Amy Andersen poses with her DAISY Award and sculpture on December 14. –Photo submitted.

Amy Andersen, KCC Nursing Graduate, Awarded DAISY Award

Amy Andersen, a 2023 graduate of the registered nursing program at Kankakee Community College, has been awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The annual award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to nurses, with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate, and skillful care they provide patients and…

– Photo courtesy Russell Ferrer on Unsplash.

KCC Hosting ‘Let’s Talk Horror!’ Discussion October 25

Let’s “creep it real”! KCC students and the community are invited to “Let’s Talk Horror!” from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, at Kankakee Community College, in Room L355. KCC’s Psych Club and English Department will lead the discussion on the appeal of horror in literature and film! Topics include the psychological aspects of “scary things,”…

Cayla Wheeler holds her DAISY Award sculpture on July 20. –Photo submitted.

KCC Grad Cayla Wheeler Receives DAISY Award

Cayla Wheeler, a 2023 graduate of the practical nursing program at Kankakee Community College, has been awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate, and skillful care they provide patients and families.…

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KCC Hosting Finacial Aid/Scholarship Workshops

Kankakee Community College is hosting workshops to help college-bound students and their parents understand the financial aid and scholarship process. Staff will explain and clarify the types of aid that are available. On October 2 and November 7, KCC’s financial aid staff will educate students and parents on the ins-and-outs of paying for college. These…

Pictured are Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and KCC ALIVE Literacy Program Coordinator Shannan Carrell. –Photo submitted.

KCC’s ALIVE Literacy Program Receives State Library Grant

Kankakee Community College’s ALIVE literacy program received a grant from the office of Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian. The $68,108 grant comes from the Illinois State Library Grant program and is earmarked to “enhance community literacy, improve library services, and upgrade current technology,” according to an official press release. “We are…

-Logo submitted.

‘Portrait of a Soldier’ Honors Fallen Service Members

Display at KCC September 11-15 A memorial exhibition showing 291 hand-drawn soldiers’ portraits will be on display at Kankakee Community College September 11 – 15. “Portrait of a Soldier” has portraits of men and women who died serving our country since September 11, 2001, and will be on display in KCC’s Arts and Sciences Building…

KCC Receives $250,000 Through Efforts of Sen. Joyce

Kankakee Community College has accepted $250,000 obtained through a legislative appropriation supported by the efforts of Illinois Sen. Patrick Joyce. “Right now, we see a misalignment between the skills in our workforce and the opportunities in our local economy,” said Dr. Michael Boyd, KCC’s president. “We are going to use these resources to bridge this…

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KCC Teams Earn NJCAA Academic Achievement Recognition

Five athletic teams and 62 student athletes at Kankakee Community College have earned recognition from the NJCAA for academic achievements during the 2022-23 academic year. “I could not be prouder of the profound accomplishment of our five teams, who have attained Academic All-American status this year, with our women’s soccer team making the list for…

–Photo courtesy of Jillian Wright Photography

Phi Theta Kappa Student Awarded Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship

Kankakee Community College student Allie Kohl, of Herscher, has been selected as one of 213 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide to receive a $1,000 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarship. The scholarships help new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service,…

–Photo submitted.

KCC’s Gap Year Program Returns

A program for those taking a break from college will return this fall at Kankakee Community College. The Gap Year Program offers career exploration and activities in a low-pressure, no homework environment. “Studies have shown 80 percent of college students end up changing their major at least once,” said Cesar Avalos, coordinator of workforce opportunities…

New coordinator for EDI Center - Christa Agee. –Photo submitted.

KCC Announces New Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator

The new coordinator of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Kankakee Community College is Christa Agee. “Christa is passionate about education and student advocacy,” said Kendra Souligne, KCC director of financial aid and student engagement. “She will strive for not only the representation of all students, but also to foster an environment in which students feel…

–Photo used with permission.

KCC Hosting July Fourth Celebration with Music and Fireworks

The tradition of celebrating Independence Day with live music followed by fireworks will continue on Tuesday, July 4, along the south banks of the Kankakee River. The fundraising event includes three live music performances. Kankakee Community College gates open at 4 p.m., and admission is $20 per carload. All proceeds benefit the Kankakee Valley Symphony…

Kristi Yamaoka holds her DAISY Award certificate, pin and sculpture on May 12. –Photo submitted.

Yamaoka Receives DAISY Award

Kristi Yamaoka, a 2023 graduate of the registered nursing program at Kankakee Community College, has been awarded The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate, and skillful care they provide patients and families.…

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Diesel Technology Program Begins at KCC this Summer

A new Diesel Technology Training Program at Kankakee Community College will accept students, beginning this summer. “There are many diesel repair facilities in the area that are always looking for qualified diesel technicians,” said Paul Carlson, dean of the Business, Technology and Human Services Division at KCC. Students will be able to complete six diesel…

In January, three KCC students and one staff member attended the Student Veterans of America conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Pictured at the conference, left to right, are staff member Cesar Avalos, and students Rodolfo Leal, Mark Cross, and Juan Perez. –Photo submitted. 

KCC receives designation as a 2023 Military Friendly School

Kankakee Community College is one of 28 small community colleges across the nation with a gold ranking in the 2023 Guide to Military Friendly Schools, published in conjunction with “G.I. Jobs” magazine. Typically, KCC has approximately 60 veterans who enroll each year, according to the college’s Office of Financial Aid. Among veterans, there are 35…

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54th Annual KCC Commencement Ceremony May 13

Nearly 400 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the 54th annual Kankakee Community College commencement ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 13, in the George H. Ryan Gymnasium in the college’s Activities Building. For guests needing assistance or special accommodations, entry begins at 8:45 a.m. General seating will take place from 9 – 9:55…

Paramedic students assist a patient inside the ambulance simulator at KCC. –Photo submitted.

KCC Health Career Programs Accepting Applications for 2023-2024

The enrollment process is underway for fall 2023 and spring 2024 entry into health career programs at Kankakee Community College. Programs currently accepting applications are Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Lab Technology, plus Paramedic and Respiratory Therapist. The Radiography program will accept students until April 2024 for students to begin in summer…

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Peotone Scraps Food and Beverage Tax
It's a bit crowded under the basket, but that doesn't seem to interfere with #40 Collin Melechal. –Photo submitted.
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Kankakee Declares Itself a Non-Sanctuary County
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Manteno Citizens Group Files Lawsuit Against Gotion
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Manteno junior guard Ava Peterson drives against Eisenhower at the Chicago Christian tournament on Dec. 27 in Palos Heights. Photo by Jeff Vorva
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Naval recruits stationed at Great Lakes got a treat on Christmas Day. Photo by Dan Gerber.
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Wreaths Across America Honors Heroes
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Asylum Seekers Arrive in the South Suburbs
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