The glamorous evening welcomed a distinguished crowd of elected officials, business owners, community leaders, South Suburban College (SSC) staff, administration, and generous supporters. Guests were treated to an elegant night of gaming, dining, live entertainment, silent auctions, and heartfelt celebrations, all in support of student success.

Entertainment was provided by the legendary Art Turk and the Congo Square Artistic Ensemble, a dynamic musical group led by Art Turk Burton. With over three decades of performance history, the ensemble brought a soulful, rhythmic backdrop to the evening, honoring the rich cultural traditions of Congo Square in New Orleans.

The program featured award presentations and remarks by SSC President Dr. Lynette Stokes, Chairman of the Board Terry R. Wells, Executive Director of PR & Resource Development Dr. Kellie Martin, Vice President of Administration & Finance Devon Powell, Vice President of Academic Services Tasha Williams, and Master of Ceremonies Jeff Beckham, Jr., CEO of Chicago Scholars and Co-CEO of REACH Pathways. Together, they highlighted the extraordinary achievements of the evening’s honorees and emphasized the lasting impact of donor support on SSC students’ educational journeys.

A standout moment of the evening was a $25,000 donation from Ingalls Memorial Hospital/UChicago Medicine to the Foundation’s Allied Health & Nursing Campaign, an investment that will significantly enhance healthcare education and training opportunities at the college.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our guests, sponsors, and donors, this year’s Casino Royale Gala raised close to $90,000, reinforcing SSC Foundation’s mission to break down financial barriers and elevate student success.

If you missed this year’s Gala and would like to support the SSC Foundation, please click here [https://www.ssc.edu/news-events-information/ssc-foundation/].

GALA PHOTO GALLERY pictures provided by Great News Life

Mark your calendars for our next major event—our 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025. For more information, visit: www.ssc.edu/golf.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo

The College for Kids program will run from June 30th through July 25th, 2025, and is designed to provide an engaging, educational experience for children and young adults. The convenient schedule offers a wide range of courses that challenge young minds while allowing families to enjoy a more flexible summer routine.

“We’re thrilled to offer this program again to our community,” said Gervaise Edwards, Program Manager for C3. “College for Kids not only helps prevent summer learning loss, but it also gives children a fun and supportive environment to explore new interests, meet new friends, and gain confidence.”

All courses are taught by certified instructors who bring creativity, energy, and educational expertise to the classroom. Classes cover a variety of topics including arts and crafts, STEM, writing, technology, math, and more.

Enrollment is open now, and classes fill up quickly. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register early to secure a spot.

For more information or to enroll your child, please visit College for Kids [https://www.ssc.edu/non-credit-offerings/department-of-continuing-corporate-and-community-education-c3/continuing-education/college-for-kids/] or contact the Continuing Education Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5723 or email gedwards@ssc.edu.

About South Suburban College:
South Suburban College is a public, comprehensive community college in South Holland, Illinois, dedicated to serving the diverse educational and cultural needs of the region. SSC provides a wide array of academic, career, and continuing education programs designed to support student success and community enrichment. Learn more at https://www.ssc.edu/.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo

Coach Ruzich is among a distinguished group of nearly 200 legendary coaches who will be honored at a special luncheon on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Coaches Legacy Award recognizes and celebrates the all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history.

Now in his 39th season at South Suburban College, Coach Ruzich has amassed an astounding 1,345 career wins, qualifying him for this prestigious honor. He reached his 1,300th win milestone during the 2023 season—a testament to his longevity, leadership, and impact on student-athletes. Over his exceptional career, Ruzich has led the Bulldogs to fifteen regional titles, two JUCO World Series appearances, and nine regional runner-up finishes. In 2005, the Bulldogs achieved a program-best 51-11 record under his guidance, setting the school record for both wins and winning percentage (.823).

“This is a well-deserved honor for a coach who has dedicated his life to developing student-athletes and representing South Suburban College with integrity and excellence,” said SSC President Dr. Lynette Stokes. “Coach Ruzich’s legacy goes far beyond the win column—his mentorship and commitment to our college community have left an indelible mark.”

According to the NJCAA’s official release, this marks the first time in the organization’s history that such recognition has been bestowed upon coaches in this manner.

“Being able to recognize our coaches, past and present, is a wonderful thing for the NJCAA, our member institutions, the coaches, and their families,” said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President and CEO. “We look forward to having many of these coaches come together for us to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to the NJCAA later this year.”

SSC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Coach Steve Ruzich on this incredible and historic achievement.

For additional information, please contact Devan Martin at dlmartin@ssc.edu. Learn more about South Suburban College by visiting https://www.ssc.edu

PHOTO: South Suburban College Baseball Coach, Steve Ruzich

This enchanting evening promises to be the pinnacle event of the season, uniting esteemed community leaders, business partners, alumni, and generous supporters for a night of unforgettable excitement—every moment will help fuel student dreams through vital scholarships and transformative educational programs at South Suburban College.

Taking center stage as Master of Ceremony is the renowned Jeff Beckham, Jr., CEO of Chicago Scholars and Co-CEO of REACH Pathways—a groundbreaking ed-tech platform that empowers first-generation and low-income students. Jeff’s visionary leadership and passion for education and equity earned REACH Pathways the top prize at the 2023 SXSW Global Pitch Competition.

Evening entertainment will feature the vibrant rhythms of Art Turk Burton and the Congo Square Artistic Ensemble, a dynamic group known for their powerful blend of African drumming, jazz, and cultural storytelling. Led by Arthur Burton for over 30 years, the ensemble draws inspiration from the legendary Congo Square of historic New Orleans, delivering a powerful continuum of musical traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of America. Their performances are deeply rooted in heritage and creativity. A longtime supporter of South Suburban College, Art brings both artistry and heart to this meaningful occasion.

Guests will enjoy an elegant casino-inspired experience featuring gaming, live entertainment, a silent auction, exclusive prizes, and the presentation of special awards. The evening offers the perfect opportunity for organizations and individuals to make meaningful connections while contributing to a cause that changes lives.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available and offer outstanding visibility among a distinguished audience of supporters and decision-makers. Whether through a sponsorship, donation, or attendance, your participation directly supports the educational advancement of South Suburban College students.

To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation, please visit www.ssc.edu/gala. For more information, contact the SSC Foundation at foundation@ssc.edu or reach out to Dr. Kellie Martin, Executive Director of PR & Resource Development, at (708) 596-2000 Ext. 5846.

Put on your best Bond-inspired attire and join us for a remarkable evening where elegance meets purpose—and roll the dice to make a lasting impact on the future of education.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Foundation Casino Royale

High school students from across the region will compete in five action-packed challenges—VEX Robotics, Mazerunner, Pathfinder, Sumo Survivor, and Catapult—designed to test creativity, teamwork, and real-world engineering skills. Community members, families, and friends are encouraged to come out and support these talented young innovators as they showcase months of hard work and dedication.

This event is not only a celebration of student achievement but also a testament to the power of education-industry partnerships in shaping future opportunities. Through the Southworks Integrated Education and Workforce Program, students connect with local employers, gain exposure to high-demand career paths, and build essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing.

The impact of this initiative has been widely recognized:

“It is absolutely critical and important that we embrace youth and all of their talent, and partnerships like this is what we do at South Suburban College.”
— Lynette Stokes, Ed.D., President, South Suburban College

“This is an alternative to what I would call the traditional model. Companies invested in this actually see it, and understand that this is their future workforce.”
— George Wright, CEO, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

In addition to the robotics competitions, attendees can enjoy:

• Giveaways and interactive STEM activities such as VR headsets in action
• Live DJ and Music
• Networking with local educators, mentors, and industry leaders
• Complimentary lunch provided by Homewood Chick-fil-A
• Free T-shirts – First Come, First Serve
• 4 Raffles: Bring 3+ non-competing youth to enter a $50 gift card raffle!

The event is hosted by OAI Inc., Governors State University, the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation (CSEDC), South Suburban College, and 3 Seeds Mentoring Group. Special thanks to our sponsors—Amazon, the Chicago Workforce Partnership, and Homewood Chick-fil-A—for their generous support in making this event possible.

Registration Information:

• Robotics teams: bit.ly/4gzWGpO
• Community audiences: bit.ly/4hBT1YO
• Volunteers: bit.ly/4ixEDSp

Media inquiries, volunteer interest, or sponsorship questions may be directed to:
Chris McArthur, Southworks Liaison via email: cmcarthur.southworks@oaiinc.org

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo

“I’m reaching out for our community’s support of sustainability,” said Commissioner McCaskill. “Recycling goes beyond a simple choice; it’s a pledge to our planet and generations to come. By making small changes today, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future. We are in this together.”

Residents are encouraged to bring their recyclables and enjoy a day filled with activities for the whole family. Acceptable items for recycling include:

• Clothing and Textiles (clean & dry)
• Styrofoam (clean, free from food, tape, or labels)
• Household recycling (paper, plastic bottles, containers, metal cans, glass bottles, and jars)
• Electronics & small appliances

In addition to recycling, attendees can look forward to a variety of fun activities, including food, face painting, jump houses, giveaways, and much more! This event aims to promote environmental awareness while providing a fun and engaging atmosphere for families in the community.

For more information, email charm@ssc.edu or call Luke Fikejs, SSC Sustainability Manager at (708) 596-2000 Ext. 2240. Learn more about how CHaRM is addressing low diversion rates in south suburban Cook County at www.ssc.edu/charm

PHOTO: South Suburban College CHaRM Logo

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, this high-energy event will honor the resilience, achievements, and leadership of extraordinary women. A highlight of the day will be the Outstanding Leadership Awards, recognizing four trailblazers who have made a significant impact in their respective fields:

• Janet Rogers, Vice President of Harvey School District Board 152 – Woman of the Year in Community Service
• Angela Shumpert, CEO of Genesis Services – Woman of the Year in Entrepreneurship
• Kizzy Rousseau, Director of Peri-Operative Services, UChicago Medicine Ingalls – Woman of the Year in Healthcare
• Dr. Cheryl Green, President of Governors State University – Woman of the Year in Education

Beyond the awards, attendees will engage in powerful breakout sessions led by dynamic experts, including Gwendolyn Sterk, Dr. Teresa Hill, Kim Olver, Tandra Rutledge, Deadra Wood Stokes, Jessica Pickens, and Nakia Hall. Topics will span Health & Wellness, Personal Empowerment, and Business & Finance, offering strategies and inspiration for success in all aspects of life.

Shop, Support & Shine!

Explore the Vendor Marketplace, featuring diverse businesses and organizations offering unique products and services. Then, enjoy a show-stopping Fashion Show hosted by the fabulous Deborah Kimball Crosslin!

Register Today!

Admission is only $59, including breakfast, a midday snack, and full access to all sessions and activities.

Vendor spots are still available! Showcase your brand to an audience of ambitious and empowered women.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

This impactful event is made possible through the generous support of Senator Napoleon Harris III, State Representative Will Davis, State Representative Thaddeus Jones, Bank Financial of Matteson, High School District 205, and the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC).

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the power of women during Women’s History Month!

Sign Up Today!

Visit https://ssc.edu/cwc or contact Gervaise Edwards at gedwards@ssc.edu for more information.

Join us and WIN the race!

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo

The Bridge program, starting on March 17, 2025, will provide Adult Secondary Education students with a curriculum focused on a future health care or advanced manufacturing career. Concepts and terminology for these fields are included as part of the standard Adult Education curriculum so that when the students achieve their GED, they can transition directly into a healthcare or advanced manufacturing program.

These two programs are introduced alongside the already running Adult Education Department’s existing Adult Education program that provides preparation for the GED exams, English as a Second Language classes, and Volunteer Tutoring program. The next semester for Adult Education and ESL classes will start on April 21, 2025 and the department is now accepting registrations.

The Volunteer Tutoring program continuously accepts applications for both volunteer tutors and individuals seeking tutoring services in both Reading and Math. The department is especially seeking tutors for Math and provides 12 hours of free training to all volunteer tutors. The next tutor training will be March 11th to 20th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Again, those willing to conduct math tutoring are strongly encouraged to reach out.

These programs are offered free of charge to Illinois residents. For more information, or to inquire about any of South Suburban College’s Adult Education programs please contact the Adult Education Department at (708) 596-2000 extension 2385.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo

About South Suburban College
South Suburban College is committed to providing educational opportunities, personal growth, and community engagement. The Chicago Women’s Conference is one of the many ways SSC empowers individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Trustee DeFilippo began his tenure on the SSC Board in 1989, serving the college and community with dedication and vision for over three decades. Friends, family, colleagues, SSC staff and administration, and community members gathered to celebrate his legacy and enduring contributions to public health, leadership, and innovation.

In addition to his leadership at SSC, Trustee DeFilippo has made a profound impact as Director of Pharmacy for the City of Chicago Department of Public Health. His groundbreaking Living Well with Diabetes program has improved the well-being of communities across the region, emphasizing education and proactive healthcare management.

“With this dedication, we honor Anthony P. DeFilippo’s vision, leadership, and lasting impact on South Suburban College and the greater community,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, President of SSC. “May this laboratory serve as a place of learning, discovery, and inspiration for generations to come.”

The Anthony P. DeFilippo Pharmacy Technician Laboratory stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, providing SSC students with cutting-edge training in pharmaceutical care and reinforcing the college’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education.

For more information about South Suburban College and its programs, visit www.ssc.edu.

PHOTO: Anthony P. DeFilippo Pharmacy Technician Lab Dedication

About South Suburban College
South Suburban College is committed to providing educational opportunities, personal growth, and community engagement. The Chicago Women’s Conference is one of the many ways SSC empowers individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This inspiring afternoon will feature live entertainment, heartfelt tributes from elected officials and community leaders, and personal stories celebrating Fred Williamson’s extraordinary journey; from the football field to Hollywood stardom.

Special Award Ceremony Honoring Fred Williamson

A highlight of the event will be a prestigious award ceremony recognizing Fred Williamson for his groundbreaking achievements in sports, cinema, and the advancement of Black artists in the entertainment industry. This award celebrates his profound impact and enduring legacy, inspiring generations of athletes and creatives alike.

Event Details

Date: February 22, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: South Suburban College, South Holland, IL

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we celebrate a true icon, honor his impact, and look ahead to the future of artistic innovation.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact Sonya Tompkins at 708-351-0421 or sltompkins2022@gmail.com.

About Fred ‘Hammer’ Williamson

Fred Williamson, a former Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs football star, became one of the first Black male action stars of the 1970s, making a name for himself in the blaxploitation film genre. He gained early television recognition in Julia (1968) before transitioning into action-packed roles in films such as That Man Bolt (1973), Black Caesar (1973), and Mean Johnny Barrows (1975).

In 1974, Williamson established Po’ Boy Productions, which has produced over 40 films to date. His career has spanned decades, including work in Hollywood, international cinema, and independent productions. From his role as a vampire-hunting biker in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) to his comedic turn as Captain Dobey in Starsky & Hutch (2004), Williamson has remained a dynamic force in the entertainment industry both in front of and behind the camera.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo