SOUTH HOLLAND | South Suburban College recently held a ribbon-cutting and reception for a house that students from the South Suburban College Building Construction Technology program have worked on from start to finish.

This project represents the fourth home built through the college's hands-on training program for the Village of Phoenix, and the 14th home construction in total. The ranch-style home is situated next door to the previous site.

"These projects are always an excellent experience for our students in building a home while realizing the benefits of community involvement," said Frank M. Zuccarelli, chairman of the college's Board of Trustees. "As a community college, SSC and our Board of Trustees remain committed to developing partnerships with our local communities, in addition to providing educational opportunities to our residents."

More than 60 students took part in the project that began last fall, accounting for approximately 90 percent of the entire workload. The college has been involved with building and rehabbing homes since 1990, including two homes in Dolton and three in Calumet City under the auspices of City Housing Authorities.

The program has also built and donated six homes for Habitat for Humanity between 1996 and 2003 n one in Hazel Crest, two in Dixmoor, and three new homes in Harvey.

For more information about South Suburban College's Building Construction Technology program, contact Don Ehrhart at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2508, or visit www.southsuburbancollege.edu.

- THE TIMES