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.

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

While donations of all levels are welcomed, the SSCF is seeking gifts of $600 to fulfill the maximum COVID-19 Student Impact Awards for each student, which is the estimated cost of one class, fees and book or the amount to cover a quality laptop and hotspot card for remote education. The College has moved to a Virtual Classroom Model through the remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester. Tax deductible donations to both new funds as well as the General Scholarship Fund and other may be made from ssc.edu/foundation or by check to “SSC Foundation” at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, IL 60473. The SSCF extended its general scholarship deadline to April 24th and its spring gala, Showcase 2020-Rx for Success, has been rescheduled for August 14, 2020.

CARES Act and New Tax Deduction for all Taxpayers
To help alleviate the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) last week which is distributing relief checks up to $1,200 per taxpayer. Among its many provisions is a new universal deduction for charitable contributions. Taxpayers who don’t itemize may now deduct up to $300 per year in charitable contributions. Congress has granted this universal nonitemized “above the line” charitable deduction so that all taxpayers can deduct at least some of their donations. Taxpayers should itemize only if all their personal deductions, including charitable contributions, exceed the standard deduction. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which went into effect in 2018, roughly doubled the standard deduction.

About the SSC Foundation
The mission of the South Suburban College Foundation is to support the educational purposes and objectives of the College by providing assistance in the promotion of its services and facilities. The SSC Foundation seeks funding to strengthen College programs with a primary focus on student scholarships. Established in 1973, the Foundation is solely governed by a Board of Directors composed of the region’s business, civic and community leaders. The SSCF is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organization chartered in the State of Illinois and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 237191738). It works cooperatively with individuals and organizations in developing a plan to fit the needs of the donors. Email foundation@ssc.edu.

Established in 2012, the Rocky Clark Memorial Fund provides scholarship opportunities to students with challenges at SSC. The fund was created following the passing of former student Rocky Clark on January 5, 2012. Rocky had been paralyzed from the neck down after a spinal cord injury in 2000. His injury was a result of a tackle which occurred during a football game at Eisenhower High School against Oak Forest. He spent the next eleven years nearly prone in a wheel chair. Rocky Clark began as a freshman at SSC in the spring of 2004 and last attended in the spring of 2007. He was an inspiration to all he came in contact with and was the first recipient of the Walter Payton Scholarship.

All are welcome to attend the full breakfast and memorial event at no charge. RSVP to foundation@ssc.edu and donations are now accepted online from ssc.edu/foundation and in-person at the event. The college is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL.

This event is part of the SSC Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Fund Drive for those who wish to make a difference in the lives of local college students in need of financial assistance. The drive provides both a charitable gift opportunity and tax-deduction (EIN: 23- 7191738) for all donors. The Foundation Office works cooperatively with individuals and organizations to develop a donor plan of any level. New scholarships can also be established with a $1,000 donation.

At SSC, 90% of students fall under the low income, first generation or disabled criteria. The SSC Foundation awarded over $140,000 to students in 2019, and has now granted over $2.2 million since 1987.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults and children who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market. SSC’s Adult Education Department administers the Adult Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program in addition to High School Equivalency (HSE/GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE).

For more information about Family Reading Night or the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, please contact Raylynn Stokes, coordinator, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois. This event is sponsored in part by the SSC Foundation.

“It is an honor to serve on this board and to be able to assist so many deserving students to begin and continue their college dreams,” said Tim Woloszyn of Fifth Third Bank, and SSC Foundation President. “Thank you to all of the donors – SSC employees, alumni, members of our community and Foundation directors – who have generously supported these scholarship programs so that we can help residents in our community to improve their lives through higher education.” Woloszyn and his wife Christy themselves established the Delainey Belle Memorial Fund during the Foundation’s donor drive last fall in honor of their daughter, which raised over $6,000 in total for SSC students pursuing a Nursing Degree or related field.

Whether the recipient is a high school graduate, an unemployed resident looking for a career change, or a single parent pursuing their college degree for the first time, the SSCF offers scholarship assistance to all students in need. Many are struggling to balance family, employment, and school responsibilities while they are often unable to receive Financial Aid. Scholarship money is raised primarily through the annual spring Showcase Gala and fall Scholarship Donor Drive providing both a charitable gift opportunity and tax-deduction for all donors.

Woloszyn added that the SSC Foundation has further assisted the college with nearly $1 million in other special student projects, facility and technology improvements that are otherwise not in the college budget.

Making a donation can be an easy and affordable way to leave a lasting legacy–the SSCF staff works cooperatively with individuals and organizations to develop a donor plan of any level. New scholarships may also be established with naming rights or in memorial for a minimum of just $1,000. Donations may be made online from www.ssc.edu/foundation, via PayPal to foundation@ssc.edu, or via cash, credit card, check or bequest.

At SSC, 90% of students fall under the low income, first generation or disabled criteria. Established in 1973, the SSCF is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organization chartered in the State of Illinois and is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization (EIN: 237191738). For more information, please contact the Foundation Office at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2463 or foundation@ssc.edu.

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.