOS award.

12.18.14

Grades due Monday, Dec. 22

Fall semester, Mod II and Short Semester grades are due Monday, Dec. 22 at noon. Check your LLCC email for detailed instructions. If you have any question, contact the Records office at 786-2424.

12.18.14

Renowned poet Stuart Kestenbaum to visit LLCC Jan. 15-16

Renowned poet Stuart Kestenbaum will visit LLCC Jan. 15 and 16. The public is invited to hear the visiting poet read from his works, as well as those of other notable poets, on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. in the R. H. Stephens Room of Menard Hall. He will work with various English classes on Thursday and Friday.

For the past 26 years, Kestenbaum has served as director of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine, and is a respected writer and educator in the crafts field. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award from the James Renwick Alliance.

Kestenbaum has written several books and his poems have been featured on NPR programs including Garrison Keillor’s “Writer’s Almanac” and “To the Best of Our Knowledge,” as well as in several publications, including SUN magazine. His books of poetry include “Only Now,” “Prayers and Run-On Sentences” and “House of Thanksgiving” (all Deerbrook Editions), and “Pilgrimage” (Coyote Love Press).

The poet’s visit is sponsored by the LLCC Student Life Office, Arts and Humanities Department, and Feminist Activist Coalition.

12.17.14

Last day for testing this week in CAS is Dec. 18

The last day to take tests in the Center for Academic Success is Thursday, Dec. 18. All tests must be completed by 6 p.m., unless the student has an appointment with an academic success professional to have the test read. Faculty may pick up their exams in the testing area until 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Any exams remaining after 10 a.m. will be placed in faculty mailboxes.