Happy 98th Birthday to South Suburban College
South Suburban College (SSC) proudly celebrates its 98th birthday today, Friday, September 19, 2025. The College, which began as Thornton Junior College in 1927, has grown into a vital educational and cultural hub for Chicago’s Southland, serving tens of thousands of students over nearly a century.
To mark this milestone, SSC hosted a special celebration on Thursday, September 18th, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for treats, music, and fun on campus. The event honored SSC’s legacy of educational excellence while looking forward to an exciting future of continued growth and service to the community.
“For nearly a century, South Suburban College has been a beacon of opportunity—breaking barriers, transforming lives, and empowering generations of students to achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, President of SSC. “We are proud of our roots as Thornton Junior College and of the countless lives we’ve helped transform over the past 98 years.”
Since its founding, SSC has expanded its academic programs, student support services, and community partnerships to meet the evolving needs of District 510 and beyond. The College remains committed to fostering student success and community advancement as it approaches its 100th anniversary.
For more information about South Suburban College and its programs, please visit www.ssc.edu.
About South Suburban College
Founded in 1927, South Suburban College is a comprehensive public community college located in South Holland, Illinois. SSC is committed to lifelong learning and community development through affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. With a diverse student body and a wide range of academic and career programs, the College continues to foster innovation, equity, and excellence in higher education.