12.03.14

Register and Relax campaign coming to a classroom near you!

Student Services and Public Relations and Marketing have teamed up to encourage current students to register for spring classes with the Register and Relax campaign. The campaign includes a sign at the entrance to Register & Relaxcampus, a display in A. Lincoln Commons, postcards to current students, posters, lapel pins, digital signs and a web banner. Off-campus locations are participating also.

Soon, you will see “Register and Relax” written on classroom blackboards and whiteboards, along with mirrors in bathrooms (all with Facilities Services approval of course!)

We ask that you encourage students to register now for spring classes so they can relax on their holiday break, knowing their spring schedule is in place. Advantages to registering now are a greater selection of classes and a more flexible payment plan.

If students have questions, please refer them to the Enrollment Services hallway in Menard or to ESA staff members, who are eager to help them Register and Relax!

12.03.14

LLCC Foundation announces $1.5 million gift from Howard P. Million estate

For the second day in a row, the LLCC Foundation has announced a major gift to fund student scholarships. The gift of $1.5 million from the estate of Howard P. Million will be used to establish the Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Million, formerly of Roodhouse, farmed his entire life in the Greene, Scott and Morgan County areas. He also was the founder and president of the former Roodhouse Savings & Loan Association. Mr. Million died in October at the age of 102.

LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., stated, “Mr. Million’s legacy of giving and generosity, along with his belief in the value of education will benefit Lincoln Land Community College students for years to come. This gift creates opportunities for LLCC students to further their education, pursue their dreams and enhance their lives.”

According to Karen Sanders, LLCC Foundation executive director, “Mr. Million always wanted to attend college, but did not have the opportunity.”

Only the annual interest earned will be used to fund scholarships. It is anticipated that scholarships will be awarded beginning in the 2015-2016 academic year. First-time LLCC students who are residents of Morgan, Scott or Greene County and demonstrate financial need are eligible. Students also must be enrolled full time in a transfer program.

“We find it especially fitting that the Foundation received this gift during this special season of giving,” stated Ms. Sanders. “We are honored to be a recipient of the Million’s generosity, and our students today, and in the future, will be the true beneficiaries.”

12.03.14

NISOD Excellence Award nominations for faculty being sought; deadline Dec. 15

The college has begun the process of accepting nominations of faculty members for the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award. This award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and leadership at LLCC.

Students, staff, and faculty may submit nominations, so please consider nominating a faculty member whom you feel exhibits excellence in teaching and leadership and any other qualities that set him or her apart. The nomination does not have to be lengthy; however, it should contain an explanation of why you are nominating the faculty member, including examples of excellence in teaching and leadership. Nominations (form below) should be sent to Leslie Rios, chair of the Faculty Development and Recognition Committee of the Faculty Senate either via email (Leslie.Rios@llcc.edu) or paper. The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, Dec. 15.

NISOD Excellence Award 2015 Nomination Form

12.03.14

LLCC kicks off Community College Completion Corps (C4) initiative

LLCC kicked off an initiative yesterday to encourage all students to complete their degrees and certificates. Sponsored by the LLCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society, the Community College Completion Corps (C4) encourages students to sign a pledge card which signifies their commitment to complete their degree or certificate. Students can also sign a banner, which will be prominently displayed.

Claire Gordon, Ph.D., professor of speech and advisor to LLCC’s PTK chapter, introduced LLCC President Charlotte Warren at the ceremony, who spoke on the importance of completion. “LLCC students who complete their degree can expect to earn $843,000 more in their lifetime. Unemployment for community college graduates is 30 percent lower than for high school grads. Make a commitment to complete your degree. We are beside you all the way!”

LLCC faculty and staff were also encouraged to support students’ efforts to complete their degree or certificate. Employees become a “Completion Champion” when they sign an employee pledge card and the “Completion Champions” banner.

Representatives of PTK will also be in A. Lincoln Commons Dec. 3-5 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to allow students, faculty and staff to sign pledge cards and banners. More information is available at www.cccompletioncorps.org

12.03.14

ITDE workshops Today and Friday

Get In the Know About Asperger’s • Wednesday, Dec. 3,  2-4 p.m., SGMN0119
Facilitators: Linda Chriswell, accessibility services professional & Cara Swafford, associate professor, English

Over the last few years the number of students with Asperger’s attending college has grown significantly. This session will increase participants’ basic knowledge of this autism spectrum disorder, and increase their skills and comfort level in working with students who are diagnosed with Asperger’s. To register, click HERE.

Blackboard Open Lab • Friday, Dec. 5 11 a.m.-1 p.m., SGMN0119
Facilitators: Andy Mitkos, learning management systems coordinator & Gary Bach, instructional technology specialist

Have you ever had questions about how to accomplish something in Blackboard but couldn’t attend a previously scheduled Blackboard workshop to ask? This monthly, drop-in open house session gives you the opportunity to get individual help with your questions. No registration is required.

 

12.03.14

Informal and Honors Recitals today

You are invited to hear talented LLCC music students in recitals today and this evening. The Informal Recital is at 4 p.m. and the Honors Recital is at 7 p.m., both in Menard Hall 2250.

12.03.14

In the news

Karen Sanders, executive director, LLCC Foundation, was interviewed Dec. 1 by WICS-TV regarding the gift the college received from the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Trust. Diane Clark, assistant director, public relations, was quoted in an SJ-R story about the gift from the trust.

12.02.14

TODAY: Attend PTK Completion Corps kickoff at 12:15 p.m.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to the LLCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Community College Completion Corps (C4) kickoff  TODAY, Dec. 2 at 12:15 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons. Speakers will include LLCC President Charlotte Warren and representatives of PTK.

Attend and show your support for this effort to encourage and assist students in completing their LLCC degrees and certificates. Students are invited to sign pledge cards and a banner indicating their intention to complete. Faculty and staff can sign cards and a banner pledging to be champions for completion.

Refreshments will be served, and PTK will also have a table in the Commons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the rest of the week to sign up individuals for this important initiative.

12.02.14

LLCC Foundation receives $420,687 gift

Lincoln Land Community College Foundation was presented with a $420,687.07 gift Monday, Dec. 1. Micah Bartlett, president and CEO of Town and Country Bank, presented the check on behalf of the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Trust.

L to R - Karen Sanders, LLCC Foundation executive director; Micah Bartlett, president and CEO, Town and Country Bank; Ryan Murphy, LLCC Foundation board chairman; Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president, LLCC; Jennifer Stice, senior trust officer, Town and Country Bank; Lori Smith, LLCC Foundation scholarship program coordinator; Katie Boston, LLCC student; Tom Gallagher, senior vice president, Town and Country Bank; and Jason Barth, LLCC Foundation board member

L to R – Karen Sanders, LLCC Foundation executive director; Micah Bartlett, president and CEO, Town and Country Bank; Ryan Murphy, LLCC Foundation board chairman; Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president, LLCC; Jennifer Stice, senior trust officer, Town and Country Bank; Lori Smith, LLCC Foundation scholarship program coordinator; Katie Boston, LLCC student; Tom Gallagher, senior vice president, Town and Country Bank; and Jason Barth, LLCC Foundation board member

“With this gift, the Kirchner’s legacy of learning and love for education will continue and assist students,” stated Ryan Murphy, LLCC Foundation board chairman. The gift from the Kirchner Trust Agreement, the principal from the trust, is being used to establish the Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner Endowment Scholarship. The annual interest earned on the endowment will be used to fund several scholarships. The scholarships will help the LLCC Foundation fill an important need of the college’s district residents by offering financial assistance to students. The scholarships will be available for first-time and continuing students who are pursuing any program of study. “The Foundation’s goal is to continue to provide scholarships to target populations to meet the needs of district residents,” said Mr. Murphy.

Russell L. and Thelma L. Kirchner were very charitable in nature. They valued supporting higher education for area youth. While in Springfield, they owned the Colonial Motel on South MacArthur and the Spring Street Laundromat.

“Town and Country Bank had the distinct honor of carrying on the Kirchner’s values and generosity, and the responsibility to carry on their wishes,” stated Mr. Bartlett. “As trustee, we solicited proposals at various times from multiple colleges and universities. In each case, the proposal and information provided by LLCC demonstrated both the ability and commitment we sought as trustee.”

 

12.02.14

Important year-end message from Payroll

As the end of 2014 approaches and 2015 begins, it is time to ask yourself three questions:  1) Are you signed up to receive your W-2 electronically? 2) Have you moved during 2014? and 3) When was the last time you updated your W-4 tax forms? Read important information from Payroll regarding these questions: Year-End Payroll Message