Before founding MVP3 Entertainment Group to produce and distribute creative content worldwide, Marie Pizano was a student at South Suburban College (SSC) where she began her education in business. She credits her education and family for her core values, which gave her a foundation of integrity, principles, and morals. “It’s still a journey,” says Marie. “There’s a lot of trials…
Former Defendant Finds Redemption as Advocate for Underserved
“It is not until you have experienced injustice that you can have a true appreciation for justice,” said Jarrett Adams, who at the age of 17 was wrongfully convicted of a crime that he did not commit. Jarrett was sentenced to 28 years in a maximum-security prison after he was falsely accused of sexual assault. While incarcerated, he began to…
Opportunities to Celebrate
When Maria “Lina” Guzman immigrated with her family to the United States in 2000 with the dream of college education for her children, she never thought she would be providing the academic inspiration. This summer Lina, a 39 year-old resident of Harvey, IL, finds herself planning a graduation party for herself and her daughter Nancy, a recent first-generation graduate of South…
When Opportunity Knocks…
Denise Hutton says the old adage is true, when one door closes, another door opens. Six years ago, Denise made a bold choice to unlock her future. She had just lost her job working as an administrative assistant in the city of Chicago. She worried about what her options would look like at 56 years old. She knew her lifetime…
A View from the Frontlines
At the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic stands Phyallen Chaney, a South Suburban College student and emergency room customer service registration clerk. Phyallen, a 36-year old resident of Markham, IL, is often the first face a person sees when they are walking up for a coronavirus test under the University of Illinois Hospital (UIH) Medical Center tents. “We are…
The Sound of Fulfillment
As a Christian man, David Frazier likes to cite the Book of Genesis, Chapter 11, when discussing his passion for language. “It says something profound about the importance of language and communication,” says Frazier, a 32 year-old resident of University Park, IL. In the Old Testament passage, the Babylonians wanted to make a name for themselves by building a mighty…
A Free Ride from Lansing to Urbana
Amy Watson, of Lansing, had a difficult decision to make. Stay home to pursue her goals at Columbia College of Chicago, or to move away to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Unlike many students making choices about their academic future, Amy was fortunate that hers would not be dictated by finances because of the success she achieved attending…
First Generation, Lasting Impact
Like many students anxiously navigating the college enrollment process for the first time learning about financial aid, counseling, and simply finding her way around campus, Lorena Diaz, had the added pressure of being the first in her family to pursue her college degree. There she was, a first generation United States born student living in Harvey, Illinois, pursuing not just…
‘The Past isn’t Passed’ for Mr. Allardice
Forget the old adage that those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it, South Suburban College instructor Bruce Allardice wants people to know history because of the thrilling aspects within the knowledge. Whether diving into a deep conversation about intricacies of World War II or the richness of baseball, he tirelessly pours out historical facts to his…
Directions to the Hall of Fame
What drives a person can tell you a lot about them. When the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region IV Hall of Fame announced its 11-member induction Class of 2019, South Suburban College Head Coach John Pigatti wasn’t surprised to read Michael Harris’ name, even though he represents the first HOF basketball player in the storied program’s legacy. “Mike…