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PSC retirees and those who hold a special place for Prairie State College in their heart ReCONNECTED today on campus for the first annual ReCONNECT event. A huge thank you to the event Committee in partnership with PSC faculty and the PSC Foundation in delivering an exceptional event. Today will be reminisced until we meet again. What a reunion celebrating PSC history! Event Date: Friday, May 8, 2026 Location: Prairie State College - Atrium
It’s Humanities Day at PSC - an amazing celebration where faculty and students come together in a showcase of sheer talent! The Foundation is proud to be a part as we announce the “Arts Unleashed”Scholarship Award recipients. The Rinaldi Family and the John B. Abate’ Prizes made possible by PSC faculty members and their families. We are so grateful for their generosity in support of student success! Start Near. GO FAR!!! Together, we can change lives—your support as an annual sponsor or donor makes all the difference.
Recently, the Prairie State College Foundation hosted it’s annual Economic Forecast Breakfast featuring JASON TURNER, Chief Investment Strategist and Head of Multi-Asset Strategy for Great Lakes Advisors, A Wintrust Wealth Management Company. A sincere thank you to Mr. Turner, our generous sponsors, the Spotlight scholarship recipients and all who attended in support of PSC Foundation Scholarships. It was an enjoyable, informative experience for all!
 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.
 By Aarti Dhupelia | Community College Daily Published January 21, 2026 College enrollment increased again this fall, continuing a cautious recovery for higher education following the decline of the Covid pandemic. But it isn’t four-year institutions driving much of the growth. It’s community colleges.
Undergraduate enrollment at public two-year colleges rose by 4%, with enrollment in career-focused certificate programs growing by 6.6%. And yet, even as more and more students are choosing two-year institutions, the outdated perception persists that community colleges are for students who couldn’t get in elsewhere. That narrative overlooks what today’s learners actually need and want. They want affordability, flexibility, smaller class sizes, strong wraparound support and academic pathways aligned with real-world careers — all aspects of a good community college. They want to build skills, earn income and continue their education when life allows. Community colleges offer that flexibility without compromising academic rigor or opportunity. The Prairie State College Foundation hosts its annual Thanks for Giving Donor Appreciation Luncheon each November to connect generous donors with scholarship recipients. Invitees included donors from the President Circle, the 1973 Giving Society, the 1973 Impact Society, and the Enduring Guild. Mr. Eugene and Mrs. Deborah Varnado were presented with their Impact Society award and recognized for the difference they have made for PSC business students. We could not be more pleased with the results and the gratitude that is shown during this time. To learn more how you can make a difference, click here.
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