I am BH

I Am Black Hawk College

John Meineke 1

I Am Black Hawk College Black Hawk College 6600 34th Ave Moline, Illinois 61265 Copyright Š 2010 John Meineke and Black Hawk College All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Author Editor Photography Design Student Intern Researcher Publisher

John Meineke Mary R. Schmidt Mike Winter Akiko Edmondson Crystal Crayne John Meineke and Black Hawk College

Printed in the United States of America, 2010

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Dedication To the students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and community who are Black Hawk College

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Table of Contents The College Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Board of Trustees and Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Vision, Mission and Core Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Dr. R. Gene Gardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 College History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Dr. Richard Underbakke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Alumni Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Returning Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 The Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Gwen Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 College Clubs and Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Carrie Calderon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Emma Rikard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 English as a Second Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Jasmin Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Black Hawk College Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Black Hawk East College Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Lifelong Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Faces of Black Hawk College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 To Our Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 District 503 Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

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Acknowledgments There are many people who helped make I Am Black Hawk College a reality. Interim President Dr. Gene Gardner provided the inspiration for the book. Student intern Crystal Crayne helped contact many of the people featured on the following pages. Mike Winter has taken tens of thousands of photos in more than 20 years at the College. Most of the photographs in I Am Black Hawk College are his work.

Akiko Edmondson spent countless hours on the layout and design of this book. Her efforts are greatly appreciated.

Faculty and staff provided more names and stories than were possible to include. Their interest in the project and passion for the College are greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Gwen Johnson for her open office door and valuable suggestions.

Mary Schmidt and Shelly Wells Cain provided insight and direction and more than a little editing.

I appreciate their efforts reading the book numerous times with a red pen. Finally, thank you to Chanda Dowell and Dr. Rose Campbell for their encouragement and support.

I hope you enjoy I Am Black Hawk College!

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The Black Hawk College Seal In May 1969, Black Hawk College adopted the official college seal. The focal point of the seal is the “Y” or large fork, and it symbolizes the up reaching spirit. A flame appears at the top of the design representing knowledge, specifically the knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences programs. The philosopher’s sign is positioned on the left representing the human intellect that is present in adults who participate in continuing education. On the right is the chemical sign for basic metals, representing vocational and technical education. The Latin phrase “Collegium Pro Populo” appropriately translates as “College for the People.” The year the College was founded, 1946, was added to the seal in the early 1970s.

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Black Hawk College Quad Cities Campus 6600 34th Avenue Moline, Illinois

East Campus 26230 Black Hawk Road Galva, Illinois

Black Hawk College Board of Trustees Steven J. Ballard, Chair Evelyn L. Phillips, Vice Chair Sonia R. Berg, Secretary John T. Ahern Donna M. Frye Mike F. O’Brien Diana K. Shreck Kate P. Longley, Student Trustee

Executive Administration Dr. Richard Underbakke, President Dr. Rose Campbell, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Instruction/ITS Dr. Dick Vallandingham, Vice President for Student Services Chanda Dowell, Vice President for East Campus Leslie Anderson, Chief Financial Officer Kathy Malcolm, Director of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness Karen Boyd, Director of Human Resources www.bhc.edu Printed in USA 2010 9

Black Hawk College Vision: Total accessibility, quality instructional programs, student-centered services, and strategic alliances position Black Hawk College as the preferred choice for education and training.

Core Values: • • • •

Appreciation of Diversity Caring and Compassion Fairness Honesty

• Integrity • Respect • Responsibility

Mission: Black Hawk College provides the environment and resources for individuals to become lifelong learners.

Goals: We carry out this mission by: • Providing the best atmosphere for successful academic student outcomes • Providing the best atmosphere for continued career learning • Providing the local and global community with continuing education • Operating within the framework of our identified institutional core values • Providing leadership in community and economic development through training, partnerships, and services.

Strategic Priorities • Connecting with learners by providing dynamic educational programs and improving service and support in a cost-effective manner • Connecting with community by building partnerships, increasing awareness by district residents, and providing world-class facilities • Connecting internally by providing leadership development, building synergistic relationships, and employing technology to appropriately improve work processes

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Dr. R. Gene Gardner hen Dr. Gene Gardner became the director of adult and continuing education at Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in 1967, he began a career of service that would span five decades and positively impact thousands of people.

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Dr. Gardner earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 1976 and was named Lagomarcino Laureate in 1992. He served as Vice President of Institutional Services and board secretary for 10 years at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1986 Dr. Gardner was named president of Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa. He continued in that position until 1997 when he was named executive director of the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees, a position he held for 10 years.

Retirement called in 2007 and Dr. Gardner looked forward to the next stage of his life. But slowing down wasn’t part of the plan. In spring 2008, he was an adjunct professor of statistics for the College of Business/Public Affairs at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa; and in August 2008, Dr. Gardner was named Interim President of Black Hawk College. He continued in this capacity until the end of 2009, turning the reins over to newly named president, Dr. Richard Underbakke.

In the short time Dr. Gardner served as Interim President at Black Hawk College, he saw what a special place the College is. He knew it was special because of the people that are Black Hawk College. Dr. Gardner wanted a means to tell representative stories of these people and some of the amazing things they have accomplished. He was the inspiration for I Am Black Hawk College.

We thank Dr. Gardner for his service and leadership. There will always be a part of Black Hawk College in him, and a part of him in Black Hawk College. He will be missed.

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Black Hawk College Quick Facts • • • • • • • • • • • •

Annual enrollment of approximately 12,000 credit students Approximately 6,000 continuing education and workforce training students annually More than 118 career programs More than 40 transfer programs Average class size : 17 Located in Illinois Community College District 503 Serves an area that includes all or parts of nine counties in northwest Illinois District 503 covers 2,200 square miles More than 400 full-time employees More than 350 part-time employees More than 175 student employees Revenue Sources * Tuition .......................................................................................33.8% * State Funding ............................................................................28.6% * Local Funding ...........................................................................22.7% * Federal Funding & Other Sales and Services ...........................14.9% • Over a lifetime, the student who earns a two year college degree will earn $400,000 more than someone with a high school degree or GED

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Black Hawk College History n the 1940s, an entire country had turned its attention to a war half a world away.

Young American GIs shipped out to Europe and the Pacific. Parents, brothers, sisters, wives and girlfriends said goodbye, not knowing if this was the last time they would see their loved ones. Each tear shed carried with it fear and hope.

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The war was eventually won and soon thousands of soldiers would be coming home.

Quad City community leaders realized the GIs would need training and education to move from soldier to productive citizen. In 1946 Moline Community College was founded to provide education and training to World War II veterans. The college was organized into three divisions – Moline Cooperative Extension of the University of Illinois, Terminal Course Division to provide career training and Adult Education Division geared toward personal enrichment. The nation recovered from the war years, and the Quad Cities enjoyed prosperity and growth during the 1940s and 1950s. As households became more prosperous, higher education and career training became possible for more people.

Moline Community College became Black Hawk College in 1961, and it was the first county-wide junior college in Illinois. The College became part of the Illinois state system of higher education in 1965 with the passage of the Illinois Public Junior College Act. With this membership came the Black Hawk College commitment to continue its mission of service to transfer, career, and adult education opportunities.

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As the decade of the 1960s grew older, turbulent times spread across the nation.

The war in Vietnam grew unpopular, and many college campuses were sites of protests and violence. Despite national turmoil, Black Hawk College continued to grow; and the citizens recognized that it was an important part of the western Illinois community. Expansion to Kewanee, Illinois, occurred in 1967 when classes were offered at the Kewanee National Guard Armory and the Kewanee High School.

Demand exceeded expectations and plans for a campus near Kewanee were developed.

The Black Hawk College East Campus was opened in 1971 at its present site five miles south of Kewanee.

The two campuses, Quad Cities in Moline and East Campus near Kewanee operated separately from 1971 through 1989. The College petitioned the North Central Association to unify the campuses in 1986, and the Illinois Community College Board approved the request for the College to become one college with two campuses in 1989.

Today, Black Hawk College serves Illinois Community College District #503, an area that includes all or part of nine counties in western Illinois from the Quad Cities east to Kewanee and south to Wyoming. The College serves nearly 20,000 transfer, career and adult education students each year. It is difficult to find a citizen of District #503 whose life has not benefited from Black Hawk College.

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The Presidents of Black Hawk College

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Dr. Gerald W. Smith (Director)

1949 – 1954

Dr. William French (Director)

1954 – 1956

Dr. Richard E. Whalen

1962 – 1966

Dr. Alban E. Reid

1966 – 1977

Marvin Schiess

1977 – 1977

Dr. Richard Puffer

1977 – 1987

Dr. Herbert C. Lyon

1987 – 1993

Dr. Charles E. Laws

1993 – 1994

Dr. Judith A. Redwine

1994 – 1999

Dr. John H. Anderson

1999 – 2000

Dr. Keith Miller

2000 – 2008

Dr. R. Gene Gardner

2008 – 2010

Dr. Richard Underbakke

2010 – Present

Dr. Richard Underbakke President, Black Hawk College r. Underbakke became the thirteenth president of Black Hawk College when he assumed his responsibilities in January 2010.

His path to Black Hawk began at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa, where he was a student in the automotive technology program. He transferred to Des Moines Area Community College as a non-traditional student, working full-time while earning his Associate in Liberal Arts.

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Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and a Baccalaureate degree in Business and Economics was the next stop for Dr. Underbakke. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and finally his Doctorate in Organizational Behavior from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dr. Underbakke has had an interesting and diverse career. He started in the auto industry as a technician and was self-employed in agriculture. Next he became an instructor in business, social sciences, and automotive technology at Des Moines Area Community College. He returned to Northeast Iowa Community College and served as Dean of Agriculture, Business, Computers, Industrial Technology, Math and Science.

Dr. Underbakke moved to Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa, as Chief Academic Officer.

In 2005, Dr. Underbakke was named president of Cloud Community College in Concordia, Kansas.

Under his leadership student enrollment reached historic levels as he focused on faculty development, facility improvement, creation of success strategies for students, and deeper connections between community and the college.

Dr. Underbakke assumes the responsibility and continues the tradition established by his predecessors: to lead Black Hawk College boldly into the future as a western Illinois leader in education for credit and non-credit students alike.

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The Black Hawk College Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame The Quad Cities Campus Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding graduates who made an impact on the College while attending and who have gone on to make contributions to their communities and the world.

James D. Albracht

Monty Dolieslager

Lane Evans

Reggie Freeman

Michael Grchan, Deceased

Gordon Greer

Lt Cmdr. David Hebdon, Deceased

Rick John

Richard Kauzlarich

Lee Lohman

Allen McCaulley

Brent McRae

Patricia O’Conor

Robert Ontiveros

Thomas Rexdale

Dr. Jeanne Roller

Scott Schaefer

John Slover

John A. Tacker

Linnea E. Thompson

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Black Hawk College Hall of Fame Profiles All Hall of Fame members have made significant contributions to Black Hawk College and their communities. Following are a few of their stories.

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Rose Vasquez hen Rose Vasquez graduated from Black Hawk College in 1974 with an Associate in Arts degree, she was well on her way to making a significant impact on her community. Rose was president of the Student Government Association, a member of the Black hawk College Debate Team that qualified for the 1974 Harvard Invitational Debate Tournament and was a student leader in bringing the Midwest Latino Conference to campus. Rose transferred to the University of Iowa and received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1978.

She entered the University of Iowa College of Law and received her Juris Doctorate in 1985. After graduation, Rose joined the Iowa Attorney General’s office and held the position of Assistant Attorney General until 1999 when she was appointed to serve as director of the Iowa Department of Human Rights by then Iowa Governor Thomas Vilsack. In 2002 Rose left state government to join Principal Financial Group, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was assistant director of the company’s affirmative action and diversity programs. From 2002-2004, Rose was an executive-on-loan from Principal leading the Polk County Human Services Planning Alliance. The Alliance was a 2-year collaboration of public and private entities designed to examine ways to transform the community’s human service delivery system. Rose returned to Principal from 2004-2008 and is currently working as an adjunct professor at Drake University Law School. Rose is active at the local and state levels and sits on the Iowa Board of Regents, the governing body of the three state universities in Iowa. She has served on the Drake Law School Board of Counselors, the Des Moines Water Works Board, the Iowa Sesquicentennial Commission and the United Way of Iowa. She was a founding member of the Iowa Child and Family Policy Center and is on the board of Children and Families of Iowa. Rose has received the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award, a Congressional Leadership Award and Drake Law School’s Outstanding Alumna Award.

Rose was named a Distinguished Community College Alumnus by the Illinois Community College Association and is a member of the Black Hawk College Foundation Hall of Fame.

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John Slover ommunities grow and prosper when individuals give more than they take. John Slover is an example of such an individual. John has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Figge Art Museum, President of the Board of Trustees of the Two Rivers YMCA, member of the Board of Trustees of Trinity Health Foundation, Inc., and a member of the Planned Giving Council of Augustana College.

He is also the founder, director and officer of Renew Moline, Inc. John was the former president of the Quad City Estate Planning Council and has served as the chairman of the Endowment Committee of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. John is a member of the Black Hawk College Foundation Hall of Fame.

He attended Black Hawk College, earning an Associate in Arts degree in 1964. He continued his education at the University of Illinois receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966 and his Juris Doctorate in 1969.

John has been a prominent attorney and community leader in the Quad Cities for more than 40 years.

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Reggie Freeman or more than 32 years Reggie Freeman has served the citizens of East Moline, Illinois, in various law enforcement positions.

Reggie began as a patrolman in 1972 and moved into positions that included sergeant in-charge of traffic, captain in-charge of investigations, criminal investigator, administrative captain, and chief executive officer overseeing 39 officers and nearly a dozen civilian personnel.

Reggie’s law enforcement career started at Black Hawk College as a student. He received his Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Black Hawk and is a graduate of the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and the Northwestern Traffic Institute Executive Management Program. Reggie has received the East Moline Silvis Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award and is a member of the Black Hawk College Foundation Hall of Fame.

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Dr. Jeanne Roller r. Roller started her academic studies at Black Hawk College earning an Associate in Liberal Arts in 1968. She continued her education at St. Ambrose College earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a Master of Science in Teaching and Elementary Education for Reading from the University of Wisconsin. Jeanne earned a second Master of Science in Child and Youth Study from Nova Southeastern University. She has enjoyed a career in teaching including positions at Mahomet Elementary School and Mount St. Clare College. In 1992 she became a professor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Although now retired, Jeanne continues to supervise student teachers and volunteers at the child center at St. Ambrose. Jeanne has impacted the lives of several generations through her love of teaching.

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Brent McRae rent McRae graduated from Black Hawk College with an Associate in Arts in 1985. While at Black Hawk, Brent had a great intern experience working in Congressman Lane Evan’s office. Brent transferred to the University of Nevada where he received a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration in 1987. He worked in sales and marketing positions and today is the owner and general manager of the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Brent has been active in many industry, community and civic organizations throughout his career. He has been on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors in Rock Island, the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Quad Cities Sports Commission and the Illinois Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Brent was inducted into the Black Hawk College Hall of Fame in 2005.

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Rick John ick John once commented, “Good people attract good people.” His belief in people is one of the ingredients that has helped him become a successful business owner and community leader. Rick spent about 8 years working at Deere & Company in field management before founding The Sedona Group, an entrepreneurial total workforce management company, in 1986. The company has grown to more than 33 temporary staffing offices located throughout the United States that are operated by licensed partners.

There are more than 85 staff members; and through its staffing offices, the company payrolls over 3,500 people each week. The privately owned company enjoys sales of more than $100 million annually. Possibly the best testament to Rick and his sincere interest in people is that staff turnover averages around 2% compared to an industry average in excess of 35%. Longevity and respect foster a collaborative work environment that leads to long term individual and company success.

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In addition to his duties as president of The Sedona Group, Rick has been on the board of directors of Two Rivers YMCA, Black Hawk College Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement, Putnam Museum, Trinity Health Systems Foundation, United Way and US Bank. Rick’s staff share his desire to make the Quad Cities a better place, and they have been active in the community as well. The Sedona Group staff have been involved in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Child Abuse Council, Junior Achievement and United Way. Rick is an example of how one visionary, determined and caring person can positively impact thousands of others throughout his community.

Black Hawk College is proud to count Rick John among its alumni and friends.

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Robert Ontiveros obert Ontiveros graduated from Moline Community College, what would later become Black Hawk College, in 1959 with an Associate in Arts degree. In 1974 Robert launched Bi State Packaging in Moline, Illinois, and set the company on a course of long-term growth. By 1979 the company had an international presence and had changed its name to Group O. By 2007 the company expanded into three operating units providing solutions in packaging, supply chain and marketing. Group O and Innerworkings, Inc., partnered in 2008 to provide print procurement and management services to its growing customer base. Under Robert’s leadership, Group O now employs more than 1,500 people and is the 15th largest Hispanic owned business in the United States.

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Black Hawk College Alumni Stories Each person who passes through the doors of Black Hawk College brings a unique story.

Many are traditional age students with recent memories of high school friends and activities.

Their outward confidence often masks uncertainty and fear as they transition to adulthood and a more challenging academic world.

Another group is the older, non-traditional age students. This group may include the single mother who knows education is the key to a better life for herself and her family, the laid-off worker who doesn’t expect to be called back, or the employee who needs additional training to maintain job skills. Whatever their story, they come to retrain, retool and re-educate for personal and professional improvement.

The amazing stories of the students and alumni of Black Hawk College would fill many volumes, and it is unfortunate every story can’t be told here. Following are just a few that illustrate the caliber of people who are Black Hawk College.

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Kay Luna ay Luna was an 18 year old single mother when she enrolled at Black Hawk College. She went on to receive her Associate’s degree in 1994 and served as the editor of The Chieftain, the college newspaper. Kay transferred to Northern Illinois University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 1996. In 1997, Kay received her Master’s in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois. Kay is now an award-winning reporter, columnist and blogger for the Quad City Times in Davenport, Iowa, and is a morning radio personality on Mix 96 radio.

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Adam Shreck dam Shreck attended Black Hawk College from 2003-2005 and was an agriculture transfer student studying animal science. Adam was in the Agri-Business Club and was a member of the livestock judging team. He transferred to Illinois State University and received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2007. While at ISU, he was an undergraduate research assistant. Adam moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to continue his education and received his Master of Science in Animal Science in August 2009. Adam, a published author, is currently a graduate student and part-time instructor teaching a course in animal science at the University of Illinois. In 2010 he will be a PhD student at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

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Shawnae Taber hawnae is one of three siblings to graduate from Black Hawk College earning an Associate in Applied Science degree. She was attracted to the college because of the excellent reputation of the math department. Shawnae is a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities, has been a business owner and is currently an account executive for OnMedia. She has been active in the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

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John Thodos ohn Thodos received his Associate in Arts degree from Black Hawk College in 1983. He transferred to St. Ambrose University and received his Bachelor in Arts in Business, Economics and Finance in 1985. John has been active in the community serving as Alderman for East Moline from 1995-2003 and has been on the boards of the Quad Cities Botanical Center, Rock Island Arsenal Development Group, and Quad Cities Development Group. John has served as past Chair of the Bi-State Transportation Committee. He is also a member of Rotary and Optimist and has served on his church council. He is currently serving his second term as Mayor of East Moline and recently graduated from the Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Army War College’s National Security Seminar.

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Dr. James Sears he 1972 edition of Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges includes many people who went on to achieve great things. Black Hawk College graduate Dr. James Sears is among that elite group of outstanding people. Jim graduated from Black Hawk with an Associate in Arts degree in 1972. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy, served during the Vietnam Conflict, and obtained the rank of MM1 (SS).

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After completing a six year tour of duty with the Navy, he returned to Black Hawk to complete pre-engineering requirements and earned an Associate in Science degree in 1979. Jim transferred to the University of Illinois and received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1981. While working at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jim received his Master of Science from the University of Illinois.

In 1985 he returned to the University of Illinois to complete his PhD in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on processing advanced materials.

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Jim has held professional positions in advanced materials processing with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Retech, ALCAN, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory and Lockheed Martin (KAPL). He is currently Director of Additive Manufacturing at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and is the Executive Director of the Quad Cities Manufacturing Laboratory, a not-forprofit research and development company embedded within the Rock Island Arsenal – Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. He is also Chief Technical Officer for Black Hills Nanosystems, a startup company working on safe armament and is a consultant for Control Systems Technology, a company specializing in flexible robotic environments.

Jim has numerous research interests including rapid solidification processing, powder metallurgy, plasma and laser procession, and spray deposition and fabrication with nano-particles.

He has written over 75 published papers and holds one U.S. patent. Jim is a member of the Metal Powder Industry Federation, American Society of Metals and the Laser Institute of America.

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Sergei Gushkin ergei Gushkin was active in several organizations while attending Black Hawk College, including Brotherhood on Campus and International Student Association. He received his Associate in Arts in 1999 and transferred to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Sergei began his career with Sears and is currently an assistant manager at Walmart in Moline.

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Jana Hergert ana Hergert believes you can achieve your goals and become what you dream. When she was four years old, she had a brain aneurysm. At age 12 she started having strokes which affected her memory and left her legally blind and paralyzed on her left side.

Learning by traditional means became difficult; but from a young age, Jana had wanted to be a teacher. She persevered and in 2007 received her Associate in Arts degree from Black Hawk College. She is back on campus for additional classes and plans to transfer to Western Illinois University. Jana has been awarded two Black Hawk College Foundation scholarships and volunteers for Phi Theta Kappa and Clean-sphere. She also helps in the classroom at Roosevelt Elementary School in Moline. Jana is working to fulfill her life-long goal of becoming a teacher.

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Alissa Carlson raduating from high school as the Salutatorian of her class, Alissa Carlson had many post-secondary options available to her. She chose Black Hawk College. While at Black Hawk, Alissa was active in theatre and appeared in the production of Hellcab in which she experienced her first on-stage kiss. She was also a member of the Broadcast Club and had the opportunity to work as an on-air TV reporter and anchor. Alissa received her Associate in Arts in Communications/TV Broadcasting in 1995. She transferred to Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communications/ TV Broadcasting in 1997. In 2006, Alissa received her Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University and is currently Chief Meteorologist at KGET in Bakersfield, California.

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Beth McAvoy eth McAvoy graduated from Black Hawk College in 1989 with an Associate in Applied Science in Child Development. Beth has spent her career working in the child care field serving as director in centers ranging from eight children to more than three hundred. Beth currently operates Charger Child Care in Orion, Illinois, and is active in the Main Street Orion organization.

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Troy Coziahr roy Coziahr found hands-on experience to be invaluable in learning agriculture. He graduated in 1991 with an Associate in Applied Science in Agriculture Business Management and especially enjoyed the intern experience he received. Troy transferred to Illinois State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education in 1994. The University of Illinois was Troy’s next stop. He received his Master of Science in Crop Science in 2001. Today, Troy is an agronomist at Monsanto Research Farm in Monmouth, Illinois. He is also on the Cambridge Academic Board and serves as chair of the Cambridge Parks and Recreation Board.

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Graviel Gomez raviel Gomez received his Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Black Hawk College in 1996. His internship took him to the White House working for the Treasury Department in Washington, DC. While at Black Hawk, Graviel was active in Brotherhood on Campus. He currently works at John Deere in the Engineering Department and enjoys coaching T-ball and a teenage girls’ soccer team in the Latino and Hispanic League.

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Mike Jacobs ike Jacobs carries on the tradition of public service in northwest Illinois as the fourth member of his family to serve in the Illinois legislature. He has been an Illinois state senator serving western Illinois, including most of Black Hawk College District 503, since 2005 and has been active on numerous senate committees including the Insurance, Appropriations I, and Revenue Committees. He also serves as Chair of the Energy Committee and Vice-Chair of the Telecommunications and Technology Committee. Mike received his Associate in Arts degree from Black Hawk College in 1984 and continued his studies at the University of Illinois in Springfield where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1987. He went on to receive a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of West Florida in 1989. Mike has been the recipient of numerous community awards recognizing his contributions and service. He was named legislator of year by the Illinois Public Transportation Association and best politician in the Quad Cities by the River City Reader in 2007. Mike has also been recognized by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, the Illinois Farm Bureau and Success Network.

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Paula Rummels aula Rummels received her Associate in Arts studying radio and television in 1992. She transferred to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, earning her Bachelor of Science degree. Next, Paula attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, earning her Master’s degree in Marketing. Paula is currently the Assistant Director of Administration at Brown Mackie College in Moline.

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Chad Pregracke had Pregracke often thinks back to a time several years ago when he was finishing his Associate in Arts degree from Black Hawk College. Balancing a job with homework wasn’t easy, especially for Chad, because he was living on a houseboat with five other people somewhere near St. Louis with no computer access, limited phone service and no real address. Chad was working to clean the Mississippi River at the time and was well into his life’s work of improving the environment with a focus on our nation’s waterways. With the help of instructors who believed in him, Chad persevered and received his degree from Black Hawk. Earning his degree was important because he knew it would help him achieve his life’s dream; a dream that would eventually impact thousands and raise the consciousness of a nation.

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Growing up in the Quad Cities, Chad experienced many of the things young boys do; but it was the Mississippi River that captured his heart. He spent countless hours on the river with his family, and he often camped on its islands. It was during this time he started noticing the trash and pollution that were consuming the river and destroying its very life. Chad decided something needed to be done; and it was up to him to do it, one old tire at a time.

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As Chad’s efforts intensified and garnered increased attention, he knew others shared his dream. In 1998 he founded Living Lands and Waters, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the environmental restoration of our rivers and streams. Since its founding Chad has turned his dream into an organization that includes several paid staffers who coordinate thousands of volunteers annually on numerous river restoration projects. Chad and Living Lands and Waters have won numerous national awards including the Jefferson Award for Public Service in the United States in 2002. This award is America’s version of the Nobel Prize for Public Service, and Chad was honored with other recipients that included Rudolph Giuliani and Bill and Melinda Gates. Chad has also been awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, for his work in education and the environment. He received the Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Manhattan Institute of Public Policy and has been featured on numerous television shows and in national and international magazines.

Worldwide acclaim often changes people. They begin to believe their press clippings and lose focus on what is important. Spend five minutes with Chad and you quickly see a man who remains grounded in his beliefs and true to his dream. He will tell you every award, every article and every television show is nice but impossible without his dedicated staff and thousands of volunteers. Chad had a dream to save our lands and rivers. What started out as the mission of one man is now the mission of many. His positive attitude, engaging personality and ability to share his dream with others are what make Chad Pregracke an amazing person; his humility and compassion are what make him special. Chad Pregracke is Black Hawk College.

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Brenton Earl n 1994 Brenton Earl graduated from Black Hawk College with an Associate in Liberal Arts and Science degree. He continued his education at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, earning a Bachelor’s degree. While at Black Hawk Brenton was captain of the men’s basketball team. Today he is an independent business consultant and serves as the minister at Progressive Baptists Church in Davenport, Iowa. Brenton volunteers at Youth Hope, formerly known as Christian Friendliness, and enjoys working with at-risk youth in the Quad Cities.

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Dorian Earl orian Earl was active in many college organizations during his years at Black Hawk College.

In addition to playing on the men’s basketball team, Dorian was involved in student government, African-American Student Union, Voices on Campus and Brotherhood on Campus. He earned his Associate in Arts degree and transferred to Marycrest International University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Dorian now works for Patterson Dental Supplies in Chicago, Illinois, as an outside sales executive. He also owns two businesses, Vincent International and Development Sports Consultants and is active in sports training and coaching.

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Michelle Peterson ichelle Peterson wasn’t sure where life’s road would take her as a senior at Moline High School, so she answered the call of service to her country and enlisted in the National Guard.

As a member of the Guard, she was eligible for a scholarship to any state college or university. She chose Black Hawk College, enrolling in general education courses. Michelle was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society while at Black Hawk, and today she is an Account Executive at WHBF TV Channel 4 in the Quad Cities.

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Pat Nunn Allison n 1991 Pat graduated from Black Hawk College with an Associate in Applied Science in Child Development. She continued her education at Western Illinois University, receiving a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Sociology. Pat then attended National Louis University in Chicago, earning a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration and is considering a PhD. She has earned infant-toddler, early childhood education and Illinois Director credentials. Pat continues to support the learning of Black Hawk College students by speaking in Professor Bachelder’s classes and providing intern opportunities at Skip-A-Long Day Care in Rock Island. She is currently Coordination Director at the Center.

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Jericho Winter ericho Winter graduated from Black Hawk College in 2005 with an Associate in Arts degree. In 2007, she graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Science in Geography with an emphasis in Natural Environmental Systems. Jericho continued her education at NIU receiving her Master of Science in Geography with a specialization in Physical and Environmental Geography in 2009. Her educational career featured two intern opportunities. In the summer of 2007 Jericho worked for the Illinois EPA through the Governor’s Environmental Corps program. Then in the summer of 2008 she worked as a soil and wetland intern performing wetland restoration work with V3 Companies, a Chicago area firm. Jericho is currently working for the United States Department of Agriculture – Oregon Natural Resources Conservation Service as a soil scientist.

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Eric Ballard hen Eric Ballard enrolled at Black Hawk College, he was unsure what area of study to pursue.

After taking television production classes, Eric found his niche and made a career decision.

He graduated in 1996 with an Associate in Arts degree studying broadcasting and continued his studies at Illinois State University receiving a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in 2002. Eric is an Assistant Technology Director for the Student Auditorium at Illinois State University. Eric found that by keeping an open mind you never know what direction your life will take.

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Sonia Berg onia Berg was a single mother a few years out of high school trying to raise three children and unsure of her future and theirs when she decided to take control of her life. Black Hawk College was instrumental to her plan, and she enrolled in classes as a nontraditional student. She knew balancing school, children and work would not be easy; but Black Hawk was close and the tuition was affordable. It was a decision that helped change her life. After working in the social services field for a number of years, Sonia has been active in community development and is a community leader and volunteer. She is currently active on the boards of United Neighbors and Two Rivers YMCA. She serves as the Moline Housing Authority Commissioner, Moline Human Rights Commissioner, and Illinois Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and is on the Emerging Markets Advisory Council of the Illinois Bankers Association. She volunteers with Junior Achievement, United Way Day of Caring and Habitat for Humanity Financial Literacy program. Sonia appreciates the difference Black Hawk College made in her life and the many ways the faculty and staff worked to help her succeed. As an elected member of the Board of Trustees, Sonia now has the opportunity to help others enjoy the benefits of Black Hawk College.

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Brad Ruggles rad Ruggles received his Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Art, studying radio and television in 1993. Brad is the now the Creative Service Manager at KLJB, FOX Channel 18 in Davenport, Iowa. He also currently serves as secretary of the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors and volunteers for the Children Avocet Center.

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Heidi Hernandez eidi Hernandez saw the world differently than most children. Her vision was of colors and shapes and patterns all fitting together to create a vivid image in her mind. Capturing what she saw and transferring it to canvas helped explain her discoveries to others. As Heidi matured, her artistic ability grew, and her dream of becoming an artist and sharing her talent was nearing reality.

Heidi enrolled at Black Hawk College and earned an Associate in Arts degree in 2003. She transferred to St. Ambrose University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and a minor in Art History in 2006. Today Heidi shares her gift as a K-5th grade teacher in Geneseo, Illinois. She is also involved in the FIGGE Artist in Residency program and has been voted the Best of the Quad Cities for Visual Art by the River Cities Reader. Heidi has served as a judge for local art shows and displays her work locally and in surrounding states.

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Yolanda Grandberry olanda Grandberry participated in the Bridges Program at Black Hawk College in 1992 and 1993. This program provided Yolanda with the skills necessary to be a successful student. After completing the program, she enrolled at Illinois State University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Education.

She received her Master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Study from the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. Yolanda then returned to the Quad Cities and currently teaches English at Rock Island High School in Rock Island, Illinois, and serves as a youth advisor for NAACP. Yolanda was named to Leaders Under 40, a program sponsored by the Black Hawk College Foundation that recognizes community leaders.

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Kelsey Heaton elsey Heaton is currently an Administrative Researcher and Assessment Manager in the Professional Placement Industry in Davenport, Iowa. She is responsible for research and recruiting executive search candidates for a variety of businesses and industries and implements company marketing strategies. Kelsey began her post-secondary education at Black Hawk College completing general education courses. She then transferred to St. Ambrose University receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a minor in Management. While at Black Hawk, Kelsey was a member of the Student Government Association. As a youth, Kelsey attended College for Kids at the College.

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Kate Longley ate Longley came to Black Hawk College East Campus from Aledo, Illinois, about an hour west on Highway 17. The East Campus provided Kate with the small town sense of community she was looking for. It also had great agriculture programs and was very affordable compared to larger schools. A bonus for Kate was that she could continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level.

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In her first year on campus, Kate didn’t stop long enough to catch her breath. In addition to a her studies, she was involved in Student Government Association, Agri-Business Club, Community Arts Council of Kewanee, Mechanics Club and was a member of the 2008 East campus women’s volleyball team.

During her sophomore year she was the Student Government President, Black Hawk East Foundation Board student representative, and was a member of the Soil Judging Team, Mechanics Club and Agri-Business Club.

Kate graduated with an Associate of Science in Agriculture, but she wasn’t done at Black Hawk College. She returned for a third year to earn her Associate of Science in Agriculture Production. In addition to continuing her involvement in many organizations, Kate was elected to the Black Hawk College Board of Trustees as the 2009-2010 student representative and served on the Illinois Community College Board Student Advisory Committee.

Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, figures prominently in Kate’s future. She plans to transfer to ISU and complete a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. Kate hopes to eventually have a career on the family farm near Aledo.

Extraordinary people like Kate Longley are what make Black Hawk College a special place.

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Steve Ballard teve Ballard has served on the Board of Trustees of Black Hawk College since 1993 and is currently the board chair.

His relationship with the College, however, started years earlier during the farm crisis of the early 1980s. Steve was working at John Deere at the time and, like so many of his co-workers, was laid off in 1983. With a young family at home and few employment options because of the deep economic recession gripping the Quad Cities, Steve enrolled at Black Hawk College as a non-traditional student. He graduated in 1986 with an Associate in Applied Science in Management and Marketing. He returned to John Deere in 1989 and continued there until 2003 when he was named assistant warden at the Illinois Correctional Facility in East Moline, Illinois. He was promoted to warden in 2009. Steve also serves on the Rock Island County Board of Supervisors and is a member of the Mercer County Farm Bureau. Steve believes Black Hawk College helped change his life, and his service on the Board is a way for him to give back by helping to change the lives of others.

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Kyle Tobias yle Tobias received his Associate of Fine Arts degree from Black Hawk College in 2004 and transferred to Western Illinois University, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication.

Kyle continued his education at WIU receiving his Master of Science in Sports Management in 2009. Kyle recently completed an internship with the Quad Cities River Bandits baseball team, the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. While at Black Hawk, Kyle worked at WQPT TV and was active in theatre. He was inducted into the Black Hawk College Theatre Hall of Fame in 2008. Kyle has recently worked at Tri-States Radio Reading Service for the Blind in Macomb, Illinois.

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Michael Carton ike Carton enrolled at Black Hawk College in 2002 and earned his Associate in Arts in Elementary Education in 2004. Mike transferred to Western Illinois University and received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and is now a first and second grade teacher at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science in the Rock Island/Milan School District 41. While at Black Hawk, Mike was involved in Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Beta and was the United Way Student Campaign Coordinator, blood drive organizer and participant in Relay for Life. He has volunteered at WQPT Public Television and XStream Cleanup. Mike’s fondest memory of Black Hawk College was the day he met his future wife, Rebecca, through the honor society.

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Brett Lohman rett Lohman received his Associate of Arts from Black Hawk College in 1980 and continued his education at St. Ambrose University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1982. Brett credits the Black Hawk faculty with making his college experience a true education. These were educators who not only taught him but also advised, mentored and counseled him. Brett is the co-owner of Lohman Companies Insurance and is very active in the Geneseo community.

He has served on the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Board as president and as a member on various committees and is past president of the For Tomorrow Foundation. He has also served as Geneseo Airport president, Geneseo Community Development Board president and past president, the Hammond-Henry Hospital capital campaign cochair, and on the Town & Country Board. Brett was named the Geneseo Chamber Businessman of the Year in 1999 and is a past chairman of the Black Hawk College Foundation.

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Katie Weeks atie Weeks hadn’t spent much time around horses until she enrolled at Black Hawk College East Campus. Her experience with horses at Black Hawk changed her life. Katie graduated from Black Hawk in 2005 with an Associate in Applied Science in Horse Science Technology and Equestrian Science. She is studying to be a veterinarian at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and now owns four horses. College is about opening minds and discovering possibilities, and this happened for Katie at Black Hawk College.

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Brandi Littig ollege can be a challenge by itself, but add to it a job and family, and it can get complicated quickly. When Brandi Littig attended Black Hawk College, she balanced work, the responsibilities of being a single mother, and her studies. Brandi knew it wouldn’t be easy but she was up to the challenge. She received her Associate in Applied Science in Child Development from Black Hawk and has enjoyed a career at Growth Inc., Child Care Center in Geneseo, Illinois. Brandi has served in several capacities at the center and is currently the Assistant Director.

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Jack Viviani ack Viviani was the first member of his family to receive a college degree when he graduated from Black Hawk College with an Associate degree in Business. He continued his education transferring to Western Illinois University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1980. Jack also attended graduate classes at New York Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He is employed with America Restaurants and Inns as the managing partner at Johnny’s Italian Steak House on the John Deere Commons in Moline, Illinois. Professional awards Jack has received include Marriott’s Associate of the Year in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and the Top Associate for Heart of America in 2006. Jack has also served as president of the board of March of Dimes and president of the board of PAWS.

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Steve Doehler hen Steve Doehler reflects on his career, his first thoughts are often of Black Hawk College.

Steve enrolled at Black Hawk working on general education classes and thinking about career options. He transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design in 1990. Steve attended the School of Transportation Design in Thortzhien, Germany, as part of the foreign exchange program while at UIC. Steve continued his education and earned a Master of Arts in Industrial Design from Ohio State University in 1995. He currently works at the University of Cincinnati as Assistant Professor of Industrial Design and is the student advisor for the Industrial Designers Society and the School of Design Foreign Exchange Program. Steve is the owner of ID Works, a consulting business that specializes in new product development and touch screen graphical user interface design.

He is also a founding partner of 4Med, a company that focuses on medical device product development.

Steve holds numerous patents including the “desk chair for prevention of repetitive stress injuries” and “ergonomic fluid dispenser” patents. He participates in the Elementary Sports Booster club in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Terry Predmore n 1979 Terry Predmore graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Twenty-two years later Terry was laid off from his job and faced an uncertain future. He realized he needed to update his skills to be attractive to potential employers and turned to Black Hawk College for help.

Terry was anxious about becoming a student again at the age of 44; however, he found the faculty to be very interested in his success.

He gained the computer skills he needed to be placed in a non-traditional work assignment in the Manufacturing Engineering Department at John Deere. In 2007 Terry was hired as a full-time manufacturing engineer and is currently Senior Engineering Analyst in the John Deere Seeding Group. Terry is pursuing a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at St. Ambrose University.

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Duane Olson n 1982 Duane Olson received his Associate in Science degree from Black Hawk College East Campus with an emphasis in agriculture. Duane was involved in the Agri-Business Club and was active on the livestock judging team while at Black Hawk. After graduation, Duane transferred to the University of Illinois, receiving his Bachelor in Science in Agriculture Economics in December 1983. In May 1987, he received his Masters of Business Administration from Illinois State University. Duane was named Manager, Human Resources Strategic Planning, Policy and Compliance for Deere & Company in May 2009 after serving the company in a variety of positions. In this position, Duane is responsible for the effective management of the global human resources function, including strategic planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement coordination. He also manages company policy development and works with government affairs to develop positions regarding human resources strategy and direction. Duane is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Management Accountant and a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional. He has served as chairman of the Coalition on Health Savings Account Coordination and has worked with members of Congress on national health care reform. Duane has been a leader in human resource management and health care insurance plans, has served as CFO for a rural hospital and developed a skilled nursing facility. He still finds time to support his community in many ways. He has been a member of the Peoria International Optimists Club and the Izaak Walton League of America and is active in his church. Duane has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of DeWitt County Human Resources Center and is active in Pheasants Forever serving as chapter officer for the Rock Island/Henry County Chapter. Nearly thirty years later, Black Hawk College still plays an important role in Duane’s life. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Black Hawk College Agri-Business Alumni Club and has been on the Board of Directors of the Black Hawk East College Foundation and served as board chair.

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Returning Graduates Thousands of students come to Black Hawk College each year to pursue their educational and career goals. The College is fortunate to have many students return as faculty and staff to continue the tradition that is Black Hawk College.

Following are just a few of their stories.

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Stephanie Allers tephanie Allers graduated cum laude from Black Hawk College in 1998 with her Associate in Arts in Psychology. She was a non-traditional student active in Psi Beta, Phi Theta Kappa, and Peer Counselor-Aides; and she worked as a student tutor. Stephanie continued her education at Western Illinois University receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in 1999.

She received her Master of Science in Human Services, Professional Counseling from Capella University in 2001 and her post-graduate certificate in Education, Teaching and Training in 2002, also from Capella University. Stephanie returned to Black Hawk College as an academic advisor in the Student Services Department and is also an adjunct faculty member in the Social and Behavioral Science Department. Stephanie is active in many community organizations, including Project Now, United Way of the Quad Cities, Team Building Blocks Ropes Course Youth Volunteer, Lutheran Services of Iowa, and the Quad Cities Animal Welfare Center. When Stephanie finds time to relax, she enjoys traveling, hiking, biking and skydiving.

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Brian Arnold uring his high school years in northeast Indiana, Brian Arnold wanted to find a college where he could receive a high quality education and continue his love of livestock judging at the national level. Brian evaluated all the possible choices and identified Black Hawk College East Campus as his first pick. After visiting campus, meeting with the instructors and touring the facilities, his choice to be part of the Black Hawk College tradition was confirmed; he left northeast Indiana for East Campus. Brian graduated from Black Hawk in 2003 with an Associate in Science degree.

He was on the livestock judging team and was a member and officer of the Agri-Business Club.

Brian transferred to Purdue University and received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Agri-business in 2005. He has returned to the East Campus as a member of the faculty and is an instructor in Agriculture Business in the Applied Science Department. He is also the college livestock judging co-coach and is a board member of the college Ag Alumni Association. Brian represents Black Hawk as a youth livestock judge at shows across the country.

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Leslie Anderson nspiration often comes from unexpected sources. Leslie Anderson was considering several majors when she enrolled at Black Hawk College; but Paula Carvero, accounting instructor, inspired Leslie to focus on that field. Paula’s passion for the subject and engaging teaching style provided the spark that led Leslie to pursue a career in accounting. After receiving her Associate in Arts degree in 1997, Leslie transferred to Western Illinois University, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business and her Master of Business Administration.

Leslie is currently the interim Vice President for Finance at Black Hawk College and serves on the Health Insurance Oversight Committee.

She is active in numerous professional accounting organizations, is a certified public accountant and holds a Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Leslie was honored with the College’s first GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year 2009 budget.

She is also the website administrator for the Mississippi Valley Baseball League and an amateur sports photographer.

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Paula Tigerman hen Paula Tigerman enters the classroom as Associate Professor in the Department of Business and Office Technology Education, she thinks back to her years as a student at Black Hawk College. Paula earned her Associate in Arts degree in 1993 and still remembers the caring faculty that mentored and encouraged her to achieve her goals, something she strives to do for her students. Paula earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose University and her Masters in Accountancy from Western Illinois University. Paula is very active at Black Hawk and in the community and has served as Chairperson of the Alternative Delivery Committee, the Faculty Development Committee and numerous hiring committees. She has served on Faculty Senate committees, acted as business department liaison for the Teaching Learning Center and as co-advisor to Alpha Beta Gamma. Paula has also been involved as a volunteer with Keep Rock Island Beautiful and Habitat for Humanity.

In 2004, Paula was honored by the Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants with their Outstanding Educator Award in recognition of her professionalism, leadership and teaching.

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Albert Stacy lbert Stacy wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after graduating from high school. Black Hawk College was the right choice for him because it provided a great education, was affordable and was close to home. He was the first person in his family to attend college, so selecting the right school was very important. Albert received his Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees from Black Hawk in 1998 and was active in Brotherhood on Campus.

While a student at Black Hawk, Albert was impressed that the staff and faculty cared about him as a person and were genuinely interested in his success. He knew Black Hawk was the type of place he wanted to make a career. Albert received his Bachelor of Science degree in 2002 from Western Illinois University and continued at WIU receiving his Master of Science in 2006. Albert is back at Black Hawk as a mathematics instructor in the department of Mathematics and Computer Science. He has been active on several college committees and is a member of AMATCY and IMACC.

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Barb Virtue arb Virtue started her long relationship with Black Hawk College in the 1960s when she enrolled in classes to enhance her skills as an administrative assistant. The national recession of the 1980s contributed to the failure of her employer’s business, and Barb was forced to make some career decisions. She joined the college as an employee and resumed her pursuit of her degree by enrolling a second time at Black Hawk. In 1993 Barb received her Liberal Arts and Science Transfer degree. She transferred to Western Illinois University earning her Board of Governor’s degree in 1997.

Barb currently serves as Program Coordinator of the Business & Community Education Center and has contributed to the College beyond her service as an employee. She has been involved with the Travel and Tourism Board, Health and Wellness, System Transitions, and myblackhawk committees. Most significant of Barb’s contributions is her leadership in the College for Kids program. She has coordinated the program 23 of its 29 years and has seen enrollment grow by 100%.

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Aaron Callahan s a boy growing up in southern Minnesota, Aaron Callahan had no idea his passion for horses would eventually turn into a career he could only dream of. When Aaron reflects back on his youth, he has to smile about how things have turned out. He is now associate professor in Equine Science in the Applied Science department at Black Hawk College East Campus. Aaron started his education at East Campus earning a degree in equestrian science in 1994. While at Black Hawk, Aaron was a member of the Agri-Business club and the world champion horse judging team. After graduation, Aaron attended West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. Aaron has been the Black Hawk College horse judging team coach since 1999, served as the Agri-Business Club advisor and contributed to many college committees. He is a member and director of the National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association, member of the Professional Rodeo Association and life member of the American Quarter Horse Association. Aaron also holds a degree in horse shoeing from the Minnesota School of Horse Shoeing.

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Andrew Larson ndrew Larson has had dirt under his fingernails his entire life and wouldn’t have it any other way. He is the third generation to grow up on the family farm south of Galva, Illinois.

In addition to working on the farm as a youth, Andrew also helped out area farmers and worked at the local co-op. After graduating from Galva High School, Andrew enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years as an aviation electrician mate. While in the Navy, Andrew completed several classes at Montgomery County Community College in the Philadelphia area. He was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Galva, enrolling at Black Hawk College East.

He completed his Associate in Science degree and transferred to Illinois State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences.

Andrew joined the Knox County Health Department as coordinator of the Environmental Division. He was accepted to the University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumers and Environmental Sciences Master of Science program. Andrew’s graduate studies included several graduate assistantships, and he completed research on nutrient cycling in soil and transport of nutrients from agriculture fields to surface and ground water. He received his Master of Science in Agronomy in 1998. Andrew is currently associate professor of agronomy at Black Hawk College and serves as the crops and soils judging team coach. In his spare time, Andrew farms and raises registered Angus cattle, show chickens and ducks.

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Richard (Rick) Fiems ick Fiems started his career in law enforcement as a military policeman in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. At that time, Rick was selected to attend Military Police Investigators School in Kaiserslaughtern, Germany. After his honorable discharge from the service in 1974, Rick enrolled at Black Hawk College and received his Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement in 1976. He transferred to St. Ambrose University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. In 1988 Rick earned his Master’s in Police Administration. Since 1990 he has been a professor in law enforcement at Black Hawk College.

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Black Hawk College has been an important part of Rick’s life. He was a police officer at the college from 1975-1977 and from 1978-1980.

After serving as the Port Byron Police Chief, he returned to Black Hawk College in 1982 joining the force as training coordinator. In 1985 Rick was named Black Hawk College Police Chief and continues to serve in that role.

Rick has written and appeared in more than 20 training videos for the Law Enforcement Television Network and the Professional Security Television Network and has co-authored The Protection Officer Guidebook with Professor Chris Hertig from York College.

After more than 30 years as part of the Black Hawk College tradition, Rick is planning his retirement and looks forward spending time with his family and fishing with his dog Hank.

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The Faculty College memories are a collage of people, events and places. They may include new friends, a biology lab partner, chess games in the lower lobby and membership in a club or organization. But most often the lasting memories from college are of the professor who sparked an interest or paved the way through a tough class. The faculty at Black Hawk College are dedicated to the growth and success of our students. It is impossible to recognize each one individually in this book, but Professor Gwen Johnson is a great representative.

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Professor Gwen Johnson rofessor Johnson recently received a letter from a former student living in Colorado that reminded her why her career has been so satisfying. The letter started by saying, “Dear Professor Johnson, You probably don’t remember me but I’ll never forget your sales class that I took more than 10 years ago. I am now managing a staff of salespeople and use many of the principles that I learned in your course.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom.”

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Professor Johnson has been impacting students like this at Black Hawk College for more than 25 years. She joined the College in 1981 as an adjunct professor and director of the Business Resource Assistance Center at the East Campus. In 1987, she moved to the Quad Cities Campus and is currently a professor and Department Chair of the Business and Office Technology Education Department. Throughout her tenure at Black Hawk, Professor Johnson has been a leader in and out of the classroom. She is a published author and has chaired numerous committees, including the Academic Affairs Committee, the Professional Growth Committee, the Records and Procedures Committee and various hiring committees. She has also served on the Faculty Senate as Vice President and as a member of the Accelerated Scheduling, Promotion Review and Student Learning Committees.

College is more than just studying, and Professor Johnson has been active in providing a complete college experience to Black Hawk College students. She is the co-advisor of Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society, has served as coordinator of the Black Hawk College Study Abroad Program, and has opened her home as an international student host. She has also served as the Black Hawk College representative on the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs and on the Tech Prep Initiative at High Schools.

With every new semester, Professor Johnson looks at the fresh faces in her classroom and believes she can create a curiosity in her students that will inspire them to learn and think. The letter from her former student reaffirms her belief that her efforts are worthwhile. The faculty of Black Hawk College is truly outstanding and Professor Johnson is one example of what makes Black Hawk a special place. Professor Johnson is Black Hawk College.

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All Roads Lead To Black Hawk College Our faculty have advanced degrees from some of the best colleges and universities in the world.

These are just a few.

Arizona State University Augustana College Baker University Ball State University Case Western Res. University Central Methodist College Central Michigan University Clark College Cleveland State University Coe College Drake University Eastern Illinois University Eastern Washington University Governors State University Hollins College Illinois State University Iowa State University Iowa Wesleyan University James Madison University – Virginia Marycrest International University Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Missouri State College Northeast Missouri State University Northeastern Illinois University Northern Arizona University Northern Illinois University Ohio State University Oregon State University Pennsylvania State University Pittsburg State University Rutgers University Simpson College 66

South Dakota State University Southern Illinois University St. Ambrose University St. Louis University St. Xavier University Texas Tech University Trinity College of Nursing University of Arizona University of Cambridge, UK University of Chicago University of Connecticut University of Dubuque University of Georgia University of Idaho University of Iowa University of Illinois University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Nebraska University of North Dakota University of Northern Iowa University of Osteopathic Medicine University of Sarasota University of South Dakota University of Texas University of Utah University of Wisconsin Valparaiso University – Indiana Washington State University West Texas A&M University West Virginia University Western Illinois University Western Michigan University

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Black Hawk College Clubs and Organizations African-American Student Union Agriculture Business Club Alpha Beta Gamma (Business Honor Society) Art Collective Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) Association of Latin-American Students Black Hawk Theatre Club Bridges Club Broadcasting Club Brotherhood on Campus Buddy Mentoring Club Campus Ministries Chi Alpha Child Development Club Clean Sphere Delta Sigma Omicron College Democrats ECKANKAR College Jazz Society Habitat for Humanity College Republicans Instrumentation Society International Association of Administration Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship Military Students and Veterans Club Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Psi Beta (Psychology Honor Society) Quad Cities Name Society Sisterhood on Campus Social Action Connection Soccer Club Student Ambassadors Student Government Association Unity Alliance Voices on Campus

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Black Hawk College Athletics Black Hawk College fields athletic teams at the Quad Cities and East Campuses. The Quad Cities Campus is home to men’s basketball, baseball and golf teams and women’s basketball, volleyball and softball teams. Home games are played on the campus with about 100 student athletes participating in all sports. The East Campus features men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball with more than 30 student-athletes participating. Home games are played at the National Guard Armory in Kewanee. The teams from both campuses are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Arrowhead Conference.

Black Hawk College has a strong athletic tradition. Since 1970 the College has produced 73 conference championship and 26 Region IV championship teams. Twelve Region IV championships have been won since 2000; one in men’s basketball, two in women’s basketball, three in golf and six in softball. Sixty-four Black Hawk College athletes have been named All-American since 1959, and 39 have been named Academic All-Americans since 1992.

In spite of the success on the field and on the court, the coaches at Black Hawk College understand that playing days eventually end for every athlete and receiving an education is the primary goal. Black Hawk athletes routinely succeed in the classroom, and teams often achieve team grade point averages above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The Braves at the Quad Cities Campus and the Warriors at the East Campus practice hard, play hard and study hard. Experience the thrill of the game and put Black Hawk College athletics on your schedule!

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Carrie Calderon Coach, Teacher, Mentor arrie Calderon and her Black Hawk College softball teams have experienced incredible success since Carrie assumed the head coaching responsibilities in 1994.

They have won fifteen Arrowhead Conference Championships, made sixteen Region IV Final Four Tournament appearances, captured six Region IV Tournament Championships and made six National Tournament appearances. Carrie has coached eleven NJCAA All-American athletes and has a career record of 574 wins against 168 losses for a career winning percentage of 77.3%. Carrie was inducted to the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV Hall of Fame as a coach in 2007.

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These accomplishments are truly amazing, but they aren’t the most important things to Carrie. Her satisfaction comes from seeing young women achieve in the classroom and in life.

Carrie has coached thirteen NJCAA Academic All-Americans and has won ten consecutive Black Hawk College Vice President Academic Awards for the highest team grade point average at the Quad Cities campus. The 2009 edition of Braves softball achieved a team grade point average of 3.60 on a 4.0 scale, good for runner-up nationally among all community college softball teams.

Carrie believes softball offers her the opportunity to help her players build character, develop a strong work ethic and enhance their appreciation for team. She doesn’t always recruit the players with the most natural ability. She looks for the hard worker, the player who wants to learn and who can be coached. She is interested in grade point average before softball stats. Carrie seldom talks about winning; instead, she talks about “working and earning.” For Carrie, good things happen with hard work.

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Carrie has distilled her experiences, beliefs and values down to three words; Poise, Heart, Pride. These three words are found on the banner that announces Braves Softball at the college field. And they are often found in the motivational talks she gives her teams.

Poise – “Find solutions to problems. Don’t be consumed by them. Control your emotions and remain above the fray.”

Heart – “Nothing less than 100% in everything you do. This is true in the classroom, the practice field, at the game and in life. Your teammates expect it and so should you.”

Pride – “You are representing yourself, your team, your school and your community.

Make all four proud of you.”

For Carrie Calderon softball is a game, but it is also an opportunity to teach lessons well beyond the dugout and playing field. With every graduating class, Carrie is hopeful her players will take some of these lessons with them as they transition to the next stage in life. And with every incoming class of freshmen, Carrie smiles at the opportunity they present.

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Emma Rikard any times in life we don’t get a “do over” or second chance, and we regret the bad decisions we make. Emma Rikard started on such a path when she dropped out of high school to work full time. Everything seemed to be going well until Emma was injured on the job in 2002. After recovering from her injuries, Emma attempted to find work; but her lack of a high school diploma and poor computer skills were a big roadblock. Increasingly frustrated by her futile efforts to find employment, Emma knew she had to do something so she enrolled in the GED program at Black Hawk College.

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Emma realized an education was the key to a better life, and she knew this was her second chance. She completed the GED program in four and one half months; and though it was hard work, Emma thrived in the program. After earning a GED, Emma began work on her Business Information Technology certificate at Black Hawk College. She was honored to speak at her commencement, and her address stated in part, “I have had many obstacles cross my path in my quest to succeed, but I have overcome them with focus, determination, dedication and a positive attitude. What I learned from those experiences has given me a stronger and more positive outlook.”

Emma had come a long way in her life and had beaten the odds, but she knew there was more for her to obtain. She continued at Black Hawk and completed her Associate in Applied Science in Business Information Technology. Emma is now working full time as an office manager at a local Quad Cities company and is working on a second Black Hawk College degree; Associate in Applied Science in Administrative Assisting. Emma served as senator for the Student Government Association, was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and is the president of Black Hawk College chapter of IAAP, Illinois Association of Administrative Professionals.

Emma has achieved great things in the years since dropping out of high school. She has overcome obstacles and persevered to achieve her goals.

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English as a Second Language (ESL) at Black Hawk College The story of the Pilgrims is one that most of us recognize as the beginning of immigration to the United States of America. Hundreds of years later, it is hard to understand just how difficult their lives were in the New World; but the personal, political, economic and religious persecution they suffered in their homelands made the opportunity across the ocean very appealing and worth the risks.

The country often struggled to accommodate the surge of immigrants; but the broad expanse to the west, the need for labor, and the desire to reunite with family all contributed to keeping the flow of immigrants, mostly from Western Europe, strong. America also offered something to the world that many countries didn’t: freedom.

The pace of immigration from Western Europe has slowed as many of its countries have matured and adopted democratic governments. This isn’t always the case in other areas of the world, such as Africa, Central and South America and Asia where personal, political, economic and religious freedoms are often limited by authoritarian governments. America is still a place of opportunity and freedom, and immigrants from around the world have found the Quad Cities and Western Illinois an inviting destination or a welcoming stopover.

Many of the immigrants of today experience the same obstacles immigrants have over the centuries.

The ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, prevented or slowed those new arrivals from realizing their dreams; and it continues to be a roadblock for today’s immigrants. Black Hawk College has been at the vanguard of providing the education and training for immigrants to the area giving them the opportunity to contribute to the local economy and society. Visit a Black Hawk College ESL class, and you will find students from Mexico and any one of several Central American countries. They will be from the Sudan, escaping the genocide of Darfur, or evading politically unstable Somalia where warlords are often in control. Students may be from the Togolese Republic (Togo) where half the population survives below the international poverty level of US $1.25 a day. No matter where they are from, these students have one thing in common; a desire to fully realize their potential in their adopted homeland, and they know the ability to communicate is critical to achieving it.

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“The New Colossus,” the Emma Lazarus poem enshrined in the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, summarized the hope that was America for many in the early 1900s and still rings true today.

The New Colossus Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she with silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Education is a lifelong process, and our need for it often changes as our circumstances do. It is a key factor in our ability to fully access opportunity and contribute to society. For many immigrants to the area, Black Hawk College is the first step in achieving their dream.

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Jasmin Anderson Outstanding Young Women of Achievement Award Recipient asmin Anderson has a pretty smile and an engaging personality, but her easy-going demeanor hides a focused and hardworking young woman. Jasmin started working at a local McDonalds at age 15 and was promoted to manager by the time she was 17. At the same time, she was a student at Rock Island High School where she was a member of National Honor Society and the Principal’s Golden Honor Roll. A grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale was the minimum requirement for admission to both organizations. Jasmin was also a member of the Rock Island High School marching band for 4 years, including 2 years as a member of the color guard; and she was a member of the Symphonic Band while at Rocky.

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Jasmin’s hard work and focus paid off when she was named a Black Hawk College Top 10% Academic Achievement Award recipient and received the Martin Luther King Jr. Commitment to Diversity Scholarship. Both are full tuition awards that recognize academic achievement, and Jasmin was honored with the difficult task of accepting one. She chose the Commitment to Diversity Scholarship and is attending Black Hawk as a business transfer student. After graduating from Black Hawk, Jasmin plans to transfer to Western Illinois University Quad Cities Campus to major in business.

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College life has been an adjustment for Jasmin. The classes are more challenging than high school, and the amount of homework has increased. Jasmin has found the instructors at Black Hawk College are genuinely concerned about her success and take time to help her when she needs it. As a Black Hawk College student, Jasmin continues to excel in the classroom. She was nominated to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was inducted in the fall of 2009.

As Jasmin reflects on her time at Black Hawk College, she has memories for a lifetime and many new friendships; and she is well on her way to achieving her goals. When we read about her accomplishments years from now, we will know that Jasmin Anderson is Black Hawk College.

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Black Hawk College Foundation Quad Cities The Black Hawk College Foundation bridges the gap in funding for Black Hawk College Quad Cities Campus to fulfill its mission of creating the environment and providing the resources for lifelong learning. The Foundation Board of Directors is dedicated to providing financial support through partnerships with individuals, organizations and businesses.

Each year the Foundation provides financial assistance by awarding scholarships to more than 100 Black Hawk College students. It also enhances learning opportunities in the classroom by providing needed equipment and supporting special projects that improve student engagement. The Foundation conducts fundraising and awareness events including the Quad Cities Area Leaders Under 40 program, the Hawk Hustle and A Night of Stories Scholarship Banquet. The Black Hawk College Quad Cities Campus students depend on the generosity of the Foundation and its contributors.

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Black Hawk East College Foundation The mission of the Black Hawk East College Foundation is to serve as the primary support partner of the East Campus of Black Hawk College providing for and carrying on activities that facilitate the growth and development of the East Campus. It was organized during the first year of operation of the East Campus and incorporated as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization in 1968 for the purpose of creating a fund to help establish, maintain and support the East Campus of Black Hawk College.

The Foundation’s first project was to raise funds to establish a permanent site for the East Campus and establish a library there. In the years since, the Foundation has provided support for the campus that includes scholarships, building projects, student apartments, equipment and numerous other projects designed to enhance the educational experiences of the students who attend the East Campus.

The Foundation owns and operates Prairie Pointe Apartments, a 24-unit apartment building with a capacity for 83 students, which is located adjacent to the campus. It also owns 65 acres of farm land and provides 55 of these acres for use by the College as an agronomy lab.

The Black Hawk East College Foundation is a vital Black Hawk College East Campus partner.

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Agriculture For many, agriculture is a mysterious business that happens in the country, far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. But in Illinois, agriculture is an important part of the state’s economy; and even though more than one million citizens are directly employed in the industry, the importance of agriculture goes beyond employment statistics. About 76,000 Illinois farms produce enough food to feed more than ten million people each year; and Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn and swine with many farmers also producing dairy, poultry and specialty crops.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture report there are more than 1.3 million cattle, four million pigs and nearly 100,000 sheep in Illinois. Dairy cows produce more than two million pounds of milk annually and Illinois chickens produce more than one million eggs.

Illinois is home to more than 200,000 horses, many of which are used for pleasure riding and recreation.

Illinois farmers exist in an international world depending on overseas customers to purchase a portion of their production. Each year about seven percent of all U.S. agricultural exports come from Illinois, and more than 44% of grain produced in the state is exported. Illinois is the nation’s second leading exporter of both soybeans and feed grains and related products.

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The industry that provides so much to the state’s economy and quality of life is in peril. The Illinois Department of Agriculture reports the number of farms has declined by nearly 50% since the late 1950s, and the average age of Illinois farmers is nearing 55 years old. Black Hawk College recognizes the value of agriculture to the local, state and world economies and offers certificate and degree programs in a variety of agriculture areas. The College has a vibrant livestock, equine, crops and soils judging program; and many Black Hawk teams have won regional and national judging competitions.

The quality of our agriculture programs is acknowledged nationally, and students from as far away as Hawaii have chosen the Black Hawk College East Campus for high quality education and career preparation.

There is no denying the face of agriculture is changing rapidly, and Black Hawk College remains on the cutting edge of agriculture innovation and education. Our graduates are well prepared to enter the world as productive members of the agriculture industry.

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Lifelong Learning Social, economic and technological changes make current processes and even jobs outdated at a dizzying pace. Kodachrome film, immortalized by Paul Simon in song, has now largely disappeared as digital photography is the new standard. A few generations ago, a thirty year career with one company was typical. Today, mergers, acquisitions and even business failures mean many companies no longer last thirty years. The number of times today’s college graduate will change jobs or careers is difficult to measure, but one certainty is that job and career changes will continue to increase as the market values new skills needed for a changing world.

Black Hawk College has long recognized the need to provide programs and skills training to meet these needs.

The Business and Community Education Center (BCEC) was established in 1969 and continues today to identify the educational needs of the Quad Cities and provide short-term career programs, workplace training, professional development, community education, senior classes and youth camps. The Golden Scholars and Golden Opportunities programs were launched in 1999 and remain popular with area seniors. College for Kids serves over 1,000 students each year and brings a small taste of the college experience to our youth.

The College’s Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) department offers instruction and support services for adults in the areas of General Education Development (GED) preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) basic literacy skills, and high school diploma completion. The programs depend heavily on volunteer tutors; and classes are offered at several locations, including the Outreach Center, the Technology Center and the Illinois workNet Center.

Additional classes are held at area churches, community organizations, libraries and schools.

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The College also serves the needs of the community in the eastern portion of the district through the Community Education Center (CEC) located in Kewanee. The CEC provides GED and ESL education; offers a variety of college classes including logistics, math and nursing; and hosts many community events during the year. Private conference rooms are used for everything from Microsoft program certification to GED assessment testing and one-on-one tutoring. The Kewanee Economic Development Corporation and Partners in Job Training and Placement lease space at the Center. The CEC is an important educational resource in Kewanee.

The Business Training Center (BTC) provides customized training solutions to our business and industry clients to help their businesses remain competitive and their employees up-to-date in their skills.

The mission of Black Hawk College is to “provide the environment and resources for individuals to become lifelong learners.� Each of these areas plays an important role in that mission.

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Just a Few Faces of Black Hawk College

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I Am Black Hawk College Thank you to everyone who shared a part of themselves to make this book possible.

The individuals featured here are only a small sample of the amazing people who are and have been Black Hawk College for more than 60 years. There are many more stories that could have been included and, frankly, probably should have been. Stories not told here range from international success, corporate and community leadership, and tending the sick and dying to retraining for a new career when the old one is gone, learning to read after a lifetime of illiteracy, and learning English upon arriving from a war-torn homeland. Amazing people come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds; and each has his or her own remarkable story. So when you meet those who have been part of Black Hawk College, ask them to share their stories. Find out what it means to “be Black Hawk College.�

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To Our Friends We wish to extend a special thank you to all our partners from business, industry, labor and state and local government. Space does not permit each one to be named individually, but we value our relationship with you and appreciate your continued support of Black Hawk College.

Finally, the residents of Illinois Community College District #503 have supported the College for more than 60 years. To each of you we extend our deepest appreciation and thanks. All of you are Black Hawk College.

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Works Cited Beck, Dorothy. Legacy: Unfolding the Future, Black Hawk College at 50. Moline, Illinois.

Black Hawk College, 1996.

Black Hawk College, 2009. Web. http//www.bhc.edu

Black Hawk College Native American Heritage Recognition. Moline, Illinois. The Native American Recognition Committee, 1992.

The Black Hawk College Marketing and Public Relations archives and photography files and the College’s historical records were used extensively in the development of “I Am Black Hawk College.”

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Index Ahern, John T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Albracht, James D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Allers, Stephanie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Allison, Pat Nunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Anderson, Jasmin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Anderson, Leslie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 54 Arnold, Brian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Ballard, Eric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ballard, Steven J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 44 Berg, Sonia R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 40 Boyd, Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Calderon, Carrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Callahan, Aaron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Campbell, Dr. Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Carlson, Alissa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Carton, Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Coziahr, Troy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Doehler, Steve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Dolieslager, Monty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Dowell, Chanda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Earl, Brenton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Earl, Dorian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Evans, Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Fiems, Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Freeman, Reggie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 23 Frye, Donna M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Gardner, Dr. Gene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14, 34 Gomez, Graviel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Grandberry, Yolanda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Greer, Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Grchan, Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Gushkin, Sergei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Heaton, Kelsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hebdon, Lt. Cmdr. David . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Hergert, Jana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Hernandez, Heidi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Jacobs, Mike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 John, Rick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 25 Johnson, Gwen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Kauzlarich, Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Larson, Andrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 110

Littig, Brandi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Lohman, Brett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Lohman, Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Longley, Kate P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 43 Luna, Kay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Malcolm, Kathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 McAvoy, Beth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 McCaulley, Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 McRae, Brent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 24 O’Brien, Michael F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 O’Conor, Patricia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Olson, Duan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Ontiveros, Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 26 Peterson, Michelle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Phillips, Evelyn L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Predmore, Terry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Pregracke, Chad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Rexdale, Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Rikard, Emma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Roller, Dr. Jeanne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 24 Ruggles, Brad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Rummels, Paula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Sears, Dr. James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Schaefer, Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Schreck, Adam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Schreck, Dianna K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Slover, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 23 Stacy, Albert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Taber, Shawnae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Tacker, John A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Thompson, Linnea E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Thodos, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Tigerman, Paula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Tobias, Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Underbakke, Dr. Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 19 Vallandingham, Dr. Dick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Vasquez, Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 22 Virtue, Barb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Viviani, Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Weeks, Katie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Winter, Jericho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

I Am Black Hawk College

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