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.

Our Charity Golf Outing benefits the Frank M. Zuccarelli Memorial Fund with the primary purposes of:

* Student Scholarships: Proceeds are primarily used to provide scholarships for students, helping alleviate the financial burden of tuition and related educational expenses.
* Support College Programs: Raised funds enhance various academic and extracurricular programs at SSC.
* Community Engagement: The event helps build and strengthen relationships between the college, the local community, alumni, local businesses, and stakeholders.
* Raise Awareness About SSC: The outing also serves to raise the profile of SSC, attracting potential students and donors.

Join us for a day of golfing, raffles, lunch, dinner, and awards at the extraordinary private Flossmoor Golf Club. Sponsoring this event offers a unique opportunity to showcase your business to new potential customers across our online platforms and various media channels.

Your sponsorship will have a dual impact: increasing publicity for your organization while supporting students in pursuing their dreams, many of whom are striving to become first-generation college graduates. Your business will be prominently marketed as a contributor to this significant educational opportunity for SSC students.

Your donation is an investment in student success and the economic development of the south suburban region. If you plan to attend our 3rd Annual Charity Golf Outing, please secure your tickets online at https://www.ssc.edu/golf/ or mail your check payable to the South Suburban College Foundation.

For more information, please visit us online at https://www.ssc.edu or email foundation@ssc.edu.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Aerial Fall View.

The primary SSC scholarship application deadline is Monday, March 28, 2016, while graduating high school seniors can continue to apply for “SSCF High School Scholarships” and “SSC Board of Trustees Scholarships” throughout the spring and summer months. The scholarships may be used during the 2016 summer, 2016 fall and 2017 spring semesters at SSC. The application process is a simple one that only requires a completed scholarship application, one letter of recommendation, a short essay, and a copy of the applicant’s high school or (unofficial) college transcripts.

A wide range of scholarships are offered with qualifications that may be related to academic achievement, community involvement, place of residence, program interest, and much more. Last year the SSCF awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and has now awarded over $1.6 million since 1989.

In addition, SSC offers a “Free Class” tuition waiver to first time credit students of all ages for fall or spring semesters with the following restrictions.

• Reside within South Suburban College District 510
• Qualify for Lake County, IN or Chicago Regional rates
• Work for an employer within South Suburban College District 510

For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463, or email foundation@ssc.edu. South Suburban College’s Main Campus is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

The primary SSC scholarship application deadline is Monday, March 28, 2016, while graduating high school seniors can continue to apply for “SSCF High School Scholarships” and “SSC Board of Trustees Scholarships” throughout the spring and summer months. The scholarships may be used during the 2016 summer, 2016 fall and 2017 spring semesters at SSC. The application process is a simple one that only requires a completed scholarship application, one letter of recommendation, a short essay, and a copy of the applicant’s high school or (unofficial) college transcripts.

A wide range of scholarships are offered with qualifications that may be related to academic achievement, community involvement, place of residence, program interest, and much more. Last year the SSCF awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and has now awarded over $1.6 million since 1989.

In addition, SSC offers a “Free Class” tuition waiver to first time credit students of all ages for fall or spring semesters with the following restrictions.

• Reside within South Suburban College District 510
• Qualify for Lake County, IN or Chicago Regional rates
• Work for an employer within South Suburban College District 510

For more information, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463, or email foundation@ssc.edu. South Suburban College’s Main Campus is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois.

The SSCF provides scholarship assistance each year to many students who otherwise would be unlikely to begin or complete their college education. One-hundred percent (100%) of Donor Drive donations benefit scholarship and student assistance funds. Whether it is a high school graduate, an unemployed resident looking to acquire new skills, or a returning adult seeking a career change or pursuing their college degree for the first time, the SSC Foundation offers scholarship assistance to all students in need. Providing scholarships to students helps them to achieve their college dream which will help improve their lives and their communities while also providing an educated and skilled workforce essential to economic growth and sustainability.

Scholarship opportunities are critical for SSC students. Many are struggling to balance family, employment, and school responsibilities while they are often unable to receive Financial Aid. The majority of SSC scholarship recipients do not qualify for any other type of financial assistance. Scholarship money is provided primarily through the annual fall Scholarship Donor Drive.

All scholarship contributions to the SSCF are 100% tax deductible (EIN: 23- 7191738). The SSCF staff works cooperatively with individuals and organizations to develop a donor plan of any level. New scholarships can also be established with a $750 donation.

Donations may be made online at www.ssc.edu/foundation, via PayPal to foundation@ssc.edu or mailed to:

“SSC Foundation”
15800 S. State Street
South Holland, IL 60473

At SSC, 90% of students fall under the low income, first generation or disabled criteria. The SSCF once again awarded over $100,000 in total awards to these students in 2015, and has now granted over $1.6 million since 1987. For more information, please contact the Foundation Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463 or foundation@ssc.edu.