IV Leader The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College Volume 56 Issue 7 february 17, 2022
news:
childcare at ivcc ivcc’s recent hires feb. 10 board meeting Pages 2-4
opinion:
modeling world lacks diversity local businesses Page 5
arts:
‘don’t look up’ review Page 6
iv leader photo/hope beelman
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news
february 17, 2022
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Students advised to complete 2022-23 FAFSA By Nyah Nowakowski IV Leader Staff Writer
The 2022-2023 FAFSA application is still available to apply for and submit. Financial aid benefits students and families as they seek types of aid that allow them to attend college. The IVCC website explains that the college teaches people about financial aid programs, how to apply for assistance, manage financial aid funds, and fulfill their responsibilities as financial aid recipients. Additionally, the website states that financial aid packages may not reflect the student or family’s current financial circumstances. Students can complete the Special Circumstance form if they have experienced loss of income, death, divorce, illness, etc. to have their financial aid reconsidered. Students may discover af-
ter submitting the online FAFSA application that they could qualify to receive other grants. Students should submit a FAFSA application sooner rather than later. Financial aid director Eric Johnson recommends that students complete the FAFSA as soon as possible and that students will need their 2020 tax documents for the 2022-2023 FAFSA. “Reach out to the financial aid office if you do not receive an award letter in the mail or a missing documents letter,” Johnson added. Students can apply for the 2022-2023 FAFSA at either fafsa.ed.gov or studentaid.gov. Students can stop by the financial aid office located in CTC 101, email either the office at financialaid@ivcc.edu or Eric Johnson at eric_johnson@ivcc. edu, or call (815) 224-0438 for additional help or questions.
One Book, One College continues We will be continuing our conversations from the fall semester with a professional talk with Luke Tomsha, Founder and Executive Director of the Perfectly Flawed Foundation in LaSalle, Ill., that will include his perspectives as someone who directly works with opioid use, addiction, and substance use issues in our community. There will be additional opportunities continuing through the spring semester. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to these events and conversations, regardless of whether you have read this year’s text selection, Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight Against the
Drug Companies That Delivered the Opioid Epidemic by Pulitzer Prize winning Investigative Journalist Eric Eyre. However, if you are interested in reading and have not yet, Jacobs Library has copies for check out. The first panel discussion of the new year for One Book, One College was recently held on Wednesday, Feb. 16. All are encouraged to visit ivcc.edu/onebook for more information on upcoming events. Ongoing opportunities to stay connected include featured films, such as Opioids, Inc. and Warning: This Drug May Kill You, as well as viewing the provided readings and resources.
Graphic/Emme Bottom
IVCC to offer childcare with YMCA By Ricardo Diaz
IV Leader Staff Writer
Illinois Valley Community College is working with the Illinois Valley YMCA to recruit employees to work at the new Child Activity Center that the college is planning to open once there are enough employees. Matt Seaton, IVCC’s Vice President of Business Services and Finance, said, “We hope that this service eliminates a barrier for student enrollment. Many prospective students are hesitant on enrolling for courses due to child care issues. This service is being set up to help alleviate those
concerns.” This service is being offered tentatively to all students at IVCC, meaning both part-time and full-time students will be able to take advantage of this service. There is no application to get your child enrolled in the Child Activity Center. All that will be needed is basic information about the student and child, contact information, and allergen information if any, on the first day. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, moving forward this may be extended if there is a demand for it.
news Student Spotlight: Jamarion Jones iv Leader
february 17, 2022
By Nathan Orlandi IV Leader Staff Writer
JAMARION JONES
Submitted Photo
Recent high school graduate and IVCC student Jamarion Jones plans to transfer this fall.
Jamarion Jones is an 18-year-old freshman currently attending Illinois Valley Community College for the 2021-2022 school year. Jones graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 2021 and is currently enrolled in five classes at IVCC, most of which center around business or his general education classes. His favorite of those being macroeconomics as he finds the large scale activities of the economy to be intriguing. Jones is planning on transferring to Illinois State University in the fall of 2022 to pursue a degree in the business field. Jones adds, “I want to pursue a degree in business because of the many opportunities it presents and learning the information on how the business world works will be helpful in everyday life.” He currently does not participate in any school-related activities or extracurriculars as his schedule is quite busy. Jones currently balances a part-time job which he works four days
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a week as well as exercising daily, hanging out with his friends, and staying on top of his schoolwork which he makes his number one priority. “I would give credit to my parents first and foremost for being very supportive whenever they can be, and then myself, knowing that one bad day isn’t going to ruin my future,” stated Jones when asked who his main support systems are for getting through his day-to-day life. When asked about his experience at IVCC, Jones replied with, “My experience has definitely been a good one because you can start to understand more of what college really is. I would definitely recommend a person come here first if they’re not totally ready to go to a university at the moment like I was.” Jones’ favorite aspect of IVCC is the friendliness and the overwhelming amount of support that the instructors offer. He especially appreciates the fact that teachers are willing to help and do not see it as a burden. As for his least favorite part, it would be the short amount of time with quick deadlines for some of his work in different classes.
Financial Aid welcomes new advisor By Hope Beelman IV Leader Editor
Before assuming his role at Illinois Valley Community College as a financial aid advisor, Ashton Linson earned his associate degree and transferred to Aurora University in Aurora, Ill. where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business and Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management. “I have always been a passionate sports fan and wanted to learn about the intricacy that took place behind the scenes to provide fans with the game day experience,” explained Linson on why he chose to study his specific majors. Originally from Streator, Ill., Linson has always enjoyed the tight-knit feeling of the Illinois Valley community and being close to his family. “I’m excited to be a part of IVCC and hope to help make the college experience less stressful,” Linson stated when asked what students should
know about him. Keina Arteaga, a financial aid student worker, described Linson as a happy source of energy with a refreshing attitude. “Ashton is also a very kind person who is always eager to help a student or student worker,” Arteaga expressed. Although he began working as a financial aid advisor in November 2021, Linson previously started at IVCC as an Enrollment Services Assistant in admissions, records, and registration last summer. “Since returning to IVCC as staff, everyone I have encountered is passionate about the students and helping them achieve their goals as they prepare for their future,” elaborated Linson. Financial aid director Eric Johnson described Linson as intelligent, energetic, and dynamic. His fellow advisors appreciate his eagerness to learn and take on the daily challenges financial aid pres-
ents with a positive attitude. “Ashton is a great team player and is catching on super quick,” stated advisor Isamar Taylor. “In such a short period of time, he is already understanding the financial aid process, and does a great job in communicating with his coworkers and students!” Additionally, advisor Jill Wohrley expressed how Linson is quickly setting in as a valuable member of the team. “Financial aid is a complex process, and he is already demonstrating a good understanding of how to best meet the needs of our students,” Wohrley said. “We are lucky to have him here at IVCC!” Outside of helping students receive aid to attend college, Linson enjoys hiking, reading, watching sports, spending time with his family, and playing board and video games. Additionally, he noted one of his greatest achievements was working in the front office of an NHL team.
IV Leader Photo/Hope Beelman
ASHTON LINSON
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news Six IVCC instructors granted tenure february 17, 2022
By Drake Weber
IV Leader Staff Writer
The Illinois Valley Community College board has approved all six tenure recommendations for the following: Nick Fish, an Emergency Medical Service instructor; David Garrison, a mathematics instructor; Richard Marko, an automotive technology instructor; Amber Robertson, a nursing instructor; Tony Sondgeroth, a welding instructor; and Stephen Gibson, an industrial maintenance instructor. The board congratulated each and everyone of them on their accomplishments. IVCC President Dr. Jerry Corcoran reported that Kaity Ritter, Medical Assistant Program Coordinator, has rescheduled the Medical Assistant Pinning Ceremony for Friday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in the Cultural Centre. Around 17 graduates from 2020 and 2021 are eligible to participate. Dr. Corcoran stated, “Join us if you can.”
The annual employee recognition event will be held at Grand Bear Lodge on Friday, April 22 from 4-7 p.m. The event honors IVCC employees for their continuous hard work. Furthermore, a $4.4M grant application was submitted for the EDA support of phase two of the Agriculture Complex. According to the governor’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal, the college will be receiving a five percent increase in funding for base operating and equalization grants as well as a five percent increase for adult and technology education and MAP grants. IVCC will be making adjustments for course fees. This will include adjustments to 114 course fees with 59 increases, 48 decreases and seven new courses. Moreover, Dr. Corcoran shared his excitement about the new Ottawa YMCA building that will be finished in less than two years.
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It will be “literally only a stone’s throw” from the IVCC Ottawa Center, according to Dr. Corcoran. With the location of the new YMCA being so close to the extension center, it can provide exposure for future enrollment and also lead to new opportunities of partnership for IVCC and the YMCA. To add, the meeting started with a moment of silence for Jimmie Lansford, who was a past IVCC board member for eight years. Lansford was inducted into the IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame and was considered one of IVCC’s biggest supporters. Dr. Corcoran also states that even though enrollment has decreased, he is optimistic and encouraged by all the work that is being done across IVCC’s campus. Corcoran concluded his report on a positive note by commenting on how he believes “good things lie ahead for IVCC.”
Criminal Justice’s recent hire
COVID-19 SHIELD Testing
By Drew Farrell
COVID-19 SHIELD testing is offered on-campus for students and employees in the Cafeteria on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 2-7 p.m., and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Janelle Sobol and Stephanie Coons (pictured below) help with the process of testing. Tests are free and take around 10-15 minutes with results available within 24 hours.
IV Leader Staff Writer
ing students learn about the criminal justice system to help achieve their education and career goals.” Criminal justice is any workforce that relates to law. This may include being a judge, security guard, or a policeman. Hubbell first got his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University in 2009 and his master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati in 2016. He is currently working on getting his doctorate in higher education administration by 2024 at ISU. Hubbell’s overall experience includes public speaking, program coordinating, and class instructing.
This year, at Illinois Valley Community College, there is a new instructor for the Criminal Justice program. Jonathan Hubbell was recently hired in January as the Criminal Justice program coordinator and instructor. Before taking his job here at IVCC, he had been teaching and working within the criminal justice field in the Bloomington area for nearly 15 years at the local colleges and McLean County Court Services. Hubbell says that he will “work his hardest to get tenure” here at the college. He exSubmitted Photo plained that he, “enjoys helpJONATHAN HUBBELL
IV Leader Photos/Madison Miranda
opinion
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february 17, 2022
E Modeling world and fashion industry lack diversity D I T O R I A L Although great strides have been made regarding the promotion of diversity and inclusivity in the modeling world and fashion industry, the Eurocentric standard continues to be upheld by society as the embodiment of allure and beauty. Diversity and inclusivity in the industry are essential in tackling underrepresentation among those of different sizes, races, religions, and abilities. The industry has set the standard of beauty, which tends to exclude minority groups. Not only is this harmful to those in the modeling world, but also to young girls who begin to believe society’s unrealistic expectations of what beauty is. An article titled One Size Does Not Fit All: The Rise of Diverse Fashion Models written by Saida Dahir from the Berkeley Political Review explains “The Doll Test” which tested young girls to see if they preferred a doll with European features or one with African features. They continued to choose the one that fit the Eurocentric beauty standard and associated many positive attributes with it. “People of color who grow up in a world that tells them white is beautiful will impose these unrealistic views on their children,” stated Dahir. “Colorism, selfhate and skin bleaching are all consequences of Eurocentric beauty standards.”
Media and modeling representation for young girls in minority groups allow them to envision themselves in the same position and promotes acceptance. It provides them with encouragement and the confidence to believe they are capable of achieving whatever they put their minds to. Additionally, those in underrepresented communities may begin to feel negative impacts on their mental health as the Eurocentric beauty standard continues to be praised and noted as superior. Many models have similar features; therefore, celebrating plus-size models, uplifting those with disabilities, and encouraging models of all ages and religions to be acknowledged in the media, is essential in advocating for a change. Furthermore, agencies must be inclusive when casting and hiring people to represent their brand. Tokenism is extremely harmful to those of underrepresented communities as it provides a false impression to the models involved and minority groups. The modeling world and fashion industry have the ability to promote diversity by welcoming models from different backgrounds and providing them with opportunities to show society and young girls that beauty does not only derive from European features.
IVCC students share favorite local businesses in the Illinois Valley By Hope Beelman IV Leader Editor
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IV LEADER STAFF Editor: Hope Beelman Sports Editor: Noah Simon Staff: Madison Miranda, Macy Anderson, Drew Farrell, Itzia Casas, Drake Weber, Nyah Nowakowski, Elisabeth Farrell, Nathan Orlandi, Emma Zelenik, Ricardo Diaz, Grace Spolec, Hope Stunkel IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, is published monthly by students of Illinois Valley Community College. Editorials and columns express opinions of student and staff members and do not necessarily express the views of IVCC, the administration or the Board. Editorial opinions are those a student editorial board. Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the IV Leader Office B-316, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691. IV LEADER ONLINE www.ivleader.com
IV Leader Photos/Hope Beelman
FOLLOW @IVLEADER IZABELLA NANEZ Nanez explained some of her favorite local businesses are located in downtown LaSalle, Ill. They include Kea Roze Boutique and Petals by Peyton, a plant shop and full-service florist.
FRANCESCA EGGERSDORFER
JULIA SAMEK Eggersdorfer enjoys many local Samek stated her favorite spots businesses including Bruce and in the Illinois Valley are John’s Ollie’s, a cafe in Utica, Ill. She Place, Jeremiah Joe Coffee, and also mentioned Jeremiah Joe Maven Salon, a full-service Coffee and the Duque Institute salon specializing in hair, nails, of Martial Arts. and more.
Read the IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history online.
INTERESTED IN THE IV LEADER? Contact Hope Beelman at K0036453@ office365.ivcc.edu or Lori Cinotte at lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu.
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arts A look inside Netflix’s ‘Don’t Look Up’ february 17, 2022
By Grace Spolec IV Leader Columnist
Ironically, things are looking up for the film Don’t Look Up directed by Adam McKay featuring well-known actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and Jonah Hill, along with other famous performers. The film has been on Netflix’s Top Ten for seven weeks now. Full of suspense and comedy, Don’t Look Up deserves to be in the Top Ten. Kate Dibiasky, played by Lawrence, is a quirky astronomy student at Michigan State University working toward her doctoral degree with the help of her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy, played by DiCaprio. One night while celebrating, they discover a comet is headed straight toward
Earth at a very fast speed. These two actors do an absolutely amazing job at portraying their characters. DiCaprio, when off-screen, is well-known for his activism as he is very present with climate change and helping to save the Earth, which is why many people believe he executed this role so perfectly. Some who watched the film believe that the comet is a metaphor for climate change. As stated, DiCaprio is well-known for his campaigns for climate change. Many believe climate change is not real or serious, similarly, those in the film, such as the roles Streep and Hill play, lack concern and are indifferent to the issue which is reflected by their reactions to the comet. This can make Don’t Look Up a little controversial. In the film, there are many subtle remarks
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about how our modern society acts. While Dibiasky and Mindy try to tell the world that the comet is coming soon, people blow it off and do not take it seriously. Netflix originals tend to have these patterns. They will secretly put little stabs in their films that reflect society’s behavior, which either makes the audience love or hate them. Crowds loved the witty and blunt humor in the film which made watching it so enjoyable. However, some believed it was “over the top” and “cringey,” the only way to form an opinion on it is to see it yourself. I urge you to check out Don’t Look Up if you enjoy a good laugh and suspense.
Official Photo from Don’t Look Up Netflix Page
sports
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february 17, 2022
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IV Leader Photo
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FINGER ROLL Norman Haynes lays the ball in for two of his 11 points on Feb. 10 vs. the Kishwaukee Cougars. IVCC won 59-56 in an Arrowhead Conference matchup.
Eagles battle on court By the IV Leader Staff The Eagles have compiled a 10-16 record as of press time in a season that has been affected by COVID. The team saw games canceled in early January, but they have been able to return to the hardwood and build toward regional play. Freshman Dakota Deverteuil has led the Eagles thus far in scoring with 12.2 points per game. Sophomore Reggie Loury and freshman Norman Haynes each add just over 10 points per game with sophomore Braden Edington chipping in over eight. Deverteuil also added six rebounds per game for the Eagles.
No. 5 10 11 12 13 20 21 22 23 24 30 32 33 42 50
Men’s Basketball Roster Name Hometown Braden Edington Terre Haute Dakota Deverteuil La Salle-Ottawa Reggie Loury Riverside Jalen Brown Harker Heights, TX Abraham Pantoja Bayamon, PR Andre Ballard Miami, FL Will Meliska Sparland Abboud Chidiac Beirut, Lebanon Norman Haynes Jacksonville Charles Craig-Walker Waco, TX Tyler Gustafson Wyanet Latrell Coulter LaSalle Gunnar Jauch Spring Valley AJ Lee Baton Rouge, LA Kobin Harris Maui, HI / Maui
CONTROL Freshman Taylor Quiram backs down a defender on her way to the basket during a Feb. 10 game vs. Kishwaukee College.
Athlete Spotlight: Taylor Quiram By Emma Zelenik IV Leader Staff
Taylor Quiram, a freshman at IVCC, has been juggling her first year of collegiate basketball with a full-time school load. The Princeton High School graduate has been dealing with her team being short-handed because of COVID-19 protocols, concussions and other injuries. Still, though, she has been able to contribute to her team, playing the entire 40 minutes of the game the last few games as the team is down to five healthy players who are suited up for game days. The guard/forward averages 8.3 points per game for the Eagles. Quiram said her favorite part about IVCC is “the free schooling, but it also gave me a chance to meet new people and continue playing and improving the sport I love.” Quiram plans to major in accounting, so she has to take a lot of math courses. She has learned to balance the classroom demands with the demands of basketball.
IV Leader sports Volume 56 Issue 7 february 17, 2022
eagles battle on court athlete spotlight Page 7
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