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

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

The Gala, themed around honoring success and dreams, aimed to raise funds for scholarships to support the SSC mission of providing lifelong learning opportunities to students and the community. Through the collective efforts of all involved, the event achieved its objectives, fostering an atmosphere of support and celebration.

One of the highlights of the evening was the inspiring speech delivered by guest speaker LaRoyce Hawkins, an esteemed SSC alumnus and acclaimed actor known for his role on the hit TV show “Chicago P.D.” Hawkins shared insights from his humble background and offered words of encouragement, urging attendees of all ages to persevere in the pursuit of their goals. We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to our entertainment for the evening: Rhonda Browne & Pieces Band for their dynamic performances, Damon Lamar Reed for his unmatched artistry, and last but not least, we express our gratitude to DJ Toure for bringing the night to a thrilling conclusion with a dance floor filled with happy attendees.

The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Speaker Sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for their generous support, as well as to the SSC Foundation Board Members, SSC Students, family, and friends who graced the occasion with their presence.

The Gala was expertly hosted by Master of Ceremony Ray Cortopassi, a distinguished WGN News Anchor and SSC Alumnus, who skillfully kept the guests engaged throughout the evening. The Gala welcomed several other noteworthy guests, including State Representative Will Davis, whose presence underscored the event’s significance within the broader community.

The Foundation also wishes to express gratitude to all of our benefactors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Land O’Frost, John Kasperek Co., Fifth Third, Vista National Insurance Group, Planera & Reid Architects, Mayor Terry & Loretta Wells, Arthur & Patrice Burton, Petrarca Gleason Boyle & Izzo, Inc, South Holland School District 151, Mi-Jack Products, Village of South Holland, Old National Bank, South Cook County Mosquito Abatement, Warehouse Direct, Proven IT, Bank Financial, Wind Creek, Devon Powell, South Suburban College Faculty Association Union, Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, Ron & Jane Kawanna, Carlos & Dr. Tasha S. Williams, Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600, Healthy Legacy, Insure Source, LLC, Kali Abbott, Kennedy-King College, MPI, Moran Technology Consulting, Rhonda B. Reece, State Representative Will Davis, James & Donna Martin, Chelsea Contessa, Local 134 – Chicago, Paragon Micro, Bremen Community High School District 228, Cabo Consultants, LLC, guests, and award recipients for their invaluable support and contributions. Additionally, the Gala recognized deserving individuals through various awards, showcasing their outstanding contributions and dedication to the SSC community.

Looking ahead, the SSC Foundation eagerly anticipates continuing its tradition of excellence and philanthropy. Plans are already underway for the South Suburban College Foundation “Casino Royale” Gala in 2025, promising another unforgettable evening of camaraderie and charitable giving.

For more information about the South Suburban College Foundation and future events, please visit https://www.ssc.edu/news-events-information/ssc-foundation/. Check out our 3rd Annual Charity Golf Outing scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the stunning Flossmoor Golf Club, visit ssc.edu/golf for more information.

PHOTO: The South Suburban College Main Campus in South Holland, Illinois.

Scheduled to take place at the prestigious Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park, IL, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, doors will open at 5:00pm for an elegant night filled with dinner, dancing, a silent auction, special awards, and NAACP Image Award Nominee and SSC Alumnus, LaRoyce Hawkins as the keynote speaker.

Hawkins, a proud product of the South Chicago Suburbs, has captivated audiences with his role as Officer Kevin Atwater on the NBC hit drama Chicago PD. His journey from SSC to Hollywood serves as an inspiration to our students and community members alike.

Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome WGN Evening News Anchor and SSC Alumnus Ray Cortopassi as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. 

The Gala proceeds will directly contribute to scholarships, cultivating a culture of success and pride among our students and communities and fostering lifelong learning. By supporting this event, local businesses and community members will be vital in empowering students to pursue their dreams and achieve academic success.

“We are excited to bring back our annual Gala, and this year’s ‘Hollywood Awards: A Black & White Affair’ promises to be an extraordinary event,” said Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, President of South Suburban College. “We invite the entire community to join us for an evening of celebration and support for student success!”

Take advantage of this opportunity to be a part of a remarkable evening. Mark your calendars and join us for a night of glamour, entertainment, and philanthropy as we come together to make a difference in the lives of our students.

For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and more information, please visit https://www.ssc.edu/gala. If you have any questions, please email Foundation at foundation@ssc.edu.

PHOTO: The South Suburban College Foundation Gala 2024

The annual gala evening event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features an open bar and premier buffet dinner, silent auction, dancing, and the outstanding music of Rhonda High Browne & Pieces. Individuals and local businesses can support this mission while marketing themselves to approximately 300 guests through several tax-deductible sponsorship levels and auction gifts. Tickets are also available for $125 each.

With the cost of higher education on the rise and the level of state funding on the decline, students are finding it more and more difficult to afford a full-time college education. The SSC Foundation’s support is often critical for students to begin or continue their college education. Donations for this cause are fully tax deductible.

Registrations, auction donations and sponsorships can all be made online from sscf.givesmart.com. (Foundation Staff will pick up donations for auction.) For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463 or email foundation@ssc.edu.

The SSC Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of 25 of the south suburban area’s generous business, civic and community leaders. The SSCF has now awarded over $2 million in scholarships since 1989. In 2018, over $125,000 in scholarship funds were awarded to SSC students.