Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion Grant

idi Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion Grant ProgramThere is a new opportunity just ahead for recognizing and promoting diversity and inclusion at LLCC — the Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion Grant! It is an internal grant opportunity for any LLCC faculty, staff, student or department, and can be used to address a need and/or to promote and celebrate diversity.

There is $1500 available to be awarded in spring 2021. Grant proposals will be accepted Feb. 15-March 15. More information and helpful resources (standards of evaluation, project samples and more) are now available on the Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion Grant SharePoint page (be sure you’re logged in to Office 365 to access).

Submitted projects must fall into one or more of these categories:  (1) Training, Teaching and Learning, (2) Recruitment and Retention, (3) Environments and Processes, (4) Other Innovation. To get the creative thought process going, here are some project examples:

  • Training, Teaching and Learning Examples: Host a training event, purchase materials for an inclusivity workshop, buy books from diverse authors, etc.
  • Recruitment and Retention Examples: Projects aimed at recruiting traditionally minoritized individuals to be students or employees, targeted retention projects (for students and employees), etc.
  • Environment and Processes Examples: Address physical accessibility concerns; purchasing materials needed for implementation of inclusive practices by individuals, groups, or departments; fund tools needed to make a process more inclusive, etc.

If you have questions, please contact shelby.bedford@llcc.edu.

IDI Grant Project Team (appointed by the Campus Climate Team’s Safety & Inclusivity Workgroup):
Shelby Bedford, chair
Laura Anderson
Michelle Pulce-Flynn
Jamil Steele
Kyla Kruse

LLCC Foundation Board of Directors installs new officers, welcomes new member

The LLCC Foundation Board of Directors recently elected new officers and welcomed a new member.

Greg Marantz of Springfield was installed as board chair for 2021. Jennifer Stice of Ashland was elected vice chair, and Kathy Dierkes of Springfield was chosen as treasurer. Ronda Folkerts was installed as immediate past chair, with recognition for her dedicated service on behalf of LLCC students as chair the past year.

Brad WikeBrad Wike of Springfield, president of Peerless Cleaning and Restoration Services, was elected to the board. Wike has been with the company since 1978. He attended Western Michigan University before starting his full-time career in the field of cleaning and restoration. In 2004, he bought the business from his parents and expanded to two cities with over 50 employees.

He also serves as a board member of the Decatur Memorial Hospital and is past president of the board of Springfield Big Brothers Big Sisters. Wike has been a National Institute of Damage Restoration (NIDR) Certified Restorer since 1997 and is also a Certified Mold Remediator through Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and an Air System Cleaning Specialist through National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).

Still time to apply for LLCC Foundation Scholarships

LLCC Foundation scholarships. Apply now! Application deadline March 1, 2021. Apply online at www.llccfoundation.org/scholarships. Only 1 online application applies you to all scholarships you qualify for. Questions? Michelle.Burger@llcc.edu / 217-786-2206. LLCC. Lincoln Land Community College Foundation.
There is still time to apply for LLCC Foundation scholarships for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year! Please encourage students to complete our one online application for all available scholarships, and to checkout our FAQs as well as personal essay and reference resources.

Need more scholarship info to share with information when to apply, where and how? Check out and share our Scholarships 101 presentation.

Questions? Michelle.Burger@llcc.edu/217-786-2206

Transfer Tuesday

This week’s Transfer Tuesday, from 1-2:30 p.m. on Zoom, features the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. LLCC students looking to continue their education after graduation by transferring to a four-year institution can meet with a college representative, who will be able to show videos/pictures, share documents and talk with students.

Students interested in attending should contact their student success coach for more information and the Zoom link.

View the full Transfer Tuesday spring semester schedule.

LateStart classes video

View the following 15-second video about LateStart classes! It is being shared on social media, television and digital advertising. The voiceover is also being used on radio.

Posted in PRM |

Updates on Bistro Verde offerings for spring 2021

Bistro Verde, LLCC’s student-led restaurant, will not be open this spring due to COVID-19 restrictions, with plans to reopen in the fall. LLCC’s hospitality and culinary arts program will be utilizing the Illini Country Club, Lake Pointe Grill, D’Arcy’s Pint and Obed and Isaac’s as externship sites for LLCC hospitality students. Other businesses who would like to partner in this effort may contact Sheridan Lane, director of LLCC culinary programs and operations, at sheridan.lane@llcc.edu or 217-786-2494.

The LLCC Culinary Institute has three Bistro Verde curbside pickup dinners planned in partnership with local restaurants. Pickup will take place onsite at the restaurants. Cost is $55 per serving. Mardi Gras Dinner on the Run will take place Tuesday, Feb. 16 at Brunchfield Café, 751 S. Durkin Dr. Maldaner’s Dinner will be Thursday, March 4 at 222 S. 6th St. Luminary Kitchen and Provision Dinner will be Tuesday, April 6 at 3121 Hedley Dr. Menus and registration are available at www.llcc.edu/ci-bistro-verde-dinners or by calling 217-786-2432.

Our sympathy to Dr. Scott Searcy

We extend our condolences to Dr. Scott Searcy, dean of mathematics and computer science, on the passing of his father, Charles Searcy, on Jan. 24. Charles was a professor emeritus at New Mexico Highlands University and the founder of the Fourth Judicial District of New Mexico CASA. Private family graveside services will be held in New Mexico.

In the news

Brenda Elliott, director of apprenticeship programming, was interviewed by the Springfield Business Journal for a story in the March edition. She discussed her work to set up partnerships with businesses for customized apprenticeships that benefit both the student and employer.

Jolene Lamb, coordinator, LLCC Culinary Institute, wrote this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register, “Use leftovers to make soup.”

Still time to participate in this week’s in-center blood drive

Count on me! Bloodcenter.org. All presenting donors will receive a voucher to reddem this T-shirt OR an e-gift card! LLCC Student Life In-Center Blood Drive. Mon., Jan. 25th-Sat., Jan. 20th. CICBC Donor Center, 1999 Wabash, Springfield. When donating, please tell blood center staff to credit LLCC Student Life by using group code 61258. Appointments and masks are required! To schedule an appointment to give call (217)241-7550 or visit bloodcenter.org. (Ask for an appointment at/search for the Springfield Donor Center)Don’t forget! LLCC Student Life is holding an in-center blood drive this week, and Saturday, Jan. 30, is the last day. You can donate blood at the Central Illinois Community Blood Center at 1999 Wabash Ave. Appointments are required for social distancing. Click here for more information/to schedule an appointment. When donating, please tell blood center staff to credit LLCC Student Life by using group code 61258. All blood types are needed!

COVID-19 has caused many blood drives to have to cancel, however for patients who require blood products for their treatment, the need for donors remains the same. With each and every donation you have the power to save three lives. Will you give?