LLCC Information Technology welcomes Austin Rule as a new network administrator. Austin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Eastern Illinois University, but his interest was always in technology. While serving in the Illinois National Guard, Austin received training in computer science and technology. His first day was Dec. 2. Before coming to LLCC, he was employed by CTI in Taylorville. You can reach Austin via email or by calling 217-786-4665. Welcome to LLCC!
In the news
Grazing boards have grown in popularity. In this week’s Epicuriosity, for the State Journal-Register, Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations, has some tips to take your grazing board to new levels this holiday season.
In the Community
LLCC Jacksonville placed second in the Jacksonville Main Street Holiday Decorating contest! Thank you to everyone who voted last week. We have our eye on first place next year!
Fall 2024 bird banding highlights
Fall 2024 was LLCC’s 24th banding season (13th fall season) since the station’s inception (fall 2012). Below are a few of the highlights:
- We banded 1,199 birds of 73 species over 36 banding days. This translates into 33.3 birds banded per day.
- We also had 169 repeat captures (birds banded earlier during the fall 2024 season) and 64 return captures (birds banded during a previous season).
- Four of the more interesting recaptures were an American Goldfinch that was originally banded in fall 2017, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker and two Black-capped Chickadees that were originally banded in fall 2018.
- Our highest one-day total for the season was 89 birds banded on Oct. 9.
- The top five species banded (by abundance) for the season were as follows — species (# banded): Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler (246), Chipping Sparrow (95), American Goldfinch (91), Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco (58) and Northern Cardinal (50).
- The cumulative total number of birds banded (over 24 seasons) at the LLCC BBS is 38,126 birds of 136 species. One new species was added this fall: American Woodcock.
- We continue to host many volunteers and guests, including a number of LLCC biology classes, UIS graduate students and employees from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Natural History Survey.
- Our spring banding operations are scheduled to begin mid-March 2025.
If you are interested in following our daily/weekly banding activities, we have two Facebook pages you are welcome to follow: Lincoln Land Community College Bird Banding Station (daily reports/photos of our banding activities at LLCC) and Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders – LLABB (weekly reports/photos of banding activities at other sites throughout central Illinois).
Tony Rothering, professor of biology
Writing Center holiday hours begin tomorrow afternoon
The Writing Center will close for the fall semester at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. It reopens for the spring 2025 semester at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13.
Holiday Attire Photos Wanted
The holiday spirit is in full swing at LLCC. Snap a photo of your department in festive attire and share it with Angela Try, communications manager. PRM plans to share the photos in LincIn and on social media the week of Dec. 16.
Remind students it’s LLCC Foundation Scholarship time
Winter Break is a great time to apply for LLCC Foundation scholarships, if students will be attending LLCC during the 2025-2026 academic year. Learn more about LLCC Foundation scholarships and apply online!
LEAGUE Grant applications due Jan. 31
The LLCC Foundation is accepting applications for LEAGUE Grants. A total of $10,000 is available for projects and programs at LLCC. Grant applications must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. Please contact Michelle Pulce-Flynn, director of grant development and administration, for an application, 217-786-2446.
LEAGUE is the annual faculty and staff giving campaign. Donations to the League Campaign make these grants possible. The grant awards will be announced at the LEAGUE Kickoff event on Tuesday, March 25. There is not a dollar limit on proposals, however the highest average amount awarded per grant is generally $1,500 to $2,000. The Foundation has funded projects such as:
- GPS enabled sport watches to enhance physiology labs in Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Ultrasound phantom to aid in the teaching of ultrasound scanning
- Captioning support software for hearing impaired students.
Apply today!
Volunteer for Making the Grade
For the past five years, staff at LLCC have partnered with Family And Community Engagement staff at the SPS 186 High Schools to participate in their Making the Grade event.
This event is held each quarter and lasts about two hours. Volunteers get the opportunity to mentor students and talk about their current grades and goals, and encourage students to continue “Making the Grade” or improve their grades.
LLCC volunteers give more of a presence in the schools and are great conversation starters about attending LLCC. If you are interested in volunteering as a community leader volunteer, please reach out to Kim Wilson, recruitment specialist. Currently, the programs are held at Southeast and Lanphier High Schools.
Journaling and Mindfulness This Thursday
A reminder that the next Journaling and Mindfulness session will be held this Thursday, Dec. 12, from noon to 1 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 1179. Join Deborah Brothers and John Paul Jaramillo in a session to inspire self awareness by bringing your attention to the present through writing and reflection.
We hope to see you there!