 By Janice Neumann | Chicago Tribune – Daily Southtown Published February 19, 2026  Marlandy Berrios, a former student of the late Paul Rinaldi, attends an exhibit of his art in the Christopher Gallery of Prairie State College. Berrios said Rinaldi played a big part in her artistic talent. (Janice Neumann/for the Daily Southtown) Marlandy Berrios still feels inspired by her late teacher and mentor, Paul Rinaldi, an acclaimed artist who taught at Prairie State College for more than 20 years. A recent exhibit celebrating his paintings in the Christopher Gallery of the Chicago Heights college brought it all back. “He was a sweet and caring teacher,” said Berrios, now an art student at Governor State University who lives in Park Forest. Berrios said Rinaldi taught her to go from drawing and illustrating comic books to objects, people and landscapes. “He said mistakes are how we grow,” said Berrios. Glancing around the gallery, Berrios was in awe. “It’s so beautiful and so colorful … to think Professor Rinaldi did all this for all these years before I was even born,” she said. That sense of appreciation and wonder was shared by other former students, family members, friends and faculty who attended “Seeing Through Time-Selected Works of a Creative Life.” There were the bright figurative paintings from the beginning of his career, the colorful abstract work and the more nuanced encaustic paintings, using hot wax. Prairie State College recently hosted it’s 37th Annual Jazz Fest with proceeds benefiting PSC Foundation scholarships. The full house witnessed an unforgettable evening of jazz, featuring world-class professionals Orbert Davis (trumpet), Len’l Glenn (saxophone), Valerie Nicholson (piano), Larry Gray (bass) and Ernie Adams (drums). Exceptional student performers shared the stage during the Jazz Master’s Jam. Retiring PSC Professor and Music Coordinator, Valerie Nicholson, was recognized and celebrated for her decades of dedication to the PSC Music Program. ♥️ Thank you Valerie for your unwavering commitment to PSC students and sharing your talents for all to enjoy!
 The Christopher Art Gallery at Prairie State College is celebrating February 9 – March 5, 2026, the work of the late Paul Rinaldi, beloved PSC professor for more than 25 years. The attendance at yesterday’s reception clearly demonstrated the lasting impact Professor Rinaldi has had on his students, his PSC family and the community. The “Seeing Through Time - Selected Works from a Creative Life” exhibit runs through March 5 and artwork will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s Rinaldi Family Prize in the Arts Scholarship. Thank you, Paul for sharing your vision, your compassion, your hope and your creativity which continues to inspire all who had the honor of knowing you!♥️
 On Thursday, January 29, 2026 the PSC Board of Trustees Eight Hundred and Eightieth Meeting took place with some special guests in attendance - some of our Foundation Scholarship Recipients! These shining stars were showcased and all were impressed with their motivation, aspiration, and determination. PSCF Executive Director Deb Havighorst made a special announcement regarding an additional donation specific to The 60411 and GAP Scholarships which have helped many students this past year. ♥️ Start Near. Go Far! To learn more about making a difference and changing a life, visit ways to give.
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