Clubs & Organizations
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE AMERICAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSOCIATION - LAMBDA ALPHA EPSILON
- To improve criminal justice through educational activities.
- To foster professionalism in law enforcement personnel and agencies.
- To promote professional, academic, and public awareness of criminal justice issues.
- To encourage the establishment and expansion of higher education and professional training in criminal justice.
- To provide a unified voice for professionals in, and students of, criminal justice.
- To promote high standards of ethical conduct, professional training, and higher education within the criminal justice field.
- Advisor: Melvina Calvin, mcalvin@kcc.edu
The CS club is dedicated to exploring the evolving world of computer science and technology. Here, members engage in hands-on projects, ranging from beginner-friendly programming exercises to advanced software development. We collaborate on fun coding challenges together and host weekly meetings where members can work together to learn new programming languages, explore areas like web development, artificial intelligence, and game design, and receive mentorship from experienced peers and faculty.
KCC Global Awareness Club strives to educate about and raise awareness of international culture to create a student-centered group on diversity issues. Our mission is to promote acceptance and respect through celebration, recognition of traditions, languages, and heritages. Among the goals of the club are to provide opportunities for students to engage in conversation and the study of other cultures.
- Advisor: Daisy Anderson, danderson@kcc.edu
The objectives of the Horticulture Club are to increase interest in the horticulture industry (including landscaping, ornamental horticulture, turf grass management, etc.) and provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about horticulture by organizing trips to gardens, parks, and horticulture conventions. Membership is open to any interested student or alumni. Members must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
- Advisors: Katelynn Ohrt, kohrt@kcc.edu, and George Mateja, gmateja@kcc.edu
Phi Theta Kappa is an international academic honor society for community college students. The KCC chapter, Alpha Delta Eta, is committed to more than just academic achievement.
Chapter projects continue throughout the year with activities such as service projects, the Honors Study Topic, chapter meetings, and state and national conventions. Members can choose their level of involvement.
Nationally, KCC’s chapter has achieved Five Star status—for the highest level of activity—18 times since the 2000-01 year, including in 2020-21. KCC also is part of the Illinois Region of Phi Theta Kappa.
Informational Video
Please review the Phi Theta Kappa informational and interest video.
Our chapter: Alpha Delta Eta
The Alpha Delta Eta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at KCC was chartered on Dec. 19, 1978.
2024-25 officers
- Co-Presidents: Charli Palmateer palmateerch@gmail.com & Megan Minor meminor@student.kcc.edu
- Recording Secretaries: Emma Palmer epalmer@student.kcc.edu and Trevor Duby tmduby@student.kcc.edu
- Honors-in-Action Chair: Adele Mau-Bridges atmaubridges@gmail.com
Learn more about Phi Theta Kappa
Advisors
Frances Hebert
815-802-8757
fhebert@kcc.edu
Jackie Montemayer
815-802-8842
jmontemayer@kcc.edu
Eligibility
We hope you will consider membership in Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year college students! Membership is based on academic achievement. To be eligible, you must
- meet enrollment criteria
- have completed a minimum of 12 semesters hours of KCC coursework
- have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average
- enjoy full rights of citizenship of your country
At the start of each fall and spring semester, letters of invitation are sent to qualifying students.
If you have coursework (five years old or older) that might be keeping you from qualifying, contact Jackie Montemayer jmontemayer@kcc.edu.
Events
Stay up-to-date with PTK events
If you are a Phi Theta Kappa member and are not receiving information via email, please let us know. To be placed on the mailing list, email Jackie Montemayer, advisor, at jmontemayer@kcc.edu with your KCC email address.
The Emerald Ash Borer Project
The Psychology Club creates an environment that fosters high levels of understanding about the field of psychology and its respective principles. We aim to connect students with other schools and psychology professionals in order to maximize each student’s academic pursuit, giving them the necessary edge to enhance their critical thinking skills and understanding of psychological perspectives.
- Meetings: Wednesdays, Room L373
- More information: Facebook
- Advisor: Cari Stevenson, Ph.D., cstevenson@kcc.edu
Spectrum, previously Gender Sexuality Alliance, works to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity both at the college and within the community. It is the mission of Spectrum to provide a safe, non-judgmental forum in support of students, staff, faculty, and community members who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, and/or questioning, as well as their straight allies.
Spectrum is open to all currently enrolled KCC students and KCC alumni who are supportive and affirming of the group’s purpose, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Working together we can spread awareness, provide support, and promote equality with events, projects, meetings, and more.
- Meetings: Meeting times change each semester. Please email the advisor to be added to the GSA Canvas shell to receive all scheduling information.
The STEM Club strives to increase student interest in the sciences, promote academic excellence, create a productive study atmosphere, provide students with information regarding the opportunities available to them through the study of science, and foster a professional spirit among members by raising awareness of the challenges and responsibilities of modern scientists.
- Advisors: Jessica Kawa Ph.D., jkawa@kcc.edu, and Mike Caparula, mcaparula@kcc.edu
The Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) serves all nursing students by providing student activities and peer support that creates a sense of community and pride for all members. The goal of SNA is to increase students’ awareness of their responsibility as learners in the nursing profession. The club’s focus is to actively involve members in community service projects in an attempt to further their educational goals.
- Advisor: JuTun Andrews-King, jking@kcc.edu
The Student Physical Therapist Assistants Club exists to serve students, the college, and the community by raising awareness of the profession, broadening the learning experiences of current Physical Therapist Assistant students, and generating enthusiasm for career development. The club also promotes social responsibility by participating in service organizations and community-building activities.
- Sponsor: Jennifer Blanchette, jsblanchette@kcc.edu
Students for Animals raises the community’s awareness of animal welfare issues, teaches the community that animals are sentient beings that deserve respect, promotes responsible pet ownership, and volunteers time and talents to improve the lives of animals and gain support for this mission. The group hosts several fundraising activities including shelter donation events and collections to cover the cost of surgeries for needy animals. It also promotes Pet Awareness Week in April.
- More information: Facebook
- Sponsor: Linsey Cuti, lcuti@kcc.edu
- Advisors: Steve DePasquale, sdepasquale@kcc.edu, and Amy Porter, aporter@kcc.edu
The Veterans Association is for KCC students and staff who are military veterans, members of the military community, and supporters. Its purpose is to provide a close-knit community, camaraderie, a gateway to leadership development, and accessibility to benefits. This organization facilitates outreach within the community to those who have served as well as their families. It is an approved chapter of Student Veterans of America.
- More information: Facebook
- Advisors: Megan Ponton, mponton@kcc.edu, and Keith Stevenson, kstevenson@kcc.edu
Veterans Association Officers
Jieun Loney — Veterans Association President
Jieun served in the Navy for four years (2010-14). She was a damage controlman, the Navy’s term for firefighter. Jieun was deployed twice on the USS Kearsarge, LHD3 and USS Carter Hall, LSD 50. She participated in the Libya Freedom Operation in 2011.
Jieun is also so thankful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their generous education benefits. Because of the benefits they offer, Jieun can study to become a nurse and serve people again in a new capacity. To fellow veterans, Jieun says “we served the country and the people; we deserve to be proud of being veterans. Let’s not forget about our integrity and patriotism.” Reflection on Veterans Day: As a veteran and veteran’s spouse, Jieun said “We all know that freedom is not free. Without sacrifices of service members and their family members, we cannot have the freedom that we have now.”
Sadie Piehl — Veterans Association Vice President
Sadie spent eight years in the Army, serving both stateside and overseas at six duty stations, and earning 13 medals. Sadie considers herself to be a lifelong learner, always looking for the next opportunity to better herself and acquire new knowledge. “Higher education allows for exposure to different perspectives and opportunities, and especially a way to connect with people who have shared interests,” she said. “The military and higher education emphasize the importance of success through community.” Whether your service was short or a quarter of a century, Sadie said she is appreciative of your service. “There is power in community and resources that can aid in realigning you with new goals, which can be higher education, mental health care, VA resources, or just knowing how to get started,” Sadie said. Reflection on Veterans Day: “Veterans Day is a special occasion for me because it is a way to stay connected to such a special time in my life and the people I met along the way. It’s also a very positive way to show appreciation for the sacrifices people make, even when those sacrifices aren’t as obvious as others.
Bryce Reynolds — KCC Veterans Association Secretary
Bryce served in the Marine Corps for nine years (2008-17). His final rank was corporal (E‑4). He served one combat tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2012/2013, and was present for the “little battle” on Prince Harry’s birthday. Bryce’s primary military operational specialty was motor T mechanic, but he spent most of his deployment as a machine gunner. When asked how higher education has positively affected his life post-service, Bryce stated, “Formal post-secondary education is acting as a bridge to a more stable economic future for my children.” And some words of inspiration Bryce offers for veterans in our community are, “The cake isn’t always a lie. Better things always lie ahead.”
Reflection on Veterans Day: Bryce believes Veterans Day is like a birthday or an anniversary to be shared with others who have been through some of the same experiences.
Juan Perez — Last years’ Vet Club President and this year’s Treasurer
Juan served in the Army for eight years, and completed two deployments, one in Kuwait and the other in Iraq. During his time in the service, Juan was an 88H cargo specialist, driving various types of heavy equipment such Humvees, MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles), LMTVs (Light Medium Tactical Vehicles), container handlers, and forklifts.
When asked about how higher education has positively affected his life post-service Juan states, “It affected my life similarly when I joined the Army. Yes, it can be stressful on days, but at the end we are all trying to do our best and to do something good for ourselves and those around us.”
Reflection on Veterans Day: “What Veteran’s Day means to me is a day for all the veterans who served the United States in the past and present. They are appreciated for their time in service.”