Prairie State Graduates to Wear Eco-Friendly Caps, Gowns

The caps and gowns of the more than 275 graduates of Prairie State College this year will be made from post-consumer plastic bottles. The eco-friendly move is expected to save more than 7 million post-consumer plastic bottles this year.

As graduation day approaches for Prairie State College students, the school and graduates are already celebrating a new, forward-thinking, green step the school is taking. During the ceremony, which will take place Saturday, May 18, graduates will wear caps and gowns made of approximately 29 post-consumer plastic bottles. It's estimated that the eco-caps and gowns will contribute to saving more than 7 million post-consumer plastic bottles this year. “This reaffirms to the community that we are producing environmentally, fiscally, and socially responsible grads,” said Allessandra Cairo, sustainability coordinator at PSC, in a press release. “The administration's approval of this year's eco-friendly graduation attire is just one more …

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Celebrate Earth Week at Prairie State College

Earth Day was Monday, April 22, but Prairie State College will continue celebrating Earth with Earth Week, April 23–27. The college will host a dozen Earth-themed events during the week for students, faculty, staff and the community.

Earth Day may have come and gone, but that isn't stopping Prairie State College from turning the one-day event into a week-long celebration of all things green. This week, April 22 to 27, the college is hosting a dozen Earth Day themed events across the campus, and is encouraging students, faculty, and the community to participate. Kicking off the week, the school will host a 'Cooking with Local Foods,' class and a tree planting ceremony at the school's Conference Center Rotunda. The ceremony also featured a special Earth Day poem reading. Throughout the week, the school will also hold other Earth-themed events, including an 'It's Easy Wearing Green Fashion Show,' on Tuesday, April 23, a nature preserve clean up project on Wednesday, a …

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Prairie State College Hosting Job Fair Today

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Prairie State College conference center.

Scouts from companies across the region will gather at Prairie State College today in search for prospective employees. PSC’s bi-annual job fair will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the college’s conference center, 202 S. Halsted St. Representatives from different companies will be looking to fill both full and part-time positions ranging from entry level to professional and managerial levels, according to the PSC website. Professional dress is required. Ample résumés are recommended. Here’s a list of the participating companies: Industry Company Web Site Positions Service Provider UPS www.upsjobs.com Part-time Package Handlers, Seasonal CDL Drivers Sales Speedway www.speedway.com Co-Manager Trainee, Leadership Program Participant, Shift …

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Bloom High School Artists Awarded College Classes for Art Work

More than 100 works of art were submitted to the Prairie State College High School Juried Art Exhibit, taking place through April 11. The exhibit showcases 55 pieces of art from high school students across the Prairie State College district.

High school art students in the Prairie State College district are showing off their talents now though April 11 at the college's High School Juried Art Exhibit. The exhibit, located at The Christopher Art Gallery, features 55 pieces of art from students across the college's district. Of the 55 pieces, eight received 'best of' awards, while 13 others were named merit award winners. Each of the 21winners received a free college class at Prairie State. “We applaud those who received these special honors, and all students whose work is part of this exhibition,” said Lou Shields on the exhibit's website. “These students represent an outstanding example of the talent being developed in the high schools in this district, and we are proud to …

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Prairie State College Narrows President Search to Three Finalists

A series of interviews and open forums awaits the three candidates.

Three finalists have been selected in Prairie State College’s search for a new president. READ: Prairie State College President to Retire in August The three finalists are (click on the names for more information): In addition to interviews, the three candidates will participate in a series of open forums set to begin April 2. The entire schedule will be posted on the PSC website beginning Monday, March 25.  Get in on the action. Join Patch today.

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Prairie State Trustee: Election 2013

Six candidates are running for only two open seats on the Prairie State College board of trustees.

According to the Prairie State College website: Prairie State College is governed by a seven-member board of trustees, which is elected by the voters of Illinois Community College District 515. The Board of Trustees meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the College Board Room (2274). All meetings, other than executive sessions, are open to the public.  Back to Election Central

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Prairie State President to Retire in August

Eric Radtke announced his retirement at the school's spring convocation.

Prairie State College President Eric Radtke will retire in August, according to a release from the college. “This is something that I have been planning for quite some time, I am retiring to spend more time with my family and to pursue personal interests,” Radtke said.  Radtke announced his retirement at the school's annual spring convocation, a closed-campus, two-hour meeting held prior to the start of each semester, according to the release. His official last day will be Saturday, Aug. 3, which will allow time for the college's Board of Trustees to seek out and hire a successor.   Patch will post more information as this story develops. Sign up for daily news alerts: Join the discussion on Facebook:

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Get Your Taxes Done for Free at Prairie State College

Families and individuals who meet a certain criteria can get tax assistance later this month.

Prairie State College (PSC) in conjunction with the Center for Economic Progress (CEP) is offering opportunities for individuals and families meeting certain criteria to get their taxes done for free. PSC is one of many organizations operating as a CEP tax site offering tax preparation assistance. The location is PSC’s Adult Training and Outreach Center, 202 S. Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL. The tax assistance will be available beginning Jan. 26, through April 13, 2013. The hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free assistance is available for individuals with incomes less than $25,000; for families with income level less than $50,000. The service is offered on a first come, …

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Commotion at Prairie State and Homewood's Hotel Controversy: Patch Talk

Is it OK to hire your stepdad and then pass a nepotism policy? What about handing over nearly one million dollars without talking to those who might be affected by it later? These issues and more on this week's Patch Talk.

Read these articles on Chicago Heights Patch and Homewood-Flossmoor Patch: Sign up for daily news alerts: Join the discussion on Facebook:

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PSC To Hold Job Fair Oct. 17

Representatives from companies and institutions will be recruiting for full- and part-time positions at the Prairie State College annual fall job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17.