President’s Office April - June 2010
John A. Logan College
General News
Students Join Lobbying Efforts For State Funding Communit y college students from throughout the state converged upon Springfield on April 22 to petition Illinois legislators to solve the state’s budget crisis and properly fund community colleges. A delegation of John A. Logan College students participated in the Student Advocacy Day activities, hand carrying 163 letters and a petition with 550 signatures of JALC students to the six legislators who represent the College district. Many of the students’ letters contained personal testimonies of how the lack of state funding and ensuing budget crisis are impacting their lives. Higher tuition, more student fees, and less student work funding were among the top concerns. The John A. Logan Student Senate kicked off a campaign for student involvement with a student information assembly on April 8, where students were informed of the current funding situation and encouraged to write letters and sign petitions to be delivered on Student Advocacy Day. Student Trustee Mandy Little was one of the delegates representing JALC in Springfield. “Our goal was to speak to our legislators one-on-one, deliver the letters and petitions, and impress upon them how essential it is to fund education. We are proud to say we were well received and feel as though our voice and message were clearly heard with each legislator we visited,” Ms. Little said. A lthoug h John A. Logan has now received three of its four base operating and equalization payments for FY 2010, there is still a great deal of concern about continued delayed payments from the state, and major concerns regarding the FY 2011 budget. With no action taken by the General Assembly to Student Trustee Mandy Little and Student Senate President Alexandria Stevens pass revenue enhancements for the state, the pose amidst letters and petitions from John A. Logan students to Illinois legislators outlook continues to be grim in Springfield. The College is continuing implementation of the Sustainable Plan for Budget Cuts at John A. Logan College, a comprehensive effort to be proactive in facing the current and projected financial challenges. President Mees says he is extremely pleased with the support received from all campus groups. “I am especially pleased with the teamwork shown by our employees. That team spirit has resulted in the College being able to rescind most of the reductions in force that took place in March of this year.”
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Message from the President
Dear Colleagues and Friends: While the impact of the state budget crisis remains a major concern at John A. Logan College, I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the efforts made by all campus groups to face the financial challenges we have been dealt. I believe we have created an excellent tool for navigating these times with our Sustainable Plan for Budget Cuts at John A. Logan College. I commend all who leant their expertise to the formation of the plan, those who gave valuable input, the ongoing efforts of the implementation teams, and the support and input from our Board of Trustees. Most of all, I appreciate the spirit of cooperation and teamwork exhibited by employees – especially the efforts that allowed us to rescind most of the recent reductions in force. Hopefully action can take place in Springfield to turn things around and allow for proper funding of community colleges. I am pleased that work on the Communication Wing is progressing and look forward to its completion in March of 2011. Congratulations to all 2009-2010 graduates who received degrees/ certificates at the Forty-First Annual Commencement. I would also like to offer congratulations to our 2010
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Rendleman Receives State Trustee Award John A. Logan College Trustee Jake Rendleman was chosen as the recipient of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s prestigious Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award for 2010. The award recognizes exemplary service by a currently serving community college board member, and was presented to Rendleman at the ICCTA’s Annual Awards Banquet in Springfield on June 4. Rendleman was elected to the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees in 1997, served as its vicechair for two terms, and chaired the Board from 2002-2003. During his tenure, he has been a strong proponent for approving new programs, a strong advocate for the College’s Center for Business and Industry and the Procurement Technical Center, and is especially JALC Trustee John Sanders congratulates Trustee proud of the College’s state-of-the Jake Rendleman on receiving the ICCTA Ray art Community Education Health Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award for 2010 Complex which now serves over 3,000 per semester. He is a strong promoter of the College’s athletic programs and is an enthusiastic encourager to the student trustees and student government. As a long-time member of the John A. Logan College Foundation Board (serving three years as president), Rendleman has been a strong force in securing scholarships for JALC students through the Foundation. He was instrumental in the formation of a Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Leadership at JALC, and has been an active member of the advisory board for many years. He was the recipient of a Center for Excellence Award in 2000. From the time of his election to the JALC Board, Rendleman has served either as the College’s representative to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association or as an officer in that organization, and has tirelessly lobbied for community colleges by attending state seminars and Lobby Days, attending national ACCT Legislative Summits, personally visiting with the governor and state and national legislators, writing letters, making phone calls, and being generally proactive in keeping community college issues ever-before our legislators. He was appointed in spring of 2009 by Governor Quinn to the 32 member Tax Payer Action Board formed to look into all aspects of the state budget situation and possible solutions. In his leadership role of the ICCTA, Rendleman initiated and actively lobbied for inclusion of a community college trustee on the Illinois Community College Board. The effort was successful, and the Governor named Rendleman as the first trustee to sit in that position in 2005. Rendleman’s participation in community service through civic clubs, holding public offices, and volunteerism earned him the honor of being named a “Leader Among Us” by the Southern Business Journal for his positive impact on the community. The Southern Illinois University College of Agricultural Science recently named Rendleman its Outstanding Alumnus for his work in promoting cooperation between community colleges and SIU. On the local Board, in his affiliation with the ICCTA, and through his membership on the Illinois Community College Board, Rendleman has consistently been a voice for access and affordability for all Illinois students seeking higher education and exemplifies the kind of dedication and service the Ray Harstein Trustee Achievement was intended to honor. Fellow trustee John Sanders who nominated Rendleman for the award, calls him a “passionate warrior for our community college system.” Sanders says, “Jake is well known throughout Illinois and is not afraid to make a call or two to our state and national leaders to insist on their support of community colleges. I have come to greatly respect him as a community leader, as a fellow John A. Logan trustee, and as an advocate for community colleges.”
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Communication Building Takes Form
Hopkins Named “Leader Among Us” John A. Logan College Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Mike Hopkins was named a “Leader Among Us” by the Southern Business Journal at its Community Leaders’ Breakfast in May. He joined a distinguished and respected group of outstanding sout hern I l linois citizens who have received this honor for their accomplishments and above-andbeyond cont ribut ion s to t hei r communities. Hopkins, of West Frankfort, is currently vice-president of commercial lending at the Bank of Marion. He has served on the John A. Logan College Board since 2006. Hopkins was lauded for his many community service activities which include serving as an active member and past president of the West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, the West Frankfort Rotary Club, and the West Frankfort Lions Club. He credits his family and local community leaders for inspiring his volunteer spirit. Hopkins was nominated for the award by his brother.
By Brad McCormick
After months and months of delays due to weather and problems relating to the fabrication of the steel structural beams, the Communication Wing is starting to take the form of a massive steel skeleton. If you know what the final product is supposed to look like, you can now use a little imagination to begin to see what is to come. Though it might not look like it, the project is now considered 54% complete. That represents the amount of work that has been completed when measured from a financial perspective. Like all construction projects, a disproportionate share of the dollars and physical work is invested at or below ground level. For this project, that is certainly the case. The Communication Wing at the College is expected to be complete by March 2011, and that will not come soon enough. Now that the structure is taking shape, it is a little easier to begin to think about the benefits derived from the project. The obvious first benefits will go to the educational programs that will use the space, such as the Interpreter Preparation Program, Real Time Closed Captioning, Communications, Foreign Languages, etc. But, there are others that might benefit indirectly as space is created on campus. There will also be spaces on campus that become more accessible due to the courtyard between the new building and Buildings C and E. Two examples of this are the dining area and the library. Both of these spaces will have new entrances from the new courtyard. It is likely that students in Building C will exit out of the cafeteria to walk across the courtyard through the new patio spaces to attend class in the Communication Wing. The library will have an exit directly into the courtyard, which will transition to a patio space where there will likely be seating in a shaded area. So, the addition to the campus is doing much more than just adding classroom spaces. It is integrating various spaces on campus through the use of paved walkways and patio areas, which will become very attractive to students and student groups for extracurricular activities. Within the next few months, Phase 3 of the current building program will begin the planning stage. This final stage of the present construction program is funded through the construction bond proceeds delivered following the board’s sale of the bonds in February 2007. These are restricted funds allowed only for capital expenditures. The goal of this project will be to renovate the area in which cosmetology is located, providing much needed updates to the space and the equipment. In addition, the dental assisting program space will be renovated and perhaps expanded. The details of this phase of construction are not available yet because the project planning has not taken place. As this comes together, the College will certainly pass the information on.
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Vols Finish Second in National Golf Tournament; Rozo Wins National Title By John Homan
The John A. Logan College men’s golf team was unable to repeat as national champions, but sophomore standout Marcelo Rozo came from behind to capture the individual title with a four-day total of 284. Rozo, a native of Colombia, South America and a two-time AllAmerican with the Volunteers, overcame a six-stroke deficit Friday afternoon with a final-day round of 69 to claim the honor of best individual player in junior college golf. As a team, the Vols buried themselves on day one of the four-day tourney, falling to eighth place. They played progressively better each day thereafter and gradually closed the gap with the leaders. On Wednesday, Logan moved up two spots to sixth. On Thursday, the Vols moved up two more spots to fourth and then two more spots to second overall Friday after a round of 291. That is no small feat considering that the Vols were 20 strokes out of second place going into Friday’s final round and 16 strokes out of third. Golf team members Marcelo Rozo, Filip Timmerman, Jamie Stocks, Only South Mountain, Ariz., playing on its home course, was ahead Joe Goelzhauser, Matt Smith, and Coach Tom Ferris pose with of the Vols when the dust had settled. South Mountain finished with trophy at nationals. a four-day total of 1,166 to Logan’s 1,176. Ferris said that while winning a national title last year was amazing on so many levels, he believes that rallying from eighth place to finish second was even more special. “What an outstanding comeback,” he said. “Our goal was to get in a position to maybe finish third. I didn’t think we could ever get second. That tells you a lot about the character of these kids of ours. They ground it out. They put together a gritty performance that will be remembered for years to come.” Freshman Philip Timmerman matched Rozo’s 69 Friday and was named All-American First Team along with Rozo. Jamie Stocks followed at 76. Matt Smith followed at 77 and Joe Goelzhauser tallied an 81. Rozo’s individual title is the first for Logan. The second-place team finish is only the second in school history. “The kids gave it everything they had and were rewarded for their effort,” Ferris said. JALC sophomore Marcelo Rozo, a two-time All-American, won medalist honors at the NJCAA National Tournament with a four-day total of 4 under par -284.
Softball Vols Go To Nationals The John A. Logan College softball team recently competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series in St. George, Utah. Despite a valiant fifth-inning rally on May 21, the team came up one run short, losing to Temple, Texas, 6-5. The loss bumped the Volunteers out of the national tournament with one win in three tries. They finished the spring with a record of 39-11 – the best in school history. “We battled back and had an opportunity to win the ballgame, but just came up a little bit short,” said head coach Bruce Jilak. “If your season has to end, though, this (national finals) is the place to be when it ends.” “It was a good season. We made some memories and it was nice to be in the dugout and be a witness to those memories,” Jilek said.
By John Homan
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Sustainability Coordinator Tim Gibson
Sustainability Center Established At John A. Logan College
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ADULT EDUCATION AWARENESS DAY By Kay Fleming
On April 30, students from Carterville, Marion, Johnston City and West Frankfort adult education classes traveled to the capitol in Springfield to attend Adult Education Awareness Day. Students attended a rally in the capitol building rotunda in an effort to relay the message that “Adult Education Works.” In addition to attending the rally, students toured the capitol and visited the Governor’s Office where they signed a petition of support for ICCB Adult Education and Family Literacy, Secretary of State Literacy and Truancy funding. The House was in session, giving students the opportunity to witness their representatives at work. Students were also able to meet key adult education people such as Jennifer Foster who is the senior director for adult education at ICCB. This trip was a “first” for participating students.
Baseball Vols End Season 34-18 Freshman lefthander Mike Guinane (right) tossed a complete game three hitter in the first game of the Region 24 Tournament doubleheader with Lincoln Trail. However in the title match of the tournament, the baseball Vols slipped defensively, and were defeated by the Lincoln Trail Statesmen 13-7. The loss ended the Vols spring season at 34-18.
John A. Logan College has been selected as one of 12 community colleges in the state to receive funding from the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network (ICCSN) for establishment of a Sustainability Center on campus. The center will act as the central portal for resources and information for green initiatives and will provide college-wide coordination, facilitation and staffing support for campus greening, curriculum development, green jobs training, and community outreach activities. Tim Gibson will serve at the College’s sustainability coordinator.
AAWCC AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS/ ELECTS OFFICERS President elect Linda Sargent (center) poses with “Change Makes a Difference” scholarship recipients Robert Cox of Murphysboro and Dongying “Rose” Xue of Carbondale at the spring meeting of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC). They each received a $300.00 scholarship award. AAWCC officers for the coming year are: Linda Sargent, president; Carla Haas, vicepresident; and Rosalind Johnson, secretary/ treasurer.
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Joanna Christopher Named Outstanding Faculty Member “I did not choose to teach; teaching chose me,” began English Professor Joanna Christopher’s Philosophy of Education. “I consider it ‘a calling’ that requires dedication and perseverance.” Ms. Christopher’s many years of dedication and perseverance were recognized at John A. Logan College’s Commencement on May 21 when she was named 2010 Outstanding Faculty Member. She says the award is particularly gratifying because she was chosen by her peers. At first, Ms. Christopher says she resisted becoming a teacher just as her mother had been for thirty-plus years in a kindergarten classroom. “When I began teaching at John A. Logan College, at first I thought I was doing something completely opposite from what my mother had done all those years. After reading an article by Robert Fulghum, it dawned on me that I was, in fact, doing many of the same things – except with eighteenyear-olds (sometimes thirty-year-olds) instead of five-year-olds. “ She shared some of the tenets of Fulghum’s All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten that make up her personal teaching philosophy. After teaching high school English in Carbondale. Ms. Christopher joined the John
Vice-President for Instruction Julia Schroeder poses with Outstanding Faculty Member Joanna Christopher A. Logan faculty in 1987. During her tenure at the College, she has been instrumental in establishing several innovative programs, including a pilot reading program in developmental English and courses designed to bring awareness of cultural diversity to the classroom. She played a pioneering role in the online learning explosion at John A. Logan College, and received an award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, & Technology in 2006 at a national online learning conference. She has also been very active in international education, having participated in faculty exchanges and several studyabroad opportunities. In addition, she has served on numerous important committees; has taken an active role in College Readiness programs; and chairs two highly successful annual writing competitions – one for high
school students and one for JALC students. Ms. Christopher also serves as a mentor to term faculty members and regularly volunteers in the Write Place tutoring center. Ms. Christopher’s colleague Jeneece Bishop says, “Joanna has certainly proved herself as an intelligent, gifted teacher who is dedicated to individual student success and exhibits an obvious passion for the profession. She is very deserving of this recognition.” Through an awards program sponsored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Outstanding Faculty Member award is given annually to honor the high achievements of community college instructors at each Illinois community college. Winners from each college are then invited to a banquet in their honor, hosted by ICCTA, where a statewide winner is chosen.
COMMENCEMENT 2010
John A. Logan College graduate John Gund is shown receiving his diploma and congratulations from President Robert Mees and Board Chair David Hancock at the College’s Forty-First Annual Commencement on May 21. Gund was also honored at the April 27 Board of Trustees meeting for being named a Silver Scholar through the Phi Theta Kappa Coca-Cola Scholarship program. He will receive a $1,250 cash award.
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Captain Daryl Hancock Named Distinguished Alumnus Captain Daryl Hancock, a Marion native and 1985 alumnus of John A. Logan College, was honored with the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the May 21 Commencement ceremony. Hancock is currently a US Navy Intelligence Officer for the newly established US Cyber Command and reestablished US Navy’s Tenth Fleet, located in Fort Meade, Maryland. Tenth Fleet was re-established to direct the Navy’s operations to deter and defeat cyber threats and ensure freedom of action in and through cyberspace. After graduating from JALC, Hancock transferred to the University of Illinois and its Navy ROTC program and graduated with honors in 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree. He then began his military career in the US Navy as a Surface Warfare office at sea aboard the destroyer USS Scott. During this four-year tour, he served as a division officer and department head, and participated in Operation Desert Shield. Following the first Gulf War, Hancock was assigned as an Associate Professor of Navel Science at Purdue University where he taught and coached Navy ROTC students, while attending graduate classes himself. He earned a MS degree with highest honors from Purdue. Captain Hancock then expanded his Navy responsibilities by joining Naval intelligence. He completed several intelligence assignments, including Operation Restore Democracy off the coast of Haiti and serving aboard the USS George Washington in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. As Captain Hancock delivers commencement address after a Strike Group Intelligence Officer, Daryl lead an intelligence team through receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award many critical missions at sea and ashore, supporting combat operations in Iraq, maritime security operations in the northern Persian Gulf, and Tsunami Relief operations in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. He was awarded the Humanitarian Assistance Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal for the performance of his intelligence teams during these operations. In Washington duty, Hancock held several positions where he was responsible for the Navy’s global intelligence collection capabilities, as well as the Navy’s intelligence relationships with international partner nations. Captain Hancock attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he was awarded a second Masters degree and is a Senior Executive Fellow from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. His operational Navy experiences and education have propelled him quickly up the promotion ladder in the Navy. He has received numerous personal awards and decorations during his career, including the Edwin T. Layton Award for Leadership in Naval Intelligence, and was awarded the Legion of Merit. Hancock is married to the former Colleen McCuan, and the couple resides in Huntingtown, Maryland, with their two children Ethan and Elizabeth. Through an awards program sponsored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Distinguished Alumnus Award is given annually to recognize community college alumni who graduated more than five years ago and have accomplished outstanding Representatives from the John A. Logan College Foundation and the Alumni and Friends success and distinction in his/her chosen Association pose with Distinguished Alumnus Daryl Hancock prior to Commencement field. Captain Hancock along with other ceremony. Pictured left to right are: Stacy Holloway, director of scholarships and alumni Distinguished Alumni from Illinois community services; Alan Odom, Alumni Association president; Captain Hancock; Staci Bynum, colleges were honored at an ICCTA awards executive director of the JALC Foundation; and Rhonda Craft, Alumni Association secretary. banquet in Springfield on June 4.
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Adult Secondary Ed Holds Graduation The John A. Logan College Adult Secondary Education program staff, students, and families celebrated the end of the school year with annual Awards Night ceremonies on May 25. Fourteen students who have earned their high school diploma or will earn their high school diploma during 2010 were honored. They include: Carterville High School Justin Beers and Evan McCree Frankfort Community High School Meleah Heim and Emily Webb Herrin High School Samantha Garro and Rachel Pursell Joe Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the US Drug Enforcement Administration, is pictured speaking about Diversion Control at the meth conference.
7TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN ILLINOIS METH AND OTHER DRUGS AWARENESS CONFERENCE President Robert Mees welcomed over 500 participants to the John A. Logan College campus for the 7th Annual Southern Illinois Meth and Other Drugs Awareness Conference on April 27 and 28. Local and national experts in the fields of criminal justice, medical, treatment, prevention, and child welfare spoke to the crowd and provided 44 breakout sessions. Participants were able to attend the conference free of charge thanks to the many sponsors who funded the event. This year’s sponsors included: John A. Logan College, Southern Illinois Healthcare, The H Group, US Attorney’s Office, Mobile Training Unit 15, Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, Illinois Department of Human Services-DASA, Glotell Distribution, Illinois Department of Corrections, TASC, and COMIT Drug Task Force. More information regarding this year’s conference can be found by going to the Center for Business and Industry website at www.jalc.edu/cbi. The next conference will be held April 5 and 6, 2011.
Marion High School Alex Heidbreder, Kayla Campbell and William Luth Christian Fellowship Jennifer VanZandt O n t r ack for D e cemb er, 2 010 , graduation are Cameron Horsely-West Frankfort; Preston Sims-Herrin; Caleb Blumenstock-Marion; and R. Grant Kipping-Marion.
Stacy Buckingham Receives Excellence Award Stacy Buckingham, Associate Dean for Payroll and Benefit Services, was recipient of a Center for Excellence Award at the April 28 College Council meeting. Ms. Buckingham was honored for her outstanding efforts in providing an annual Employee Benefits Fair for John A. Logan College employees and their spouses for the past two years. This activity has been well attended and provides easy access for employees to valuable information concerning health insurance, retirement, and wellness. This year’s fair offered on-site health evaluations by Interactive Health Solutions for any employee enrolled in the College’s health insurance plan and their dependent spouses. The well-organized, efficient event was extremely beneficial to JALC employees and families.
LOGAN’S GOT TALENT JA LC st udent Kole Bossong of Carbondale was the winning performer of Logan’s Got Talent: Student Edition on May 12. Twelve performers competed for the $200 prize donated by Chartwells and the JALC Student Senate. An employee version of the talent show was held last fall.
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NEWS IN BRIEF SUMMER SCHEDULE
As part of the Sustainable Plan for Budget Cuts, John A. Logan College has implemented a four-day work week which began May 28 and will be in place for the 10-week summer semester. The institution will be closed on Fridays through July 30.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES ANNOUNCED
JALC Foundation Fundraiser Deemed a Success By John Homan
David and Elaine Melby of Carterville cut a rug 1950s style at the 32nd Annual John A. Logan College Foundation Benefit Event. With many of the women dressed in poodle skirts, Pink Ladies jackets and saddle oxfords and the men in tee shirts, jeans and lettermen’s sweaters, the John A. Logan College Conference Center did indeed take on the personality of a 1950s party on April 24. In between sips on root beer floats and dancing to Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry tunes as performed by local band, Four on the Floor, the 100 or so friends of John A. Logan College, who had gathered for the “Rock Around the Clock” gala, found time to dig deep into their pocketbooks and wallets to support a worthy cause. One of the event organizers and new executive director for the JALC Foundation, Staci Bynum, said she was pleased with the turnout and deemed the fundraiser a success. “I think everyone came to our dinner/dance with the hope of having a good time and did not leave disappointed,” Bynum said. “Without functions such as these, it would be next to impossible for the foundation to provide scholarship opportunities for students. We can’t thank enough those who support our cause.” Foundation President Mike Bush welcomed the guests. “Now more than ever, we need the support of our community,” Bush said. “We are focused on making a difference in the lives of students who dream of an education.” Following a buffet-style dinner catered by Chartwell’s, Phil Minnis, serving as master of ceremonies, offered up a glimpse of life in the 1950s as he saw it while growing up in that decade. For more information on how to make a donation to the JALC Foundation, call 9852828, X8472.
A total of 23 new classes will be offered this summer through the Continuing Education Department, including Healing Through the Energy Field, Parent Shop, Reiki II (second degree), Thailand-The Land of Smiles, Video Game Development, Dog Agility, Drawing Heads and Faces, Parish Nurse Basic Preparation Course, and Professionals Interacting with Older Adults. A variety of Kids College classes will also be offered, including African Drumming, Curtains Up, Yoga for Kids, Fringe Science, and Are We There Yet? Classes start the week of June 14. For more information, contact the Continuing Education Office at Ext. 8248 or visit http:// www.jalc.edu/cont_ed/.
LOSA ELECTS OFFICERS
The Logan Operational Staff Association has announced newly elected officers as follows: President – Victoria Kelly; Vice-President – Tamra Walker; Secretary – Deana Smith; Treasurer – Tracie Zoller; Regional Council Representative – Judi Pastori; and At-Large Representatives – Kathy Capps, Charles Coelho, Beth Hanner, and Deb Richison. These individuals will take office September 1, 2010, and serve two-year terms.
CORRECTION…
The First Quarter issue of General News contained an article entitled “A Grand Occasion” reporting chiefly on the purchase of a much-needed new grand piano with donated funds from Baldwin Piano & Organ Center in Herrin. The article also mentioned that two new studio pianos were purchased (from previously budgeted College funds) from Baldwin. This statement was erroneous in that the studio pianos were purchased from Byassee Keyboard in Marion. Music department staff stated that Mr. Byassee offered excellent prices that would fit in the budget and went out of his way to work with the College on the purchase. General News offers sincere apologies to Byassee Keyboard for this error.
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Bynum Accepts Challenge as JALC Foundation Director FOUNDATION AWARDS By John Homan
Vienna native Staci Bynum is not one to shy away from a challenge. Despite holding a solid job as director of marketing and business development the last four years with the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Bynum was intrigued by the opportunity to work at a community college like John A. Logan College. For that reason, Bynum applied for and was eventually hired as the College’s new executive director of the JALC Foundation. In that capacity, it will be her responsibility to recruit new monies that will benefit future Logan students. “First and foremost, it will be my job to help educate those who aren’t familiar with the goals of this foundation,” Bynum said. “People need to know why we’re here and why we are wanting to raise money in this difficult economy. We are here so that those students who can’t afford to go to school can go.” Bynum said the foundation will continue on its present fundraising course with a trio of events (golf tournament in the summer, an Italian dinner in the winter and dinner/dance in the spring), but will do much more in the months ahead. “We’re going to try some new and exciting things, which we hope will generate interest in the foundation,” she said. “People are sympathetic to our needs, knowing how difficult it has been in receiving our state funding. I know there are people, including our own John A. Logan College employees, who want to help if they simply know how best to help. We need our employees to be ambassadors for this foundation. The more the word is spread, the better our chances will be of accomplishing our goals.” JALC President Dr. Robert Mees said he is pleased to have Bynum assume the executive director’s position with the foundation. “Staci has a lot of energy and some great ideas that she will utilize in taking our foundation to a new level,” he said. “She has hit the ground running since she started her new job on April 16th and has set some very aggressive goals for the foundation for the next few years. Staci has been very successful in her previous jobs in combining her skills in marketing and fundraising.” Bynum is a 1998 graduate of Vienna High School. The daughter of Steve and Tina Penrod, Staci has one sister, Stephani Borders. All reside in Vienna. Upon graduating high school, Bynum attended Shawnee College, where she earned her associate’s degree and then transferred to SIUC, where she completed her bachelor’s in radio/TV. She worked for four years, first as an intern and then later as a full-time employee with WPSD-TV in Paducah, and then at WSIL-TV in Crainville as a reporter and morning news anchor. Bynum left WSIL after accepting the job at Heartland. “My work at the TV station opened the door for me with the hospital, and I would like to think my work at both the hospital and media helped me land the job here at Logan,” she said. “I am also working on my master’s degree in business administration.” Staci’s huband, Matt, worked at JALC as a campus safety officer for four years and is now a special agent with the Illinois Gaming Board. The Bynums have three daughters: Christina-6, Maci-3 and Penni-1. When not tackling fundraising issues with the foundation, Bynum may be spending time with her church family at the Vienna Church of Christ or with the Marion Chamber of Commerce, where she serves on the board. She is also a member of the Women’s Health and Wellness Conference board. Bynum said she has a strong support cast in place at the foundation with Stacy Holloway, Director of Scholarships, and secretaries JaDean Towle and Kathy White. “Their experience with the foundation is invaluable,” she said. As the JALC enrollment surpassed the 7,000 mark this school year, Bynum said it’s important to keep up with the growth. “About 65 percent of our students rely on some form of financial assistance, which is why this foundation is so important,” Bynum said. “We gave away over 100 scholarships through the foundation this past school year. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of the business community and private donations. It is our hope that we can reach even more segments of the southern Illinois community as we move forward.”
SCHOLARSHIPS
Director of Scholarships and Alumni Services Stacy Holloway has announced t he awa rd i ng of t he fol low i ng scholarships: American Association of Women in Community Colleges Scholarships Robert Cox, Murphysboro Dongying Xue, Carbondale Amy Young Memorial Scholarship Coty Blair, Creal Springs Elaine Mitchell Memorial Scholarships Daniel Ohms, Marion Melissa Norris, Pittsburg Hancock Memorial Scholarship Jeremy McConnell, Marion Heartland Regional Medical Center Scholarship Amy Zeller, Marion John A. Logan College Board of Trustees Merit Scholarship Nicholas Baskin, Du Quoin John M. Armstrong Carbondale Rotary Scholarship Jacee Butcher Ken Gray Scholarship Molly Stewart, West Frankfort Mary Logan Scholarships Linda Baker, Herrin Heather Oxford, Marion Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Kent Dauderman Rosemary Berkel Crisp Memorial Nursing Scholarship Katie Gaddis, Johnston City TRIO Scholarships Blake Woodard, Carbondale Megan Mitchell, Carrier Mills Martha Blankenship, Carterville Amy Boester, Creal Springs Ayla Sitzes & Sekara Zoromski, Du Quoin Kara Bedar, Elkville Mary Periman & Amanda Wittke, Herrin April Snyder, West Frankfort
Vicky Green Memorial Scholarships Jamie Smith, Herrin Amanda Hildebrandt, Carbondale The John A. Logan College Foundation will be holding its annual Golf Classic at Crab Orchard Golf Course on June 25. If you are interested in playing or forming a team, contact the Foundation Office at Ext. 8355.
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continued from page 2 Outstanding Faculty Member Joanna Christopher and Distinguished Alumnus Captain Daryl Hancock who were honored at Commencement. I wou ld l i ke to ex press my appreciation to retirees Evangeline Chugh, Kay Clark, Linda Ellery, Steve Falcone, Lauvenia Hill, Tom Horn, John Profilet, and Art Walters for their 217 years of combined service to JALC. Two of our Board of Trustees members have recently received well-deserved honors. Board ViceChair Mike Hopkins was named a “Leader Among Us” by the Southern Business Journal at its Community Leaders Breakfast in May. Trustee Jake Rendleman was awarded the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Ray Harstein Trustee Achievement Award at the ICCTA’s Annual Awards Banquet in Springfield on June 4. Congratulations to Mike and Jake. I would like to welcome new student trustee Mandy Little to the Board of Trustees, and thank outgoing student trustee Rachel Grasher for her two years of excellent service to the board. I would also like to welcome Staci Bynum as executive director of the John A. Logan College Foundation. I anticipate the foundation growing to a new level under Staci’s leadership. Congratulations to the men’s golf team and Coach Tom Ferris on finishing second in the National Golf Tournament in Arizona, and to Marcelo Rozo for capturing the individual title. Kudos also go to the women’s golf team for finishing ninth at the national tournament in Florida; to the Lady Vols softball team for making a great showing at the national finals in St. George, Utah; and to the baseball Vols on finishing their season 34-18. We have come through a very challenging but productive spring semester, and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer. Sincerely
Robert L. Mees, PhD President
Mandy Little Elected Student Trustee Mandy Little of West Frankfort was elected to serve as the student representative to the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees on March 3. She was officially seated at the April 27 board meeting and will serve a one-year term ending in April of 2011. Ms. Little is finishing her first year at JALC, majoring in elementary education with a minor in political science. She brings a great deal of excitement and energy to her new position and is focused on student involvement. “I want to get students involved in various activities on campus, and for them to be proud to say they go to JALC,” Ms. Little says. She plans to work closely with the Student Senate, with faculty, and make herself readily available to the students in order to effectively fulfill her role. JALC students have the opportunity to vote for their representative to the board annually. The student trustee sits on the College’s Board of Trustees with all the rights and privileges of a regular member. However, the student’s vote is strictly advisory. Ms. Little may be reached via email at studenttrustee@jalc.edu.
PEOPLE Colette Russell has moved into the position of secretary III to the director of nursing, replacing Linda Pritchard who resigned.
CONGRATULATIONS TO. . . Sharon Johnson, learning lab/Title III coordinator, was recently honored at SIUC as a recipient of the George S. Counts Doctoral Student Award in the amount of $1,000. The scholarship was presented by the College of Education and Human Services at the annual Honors Day ceremony on April 11.
DEPARTMENT CHAIRS APPOINTED Department chair appointments for FY 2011-2013 were recently approved by the Board of Trustees as follows: Mathematics Department – Kathirave Giritharan; English Department – Anita Petersen; and Social Science Department – Perry Knop.
RETIREES HONORED FOR SERVICE Evangeline Chugh (center) received a plaque from Vice-President Julia Schroeder and President Mees for her 30 years of service Eight John A. Logan College retirees were honored on May 17 at the annual retirement reception. The retiring employees represented over 217 years of combined service to the College. Retirees honored were: Evangeline Chugh, Kay Clark, Linda Ellery, Steve Falcone, Lauvenia Hill, Tom Horn, John Profilet, and Art Walters. Employees with 15 and 25 years of service were also honored. Those with 15 years of service were: Tom Bell, Kay Clark, Marty Hawkins, Julie Horecker, Dinah Meacham, Deana Smith, Tim Smith, Larry Spears, Greg Stettler, Gary Tendick, and Dennis White. Those with 25 years of service were: Tim Baker, Kim Dixon, Steve Falcone, Mark Imhoff, Phil Minnis, Ron Sumner, and Mike Williams. Lauvenia Hill (center) was honored at the reception for 36 years of service to JALC.
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General News
is published by the President’s Office John A. Logan College Carterville, Illinois
Robert L. Mees, President BOARD OF TRUSTEES: David D. Hancock, Chair Michael Hopkins, Vice-Chair Jim Snider, Secretary John F. O’Keefe William J. Kilquist Jacob “Jake” Rendleman John W. Sanders Mandy Little, Student Trustee
Little Shop of Horrors Presented at JALC Emily Dennis of Carterville and Kyle Johnson of Marion are pictured with Audrey II, an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood, in Little Shop of Horrors. The musical was presented as part of John A. Logan College’s Performance Series on April 30 and May 1 and 2 in O’Neil Auditorium. The popular musical, written by Howard Ashman with music composed by Alan Menken, is about a poor florist shop worker who is thrust into the limelight when he discovers the mysterious, carnivorous plant which finally reveals itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination. The production was directed by JALC music instructor Nathan D. Arnett.
STAFF: Donna Glodjo, Managing Editor Robin Egelston, Design, Layout & Photography Steve O’Keefe, Writing & Photography John Homan, Writing & Photography Your input and suggestions for articles are welcome. Please forward to Donna Glodjo, President’s Office, 618-985-2828, Ext. 8428, or e-mail at donnaglodjo@jalc.edu
The General News is published four times a year.
John A. Logan College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, or gender orientation.