Men to know at Parkland College:

Thousands of men, staff and students, walk the halls of Parkland College every day. While many of them are involved in activities, there are a few that go above and beyond the average Joe. The Prospectus has found a couple of these guys, and have deemed them the guys to know!Marcel Grant, student

Marcel Grant is a stylish sophomore working on deciding his major. His hobbies include; spending time with his girlfriend, hanging with friends, staying productive, singing, going to church, shopping and one of his favorite hobbies is eating. But it's his religion that is the most important thing to him. "First and foremost I am a Christian.which is the foundation and core to my morals. I am a very enthusiastic, and a fun guy to hang with. I get along with literally everyone."

Grant is involved with almost every activity imaginable within school and his community. "I am involved in African Student Organization, where I was the treasurer last semester and probably will be the Vice President this semester. I am a frequent participant in Black Student Success Project (session on how to better yourself academically, mentally and personally), the Trio program, and most recently I am a part of the Christian Organization.

"At the University of Illinois I am a member of Impact Movement (a Christian organization), and the African Cultural Association. In church, I direct the junior choir, perform audio and video duties for our television broadcast and website. I am a member of the young adult choir, drama ministry, hospitality committee, and I choreograph the young adult step team. Outside of church, I am a member of the Optimist Club, Kappa League and a singing group called Anointed 4 Praise."

And when asked about how he feels about being a guy to know, he offers an interesting answer. "I am ecstatic and little bewildered or perplexed! First, my thoughts were, 'Do I really do that much?" and, 'Hmm...I do know a lot of people here, most of which I could not name!' I guess it was a little eldritch for me in the beginning because I was more than likely feeling modest and humble. But hey, why not me? It's an honor to be considered."

Marcel offers great advice to other students looking to get involved. "If you have a desire to do something, do it! First, prioritize your time and be aware of the difference between urgent and important- it may just be keen to a lot of major decisions you make. Second, if it is a true desire make it work. Do not let anyone/thing come in your way. Third, be committed. No one wants someone who is unfaithful to be involved in an activity they are in. In school, stay in tune to what connects to your major and can/will be beneficial to intrapersonal skills and knowledge. These things should also look well on a resume."

Marcel leaves readers with words from Ludwig Wittgenstein: "The limits of my language are the limits of my mind. All I know is what I have words for."

John Eby, Activities Program Manager

The student activities at Parkland have a lot to do with this guy-John Eby is the Activities Program Manager for Parkland. He organizes co-curricular and extra curricular activities for the students. Eby's job is to keep the students happy and having fun while they learn. He has had tons of experience with helping out the community-doing everything from answering phones at WILL for their Fundraisers to supporting Habitat for Humanity. Side note: He even took a contingent of students down to the devastated township of Houma outside of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit. He has also been contributing help and food to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank for the past 10 years.

John Eby used to teach Theatre Appreciation at Parkland for several years until 2008, while concurrently working in the Office of Student Life. He feels his life has been successful because of the work he puts into his job. Since he is a very outgoing person it makes his job easy by interacting with students and organizing events at Parkland.

He enjoys living life for every moment and is a very motivated person. "Waking up every morning is better than the alternative," said Eby.

He loves his job because he enjoys seeing students grow and become successful.

A.J. Sikorski, student

Marquette transfer student AJ Sikorski graduated from Saint Thomas More in 2008, and played soccer there. He came back because of financial struggles, since he had to work to pay for school and he wanted to come back to help out his family. AJ is a regular volunteer at the Catholic Worker House in downtown Champaign. AJ goes to the Catholic Worker House usually every Thursday to make breakfast for the needy from 10am-12pm. "It really helps out people who just can't afford to buy food," AJ said. "Usually [the job] consists of making a brown bag breakfast.of a sandwich, fruits and a drink."

AJ is a communications major and intends to become a sports broadcaster. He wants to be a successful sports broadcaster but also wants to continue to help out in the world. He is motivated from past experiences and the curiosity of exploring the world.

Dennis Cockrum, counselor

Dennis Cockrum is an important asset to the Parkland staff. "My job at parkland is counselor. I do confidential personal counseling, academic advising and career counseling. I am thrilled to work with such a diverse and fun group of students. I have been here four years."

He's had a host of jobs and has plenty of academic credentials. "I am originally from Camargo, I attended grade school and high school in Villa Grove. My first job was delivering the News Gazette for five years (I won a trip to Miami Beach, FL, by getting new customers, my first time to see the ocean). Other things I did for work was walking beans, mowing lawns. When I was in high school I work at my parent's gas station in Tuscola, still one of my favorite jobs to date. I got my Associates of Liberal Arts at Parkland, Bachelor of Science degree at SIU Carbondale, Master's of Social Work at UIUC."