Linda Larson never considered herself an artist until after retirement when she connected with South Suburban College (SSC). Her experience at SSC led to her creating a book filled with poetry and oil paintings, which she describes as a lesson in self-discovery and self-help. As a child, Linda and her family experienced a car accident that claimed the life of…
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…
A Historic Opportunity Born of Education
“It’s been quite a journey!” said Jada D. Curry, recalling the pathway that led to her historic mayoral victory in the Village of Lynwood last year. Curry, 48, was elected the first Black female mayor of this south suburban community in 2021. Mayor Curry recognizes one of the most valuable stepping stones that led this resilient leader to find success…
Parallel Pathways of Educational and Career Success
Mauriel Henry’s love for the law started in her early childhood. She remembers spending hours watching television shows such as the The First 48 and Criminal Minds, as well as sharing deep political conversations with her mother. Mauriel pursued this passion throughout her educational journey. She was an exceptional student at her high school alma matter – Southland College Prep…
Success STEMS from Lifelong Learning
Gary Johansen has always enjoyed solving problems. It’s one of the reasons he pursued an engineering career and has been successful in the field for almost four decades. Now he’s solving financial hardships for future engineers. Gary established two $2,500 scholarships at his alma matter for male and female students pursuing STEM careers at South Suburban College. “I would not…
100% Best Investment You Can Make
It doesn’t get any better than 100%. But perhaps, equally as gratifying as watching all of your students get hired is knowing they are entering a workforce in desperate need of their newly learned skills. “We couldn’t be happier that 100% of our Echo graduates are embarking on their new career in healthcare, and we look forward to great things…
Cutting the Ribbon to New Opportunities
When spring classes resume at South Suburban College in 2021, the first floor will have a new look in more ways than one. Students will be social distancing in the College’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Barber School in South Holland. The SSC Board of Trustees approved the hiring of its first ever Barber College faculty – Bobby Mattison – at its November Board Meeting.…
A Tribute to a Legacy of Life, Love, and Literacy
Ruth J. Colvin wants to remind everyone that age is just a number. It doesn’t hinder success, dreams or growth and is not confined to a deadline. Ruth, 103, is living proof. “One seldom knows what’s ahead for them,” says Ruth. “I’ve learned that whatever you do, don’t give up, and keep on learning. I had no idea that I…
Every Minute Counts
Ozuruigbo Ijeoma Atulegwu is a special person. She spent most of her life doing for others and taking care of the people around her. A 2020 graduate of South Suburban College’s Nursing Program, Ozuruigbo will now take her compassion into a workforce starving for more people like her. She is ready to join the heroes battling the pandemic on the…
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…