March 2025
Campus News Coming In Like a Lion
Highlights
Ag-cellent New Mural Debuts
If you find yourself over in the Agriculture Complex, be sure to take some time to view the new mural on the east side of the building. While the mural itself is an interesting homage to the history of agriculture, the way it was installed is a credit to the future of wall art. The mural was printed, through an 8-hour process, directly onto the wall by our friends at Lattitude Signage and Design.
Multicultural Marvel
Not to be outdone by the Agriculture Complex, the Student Center got to show off some new wall art this winter as well. Student leaders unveiled a new mural in the Multicultural Lounge (WDC 1001) last month. The larger-than-life piece was created by part-time employee Amari Akins. Hear the artist talk about her process and then go take a look for yourself!
Funny For a Cause
The Foundation annual FunnyRaiser event once again brought people to campus for an evening of laughs. Amateur comedians tried their hands at standup comedy to raise money for Heartland students and programs. This year’s Judges’ Choice winner was Jeff Williams and the Crowd Favorite winner was John Bishop. Some brave Heartland employees also took the stage. Shout out to Chris Lackey (CTE adjunct faculty), Ryan Edel (English adjunct faculty), and Zach McCall (admissions) for bringing the laughs. What wasn’t a laughing matter -- the fact that the event raised approximately $20,000 for our students. Well done!
True Blue and Tasty
Sweet treats were on display, and available for sampling, at last month’s True Blue Ribbon Bakeoff. Bakers submitted their finest delicacies to decide who would go home with the coveted rolling pin trophy this year. Winning this year’s competition, and taking home the pin, was Jessie Gibson (CDL) for her chocolate raspberry entremets (your favorite Hawkfeed editor may or may not have had to look up what entremets are). Coming in second was Jd Davis (Business Office) for her Biscoff bites. Third place went to Ann Schick (Student Support Services) for her Reese’s Dream Boats. People’s choice went to fan favorite baker Jessica Warren for her triple-layered chocolate cake with peanut nougat and caramel Swiss meringue buttercream. On a related note, the FRC is open Monday through Saturday and is free for Heartland employees.
Serving His Community
Emeritus adjunct faculty member Dewhitt Bingham has been honored by Illinois State University for his outstanding service. Bingham, one of the first Heartland adjunct faculty to earn emeritus status, has been announced as the 2025 E. Burton Mercier Alumni Service Award. Selection is based on “outstanding volunteer service and contributions to the University, community, state, country, or an important social cause. The award honors the memory of Burt Mercier '50, a community leader who gave back to the University in many ways throughout his life.” Bingham will be honored at the ISU Alumni Awards Dinner on April 25. Congrats Dewhitt!
Working Learner Focus
When one thinks of a college student, the first image that comes to mind is probably the traditional 18 to 22 year-old student fresh out of high school, going to school full time. At Heartland, we know that isn’t the only type of student we serve, but did you know that we’re working hard to make higher education accessible for working adults? The College has been putting a focus on offering flexible academic options that include short-term certificates, online and evening classes, increased opportunities for students to earn course credit for prior work experience, and a new Associate in General Studies degree. We're also making additional financial assistance available for students working at least 35 hours per week. Prospective students can learn more by visiting heartland.edu/workinglearner. This is just another way we try to meet the needs of our community!
Calling All Hall Walkers!
Whether or not you are a regular “hall walker,” now is a great time to lace up your shoes for a regular workday stroll. This year’s Invest in the Nest employee campaign wants to get you moving. The Invest in the Nest Walking Challenge is a fun way to stay active while supporting the College. Taking part is simple. Sign up, log your miles, and earn prizes. When you sign up, you’ll get an ID tag and you’ll earn “toe tokens” as you pile up the miles. Reach certain milestones and you’ll receive exclusive prizes. So grab your shoes. We’ll see you in the halls!
Still to come...
Women’s History Month – HERstory Performance and Bingo
Thursday, March 20 in WDC 2004
HERstory Performance 12-1 pm
Bingo and Trivia 1-2 pm
Southeast Asia Cultural Festival
Tuesday, April 1 (9 am-4 pm) & Wednesday, April 2 (9 am-2 pm)
Various locations in the WDC
Poverty Simulation Hosted by the Health Sciences Division
Friday, April 18 (rough estimate)
CCB 1406-1407
Random Knowledge to Make You Just a Little Smarter
Most people are familiar with the weather proverb, “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb,” meaning that if the month starts off stormy, it will end with mild weather. But there is also a different interpretation: The constellation Leo, the lion, rises in the east at the beginning of March. Thus, the month “comes in like a lion,” while Aries, the ram, sets in the west at the end of the month, and hence, the month “will go out like a lamb.” *
*source: Almanac.com
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