The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College
Volume 60
Issue 6
february 27, 2025
News: Scholarship deadline
Page 2
opinion: Importance of Black history month
Page 5 arts: “hello dolly tickets available
Page 6 sports: Basketball wrap-up
Page 7
By Sonja Penney Graphic Designer
The Foundation scholarship applications are still open. The deadline for submission is Thursday, March 6. Scholarship awards will be announced early June.
“We in the foundation office have a new application process, this upcoming 2025-26 school year; it is called ‘AwardSpring.’ That is how students will apply. It is an online application on our website,” said Donna Swiskoski, scholarship specialist and administrative assistant.
“This year’s application process will be simpler and easier to navigate.”
The foundation scholar-
ship application process is a one-stop-shop—everything a student will need to submit is all in one place. The application process is fully digital and can be found on IVCC’s website under the “foundation” section. https://www. ivcc.edu/foundation/index. php.
“The Tutoring and Writing Center is available to our students for staff to look at their answers and assist on critiquing grammar, or if it flows, or to make sure if (student) has addressed everything,” stated Swiskoki.
The Tutoring and Writing Center (TWC) is located in the Academic Support Center (ASC) A-201. The TWC is open for drop-in sessions and appointments Monday
through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Alternative tutoring appointments session times are available upon request and tutor availability.
The total amount of money awarded in scholarships range from $500 to $4,500. A student is also eligible to be awarded more than one scholarship at a time.
Swiskoki said, “Scholarships through the foundation do not need to be paid back.”
Susan Monroe, alumni and donor relations coordinator, said, “Scholarships are available to incoming students, high school seniors, students in adult education, and students that currently attend IVCC for the upcom-
ing school year. . . it is open to all of the community that comes to IVCC.”
Swiskoski stated, “Our Scholarships are created individually with each donor. The donor may want a certain area of study, a graduate from a certain high school, suggested grade point average, if the student had involvement with volunteerism.”
There are a variety of scholarship opportunities based on part-time or fulltime enrollment status. Such scholarships opportunities available include areas like nursing, agriculture, education, STEM, manufacturing, automotive, general studies, and others.
The foundation office may reach out to you to answer further questions if necessary. If you have any questions, you may contact the Foundation Office Donna_Swiskoki@ivcc.edu 815224-0551.
The foundation scholarships are non-federal funded, donated from individuals and organizations local to the community. Scholarships are created individually with each corresponding donor. The criteria of each scholarship ranges from specific areas of study and organization involvement, to high school graduates, involvement in community activities, and in-district residence.
By Sonja Penney
Graphic Designer
The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees awarded on Feb. 19 awarded tenure status to five instructors.
For tenure, Jonathon Hubbell, program coordinator and criminal justice professor, earned a Ph.D in Higher Education Administration, a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and was a former probation officer and supervisor. Dr. Hubbell has been an active member and active participant in IVCC community related development.
Lirim Neziroski, interim dean of Natural Sciences and Business, stated, “to attend one of Jon’s classes means one will be involved in active learning. He regularly checks for understanding of material and enjoys his professional interactions with students, both during and outside of class.”
Sara Legrenzi, nursing
instructor, is an IVCC alumni and has a master’s degree in nursing education. While teaching at IVCC, Legrenzi has taken the role of lead instructor for the mental health portion of the program and has created handson, real-world simulations to better prepare nursing students for the future.
Heather Seghi, dean of Health Professions, said, “Sarah Legrenzi is a dedicated and exceptional nursing instructor here at IVCC. Her teaching excellence is evident through her outstanding student peer evaluations emphasizing her ability to engage and inspire our future nurses. She has also made significant contributions to curriculum development, accreditation efforts and faculty hiring.”
Another tenure recipient, Camden Parks, chemistry professor, has a doctorate in chemistry and a master’s degree in Education.
Neziroski stated, “Camden has a love for chemistry
and his ability to engage students in class. Camden often uses models, he writes on the board and he shows online videos to help students visualize chemical compounds.”
Outside of class, Parks has served on the Emeritus Committee and the Accessibility Committee. Parks has also updated and revised course outlines of chemistry.
He is active in community service with cat rescue animal shelters. As a photographer, he puts together cat calendars which he sells for fundraising for the shelters.
Shannon Slaight-Brown, art instructor, is a threetime IVCC alumni, and has a master’s degree in fine arts (MFA) and specializes in ceramics and artworks in clay materials.
Neziroski stated, “Shannon’s has a distinctive ability to provide individual guidance and feedback to students in studio art classes.”
Slaight-Brown has also been involved with the Day of the Dead display, the Syr-
Five IVCC faculty members were granted tenure. Pictured from left are Dr. Jennifer Timmers, agriculture co-coordinator/instructor; Dr. Jonathan Hubbell, criminal justice program coordinator/instructor; Shannon Slaight, art instructor, and Dr. Camden Parks, chemistry instructor. Not pictured is Sara Legrenzi, nursing instructor.
ian Art display, the IVCC High School art display, the Student Art Club Explore IVCC, and Spirit Day.
Jennifer Timmers, Ag Program instructor and co-program coordinator. She has a master’s in Agriculture and Natural Resources and a Ph.D in Agronomy.
Neziroski stated, “Jennifer engages students and promotes active participa-
tion in lecture and lab courses. Jennifer has successfully recruited women into the Ag Program and she has taken students to a conference.”
Timmers is a master gardener with the Illinois Extension center and a member of several organizations in her field.
Additional tenure recommendations will be voted on next month.
By Noah Girard IV Leader Staff Writer
After over 35 years working and teaching at IVCC, Dean of Natural Sciences and Business, Ron Groleau, has retired.
After graduating from IVCC and University of Illinois with a bachelor’s and master’s degree, Groleau started working part-time at IVCC in 1986.
He was hired full-time in 1991 where he worked as a biology lab instructor for one year before taking a fulltime position teaching Anatomy and Physiology.
Then in 1995, Groleau took the position of dean where, even though not required to, he decided to continue teaching alongside his administrative duties.
In his time at IVCC, Groleau was also instrumental in the founding of the First Responder group.
His reasoning for this was that at the time the city of Oglesby had some staffing issues and when an emergency occurred it would take a while for them to arrive on the scene.
Groleau’s solution was to collect volunteers from the EMT program in order to help keep possible situations stable until an ambulance
could arrive.
Groleau has also played a large role in the local community as a little league baseball and basketball coach and as a board member of St. Bede and YMCA. He says that these experiences helped broaden his perspective and understanding and helped him help people.
Groleau has witnessed many changes in IVCC over the years and stated that one of the biggest changes being the instructional technology available to students and staff.
He also reflected that while IVCC’s support services have always been
good, they are even better now with the wide array of available scholarships and programs like Project Success. One thing that hasn’t changed in his eyes, however, is that “Those that put in the work and are motivated to succeed are going to be successful.”
Groleau holds great passion towards his time at IVCC and stated that he has always wanted to be in the classroom, and that still holds true at the end of his career.
In Groleau’s words, “The best job in America is to be a community college instructor because of the connec-
Candidates for the IVCC Board of Trustees will participate in a public forum on Wednesday, March 5, at noon in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre.
The forum is open to students, employees, and the public. Questions will be submitted by the audience on index cards, and the student moderators will select the questions. Candidates will have three minutes for opening and closing remarks and two minutes each to answer
Three candidates, Bill Hunt, Marlene Moshage, and Todd Volker, are seeking two seats on the Board in the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. Two incumbents decided not to seek re-election for the six-year terms.
The forum is sponsored by IVCC’s Student Government Association, College Democrats, College Republicans, Hispanic Leadership Team, Socrates Cafe, Project Success Leadership Team, and Rotaract Club.
tion you can make with your students and the impact you can have on them.”
Groleau has also loved being able to mentor and work with his faculty and coworkers, and it appears they feel the same way.
Jon Hubbell of the criminal justice program says, “He has truly been the best supervisor I’ve ever worked for. Ron always took the time to listen and provide guidance, and it was clear that he genuinely cared.”
Another colleague, geology instructor Mike Phillips, had this to say: “His advice
helped me become a much better educator. He encouraged me to pursue professional development opportunities off-campus, and he helped ensure that the college provided the necessary support. He also helped provide the funding to keep our geology lab up-to-date with equipment and supplies. I will miss Ron.”
After his retirement, Groleau looks forward to travelling, volunteering, making a commitment to his health and wellness through exercise, and spending time with his family and friends.
Division of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences, at his retirement reception
By Abigail Beckcom
IV Leader Staff
Illinois Valley Community College is celebrating a major milestone – 100 years of serving students as well as the community. In order to honor this achievement, the college is hosting a special gala on Saturday April 12 at Seneca’s Oak Ridge.
This gala is not only a celebration, it is also a fundraiser to help support future students.
“This event is important because it’s a celebration of our history, our impact on education, and a recognition of our excellence,” stated Tracy Beattie, executive director of the Foundation.
Going beyond the celebration itself, the gala will serve another vital purpose: supporting students.
“This event is a fundraiser for the IVCC Foundation,” Beattie explained. “Any proceeds will help students with scholarships and other financial needs.”
The foundation, established in 1976, has played a key role in helping students get the resources they need to succeed.
IVCC’s century-long history helps to show its resilience and effort to support students and the community. “Reaching this milestone shows our sustainability… For 100 years, we’ve served the community, and we hope to continue for 100 more—always improving, always finding new ways to support our students,” said Beattie.
The gala, which will be on Saturday April 12 at Seneca’s Oak Ridge from 5-10 p.m., will be an “elegant and entertaining” event, according to Beattie. Tom Henson, a well-known local radio host, will be there serving as the event’s emcee.
It will feature:
n Live music from Harmonix (four out of the six members are IVCC alumni)
n Both a live and silent auction
n A raffle
n A video presentation that highlights IVCC’s history and accomplishments over its 100 years
n A seated dinner
n Dancing
While the gala does not require black tie attire, it does encourage guests to dress elegantly. “Men can wear a suit and tie—no tux is required—and women can choose either short or long dresses,” Beattie states. “Since the gala is a Roaring 20s theme, some may even choose to dress in that period’s style, which is completely welcome.”
While there won’t be any awards or formal recognitions at the gala, they will take the time to reflect on what IVCC has accomplished in its 100 years, showing how they have
IV Leader, the student newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College, was awarded second place for Best Student Media during the fall conference of the Illinois Community College Journalism Association.
“The award represents the students’ efforts to reach our audience through multiple platforms,” said adviser Lori Cinotte. “In addition to our traditional printed product, IV Leader staff publish online and via social media, providing real-world experience of convergent journalism practices.”
Overall, the staff received 19 awards at the conference, which was hosted by Moraine Valley
Community College.
Cinotte noted that Eric Lockwood of Peru and Emelina Coss of Ottawa were recognized in categories that pitted their work against students from the largest community colleges in the state. Lockwood earned second place in the multimedia category while Coss received second as editorial writer of the year.
Coss serves as editor of the student publication, which also received an honorable mention award for page design.
Award winners included:
n Emelina Coss, Ottawa – third place, front page design; second place, front page design; third
place, staff editorial; third place, feature photo; first place, staff editorial; first place, arts review; third place, news column; second place, editorial writer of the year.
n Eric Lockwood, Peru – third place, news photo; third place, news story; second place, multimedia story.
n Makade Rios, DePue – second place, sports photo
n Wes Ruppert, La Salle – second place, news column
n Grace Mertel, Oglesby – first place, headline; second place, sports game story;
n Jake Gerding, Seneca – first place, sports game story.
helped the community and how the community has helped them.
“This event gives attendees a glimpse into that history while looking forward to the future,” said Beattie.
While IVCC is moving into its second century, its focus remains the same. Innovation and helping students succeed.
“Our goal is to continue growing, listening to our students, and serving their needs,” Beattie emphasized. “We want to keep improving every day for them.”
With a guest list of already 1,000, the gala is also open to the public. Tickets are $125 per guest or $800 per table of eight. To request an invite contact Tracy Beattie by email @ Tracy_Beattie@ivcc.edu or by phone at 815-224-0550. RSVP no later than Friday March 14, 2025.
E D I T O R I A L
Every February, our nation observes Black History Month—a time to honor Black Americans’ achievements, contributions, and resilience throughout history. But why is this celebration so important? In a world where history is often told through a narrow lens, Black History Month serves as a vital reminder that the story of America is incomplete without the voices, struggles and triumphs of Black individuals.
Black history is American history. From the fearless leaders of the Civil Rights Movement to the innovators, artists and scientists who have shaped our culture and society, Black Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation we live in today. Yet, for too long, these contributions were overlooked, minimized or erased from textbooks and classrooms. Black History Month challenges this narrative by shining a spotlight on stories that deserve to be told and celebrated. Take, for example, figures like Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to lead others to freedom through the Underground Railroad, or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream of equality continues to inspire generations.
Consider the brilliance of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel to space, or the artistry of Maya Angelou, whose words continue to resonate with readers around the world. These individuals, and countless others, remind us of the power of perseverance, creativity and courage in the face of adversity.
Although Black History Month isn’t just about looking back; it’s also about looking forward. It’s a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made—and the work that still needs to be done. Despite the advancements of the past, systemic racism and inequality persist in our society. From disparities in education and healthcare to ongoing struggles for justice and representation, the fight for equality is far from over. Black History Month encourages us to confront these challenges head-on and recommit ourselves as a society to building a more just and inclusive future for us all.
For students, Black History Month is an opportunity to learn, grow and engage with history in a meaningful way. It’s a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Black community, to
celebrate its achievements, and to recognize the ongoing impact of racism and inequality. By educating ourselves and others, we can break down stereotypes, challenge biases and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Inclusivity and awareness of these issues are an important part of safety on college campuses everywhere. There is no place for ignorance in our education system.
Ultimately, Black History Month is a call to action. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just something we read about in textbooks—it’s something we live, shape and carry forward. By honoring the past, we can inspire a new generation of leaders, thinkers and changemakers who will continue the fight for equality and justice.
So this February, let’s not just celebrate Black history— let’s commit to learning from it, amplifying it and ensuring that it’s woven into the fabric of our collective story. Black history is American history. It’s our history, and it’s up to all of us to keep its legacy alive.
Hey Eagles! I hope everyone is having a great semester.
I just wanted to update everyone on what happened at the February board meeting.
Tenure was approved for Jonathan Hubbell, Sara Lagrenzi, Dr. Camden Parks, Shannon Slaight, and Jennifer Timmers. Congratulations to you all!
Some more exciting news! The board has approved training simulators for the Truck Driver Training program. These simulators will improve
driver training by providing experience with various weather and road conditions.
I also want to share details about the upcoming sophomore elections.
Petitions will be available from Monday, March 17 through Monday, March 24, and can be picked up outside Cory Tomasson’s office.
Be sure to submit yours by 4 p.m. on March 24. Elections will take place on Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4.
Positions for election
include Student Trustee, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, two Sophomore Representatives, and two Sophomore Programming Board Members.
Getting involved in Student Government is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference on campus. Don’t hesitate to run because you won’t regret it!
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions. You can contact me at my email: trustee_ student@ivcc.edu.
Editor: Emma Coss
Sports Editor: Sam Bima
Photo Editor: Ashton Watkins
Graphics: Sonja Penney
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.
March 17-24
Petitions available
April 3-4 Elections
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
Read the IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history online.
To join the staff, contact lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu
By Nick Graham IV Leader Staff Writer
Tickets are now available for ‘Hello Dolly!’
The cast will feature Tamra Challacombe as Dolly Gallagher Levi, Rebecca Eltrevoog as Irene Molloy, Ali Rimmele as Minnie Fay, Kelly Johnson as Ernestina, Seth Edwards as Ermengarde, Greg Tullis as Horace Vandergelder, Jake Jakielski as Cornelius Hackl, Gennaro Piccolo as Barnaby Tucker, Xavier Barham as Ambrose Kemper, and Doug Bartelt as Rudolph Reisenweber.
The company ensemble includes Tyler Bienemann, McKenzie Bruce, Azlyn Bachman, Ethan Darrow, Lucas Fraga, Eva Horwath, Matt Masters, Katie Monaghan, Ellie Radtke, Jacob Roller, Reid Rynke, Michael Shaw, Alex Stafford and Nikki Walsh.
The show will be April 3-13. Performances will be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees will be at 2 p.m. A link to the online box office will be available at: https:// www.ivcc.edu/theatre.
Rapper DJ Lee (above) address students about the history of Hip Hop during a Black History Month event in the Student Life Space. Students (at left) go through the food line at the annual Soul Food Buffet. Student Government Association sponsors the dinner.
IV Leader photos/Ashton Watkins
Illinois Valley Community College’s Medical Assisting program has earned initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Dean of Health Professions Heather Seghi called the accreditation “a gold standard” that gives students confidence in their training and signals to potential employers that graduates meet nationally recognized competencies.
Kaity Ritter, program coordinator, said graduates are eligible to earn a nationally recognized Certified Medical Assistant credential through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Medical Assistants perform a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, urgent care facilities, or private practices.
Applications for the Fall 2025 program are being accepted through May 1.
SOPHOMORE RECOGNITION
By Sam Bima
IV Leader Sports Editor
The IVCC Men’s Basketball regular season has officially come to an end with an 11-19 record.
On Saturday, Feb. 22, The Eagles honored their sophomores at their final game in their home gym.
The Eagles played Rock Valley College and “lead majority of the game until some timely three-pointers by RVC and untimely turnovers by IVCC” decided the bout in favor of Rock Valley.
Sophomore Roderick Watson-Pearcey leads in points-per-game for the Eagles with 15.2, while Qu’amar Hobbs is a close second with 12.8.
Roko Jurasovic leads the team in rebounds with 7.5 and Watson-Pearcey leads in assists with 2.7.
The Eagles will travel to
No. 4 seed Rock Valley on Thursday, Feb.27 for the start of regionals.
The women’s basketball team finished with a 3-22 regular season record.
Women’s basketball resumed this year after the season was canceled last year due to a lack of players.
This year, the team also struggled early with having a full roster due to illness and injury; however, nine players played in the team’s final regular season game on Feb. 22 vs. Rock Valley College. The Eagles lost the contest 81-35.
Freshman Jasmine Garman, a La Salle-Peru High School graduate, led the team this year with 11 points per game.
The women’s team did not qualify for regionals.
Basketball season ends Page 7
Submitted for IV Leader