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The audience at the Greenhouse Facility grand opening ceremony Tuesday listens to Dr. Proulx give opening remarks. (Photo by Mike O'Brien)
Tuesday's Greenhouse Facility grand opening gathered architects, construction company and local legislative representatives, the JJC community and college donors in a ceremony to celebrate the building, the first to be completed as part of JJC's ongoing master plan.
Jason Lembke of Legat Architects told the audience gathered in the building's classroom that they were sitting in one of the most technologically advanced greenhouses in the country. JJC is the first community college in the nation to have a LEED-registered greenhouse.
Mike Brown of Gilbane Building Co. said he was proud to have been a part of the project.
"Virtually 100 percent of the work on this building was completed by the local workforce in this district," Brown told the crowd. "That's what investing in our community is all about."
Those who attended the opening received an herb potted in a biodegradable cornstarch container.
In addition to the multi-purpose classroom where the formal ceremony was held, guests walked on self-guided tours of the three greenhouses, which total nearly 9,000 square feet, where they learned about different sustainable systems like the ebb and flow rolling flood bench system for watering.
In the ebb and flow system, each bench has a set of tanks underneath to store the water supply. Watering is controlled with a timer, while horizontal air flow fans, near the top of all three greenhouses, provide constant air circulation and help in the prevention of diseases.
"These systems you see here today are something that I've dreamed about for a long time," Jim Ethridge, professor of horticulture, said."
Dr. Gena Proulx, JJC president, added that community colleges are uniquely positioned to serve their local community's needs.
"Today marks the first of several investments that we are making in your community college as part of the master plan," Proulx said. "We thank you for your continued support in making JJC a leader in teaching, learning and innovation."
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Jarrett Payton to Give Free Public Talk at JJC April 28
Son of legendary football great Walter Payton will lead a discussion on his father's autobiography
Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, former Chicago Bears running back and member of the NFL Hall of Fame, will be at JJC April 28 to lead an open discussion on his father's book, "Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton."
Payton's visit is in conjunction with a literacy project involving the JJC football team, who are reading the autobiography this spring semester. According to Susanne Picchi, JJC English instructor and the event organizer, this is the first time the athletic team has participated in a team reading.
"I have had many football players [in class] who see themselves as players first and students second. I am hoping to reverse that mindset," Picchi said.
Payton's talk will be held in the JJC Fine Arts Theatre on the Main Campus from 3 to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
Payton played college football at the University of Miami, where he received his bachelor's degree. He went on to play in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, as well as the Amsterdam Admirals in the NFL Europe. He is active in the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, speaking at schools in and around Illinois on the importance of education.
Books for the football team were provided by the JJC Foundation.
For more information about this event, contact Picchi at spicchi@jjc.edu or ext. 2827.
For more information about the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, visit http://www.payton34.com/.
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Open Forums for VP of Administrative Services Position Begin April 16
The search committee for the vice president of administrative services position invites the campus community to a series of open forums to meet the candidates. Below are details for each candidate. Please note: a biography on each candidate will be sent prior to the open forum.
Friday, April 16 - Carole Robertson
1 to 2 p.m. Open meeting with the JJC community Board room
Monday, April 19 - Tammy Rust
1 to 2 p.m. Open meeting with the JJC community K-2002
Tuesday, April 20 - Judith Mitchell
1 to 2 p.m. Open meeting with the JJC community Board room
Wednesday, April 21 - Alan Robertson
1 to 2 p.m. Open meeting with the JJC community Board room
Thursday, April 22 - Al Erdman
1 - 2 p.m. Open meeting with the JJC community Board room
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Information Technology Maintenance Updates Start Tonight
The Information Security Office will conduct maintenance the evening of Thursday, April 15, starting at 10 p.m. This maintenance will not require any end-user interaction and will not interfere with day-to-day operations.
An upgrade to the Clean Access agent will be installed on all workstations campus wide. If your machine is turned off or in sleep/standby mode, the upgrade will happen when the machine comes back online.
For more information or questions regarding this maintenance, contact the Information Security Office at infosec@jjc.edu.
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Free Seminar on Developing a Small Business at JJC April 20
In the photo above, Carol Turney consults with local business owner on available resources. (Photo courtesy of the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce) |
While the dream of owning a business is still alive and healthy in America, making that dream come true can be confusing and sometimes difficult.
On Tuesday, April 20, The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Joliet Junior College will offer a free seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on what entrepreneurs should do before starting a business. The seminar will be held in the T-Building on the Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet.
The SBDC, which has been housed at JJC for 20 years, provides free management assistance and advice to those looking to start a business, as well as to existing businesses looking to sustain or expand.
"I talk to a lot of people who don't know where to begin," Brian Thompson, SBDC business analyst, said. "Often they are confused and unsure of what to do, but we can set them in the right direction."
The April 20 seminar will focus on forming an organization, registering a business, the basics of writing a business plan, and bank requirements to secure financing.
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GR2010 Sustainability Fest Kick-Off Event April 22 at JJC
A kick-off event for the inaugural Will County Green 2010-or GR2010-sustainability fest will be held Thursday, April 22, in the T-Building from 5 to 7 p.m.
This event precedes the GR2010: Celebrating Sustainability fest, which will be held in May. The JJC kick-off event will honor Michael Schuster, president of MJSI, Inc., a Shorewood-based company which manufactures plumbing products that help consumers save water.
The college community is invited to attend, and complimentary beverages and snacks will be served. RSVPs should be sent to ckanellakes@fpdwc.org.
GR2010: Celebrating Sustainability is a free public event that will feature speakers, organic foods, live music, how-to workshops, and eco-friendly exhibits from all natural body care products to organic cotton clothing to energy efficient home to green building products.
The event is a collaborative effort of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Joliet Public Library, Will County Land Use/Waste Services Division, Joliet Job Corps, City of Joliet, Joliet Junior College, University of Illinois Extension-Will County, Joliet/Will County Project Pride, Joliet Urban Garden Alliance, and Aspire Inspire.
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Sign Up for JJC's 2nd Annual 5K Run and Walk to Support Student Scholarships
Runners participate in Joliet Junior College's first annual 5K in May 2009 on the Main Campus.
JJC will host its 2nd Annual Dollars for Scholars 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, May 1, to raise money for JJC student scholarships.
The event will begin with registration and packet pick-up between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m. The route is a certified flat loop course on pavement through the Main Campus.
Dollars for Scholars is a program created to help students achieve their educational goals by raising scholarship funds. Dollars for Scholars is a local division of Scholarship America, which has raised more than two billion for nearly two million students across the country.
Last year, the program raised $7,000, giving students like Christal Luster textbooks which otherwise could not have been afforded for.
"I was in a really difficult financial bind, as I'm sure many students are these days," says Luster. "I am very grateful for the scholarship and the opportunity to further my education."
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Friday Night Dinner Series
Come out to the Renaissance Center every Friday and enjoy a great dinner prepared by JJC students. Dinner is served from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Menu items for April 16 include Alaskan King Crab Napoleon, braised pork crostini and French-style charcuterie board for appetizers. Entrees include homemade fettuccini with shellfish, New York strip of lamb, fresh salmon and wild Alaskan halibut.
Call (815) 280-1404 for reservations.
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Faculty, Staff Recognition
* Art Professor Joe Milosevoch and former student Pedro J. Palacios will be exhibiting a thematic showcase of mixed media assemblages entitled "Common Borders" April 16 through May 7, at the 33 Collective Gallery, 1029 35th Street on Chicago.
The exhibit will display 25-30 pieces both as collaborative works and individual pieces.
There will be an opening reception Friday, April 16, from 7 to 10 p.m., at 33 Collective Gallery.
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