JANUARY 2022
CLC CONNECTS
COVER: Welding student Moises Mercado won the state championship in the SkillsUSA Welding Sculptures competition and finished tenth place in the national competition.
table of contents 02
Message from CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick
Community and Workforce Partnerships 03
Community Voices Spark New Ideas, Resurrect Old Ones
05
COVID-19 Community Resources
06
New Partnership Grows in Waukegan
Teaching and Learning Excellence 05
Industrial Technology starts at Advanced Technology Center
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Las Vegas Chef Brings Skills to CLC
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Connecting the World of School with the World of Work
Access and Success for Students 12
Melding Art & Welding Creates Medal-Worthy Sculpture
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A Bridge to Higher Education
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Acing the Advising Process
Strategic Use of Resources 18
Parents Can Study with Free Childcare
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Opening Doors to the American Dream
23
Student Financial Burdens Lessened with Grant Funding
24
Sustainability Leads to Student Success
Equity and Inclusion 26
Living Our Values JANUARY 2022
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Message from CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick The power of story is a fundamental part of education. Faculty members tell stories to bring curriculum to life, staff members create opportunities for students’ stories to be enriched through campus activities and our students embody stories that transform themselves as well as their community and the world.
For the College of Lake County, the stories of our students, faculty, staff and community and workforce partners truly make our mission come alive.
As I read the stories featured in this issue of CLC Connects, I see examples of students who are bringing their best to CLC and progressing toward their goals, taking their education from CLC into the workforce or into their journey for more learning.
I see inspiring examples of faculty and staff members who are committed to equitable high-quality education, meeting students where they are and connecting them with new opportunities for success.
I see community members and workforce partners engaging with CLC in collaborative work that is making dreams become reality – in terms of cultural enrichment and beneficial partnerships that advance the diverse communities that make up Lake County.
I encourage you to explore these stories of the College of Lake County and make 2022 the year you find a way to create a CLC story of your own.
QUOTE ME!
“I’m grateful to CLC for offering such a wide range of classes, opportunities and amenities, so people in unique situations like mine can still benefit from higher education. From history to philosophy to legal studies, I really felt like I was able to explore whatever interested me. Community college courses are truly a public service: the offerings are diverse and open to people in all kinds of situations.” – Laura Zeng
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CLC CONNECTS
COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS
YouSPOKE. WeLISTENED.
Community voices spark new ideas, resurrect old ones
Since its origination in 1969, CLC has always worked with
BRUSH STROKES IN WAUKEGAN – ARTS-INTEGRATED
community feedback. The college gathers input through community
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
listening sessions, event feedback, surveys and many other touch
Waukegan is a city with a rich history of the arts, and CLC is building
points. Dedicated to providing cultural experiences the community
its partnership with the community to promote that history and
wants, CLC is building its reputation as a community connector.
deepen connections through free workshops at the Lakeshore Campus. Organized by professional local artist and CLC instructor
“Relationships and outreach the college does makes a difference,”
Katrina Davis-Salazar, these workshops encourage students to
said CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick. “Real growth is being made
make art every day.
with individuals, grassroots organizations and local businesses. Thoughtful connections are being worked on intentionally.” While there are endless opportunities ahead, CLC has made both big and small transformative connections with the community in response to input:
“In the future, cross-community promotion will help further position Waukegan as an arts center and uplift its vibrant artists. This beneficial connection between our college and Waukegan families will provide quality art programming to Lake County and eliminate barriers to youth to establish more working and diverse artists.” – Katrina Davis-Salazar JANUARY 2022
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COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS SPOTLIGHT THE PERFORMING ARTS
faculty and community member voices came together to
AT THREE BROTHERS THEATRE
create a better understanding of the experiences of Lake County’s
When the theatre department first started performing 50 years ago,
African American community. In pursuit of seizing a good
it did so out in the community because there was no performance
learning opportunity, culinary and hospitality students catered
venue at CLC. This spring, theatre students will bring their
the exhibit reception.
production back out to the community at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan.
“Sometimes being able to creatively express yourself allows you to relieve stress and help your mental health in being able to really say
CLC’s symbiotic relationship with theatre executive director Josh
what’s on your mind. This was a critical time to show we are part
Beadle is a natural partnership between the academic performing
of the community and for our students to get experience leading a
arts programs and the Waukegan arts community. The performance
movement. It’s a way of showing our students how to be successful
of “I Have a Story to Tell” invites Black, Indigenous and people of
outside of the classroom,” said African-American Student Outreach
color students and members of the community to the center of the
Coordinator Beverly Phelps.
creative storytelling process.
“We’re getting back to the beginning, the roots, of our department and reconnecting with our community partners.” – Theatre Department Chair Craig Rich TAKING A STAND TO CAPTURE LOCAL BLACK HISTORY AT THE DUNN MUSEUM As part of an ongoing partnership with Lake County Forest Preserves, the Black Student Union at CLC played a pivotal role in the “Our Voice is Black History: Past, Present, Future” fall exhibit at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Lake County artists, students, 04
CLC CONNECTS
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Helping keep Lake County safe CLC continues to have measures in place
Students at CLC can find their future in industrial technology,
to keep everyone safe on campus. Face
a high-demand field in the manufacturing industry. Students will
masks must be worn at all times regardless
learn cutting-edge technologies in this program and gain
of vaccination status.
the following skills:
TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
COVID-19
NEW INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DEGREE STARTS AT ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER
• Mechanical equipment installation, disassembly and assembly
ILLINOIS MANDATE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
• Electrical control, motor drives and programmable logic controllers (PLC) wiring, installation and troubleshooting
Vaccinations are required for everyone on
• Preventative maintenance
campus in accordance with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s
• Variable frequency drives installation and repair
Executive Orders. Those who choose not to
• Conveyor systems operations
receive the vaccination must get a weekly COVID-19 test.
FREE VACCINE CLINICS
• Hydraulic and pneumatic installation and troubleshooting
• Welding • Industrial manufacturing machine troubleshooting CLC’s new industrial technology program will prepare students for employment and offer the convenience of five start times throughout
In partnership with the Lake County Health
the year. This flexible delivery supports students in balancing work
Department and Illinois Department of Public
and life while achieving a credential.
Health, all three CLC campuses offer walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
EASY TESTING AT GRAYSLAKE CAMPUS
The industrial technology program also offers a path for companies to upskill current workers, increasing expertise without searching for new employees.
Free saliva-based COVID-19 testing is offered
Starting in Summer 2022, the new Advanced Technology Center in
at the Grayslake campus in partnership with
Gurnee gives students world-class space and equipment on which
SHIELD Illinois on Mondays and Thursdays from
to learn.
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The test is noninvasive with quick results. Visit www.clcillinois.edu for details.
FREE FOOD
The program begins in fall 2022 when the new building opens. Industrial technology will be one of the most flexible academic programs at the college.
CLC continues to serve as a Northern Illinois Food Bank Pop-Up Market in Lake County. Anyone in need of food assistance is encouraged to drive through the parking lot and volunteers will deliver food directly to cars. CLC students can also visit the SHARE Market on campus for food and other necessities.
JANUARY 2022
05
COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS
NEW PARTNERSHIP GROWS IN WAUKEGAN facility located in Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood. The Lakeshore Campus initiative will take inspiration from the Farm on Ogden and build upon local community input to be relevant for the northshore Lake County communities. The student-run farm, expected to open in fall of 2023, will apply sustainable agriculture practices: hydroponics, aquaponics, raised beds and greenhouse production. It will operate from three renovated CLC buildings facing Madison Street and will help revitalize the Lakeshore Campus with a facility that includes food cultivation, aggregation and storage.
Thanks in part to generous donors, things will be sprouting up in the future in Waukegan with a new Center for Urban Agriculture & Community Development at the CLC Lakeshore Campus.
“This is an initiative that touches on each of the pillars and values of CLC,” said Roneida Martin, executive director, community programs, personal enrichment, judicial services and the urban farm.
Veggies will be grown hydroponically, in water, which provides a faster growth cycle, and will be enhanced with nutrients that are good for plants as well as people. In addition, this method allows CLC to have optimal use of space for the yield and provides nearly zero emissions which ties into the college’s role as a sustainability leader. “I’m excited about this new endeavor, which will be a community effort. In the spirit of a true partnership, CLC has been and will continue to engage the local community to see how we can achieve mutually beneficial goals,” Martin said. “We cannot do this important work by ourselves.”
The farm is being funded by generous, local benefactors who have,
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to date, donated $3.2 million. The college partnered with the Chicago
CLC has engaged the community through townhall meetings and
Botanic Garden to learn from its Farm on Ogden, a multi-use
by bringing together many smaller-scale nonprofits that focus on
CLC CONNECTS
nutrition education and more activities in partnership with the
partners,” she explained, adding that all ethnic foods will be involved
community,” Martin added.
COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS
food insecurity. “We will be collaborative with all of these important and featured, to reflect the diversity of Lake County. The college also will honor the land on which the farm will lie through a Native
Eliza Fournier joined CLC as the new urban farm director in
American Land Acknowledgement Statement.
December. She previously worked at the Farm on Ogden, so is in an ideal position to help lead the Lakeshore Campus effort.
“I’m particularly excited about the Veggie Rx program in which we’ll partner with local physicians who will prescribe fresh veggies
Watch for more information as this project continues to bloom.
that people can come to our farm and obtain. We’ll also offer
URBAN FARM GOALS: EDUCATION
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Create best-in-class workforce development
A core value of CLC – this new facility builds on the
pathways in sustainable agriculture, horticulture,
existing Lakeshore Campus expansion initiative.
culinary, wellness and business
The Student Center, opening Fall 2022, is anticipated
FOOD
to receive LEED Platinum certification.
Establish a community hub and marketplace in Lake
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
County for locally produced food
Innovate diverse revenue streams including:
HEALTH
restaurants, food distribution, recruitment partnerships
Promote wellness, healthy cooking, food as medicine, and community health
with local employers (apprenticeships), hosting community groups and events and more!
JOBS Develop the Lake County workforce through skilled employment opportunities that prepare for the next generation of leaders
JANUARY 2022
09
TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
Las Vegas chef brings skills to CLC
One piece of advice Abel Ramirez, a new Hospitality and Culinary faculty member at CLC, gives to his students is to take time during their career to travel around the world. “You need to travel,” he said. “You need to taste the different cuisines and see the different cultures to know how they make their food.” Ramirez has been to 52 different countries, and he now finds himself at CLC for his first teaching position. He started last fall after spending his entire professional career in Las Vegas. Born in Mexico, Ramirez moved to Nevada when he was 10 years old. He earned his associate degree from his local community college, College of Southern Nevada, and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Nevada - Las Vegas.
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CLC CONNECTS
TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
Before coming to CLC, Ramirez worked in multiple hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, including ones owned by MGM Resorts International. He began at the bottom at the beginning of his career, but he eventually helped open seven restaurants. His most recent position as a food and beverage manager involved managing nine different bars. Ramirez enjoyed teaching during his first semester at CLC and is excited to help grow the program. As Prairie Restaurant, CLC’s student-run restaurant, moves from a basement location to a prime spot on Route 45 at the Brae Loch Golf Club in fall 2022, Ramirez sees a lot of opportunities to grow. “The program has a great structure and faculty,” Ramirez said. “There’s a lot of potential to build out more degree options, especially with the new, expanded restaurant location.” JANUARY 2022
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TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
Connecting the World of School CLC’s growing participation in SkillsUSA competitions is opening doors to more realworld learning opportunities and giving students a chance to put their knowledge into action and showcase their skills on the regional and national stage
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The roving, remote-controlled robot—with its chunky wheels,
Now the moment of glory was just around the corner—and the bot
movable arm and gripper hand—looked like it could be exploring
was almost ready for prime time. Otterbacher and Zarinana heaved a
the surface of the moon on a NASA mission. But the masterminds
sigh of relief. They were finally past the early, trial-and-error phase of
controlling this little marvel were working on a more earthly
the project, when the robot was routinely getting hung up on course
endeavor: the creation of an urban search and rescue robot capable
obstacles, tipping over on turns and fumbling as it tried to extract the
of maneuvering around and over obstacles to locate and remove
simulated explosive devices from the course boxes with
simulated explosive devices.
its mechanical arm.
It had taken CLC engineering students Ben Otterbacher and Eduardo
Today it was whirring efficiently around the competition field, expertly
Zarinana several months—and a mastery of basic mechanical and
extracting the simulated ordnance (military parlance for ammunition
electronic robotic systems, coding and telerobotics (the control of
and explosives) and completing the course within the competition’s
robots from a distance)—to design, build and program the bot for
12-minute time limit. The camera mounted on the front of the robot
the 2021 SkillsUSA Illinois Robotics Urban Search and Rescue:
was transmitting a clear view of the course to the monitor, enabling the
Explosive Ordnance Disposal competition.
students to guide the robot with ease and accuracy.
CLC CONNECTS
TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
with the World of Work Otterbacher and Zarinana made a few more adjustments and then
CLC engineering instructor Rob Twardock, who served as an advisor
looked at one another and nodded. The bot was ready for its
on the project, sees the team’s triumph on the regional and national
12 minutes of fame. It was time to see how they stacked up against
stage as fitting recognition for a job well done.
other Illinois college students who had entered the regional robotics competition.
Otterbacher sees the months he and Zarinana spent on the SkillsUSA project as an investment in their future success.
In a normal year, Otterbacher and Zarinana would be boxing up their bot and traveling to the designated SkillsUSA Illinois competition site. But, with COVID cases still on the rise, students were competing virtually on their own 12’x12’ competition fields built to SkillsUSA specifications. When the virtual competition day arrived, Otterbacher and Zarinana did a final inspection of the robot, the remote-control system and the competition field’s wooden ramps and boxes. With faculty members present to monitor the process and verify the results, they set up their video cameras to record the run for the contest judges and pressed the “go” button. The robot rolled straight to a first-place finish in the regional competition and a second-place finish when they advanced to the national competition in June.
“Ben and Eduardo created an award-winning robot that was innovative, functional, reliable and structurally sound, and they gained valuable career skills in the process. In many ways, this project replicated what it’s like to work for an engineering firm, with a list of required specifications, as well as time and budget constraints.” – CLC engineering instructor Rob Twardock JANUARY 2022
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TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
“We learned a lot about what it takes to design and build a product as a member of an engineering team,” he notes. “The college has made it a priority to help students develop the skills employers want—and SkillsUSA definitely helped prepare us for the challenges we’re likely
QUOTE ME!
“So many of the professors at CLC create a classroom environment, even online, that allows students to comfortably struggle, learn and succeed.” – Annie Ahern
MELDING
to encounter in our engineering careers.” Thousands of students like Otterbacher and Zarinana compete in SkillsUSA championships annually, racing against the clock and one another to demonstrate their expertise in fields as diverse as computer-aided drafting, culinary arts, electronics, medical assisting and precision machining. The competitions—held in partnership with industry representatives, trade associations and labor organizations—are designed to inspire students to strive
ART&WELDING CREATES MEDAL-WORTHY SCULPTURE
Right: Mercado originally came to CLC to study fire science, but soon discovered he enjoyed working with his hands at an auto shop. From there, he found his interest in welding.
Moises Mercado showed off his welding sculpture talents on the state and national stages competing in SkillsUSA, winning the welding sculpture state championship and placing tenth in the national competition. An artist before beginning the welding program at CLC, Mercado combined his two interests together while at the college to form his new passion and career. “If I’m famous for my art in 30 years, it will be because of my CLC classes and supportive teachers that started it all,” Mercado said. “The instructors here are awesome and helped build my confidence. They really pushed me to be creative and do my own thing.”
Mercado works as a fabricator and does his art on the side, but he hopes to become successful enough to make art his full-time job.
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CLC CONNECTS
Division Dean Dr. Richard Ammon. It’s the driving force behind the
performance and help foster the development of a workforce
college’s increasing emphasis on SkillsUSA participation.
TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE
for excellence, involve industry leaders in evaluating student equipped with the skills employers need.
Williams, every student benefits.
“Although much of our previous involvement has been concentrated in the STEM disciplines, there are many SkillsUSA competitions that complement other academic and career paths at CLC, including 3D visualization and animation, commercial baking, communication arts, culinary arts, cybersecurity, First Aid/CPR, HVAC and medical assisting.” – Dr. Richard Ammon
“It’s so important for our students to gain real-world experience
Over the past year, Ammon has been making a concerted effort
“SkillsUSA showcases the knowledge and skills we teach in the classroom,” says CLC SkillsUSA Coordinator Eric Anderson. “These competitions enable students to supplement what they’ve learned from their coursework with hands-on experience. Although 2021 was an exception because of the pandemic, they also offer invaluable networking opportunities for everyone involved.” Regardless of who wins at a SkillsUSA competition, says CLC Vice President of Education and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Sonya
beyond the classroom, our campuses and even our country’s borders,” she says. “We have many programs that make this kind of experiential learning possible, from SkillsUSA to apprenticeships that combine career-related classroom instruction with on-the-job training to study-abroad opportunities in France, Japan, Mexico, Poland and the United Arab Emirates.” In recent years, CLC’s leadership has made it a priority to provide more avenues for learning beyond the classroom. This objective is close to the heart of Engineering, Math and Physical Sciences
to raise awareness of the many benefits of SkillsUSA participation among CLC faculty and students, as well as local employers. “It’s about so much more than the competition,” he emphasizes. “Participants develop workplace and technical skills, gain leadership experience and interact with potential future employers in business and industry. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to foster the development of a skilled, world-class workforce—a goal that aligns perfectly with CLC’s mission. It’s about connecting the world of school with the world of work.”
Middle Top: Growing up with two artistic parents, Mercado always had art in his life. He has a natural interest in drawing, and it’s helped him in sketching out projects before he crafts them. He chose an owl for the competition because he loves animals and owls have a lot of myths and omens surrounding them. Middle Bottom: While taking his welding courses at CLC, he found his passion during the final project of his fabrication class. “One of the final projects was to make something creative, so I welded a sunflower and dragonfly. I was surprised by how well they came out, and it took off from there.” Left: After seeing Mercado’s sculptures, welding instructor and department chair, Karsten Illg, recommended he compete in SkillsUSA. “Having Moises in the welding program was quite enjoyable. It was obvious early on his artistic abilities could be applied to metal working,” Illg said.
JANUARY 2022
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ACCESS AND SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS
The dual credit program at CLC brings higher education within reach by enabling high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn college credits—free. Jessica Vazquez was the first in her family to go to college—thanks to CLC’s dual credit program, a life-changing resource that is closing the opportunity gap for more than 1,000 high-school students each year. To Vazquez—born in Waukegan to immigrant parents employed
A Bridge to Higher Education as maintenance workers—college seemed like a distant dream. It wasn’t a path anyone in her family had taken before, and the
barriers sometimes seemed insurmountable.
That all began to change in 2014 when the Waukegan High School senior was selected to participate in her school’s Shine Program, which builds a stronger college culture among students from lowincome families and helps every high school senior graduate with a solid post-secondary plan. “The Shine program required me to take at least one dual credit course, which introduced me to College of Lake County,” recalls Vazquez.
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CLC CONNECTS
ACCESS AND SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS
As the 17-year-old grew more familiar with campus life, college began to feel “less intimidating.” By the end of her senior year, she had earned 10 college credits and saved $1,200 in college tuition. Vazquez went on to earn an associate degree at CLC and a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management from the University of Illinois Chicago. Today, she works as a health information management data integrity specialist at Advocate-Aurora Health Care. She loves her job—and says CLC’s dual credit program helped transform her dream of a college education and a fulfilling career into a reality. This alumna’s success story is just one example of the far-reaching impact of dual credit coursework. According to the College in High School Alliance, students who enroll in high-quality dual credit courses are more likely to graduate from high school, immediately enroll in college and persist to completion than their peers. That’s good news for dual credit students, for employers—and for society as a whole. It’s also the reason CLC has made a number of strategic moves in recent years to expand the reach of its dual
Students who enroll in high-quality dual credit courses are more likely to graduate from high school, immediately enroll in college and persist to completion than their peers. — College in High School Alliance
credit program. “I see our dual credit program as a way to advance equity by reducing Director of P-20 Educational Partnerships Sarah Stashkiw explains,
the amount of time and money needed for a degree,” she said. “The
“In 2015, CLC launched an alliance with several Lake County high
financial savings is a huge selling point for high school students and
schools. Through this alliance, we meet regularly with district
their parents. Although many community colleges in Illinois reduce
superintendents and staff to strengthen our partnerships with local
their tuition fees for dual credit courses, I’m very proud CLC waives
high schools, increase post-secondary enrollment and help students
dual credit tuition and fees entirely to bring a college education
make a seamless transition from high school to college.”
within reach for every young person.”
Stashkiw has also set a department goal to expand the college’s dual
“This investment in the potential of Lake County high school
credit team and build strategic dual credit pathways aligned with
students is transformative,” says Stashkiw. “It’s so exciting when I hear
the General Education Core Curriculum and Career and Technical
a dual credit student say, ‘I wasn’t planning to go to college because
Education credentials.
I didn’t think I was college material. But now that I’ve taken a dual credit course, I’m going to enroll in college and I feel confident I can succeed.’”
JANUARY 2022
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ACCESS AND SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS
ACING THE ADVISING PROCESS T
ransitioning to college can be a complex process for students to navigate on their own. CLC’s new academic advising model aims to improve the student experience with a high-touch
personal connection. A team of 25 full-time Academic Success Advisors (ASA), assigned to specialized academic fields of interest, guide students on their academic journey. ASAs help students from the first day of classes to their graduation from CLC. Students have access to their assigned ASA all year round, making sure they can get help during every step of the process. They assist in academic, transfer and career planning, along with personal, financial and resource support.
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CLC CONNECTS
“The new ASA model creates a holistic advising experience,” said Director of Advising and Retention Christine Lewis. “ASAs are meant to be a go-to person for the students until they graduate or complete their academic goal. Not every student knows what they want to do on the first day of class, and the ASAs are here to support students in their decision-making processes, helping them develop a personalized success plan and stay on track with their plan.”
Lewis said the goal of case management is to ultimately see gains in
ASAs ensure students get the help they need in and out of the
retention and completion rates. Though it will take a few years to see
classroom so they can succeed. ASAs are skilled at removing the
the overall impact, the college is already seeing some of the positive
barriers students face so they stay on their learning path.
effects the new model is having. The feedback the college has received
ACCESS AND SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS
Serving as the primary point of contact for students with any need,
from students so far has been positive, with many enjoying being able
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
to create the one-on-one connection. With proactive strategies, the
Students are learning to embrace the connection they can form
FACULTY EXPERTISE
with their assigned ASA. New student Francisco Barroso found the advising process similar to what he experienced in high school, making the transition to college easier for him.
college is seeing increased use and demand for ASA services.
Academic program faculty remain integral to the advising process. Faculty are the subject matter experts in their field and support ASAs
“It was similar to talking to my high school counselor,” Barroso said. “That helped me get into my comfort zone right away. He was someone I talked to a lot over my four years of high school. I didn’t know if advising in college was going to be different, but since I’ll be talking to the same advisor when I inevitably come back for more advising, it just makes it a lot more comfortable for me.”
in providing accurate guidance to students. ASAs regularly consult with faculty about the program curriculum pathways. The ASA and faculty partnership in the advising process ensures that students get comprehensive and up-to-date information on their academic plan. Faculty also play a significant role in mentoring and supporting students in their academic and career planning process.
BENEFITS OF THE MODEL ASAs are assigned to specific fields of study. This allows them to be specialists who can provide comprehensive guidance during academic and career planning with students. “Having students stay with the same advisor over the entire course of their CLC career allows them to form a strong advisor-advisee relationship,” Lewis said. “Their ASA knows their assigned students personally, and they can provide them with the best support possible
Francisco Barroso
and ensure they accomplish their goals.” Access to ASAs has been expanded too. ASAs are available to meet their students at all three campuses and are available virtually. ASAs build relationships with students working proactively to keep students on track. Instead of waiting for the student to seek assistance, ASAs regularly post announcements on Canvas and send communications via the new Navigate student success software in order to stay in touch with and keep their students informed. This
QUOTE ME!
“I turned my life around in a very serious way at CLC. The support and resources are there if you just go for it.” – Ryan Haass
makes students more comfortable coming to their ASA to talk and get assistance before issues escalate. JANUARY 2022
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STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES
CLC CONNECTS
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STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES
Parents can study with free childcare A large number of CLC students are working parents who need access to affordable high quality childcare while in class. CLC actively seeks grants to reduce the financial burden for students. The U.S. Department of Education’s Childcare Access Mean Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, worth $352,200 over four years, is one of those supports, helping to provide free on-campus childcare for those in need. “CLC strives to make sure all barriers are taken down,” said Dean of Student Life Dr. Gabe Lara. “Barriers are different for all students. We try to remove them in any way we can with any resource possible.”
“
Allowing parents an inclusive and affordable way to put their
When I decided to go back to school, childcare was my number-one concern. Thanks to the grant, I’ve made the honor roll because I didn’t have to worry about my kids. I’m actually able to go to school now.
“
– Elizabeth Cassidy
children in childcare removes an obstacle hindering their ability to pursue an education. CLC’s Children’s Learning Center Director Carlotta Conley said, “CLC is a one stop shop for the parents. Parents come in and drop off their children and know it’s a safe and secure environment where students are learning and cared for each day. Without childcare, they may not be able to stay on campus longer, giving them safety and security to continue and complete classes, have uninterrupted study time and participate in campus life and other activities.” The grant is meant to provide free childcare for 50 students, but since not everyone needs childcare all five days during the week, the grant can serve 80 students. The on-campus childcare at Grayslake and Lakeshore is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children—the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children—so parents know their children are in good hands.
JANUARY 2022
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STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES The $2 million donation from the Schreibers was honored during the beam signing ceremony at the Advanced Technology Center. Pictured from left: Paul Virgilio, Dr. Lori Suddick, John Schreiber, Molly Cullum, Heather Sannes, Kathy Schreiber, Amanda Howland, Julie Shroka, Torrie Newsome.
“I f we can give young people access to a life-changing education through philanthropy, that’s a darn good accomplishment and a great outcome for America.” — John Schreiber, The John and Kathleen Schreiber Foundation
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CLC CONNECTS
STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES
O
“The College of Lake County Foundation is deeply grateful to John and Kathy Schreiber for their philanthropic passion and their visionary commitment to provide educational opportunities for students pursuing their dreams. This transformational gift will benefit thousands of students—and the entire Lake County region—in the months and years to come.” — Kurt Peterson, Executive Director, College of Lake County Foundation
pening Doors to the American Dream To many, the phrase “making the world a better place” is just
a popular sentiment. But to John Schreiber and his wife, Kathy, it’s an imperative. Through the John and Kathleen Schreiber Foundation, and through their own personal charitable giving, they have made major philanthropic commitments to help house the homeless, offer aid to immigrants and refugees, increase equitable access to mental health care and address environmental issues. But education may be the cause closest to John Schreiber’s heart. “Although education isn’t our foundation’s only focus, it’s our largest focus,” he points out. “Education is a big priority for us because it’s a basic advantage many Americans don’t have—and it changes people’s lives for the better. If we can give young people access to a life-changing education through philanthropy, that’s a darn good accomplishment and a great outcome for America.” For many years, the Schreibers directed their philanthropic support toward private educational institutions because they believed the need was greater at private schools than at publicly funded ones. JANUARY 2022
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STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES
After a conversation with CLC President Lori Suddick and CLC
a world-class hub for workforce development and advanced
Foundation Executive Director Kurt Peterson, however, he learned
manufacturing training. This is good news for Lake County, where
that a private donor can have a powerful impact at a public
roughly one in seven jobs falls within the manufacturing sector.
educational institution like the College of Lake County.
That number would be higher if workforce development programs could keep pace with workforce demand. The ATC will play an
According to Inside Philanthropy, community colleges serve almost
important role in supporting the fourth industrial revolution
half of the nation’s enrolled undergraduates and boost students’
(the ongoing automation of manufacturing through smart technology)
economic mobility at a higher rate compared to their elite, four-
in Lake County by providing a pipeline of skilled talent to meet the
year peers. Private philanthropy picks up where public funding
region’s manufacturing workforce needs.
leaves off, advancing excellence at community colleges by providing additional funding for capital and programmatic enhancements
of the ATC will name the center’s
by supporting scholarships and
Industrial Technology Area. Home to
T
emergency funding for students.
the college’s new industrial technology
By directing their philanthropic
program, the John and Kathleen
dollars toward community
colleges, private benefactors not only level the playing field for
lower-income students but create a pipeline of graduates equipped
with the technical and career skills employers need in Lake County. For equity-minded philanthropists like John and Kathy Schreiber, the idea of partnering with the College of Lake County to enhance the educational and economic vitality of the region was an appealing one. “A scholarship is a ticket to the American dream,” Schreiber explains. “If you don’t give lowincome students financial help, their college graduation rate is very
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The Schreibers’ $2 million lead gift to support the development
and increasing educational equity
he Schreibers initiated their philanthropic partnership with the College of Lake County by supporting scholarships for students in need.
Schreiber Industrial Technology Area will provide a space to train and certify industrial maintenance mechanics in a vast range of complex skills, from performance measurement and testing to resource conservation, data analytics, continuity management and facility maintenance. “There are so many jobs in America that require a certain level of education, but don’t require a college degree,” says Schreiber. “Walk into any car dealership and you’ll see there’s a growing demand for workers trained to deal with ‘smart’ automobile technologies. As the world becomes more dependent on increasingly complex technologies, many companies are having real
low. In the metropolitan Chicago area, it’s less than 10 percent. These
difficulty finding workers with these very focused skills. The
kids are trying but, for a variety of reasons, they just don’t have the
Advanced Technology Center will not only help close this skills gap
resources they need to make it. College of Lake County is finding
but provide a place where students can get the technical education
ways to break down the barriers to degree and credential completion.
they need to find jobs with long-term earning potential. It’s another
But state funding only goes so far, so they are using philanthropic
way to achieve the American dream, but for a much broader swath of
dollars to fill the gap. We wanted to be a part of that.”
the community that might not be college bound.”
In November 2021, John and Kathy Schreiber made a major
The Schreibers are also “lifting up those most in need” with $425,000
commitment to the College of Lake County and the Lake County
to support student success through scholarships and emergency
community with a $3.6 million charitable gift—the largest single
funds, including the Dream Big Scholarship for Undocumented
philanthropic commitment in the history of the College.
Students, which the Schreibers established in 2019.
The lion’s share of this extraordinary gift will support the
“There are roughly 10-12 million undocumented people in America
development of the college’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC)—
today—and many are working hard and paying taxes like every
CLC CONNECTS
STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES
other American,” Schreiber states. “Many of these families are very dedicated to the American dream, and one of the ways to help them achieve this dream is education. Because U.S. citizenship is a requirement for many types of student financial aid, we are trying to help undocumented students in Lake County through these Dream Big Scholarships.”
“Education is a big priority for us because it’s a basic advantage many Americans don’t have— and it changes people’s lives for the better.” — John Schreiber Finally, the Schreibers are looking out for Lake County’s youngest residents by allocating the remaining $1.2 million of their gift to the design and development of a modern playground outside of the College’s Children’s Learning Center at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan and the three-year rollout of bilingual early childhood education program. The Schreibers’ support for this program—which will equip early childhood educators with the knowledge and skills they need to provide culturally appropriate child care for the region’s growing Hispanic population—will fund the development of a Spanish-language early childhood education curriculum; support for a bilingual early childhood education instructor; and tuition, fees and expenses for the first three student cohorts. To learn more about Advanced Technology Center giving and naming opportunities, please contact Joseph Sweeney at jsweeney4@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2488.
STUDENT FINANCIAL BURDENS LESSENED WITH GRANT FUNDING Financial barriers and access to technology and basic needs are some of the biggest obstacles student face when pursuing education, and CLC works hard to source funding through grants and donations to help close opportunity gaps. Here are some of the grants the college recently received: • Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), $39,000,000 - CLC received HEERF grants on three separate occasions. More than $24 million in total was designated for students through emergency financial aid grants, boosted by additional dollars from the institutional portion. • The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, $80,000 - The college once again received the grant for students studying healthcare, but for the first time, the scholarships were also given to students studying alcohol and drug counseling. • Early School Leaver Grant, $60,000 - This grant helps teens and young adults who dropped out of high school earn a high school equivalency degree. • Workforce Equity Grant, $1,900,000 - Supported by State Rep. Rita Mayfield and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, the Transform Lake County program at CLC enrolled nearly 100 local residents in short-term certificate leading to gainful employment. • Metallica Scholars Initiative Grant, $25,000 - For the third year in a row, CLC received the grant from Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation for students studying in career and technical programs. • Career and Technical Education Perkins Grant, $508,740 - Putting students in high-demand, high-wage positions is one of CLC’s priorities, and the Perkins grant helps fund the college’s industry-driven career and technical education programs. • TRiO Education Talent Search Grant, $2,300,000 over five years - The Talent Search grant helps to close opportunity gaps toward higher education in the community by providing students in local high schools academic and personal experiences and opportunities.
JANUARY 2022
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STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES
Sustainability leads to student success The Living Lab Trail walking path winds around CLC’s Grayslake Campus among native plants
and trees. Walkers enjoy the fresh air while being presented with different ways CLC is sustainable and how it uses sustainability to benefit the wellness and academic success of students. “It gives people a place to go exploring on campus, get out of the building, see lots of nice natural areas and a way to see and learn about the solar panels,” said Sustainability Manager David Husemoller. Another prominent feature on campus is the Japanese garden, which is an open, outdoor space in the middle of the building at the Grayslake Campus. Like the Living Lab Trail, the Japanese garden is a space where students can relax outside to help them focus.
“I love being able to go out into the Japanese garden and study surrounded by nature.” -- Ben Glende BELOW: The Japanese garden gives students a way to work on their own personal wellness in a relaxing, outdoor space. Being around nature and in green spaces can help to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, breathing and heart rate.
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CLC CONNECTS
STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES
The Living Lab Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that goes around the Grayslake Campus. Along the trail, signs are posted that detail the different ways CLC is sustainable. Borrow or donate a book to the Little Libraries dispersed throughout the trail.
ABOVE: CLC is one of five locations participating in the new Grayslake Bike Share program. Riders can conveniently access an alternative and green form of transportation at a low cost. Bike share programs are a great way for people to exercise, as well as reduce carbon emissions from transportation. LEFT: Last summer, CLC finished the construction of a solar project on the roofs of buildings and a solar field at the Grayslake Campus. The college installed solar panels on the roofs of buildings at the Grayslake Campus. Nearly 20 percent of energy at the campus now comes from solar power from nearly 5,000 solar panels.
JANUARY 2022
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EQUITY AND INCLUSION
living our values CLC RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS Each employee is responsible for contributing to the CLC aspiration of being a higher education organization by which others measure themselves. This includes reflecting an organizational culture built on six foundational values of excellence, integrity, unity, purpose, compassion and inclusion. The college celebrates those who exemplify the institution’s values through a quarterly recognition program in which employees nominate colleagues for going above and beyond.
Here’s the story about one of the many value recognitions from last year: Everyone knew commencement was going to look different for the Class of 2021. Amid a pandemic, more than 400 graduates looked forward to attending in-person. All their hard work and efforts were about to pay off with one of the most symbolic ceremonies celebrating their accomplishments. Without the coordination of the 2021 Commencement Committee, those dreams could have fallen short and that is why this committee was awarded recognition for CLC’s Excellence value. With help from the entire college, the committee rolled up their sleeves and created a memorable moment for CLC graduates with the Drive-In Commencement Ceremony May 15, 2021. Following health and safety guidelines in place during the pandemic, the committee was able to carry out their vision of Commencement into a unique and extraordinary event. From the time each graduate picked up their cap, gown and swag bag, the committee instilled the confidence in students that CLC was indeed proud of how far they came, and that the college would be there every step of the way to ensure they received the Commencement they deserved. Hats off to the leaders of the Commencement committee: • Carol Dikelsky, Assistant Chief of Staff • Patti Jackson, Office Manager • Dr. Gabe Lara, Dean of Student Life • Jorge Tennin, Director of Student Activities and Inclusion They helped make this day so memorable and meaningful for every graduating student. The overall planning, collaboration and creativity involved to make this graduation happen for students was truly a mark of excellence not to be forgotten. 26
CLC CONNECTS
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
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JANUARY 2022
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CLC CONNECTS
QUOTE ME! “CLC offered the flexibility to allow me to continue
“I mostly took online classes, but the few that I did take in-person were easy to manage and very accommodating. CLC offers an opportunity to continue your education without having to
my education with online
sacrifice other priorities. You can
classes. It was also a
really customize and tailor the
better option for me
curriculum to your needs and
financially.”
interests, and I’m grateful for the time I spent here.”
– Nefeli Papadakis
– Laura Zeng
“The faculty at CLC are really supportive. Instructors want to help students reach their goals.” – Karina Badillo “My community
“I was still trying to get myself back into the
college will
school vibe, and I had never submitted college
help me show
applications before. CLC was responsive and
my daughter
made the process easy.” – Jessica Lopez
what obstacles I had to face
“I’m passionate about helping my community.
to achieve my
CLC’s expert faculty taught me what I needed to
goals in life.” – Jose Garcia
learn to be a valuable CADC. We have an evergrowing need for CADCs here in Lake County.” – Martin Clancy
19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030-1198 CLC Connects is published biannually by the Public Relations and Marketing department. To subscribe, unsubscribe or update an address, email PR@clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2094. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to CLC Connects, College of Lake County 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
Volume 1, Issue 2 January 2022
FOLLOW CLC ONLINE:
www.clcillinois.edu
Board of Trustees Amanda D. Howland, J.D. Chair Julie B. Shroka, M.A. Vice Chair Torrie Mark Newsome, J.D. Secretary Gerri Songer, M.A. Matthew J. Stanton, J.D. Robert J. Tomei, Jr., J.D. Paul G. Virgilio, B.S., S.E., P.E. Daniel Blaine Student Trustee Lori Suddick, Ed.D. President
SOLAR-BRATE! Last October, CLC celebrated the installation of 5,000 rooftop and ground mount solar panels. The new solar field was featured with a solarbration. The college invited everyone who helped make the project happen and local representatives to mark the sustainability achievement.
