Honorary degree | University Park

Warner Saunders, co-anchor of the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts on Chicago's NBC 5, will receive the honorary degree of doctor of humane letters from Governors State University during the spring commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. June 7 at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel and Convention Center in Tinley Park.

More than 475 graduates, earning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in 50 different programs, will cross the stage during the ceremony.

"GSU itself is honored to present an honorary degree to Warner Saunders. He does more than report the news. He has been a tireless advocate for social justice in the Chicagoland region," said Elaine Maimon, president of Governors State University. "He is a welcome presence in our living rooms on weekday nights. I say that even though he has not yet been able to persuade me to choose between the Sox and the Cubs."

Saunders is the winner of 19 Emmys for news, sports, documentaries, children's programs, talk shows and community meetings. June marks his 40th year in Chicago television. Saunders will also be recognized at a dinner in his honor on June 6 at Governors State University. His family, friends, and colleagues, as well as representatives from the university will offer congratulations, reminiscences and reflections on his achievements.

Saunders has taught in the Chicago Public Schools, National College of Education, Malcolm X College, Northeastern Illinois University, and Indiana University Northwest campus, where he was voted teacher of the year for two consecutive school terms.

Accreditation | Chicago

St. Xavier University has received formal notification from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that its continued accreditation was approved. From Nov. 5 to 7, 2007, an eight-member team visited with St. Xavier trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, students and alumni at both the Chicago and Orland Park campuses. The site visit was the culmination of two years of self-evaluation undertaken by the university for the purpose of seeking reaccreditation and continuous quality improvement. At its meeting on April 28, the Institutional Actions Council voted to continue the accreditation of St. Xavier University. The Commission Board of Trustees validated the action through its validation process that concluded on May 8.

Art display | Chicago Heights

Prairie State College students' artwork will be on display though May 22 in the Christopher Art Gallery on the college's main campus, 202 S. Halsted St. The professional gallery exhibit will show the graduates' work for the community. Included in the exhibit are paintings, digital images, drawings, mixed media and photography.

The following artists are participating in the exhibit: Kevin Stuart, Beecher; Zachary Sala, Beecher; Alan Lewis, Glenwood; Alison Libles, Richton Park; Leonard Ferris, Calumet City; Krystal King, Homewood; Stephanie Specht, Schererville, Ind.; Hannah Swidergal Sauk Village; Vanessa Anzaldua, Chicago Heights; Melanie Hinrichs, Lowell, Ind.; Cedric Jackson, Chicago Heights; and Michelle Wotkun, Lansing.

FYI: For more information or to make an appointment for a visit, contact the Prairie State College Foundation at (708) 709-3636.

Job fair | South Holland

South Suburban College and Thornton Township are partnering to offer a 2008 Community Job Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21. Several municipalities are co-sponsoring the event including Burnham, Calumet City, Dixmoor, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Lansing, Markham, Phoenix, Riverdale and South Holland, along with United Parcel Service. All job seekers are welcome to attend free.

FYI: Call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2391. South Suburban College is at 15800 S. State St.

Summer registration | Chicago Heights

Open registration for summer at Prairie State College is in progress. All new students must register in person at the college, 202 S. Halsted St. Continuing students may register online at www.prairiestate.edu or in person. Registration hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. Two eight-week summer sessions are offered. The first session starts May 27 and ends July 17; the second session begins June 9 and ends July 31. Course offerings also include several four- and six- week classes.

FYI: Call (708) 709-3506.

Registration | South Holland

Registration for summer classes is in progress at South Suburban College. In-person registration is open at the Main Campus in South Holland and the University & College Center in Oak Forest. Online registration is also in progress for both summer and fall classes. The summer schedule offers two sessions of classes beginning on different dates. Session I will begin June 2. Session II is set to begin June 16.

FYI: For more information or to schedule a tour, call the Student Help Center at (708) 210-5718.