SVCC Latest News Releases

Sauk Valley Symposium Featuring "Caught in the Middle" author Richard Longworth

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:34:09 CST

Richard C. Longworth will be the keynote speaker for a Feb. 23 Sauk Valley Symposium, a joint effort by Sauk Valley Community College and Sauk Valley Media.

Longworth is the author of "Caught in the Middle: America's Heartland in the Age of Globalism," a book about the Midwest's current economic problems and future potential that SVCC and the Sauk Valley Media Editorial Board has encouraged the public to read.

The symposium will take place at SVCC. The public is invited. Admission is free.

A meet-and-greet reception with Longworth will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the East Mall. At 6:30 p.m., Longworth will give the keynote address in the Jerry Mathis Theater, which is adjacent to the East Mall. His remarks will be based on his extensive research into Midwestern economic, social and educational trends. A question-and-answer session and panel discussion are planned. The event should wrap up by 8:30 p.m.

SVCC President George Mihel said the college's partnership with Sauk Valley Media has made possible a thought-provoking program. "The college is pleased to host this event that may help us discover ways to improve the quality of life in our community," Mihel said.

Trevis Mayfield, publisher of Sauk Valley Media, said the symposium is part of the company's mission to be a strong community advocate. "We're always excited to facilitate open discussion about important topics," Mayfield said. "This will be a forum for ideas to be heard and debated in the hope that the community will be better off for it. We don't have any particular view about 'Caught in the Middle,' but we think it raises important questions that impact our region."

A native of Boone, Iowa, Longworth is a fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He writes "The Midwesterner: Blogging the Global Midwest," a blog about regional issues. The address is globalmidwest.typepad.com on the Internet.

Longworth was an award-winning foreign correspondent and senior writer at the Chicago Tribune. He also was a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He lives in Chicago.

Submitted by Sauk Valley Media

Potential Nursing and Rad Tech Students Limited Admission Allied Health Programs Deadline Approaches

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:47:22 CST

Any potential SVCC nursing or rad tech student needs to remember that the deadline for priority applications for limited admission allied health programs is March 1. This is for LPN, ADN on campus and the rad tech program starting in Fall 2012.

For more information on the application process, stop by the Counseling Office or call 815-835-6354 to schedule an appointment with the Allied Health counselor. The Counseling Office can also help you find out available walk-in times and dates for application assistance.

Students wanting to apply for the programs must meed the minumium academic criteria and other selction requirements to apply.

Student Government Association & ABC AmeriCorps Sponsor Blood Drive Feb. 27

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:40:56 CST

Sauk Valley Community College Student Government Association and ABC AmeriCorps will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive in the SVCC East Mall on February 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Appointments to donate are recommended but not required. Anyone wanting to donate can stop by the day of the event. Donors should remember to bring their photo ID, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to donating blood.

To make an appointment, please sign up online or call 815-288-5511 ext. 302 or 279. Consider donating blood to make a difference in the lives of people in the Sauk Valley district as well as lives across the country.

*Blood drive volunteers are also signing up donors for the blood drive outside the cafeteria and by the vending machine area in the west mall on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Wednesday, February 22.

SVCC Student Veterans' Organization Carnation Sales

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:55:13 CST

Make sure to stop by the SVCC Office of Financial Aid before Valentine's Day to purchase your carniations for $1 each. On Valentine's Day carnations will be $1.50 each or 4 for $5 in front of the Counseling Office. Support the SVCC Student Veterans' Organizations with this "loving" purchase.

February is Financial Aid Month...Attend SVCC FAFSA Workshop Feb. 19

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:12:34 CST

February is Financial Aid Month! Sauk Valley Community College’s Financial Assistance Office will hold a free workshop Sunday, February 19 from 1-3 p.m. in room 1F2 for any student wanting to apply for financial aid for the 2012-2013 academic year.

State deadlines may be as early as March according to Deb Stiefel, coordinator of financial assistance. SVCC Financial Assistance Office encourages students to come even if they have not completed their taxes because the FAFSA can still be filed.

“Many students do not realize that financial aid is available in grants, loans and work study programs,” stated Stiefel. “Completing the FAFSA is another opportunity to help lighten the cost of attending college.”

Students should bring their PIN from the Department of Education, a driver’s license, 2011 federal taxes and W2, and parents’ 2011 taxes and W2 if they are a dependent.

For more information contact Deb Stiefel, at 815-835-6248. Students can also visit www.fafsa.ed.gov if they would like to file for financial aid on their own time.

SVCC Celebrates Black History Month February 15 & 16

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:30:08 CST

Sauk Valley Community College recognizes Black History Month with two free events hosted at the College February 15 and 16.

On February 15 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., accomplished singer-songwriter Nelly’s Echo will give a free performance in the SVCC East Mall. On the following night, SVCC faculty member Lenie Adolphson will present “From the Past to the Future,” a program on black history, at 7 p.m. in room 1K4.

Nelly’s Echo, originally from Nigeria, uses his multicultural background and life experiences to tell a story through song. Audience members will hear a mix of blues, reggae and soul that will tell Nelly’s journey through rhythm and lyrics.

Lenie Adolphson has been an adjunct instructor at SVCC since 2007 where she teaches western civilization and American ethnic culture courses. She will give a compelling presentation filled with traditional African American music, pictures and history of slavery, civil rights, and more.

For more information, call Ana Salgado, student activities coordinator, at 815-835-6432.

Project VITAL Tutor Training Starts Feb. 13

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:55:02 CST

Project VITAL (Volunteers in Teaching Adult Literacy) seeks volunteer tutors for the new year as it holds its 12 hour training program starting February 13.

Tutors will attend four Monday sessions (February 13, 20, 27 and March 5) from 5-8 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College to complete training and make them eligible to begin tutoring for Project VITAL.

Training sessions will educate tutors on understanding the needs of ESL and ABE students, tutoring beginning readers, teaching strategies in writing and vocabulary, lesson planning and more.

Project VITAL is a free and confidential tutoring program for local adults looking to improve their reading, writing and other basic academic skills. Tutors meet with their students two-three hours a week, supplying them with all necessary material and support.

To register for the free tutor training, contact the Project VITAL office at 815-835-6241 or email vital@svcc.edu. Online training is available as well. Consider giving your time to help tutor others.

Online Transfer Day Feb. 2-Talk to Colleges Around the Nation for Free

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:34:08 CST

SVCC invites you to sign up for CollegeWeek Live’s Transfer Day happening February 2. This free online feature will allow you to do the following:

Chat live with admission reps from transfer offices at over 60 colleges from across the nation
Video chat with current students about the transfer process
Get transfer admissions advice from experts presenting via live video
Find financial aid and scholarships right for you
Win a $1,000 CollegeWeekLive scholarship

Have You Considered Your Future at SVCC?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:27:47 CST

DeAndre saw his future starting at Sauk. He did not realize at first that Sauk would be a place that “broadened his horizons.”

DeAndre decided to come to Sauk to play baseball but soon found that the College would offer him many more opportunities. Balancing a busy schedule with classes and practice, DeAndre found time to take on a job at SVCC in the fitness center as well.

He started to see that SVCC was “not a school for slackers” but a place that pushed him to be better. His instructors gave him challenges but were always there to help. He also participated in many of the free activities at Sauk to build a social network and find that the College offered a friendly atmosphere that allowed him to experience new things.

DeAndre will soon graduate and transfer to University of Arizona to major in criminal justice. SVCC gave him that extra push and again “broadened his horizon” on what he can achieve.

Get Your Ticket to See Damon Johnson Perform in PTK Concert for a Cause

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:40:23 CST

Sauk Valley Community College’s international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, will host “Concert for a Cause” February 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Starlight Theater in Sterling. The main performer, back by popular demand, will be singer/songwriter Damon Johnson.

Johnson has given much of his time as guitarist to the rock legend, Alice Cooper. Currently he is playing for Thin Lizzy and doing several shows with his own band, Brother Cane. Johnson has also released multiple acoustic albums as well as written songs for individuals such as Carlos Santana, Steve Nicks, and Sammy Hagar to name a few.

“Concert for a Cause” will also feature local bands Terry Cox and Shagwagon. Participants will also be able to bid at the silent auction during the concert that will include signed Damon Johnson, Alice Cooper and other band memorabilia as well as a number of items donated by local businesses to help raise money as well. All proceeds will be donated to the United Way of Sauk Valley.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling Ben Owen at 815-590-6936. For more information on “Concert for a Cause,” contact Steve Nunez, Phi Theta Kappa advisor, at 815-835-6263.

Comedian Erik Rivera Coming to SVCC Feb. 2

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:15:05 CST

Mark your calendar for February 2 at 7 p.m. to come see comedian Erik Rivera’s free performance at Sauk Valley Community College’s Mathis Theater.

Erik Rivera has travelled coast-to-coast performing at colleges, comedy clubs, award ceremonies and on television. He has been seen on American Latino TV and such television sitcoms as Funny People After Dark on MTV Networks, SiTV’s Urban Jungle 2, Comedy Central’s The Watch List and will be featured in a documentary produced by Eva Longoria Parker’s production company.

With performances at The Kodak Theater in Hollywood at The Latino Laugh Festival as well as the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, he makes sure the whole audience is laughing as he uses his “boy next door” charm and wit.

Find out more about Erik Rivera at www.erikrivera.com. For more information about his free act, contact Ana Salgado, student activities coordinator, at 815-835-6432.

Offices Closed January 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:34:50 CST

Singer and Guitarist Jenn Grinels Performs January 25

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:29:53 CST

Jenn Grinels will perform a variety of music January 25 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the SVCC East Mall.

Grinels grew up in California knowing she wanted to be on a stage. After attending University of California at Irvine, Grinels moved to San Diego to perform in several stage productions. Although she was talented as an actress, she wanted to focus on a singing career. Since then she has releases two albums (one in 2007, the other in 2011) and toured across the country.

She has has earned numerous honors and awards including 2007 Honoring Acoustic Talent Awards for both Best Performer and Best Vocalist. Most recently she was awarded “Song of the Year” (West Coast Songwriters) for Can’t Stay Here. Music from her CD, “Little Words” was recently featured on MTV.

Grinels is a performer who will inspire you with her voice. To see her perform, check out www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJqregej8lc

Grinels will perform during SVCC's Student Involvement Fair. For more information, contact Ana Salgado at salgada@svcc.edu

Get Involved at SVCC! Come to the Student Involvement Fair

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:10:49 CST

On January 25, students can come to the East Mall between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to find out what SVCC clubs and organizations have to offer at the Student Involvement Fair.

College is not only a time to excel in academics but to build your skills outside of the classroom. Joining a club means learning new skills, gaining leadership experience and creating a network of friends.

Go to http://svcc.edu/students/student-organizations to see what organizations are at SVCC. Also remember there will be information on new clubs, current clubs, theater, and more at the Student Involvement Fair

C.L. Lindsay Presents the Law in a Different Light January 18

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:05:49 CST

Author, Attorney, and Student Advocate C.L. Lindsay will give a free, hour-long presentation entitled “Online Plagiarism, Campus Computing and the Law” Wednesday, January 18 at 7 p.m. in Sauk Valley Community College’s Mathis Theater.

The program will cover two topics. Lindsay will start with a discussion on plagiarism and cheating in an academic setting. He will talk about the laws institutions hold as well as the rights of students. The second portion will inform the audience about social networking and their rights as users. He will give explanations on how the law operates, liabilities and how participants can protect themselves legally and personally online.

Lindsay received his J.D. from the University of Michigan and practiced in New York City until 1998 after he founded the Coalition for Student and Academic Rights. Every year Lindsay and his organization helps thousands of students with legal problems, free of charge. He is a nationally recognized expert in student rights and academic freedom and also an author of several books.

Lindsay travels the nation stressing the importance of knowing your rights as students and how families should know these rights as well in an entertaining presentation. Check out his presentation at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lsgqSybvoV8

For more information on this free event, contact Ana Salgado, SVCC student activities coordinator, at 815-835-6432.

SVCC Host Racial Justice Program January 18

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:36:59 CST

Sauk Valley Community College will host a free racial justice program Wednesday, January 18 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at SVCC in room 1K4.

Rebecca Muñoz-Ripley and Carol Fitzgerald of the YWCA will lead an interactive discussion on race, discrimination and equality. The presentation will not be a lecture but a workshop for participants to learn more about diversity, how it works in society and how to respond to it.

SVCC Student Activities and Association of Latin American Students host this event in hopes that student and community members will come to learn that racial justice is everyone’s responsibility to understand.

Refreshments will be provided during the event. For more information, please contact Ana Salgado, student activities/cross cultural coordinator, at 815-835-6432.

Attend the Student Veterans Organization's First Spring Meeting!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:27:34 CST

Stop by the SVCC Welcome Center at the Start of the Spring Semester

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:25:54 CST

During this first week of the spring semester, SVCC will sponsor a welcome center to provide information and assistance to students. The welcome center will be available Monday, January 9 and Tuesday, January 10 from 7:45 am – 12:00 pm and 4:45 – 6:00 pm.

We will assist students with:

•           Finding classrooms
•           Reading schedules
•           Answering general questions about SVCC
•           Locating the appropriate student services office for more information

Stop by, grab free items, and get your questions answered to start the semester off right!

SVCC Offices Closed Dec. 24- Jan1 for Winter Break

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:57:10 CST

The Sauk Valley Community College offices will be closed December 24-January 1. The offices will reopen Monday, January 2.

If you need to visit the SVCC offices before the new year, please do so before 4:30 p.m. December 23.

The SVCC Fitness Center will be open December 27-30 from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Have a happy holiday!!