The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College
Volume 60
Issue 7 march 27, 2025
News: SGa elections, fall registration
Page 2 opinion: Is lollapalooza worth it?
Page 5 arts: “‘hello, dolly! tickets available
Page 6 sports: spring sports recap
Page 7
Elections for sophomore Student Government Association positions for the 2025-2026 school year are slated for April 3 and 4 in the Student Life Space.
There are eight open positions: Student Trustee to the IVCC Board of Trustees, President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Sophomore Representative, and two Sophomore Programming Board seats.
Students can vote between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4, in the Student Life Space. Anyone taking a course at IVCC is eligible to vote in the election.
Danica Scoma and Pete Wilcox are running for student trustee.
Scoma, who is an art therapy major, is running to give students a “proactive voice.”
“I see the position as a great opportunity for me to bring about change by using my intel as a peer mentor,” she said. “In addition, I have good relationships with staff, faculty and administration that will allow me to interact on a professional level to get the job done.
Scoma serves on several different clubs, is an artist and athlete and says “this diverse prospective will allow me to speak for a variety of students, instead of a select few. I simply and sincerely want everyone’s voice to be heard.”
If elected, the L-P graduate said, “I want to put
in the effort and learn the inner workings of the college and how to best serve the students I represent. As a partner with the Board of Trustees I will advocate for opportunities and resources that best serve the population. My goals on campus daily are to foster a greater sense of community by pushing for student engagement and success.”
Wilcox did not submit a candidate information sheet to IV Leader.
Two students are running for student body president, Litzy Lopez and Ava Lambert.
Litzy Lopez, a biology major who graduated from La Salle-Peru Township High School, is running for president. Lopez, who currently serves in a freshman position, said she wanted to take on a leadership role to be a voice and advocate for student concerns.
“If I were elected, I would strive to open up new opportunities for students so that resources become accessible to everyone,” Lopez said. “My goals would be to have a supportive environment where everyone has access to all resources so they are able to succeed.”
She also aims to promote college engagement through clubs and activities.
Ava Lambert, an L-P grad majoring in nursing, said she is running because she wants to be involved and make a difference.
“If I am elected as Student Government pres-
ident, I would love to make an impact in the amount of school spirit and the sense of community throughout the whole school, listen to my fellow students and what they would like to see done throughout the school, organize and help with events throughout the school, advocate for student mental health, create a strong, positive school environment, and make sure everyone feels heard and included,” Lambert said.
Lambert, a softball player, said she would like to improve school spirit, make sure students are award of student services available like peer tutoring and counseling, and provide an outlet for students to give their input on events.
Michael Peters and Cassie Zimmerman are both running for vice president.
Michael Peters, a political science major, is seeking the position of vice president. Peters, an See ‘SGA’ Page 6
Students who enjoy writing, graphic design, page design and editing are encouraged to apply for the IV Leader Staff for 2025-2026.
Applications are available by the IV Leader office door, Room E-321, or by visiting https://ivleader.com/apply/.
Section editors for sports, arts, opinion, photo, graphic design and page design are
open. Students also can assume roles as writers and columnists. Some editorial positions receive partial tuition waivers.
No experience is necessary, and full- and part-time students can be on staff. For information, contact adviser Lori Cinotte at lori_ cinotte@ivcc.edu, 815-224-0289, or her office, E-315, at the back of the IV Leader office.
Applications are available for two scholarships to be awarded to IVCC students who will transfer to Northern Illinois University to study accounting or STEM.
IVCC students have until Monday, April 14, to submit the application, essay and required documents to the IVCC Foundation office to be considered for these awards.
The accountancy scholarship is awarded to an IVCC student graduating this spring or transferring who will begin studying junior level accountancy at NIU this fall. The award covers
full tuition and required fees for the first year at NIU and may be renewed for the student’s senior year.
A $5,000 STEM scholarship is awarded to an IVCC student graduating this spring or transferring to NIU to begin junior level science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) major coursework this fall.
The scholarship is renewable for senior year.
For information, contact the IVCC Foundation Office, Room C-202, donna_swiskoski@ivcc.edu or call (815) 224-0551.
Opening date: Thursday, April 3
Times: Online: 9 a.m. In-Person: 10 a.m.
Pro Tip from Tom Quigley, Admissions director
“My tip would be to reach out to a counselor to help pick your classes!”
‘I love theatre; It has been a part of my entire life’
By Sonja Penney Graphics Editor
Dr. David Allan Kuester, theatre director, who has taught speech and theatre as well as produced myriad plays at IVCC, will retire this year after 27 years.
Dr. Kuester’s last day at IVCC is July 31, 2025. His final semester of teaching is summer of 2025 (schedule A).
“Hello, Dolly!” is the last show for Dr. Kuester and Don Grant Zellmer, director and choreographer, before they both retire from IVCC productions.
As IVCC marks its 100-year anniversary, Dr. Kuester is recognized for producing and/or directing a quarter of the plays at IVCC, including two major shows per year as well as holiday plays and smaller shows during COVID.
Chad Brokaw, theatre events and technical coordinator, oversees the events that take place in the Weeg Cultural Centre at IVCC. Brokaw started working with Dr. Kuester at IVCC in 2020; however, he has previously been in shows as a cast member or on the production team with Dr. Kuester since 2016.
Brokaw said, “I have so many good memories of working with Dr. Kuester over the years. One of these memories is when we were on stage during our holiday shows with me as an elf and Dr. Kuester as Santa.
“More memorable moments occurred during productions, going through the creative process—from the table read all the way through show strike. I have learned so much from him and Zellmer with all aspects of the production process. I’m amazed at the amount of creativity, knowledge and humor from them, and I am grateful to have been part of everything.”
Dr. Kuester expressed great admiration for his experience working with Zellmer, Brokaw and IVCC students. When asked what his most memorable shows were, he noted “Hello, Dolly!” is one of his all-time favorite shows, along with “Blithe Spirit,” “The House of Blue Leaves,” “The Boys Next Door,” “The Prom” (musical), “Mame” (musical), and
KUESTER
countless Halloween as well as holiday shows.
Kuester’s longtime experience also has been recognized statewide. IVCC’s theatre department was
nominated for the Illinois Theatre Association’s 2022 Award of Excellence in College/University theatre on Sept. 24 2022. Kuester, Zellmer and Brokaw were recognized by the
association for significant contributions to quality theatre.
Leading up to working at IVCC, Dr. Kuester said, “I was teaching in Texas, at Victoria College, and was flying home a few times a month to see my father who was dealing with Alzheimer’s.” Due to the nature of his visits and frequency, Dr. Kuester decided to move closer to his family.
“I thought what a great school; I really like the people and the opportunity,” Dr. Kuester explained. “I grew to really like IVCC and appreciate the quality education and student service it stood for; I think the human service nature of my personality is what made IVCC a good fit for me.
“Even though I taught at various schools and had a lot of experience in different collegiate environments, the big difference here, no matter what was happening, [is] the core values of student-first and the amount of assistance that was available for our students really stuck out as a quality place for education. That is why I stayed.”
Dr. Kuester has myriad career and academic accomplishments including a bachelor’s in Humanities, a master’s in theatre arts with a concentration in script creation, a Ph.D. in communication theory with a concentration of theatre and play writing as communication tools.
Kuester spent a portion of his professional career working in the service of persons with developmental disabilities as a DuPage County case coordinator for special populations as well as counselor and life skills therapist for the DuPage County mental health division.
Kuester also created and sought funding for performing arts programs for persons with developmental disabilities. “I was able to seek funding for and put together a non-profit organization in the suburbs called Theatre Recreation Outreach Opportunity Program (TROOP). TROOP was formed in conjunction with Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA).
See ‘Kuester’ Page 6
By Abigail Beckcom IV Leader Writer
For Chris Blaydes, a longtime instructor in IVCC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program, her connection to the college is sentimental and deep. She wasn’t just a teacher she was once a student here, too.
Blaydes retired on Dec. 31, 2024, after 21 years of teaching.
Blaydes attended IVCC and graduated with her nursing degree in 1994.
“I went right out of high school,” Blaydes said, “Honestly, I majored in Euchre more than anything else. We had a student gathering space, I think they called it the student union, and we played a lot of Euchre there. I should have taken more classes, but I’m just kidding.”
Despite her joking, IVCC became a significant part of her life. She even met her husband at IVCC.
Blaydes started as a CNA instructor in October of 2001. She took a short break around 2008 to 2010. “Overall, I’ve been here for over 20 years. I actually passed my 20-year recognition.”
She hadn’t always thought of becoming an instructor, but she saw a need in the community and stepped up to the role.
“I was in my 50s when I started. I had done all the other things in my career, and I thought, ‘Let’s see if I’d be any good at teaching.’ I noticed there was a need for quality caregivers.
“Many of the CNAs I worked with knew what they were doing, but some lacked confidence. And when it comes to working with dementia patients, communication is everything. I wanted to help teach them the right way to approach people.”
The CNA program “ensures that students are competent in their manual skills, but also that they can think critically and prioritize. If you’re given a list of patients for the day
you need to know who to check on first. If little Martha was sick yesterday, she should be a priority today. Being a CNA isn’t just about skillsit’s about using good judgment,” she said.
She also stressed how important empathy and compassion are when working in any caregiving field.
“Our elder population matters. They are not a burden. They already feel like they are sometimes, and it’s our job to make sure they are treated with dignity. Dismissing a dementia patient with ‘Oh, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about’ is not acceptable. They deserve the same respect as anyone else.”
When asked about the changes she has witnessed in students, Blaydes said, “One big change? Respect. Students could be more respectful to their instructors and to each other. It’s not everyone, of course, but I’ve seen a shift over the years.”
She also talked about the major issue in attendance.
“CNA students have to complete a set number of hours because of state requirements. If they miss too many classes, they have to be dropped, but some still ask for exceptions. How do you make up lecture time? You can’t.”
A rise in distractions has also been noticeable, especially with phones.
“We tell them no phone usage in class, but they try to be sneaky. I always compare it to watching a movie— if you look at your phone, you miss part of the story. Same thing in class. It’s all about respect for the rules.”
The inspiration for Blaydes becoming a CNA instructor was due to her seeing, “the need for caregivers to have proper skills— safety, infection control, and patient rights. But more than that, I wanted them to know they have value. Sometimes people don’t treat CNAs like they matter, but they do,” she expressed.
The most rewarding aspect of her job was, “Seeing students inter-
act with the people they’re caring for—with empathy and compassion. That’s so important. When I see them truly caring, especially for elderly patients, I know I’ve done my job.”
Blaydes expressed how she loved seeing everything click for her students and seeing her teaching pay off.
“Maybe on the last or second-tolast day of clinical, I’ll be standing there, not doing too much, because the students have got it. I see them thinking, prioritizing, asking for assistance when needed, and just doing the job well. That’s the moment. When what we demonstrated in the classroom and the lab is finally applied, and they’re competent.”
Blaydes doesn’t have anything specific planned for her retirement, she looks forward to visiting with family and spending time at home.
“My house is in the middle of the woods, and I enjoy it. I have a couple of ducks and two parrots that demand my attention,” she said with a chuckle.
“Oh, and I have some closest that need serious attention!”
If given the opportunity to teach one more class lesson she would lecture on, “ethics, empathy, and compassion. If every CNA mastered those three things, they’d be excellent caregivers.”
Blaydes also passed along some wisdom to the future CNAs, “Always remember: every person has valueincluding you.
“Caregivers need to take care of themselves, too. I always use the example from flights— when the oxygen mask drops, you have to put yours on first before helping others. It’s the same in caregiving. You can’t care for others if you don’t take care of yourself.”
After more than 20 years at IVCC, Blaydes has left a lasting impact on the CNA program and the students who had her as a teacher. She showed strong dedication to her teaching, her passion for quality care, and her belief that caregivers should be valued and treated with respect.
“Please remember that each person has value and appreciate that we are all different, but know that we are all equal.”
Every summer, thousands of music lovers flood Grant Park in Chicago for Lollapalooza, for one of the biggest and most iconic music festivals in the world. Featuring a diverse lineup of artists spanning across multiple genres, the four-day event promises unforgettable performances, Instagram-worthy moments, and an atmosphere of pure festival magic.
With the recent announcement of the 2025 Lollapalooza lineup, I wanted to talk about my experience going to Lolla and answer the question: Is Lollapalooza really worth it?
Lollapalooza’s linup features major headliners alongside upand-coming artists. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, rock, pop, or electronic music, there’s something for everyone. As someone with a diverse music taste, I found that they had a good range of artists for my liking.
Beyond the music, the atmosphere itself is electric. The energy of the crowd singing along to a favorite song, the excitement of discovering a new artist, and the stunning backdrop of the Chicago skyline make Lolla feel like
mroe than just a concert—it’s a cultural event.
While Lollapalooza delivers an unforgettable experience, it also comes with significant downsides.
General admission tickets for all four days can cost upwards of $400, and that’s before considering travel, accommodations, and overpriced food and drinks. VIP passes offer perks like shaded lounges and better viewing areas, but they come with an even heftier price tag.
Then there’s the crowd factor. With over 100,000 attendees per day, navigating the festival grounds can feel overwhelming. Long lines for food, packed restroom areas, and the struggle to get a good view of a popular artist can dampen the experience. Safety is another concern— large crowds bring an increased risk of pickpocketing, dehydration, and even medical emergencies.
If you don’t like crowds, I would not recommend going to Lolla. As someone who hates crowds and tight spaces, Lollapalooza was very anxiety inducing.
I also recommend investing in a hydropack and a fanny pack.
Hydropacks are a much better alternative to buying water at the festival and much more cost effective. A fanny pack is good for keeping your belongings close to you to help avoid pick-pocketers.
Ultimately, whether Lollapalooza is worth it depends on what you’re looking for. If you love live music, thrive in high-energy environments, and don’t mind shelling out some serious cash, Lolla can be an amazing experience.
But if you’re someone who dislikes large crowds, hates waiting in line, or prefers a more relaxed concert setting, you might be better off spending your money on individual concerts where you can get a closer, more personal experience with your favorite artists.
For many, Lollapalooza is a bucket-list event, an unforgettable weekend of music and memories. For others, it’s an overpriced, overcrowded headache.
As someone who has been to Lollapalooza, I think ultimately it depends on the lineup and how much you’re willing to spend. I hate large crowds of people and it can be extremely stressful but the experience is unforgettable.
Hey Eagles!
I wanted to inform everyone about the upcoming election and remind you all to vote. The Sophomore Student Government elections will take place on April 3 and 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the student life space. All students enrolled in IVCC courses are eligible to vote.
Additionally, I want to take a moment to recognize both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams as their seasons wrap up this month. A special congratulations to Roko Ju-
rasovic, who was named to the First Team All-Conference for Men’s Basketball. Qu’amar Hobbs and Roderick Watson-Piercy earned Second Team All-Conference honors for Men’s Basketball, while Jasmine Garman received Second Team All-Conference recognition for Women’s Basketball.
Editor: Emma Coss
Sports Editor: Sam Bima
Photo Editor: Ashton Watkins Graphics: Sonja Penney
portunities for faculty, staff and students to engage in both on-campus and community volunteering.
April 3-4
Vote in SGA Elections 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Student Life Sapce
can contact me at my email: trus tee_student@ ivcc.edu.
Sports Photographer: Makade Rios
Staff:
Clare Phillips, Lydia Kunkel, Grace Mertel, Noah Girard, Abigail Beckcom, Nicholas Graham.
IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, is published monthly by students of Illinois Valley Community College. Editorials and columns express opinions of student and staff members and do not necessarily express the views of IVCC, the administration or the Board. Editorial opinions are those of a student editorial board.
Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the IV Leader Office E-321, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691.
www.ivleader.com
To join the staff, contact lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu E D I T O R I A L
I’m also excited to highlight a new organization that has been established at IVCC. A big thank you to Ashton Watkins for organizing the IVCC volunteer group, which provides op-
This month, the board awarded tenure to Lyndsey Beetz, the Dental Assisting/Hygiene Coordinator, and Scott Fox, the Manufacturing Program Coordinator. Congratulations to both of them! They also appointed Amber Fox as the Dean of Natural Sciences and Business, succeeding the retiring Ron Groleau.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. You
Read the IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history online.
Continued from Page 3
Kuester spoke of a rewarding experience working with clients of the program and being able to watch speech progression as well as other benefits individuals had from their experience with TROOP.
Dr. Kuester explained, “It was a wonderful experience to watch some of those clients blossom with communication skills, the immediate reinforcement of live performance or performing for public access television really helped move people to achieve a better quality of life through the performing arts. I worked there for at least 10 years.”
When pursuing his master’s degree, Dr. Kuester shared his enjoyment of script creation and his love of character development. Kuester explained, “In 1993, I returned to school to work on my doctorate; I was able to bring worlds of social service and performing arts together in an exciting way. In 1996, I defended my dissertation focused on the way we have portrayed mental illness on the American stage and received my doctorate in communication with a concentration on theatre arts and play writing as a communication tool.”
Dr. Kuester said, “In the greater picture, my partner and I have three grandsons that I want to spend a good deal of time with.”
He is also planning for an upcoming celebratory trip to Greece and is going to finish working on the scripts he
has written and other projects with playwriting as well as improv.
Kuester said, the theatre department “has engaged in community centered programs such as “Horizon House for eight years for grade school writing and performance workshops on disability awareness; as well as a five-county awareness interactive performance supporting the victims of domestic violence in partnership with Freedom House.”
Kuester’s legacy will be long remembered at the college.
Brokaw stated, “Dr. Kuester makes such a great impression with not only students, but the employees of IVCC as well. There have been many times we have been out in public, away from IVCC, when past students and/or those that were in productions approach Dr. Kuester to say hello and catch up. These meetings only happen because of the positive impact Dr. Kuester has made.
“Members of the public that have been to one of the several productions Dr. Kuester has produced also approach him to tell him that they always enjoy the shows at IVCC and have a great time. Providing the community with entertainment and the opportunities for the community to entertain for 27 years is an incredibly impressive legacy, one that Dr. Kuester should be extremely proud of.”
continued from Page 2
L-P graduate, said he is seeking office to play a larger role in the community and to support the student body.
“I want to bring innovative ideas to IVCC as well as foster community growth,” he said.
Zimmerman said she is running to be involved and to aid in community development.
Submitted graphic
“Hello, Dolly!” tickets are available at the virtual box office at: https://www.ivcc.edu/theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for high school students and younger children. Admission is free for all IVCC students and faculty.
“I also enjoy filling leadership roles, and this is a great way and opportunity to complete that.”
Sophomore Representative
Clare Phillips is running for sophomore representative. Phillips is seeking office to get more involved in the college.
“I feel I’d be good using my voice to help the school in a positive way to represent students,” she said. If elected, Phillips hopes to grow connections with others and promote IVCC resources.
Programming Board
Cheyenne Hoffman is running for programming board. Hoffman,
a chemistry major who graduated from Woodland High School, is running to have her voice heard and to be a voice for students. She said she hopes to provide support for students by serving on SGA. For information, contact SGA Adviser Cory Tomasson at cory_tomasson@ivcc.edu or at (815)224-0509.
By Sam Bima IV Leader Sports Editor
Eagles baseball has started its spring season, and returning players eager to hit the field.
Ashton Pecher, a Hall High School graduate from Spring Valley, is going into his sophomore year and is an infielder for the Eagles.
With going into your sophomore year, you have expectations from your coach and even your teammates. This is especially true for a junior college because you only have two years with the team.
For Pecher, he feels that he is “going to have a big role as being a leader.”
He said he wants to “keep the freshman up and to not get down on themselves, because we know what they
can do for us.
“You can put these freshmen in at any moment and get the job done.”
With new teammates come higher expectations and new friendships.
Freshman Ryan Slingsby played with or against Pecher throughout his whole life on the diamond.
Slingsby said, “Pecher is a good teammate” and “he is a utility guy for us that is consistent with the bat.”
Pecher is coming off a stellar freshman outing with a .313 batting average including 21 RBIs and 3 home runs.
Pecher said IVCC’s goal is to “be a better team than last year” with hopes of making a playoff run.
Pecher is able to rely on his pitching staff “at any given moment.”
Ashton Pecher is a sophomore for the IVCC Men’s Baseball Team. He is coming off of a strong freshman season, where he batted .313 and had a .378 on base percentage.
Max Cook, a sophomore from Milford, is a “player that lifts his teammates up, no matter what the situation is.”
The Eagles have started their regular season after their spring road trip to
GOING FOR THE RETURN
Submitted photo
No.1 singles player Tyson Phillips returns the ball in a contest on March 23 vs Maharishi College. The teams played at a neutral court in Sterling.
Myrtle Beach over the college’s spring break. Thus far, the team sports a 5-8 record overall and 1-1 in the Arrowhead Conference.
The team’s next home contests are at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29 vs.
Sauk Valley. The men’s team plays its home contests at Veterans Field in Peru.
The Eagles, who are coached by Nick Harsted, have potential and the power to create something special in the Illinois Valley.
By Sam Bima IV Leader Sports Editor
The IVCC men’s and women’s basketball season may has ended, but four Eagles gained all-conference honors over the course of their season.
IVCC Freshman Jasmine Garman earned Second Team Honors for the Arrowhead Conference. Roko “Jerry” Jurasovic racked in First Team Honors, while Qu’amar Hobbs and Roderick Watson-Piercy made the Second Team.
In addition, Roderick Watson-Piercy was honored as second team All Region.
Softball and baseball have officially started in the Illinois Valley with the teams taking their spring training trips to Myrtle Beach and Orlando.
Softball went 1-5 on their trip with a win over Mid Michigan College. Baseball finished their outing 2-3 with wins over Penn State York and St. Clair County.
Tennis
IVCC men’s tennis team has a record of 2-2 with wins over Elgin (5-4) and Maharishi (5-2).
Julie Milota is the coach for the Eagles.
Softball, baseball, Men’s Tennis seasons begin Page 7
Submitted for IV Leader