IVCC_IV Leader_110223

IV Leader The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College Volume 58 Issue 3 November 2, 2023

News:

Scholarship Reception page 3

arts:

Terror in the aisles page 5

opinion:

sga freshmen election winners Page 6

IVcc photo

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news

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

IV LEADER

IV Leader Graphic / Lucy Zavada

Enrollment rises since pandemic Lucy Zavada Staff Writer

Enrollment at IVCC has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic. After talking to Tom Quigley, Director of Admissions, he answered a few questions regarding enrollment that some students may be curious about.

Q: Has covid impacted enrollment?

A: Enrollment did decline

during Covid, however enrollment has been up the last 2 years.

Q: Are students taking more in-person or online classes?

A: I would say students are taking more online classes compared to before Covid.

Q: How is enrollment now, compared to previous years?

A: This year’s enrollment is higher than last years. We are on the right track!

Q: Do we have a culturally diverse student body?

A: Yes, we have international students from many different countries taking classes at IVCC. Q: Are there any new class offerings this spring?

A: I encourage all students to talk to a counselor about new classes and about what classes they should take.

Q: Who can someone call/

contact with questions regarding signing up for classes?

A: They can call a counselor if they have questions about what classes to take. If they need help signing up after they have picked out their classes, they can call the records department.

The Academic Counesling center is open for walk-ins Monday-Friday or by appointment.To reach a counselor call 815-224-0360.

FAFSA opens December 2023

By Logan Bland Sports Editor

FAFSA, Free Application of Federal Student Aid, is an application for financial aid for students who need help with paying tuition each semester. Eric Johnson, Financial Aid Director, took time to address the upcoming applications and changes this school year.

“FAFSA is the key that opens up the financial aid doors,” Johnson said. You must have the form submitted before you are able receive finical aid.

No date has been set to open FAFSA yet but the goal is the end of December. There will be less questions on the applications so it will be easier for

students and parents to complete these forms.

If a student has questions about FAFSA they should go to the financial aid office or email anyone involved with financial aid.

As the open window date approaches, whenever that may be, there will be events on campus for financial aid.

Nearly 1,000 students have some sort of financial aid helping them with college. There is no shame in this. If you need financial assistance, apply.

More information on how to apply for FAFSA can be found at https://studentaid.gov or by contacting our Financial Aid office at 815-224-0440.

IV Leader Graphic / Lucy Zavada

News

IV LEADER

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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IV LEADER STAFF Editor: Emma Coss Arts Editor: Eric Lockwood Sports Editors: Logan Bland Jake Gerding Multimedia Editor: Tanisha Waskiewicz Photo Editor: MaKade Rios IVCC Photo

252 scholarship recipients recognized A total of 252 scholarship recipients and the donors who made their awards possible gathered Thursday night at the annual Illinois Valley Community College Foundation Scholarship Recognition event.

Before an audience of friends and family, recipients collected certificates acknowledging their award and met and talked with the donors who made them possible. In all, nearly 400 people attended the event.

The scholarships amount to $400,000 and represent 173 funds or donors. Some scholarships are awarded to students pursuing specific

programs or activities here or transferring in specific programs to universities, while others support recipients’ community college careers.

The event acknowledges donors and students and “celebrates the commitment of our community to assist students who might not otherwise be able to attend,” said Foundation Executive Director Tracy Beattie. “This is a wonderful program that I hope to continue to expand and create more awareness about.”

Beattie, who was attending her first reception since her appointment to

the position, added: “It was a wonderful evening! I was delighted to meet so many donors and students, and the scholarship stories were so heartfelt. I love that the students were able to make a personal connection to their givers.”

The new scholarship year begins in a few weeks.

Applications for the 2024-25 scholarship year open Dec. 8 and applications are due Feb. 8, 2024. Learn more by visiting the foundation website https://www.ivcc.edu/ foundation/foundationscholarshipshome.php.

Beattie encourages students and prospective

students to research scholarship availability and consider applying. She also invites community members to take a unique opportunity to honor their own history or memorialize a loved one.

“Education is truly one of the greatest gifts, and IVCC offers a very personal and meaningful opportunity to anyone that might want to create a scholarship in memory of someone, in honor of a career or trade, or just to uplift a student.”

Questions can be directed to Beattie at tracy_beattie@ ivcc.edu.

One Book, One College ‘What is God?’ event

IVCC’s Jacob Library will host a One Book, One College event in collaboration with the IVCC Socrates Cafe on Nov. 15 in the Active Learning Space at noon for the topic “What is God?” Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” has been chosed as the college’s One Book, One College selection for the academic year.

Free copies of the book are available in IVCC’s Jacobs Library.

The library also has ebook and audiobook options available.

For more information on OBOC, visit www.ivcc.edu/one- CHEM CLUB Dr. Matt Johll and the Chem Club make liquid nitrogen ice cream book.

Staff: Lucy Zavada, Grace Mertel, Ashton Watkins.

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 Photo/Ashton Watkins

Read the IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history online.

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news

novemer 2, 2023

iv Leader

Lyndsey Beetz AG JOB FAIR Students can attend the college’s second Ag Job and Internship Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 9 in CTC 124-125.

IVCC hosts Ag job, internship fair

By Grace Mertel

IV Leader Staff Writer

IVCC’s second annual Agriculture Job and Internship Fair is approaching.

The event will be at 9 a.m.

Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Peter Miller Community Technology Center, Room CTC 124-125. The event ends at noon.

Agriculture students can look forward to meeting with agri-business employers, learn about employment and internship opportunities, explore careers in science, engineering, and research and get to know local industry leaders, according to Jennifer Timmers, ag instructor and one of the program coordinators.

She views the ag fair as a networking opportunity for students as they learn about the local employers in their field.

However, the event is not just for agriculture students.

Any students in the STEM industry are encouraged to come by to see the various opportunities related to physics, chemistry, plant physiology, agricultural

engineering, ecology, and animal sciences, Timmers said.

According to Timmers, agriculture is more than just farming: It also accounts for roughly 16% of U.S. GDP and is the largest private sector occupation. Many fields of science and engineering come together to make modern agriculture possible.

Therefore, even if students feel their career field might not be related to ag, they may find employers who have jobs for them.

Invitations were sent out to a variety of employers. Participating employers include Green Thumb Industries, Corteva Agriscience, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CNH Industrial, and others.

First-time job fair visitors can expect a personal experience where employers get to see and talk to students directly. These employers will be able to answer questions and showcase what their companies can offer.

Students should bring their resume.

For information, contact Willard_Mott@ivcc.edu or Jennifer_ Timmers@ivcc.edu.

Beetz serves dental hygiene students Lyndsey Beetz has joined the IVCC faculty as the full-time Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator and as a Dental Assisting Instructor.

Beetz was invited to share information with students.

before IVCC? I started teaching part-time here at IVCC in 2018.

What are your initial impressions of IVCC? I am very happy with the atmosphere and mentoring that has Where are you from? been available to me throughout I grew up in LaSalle and now live my time here at IVCC in Mendota.

Where did you attend college and what degree do you hold?

I started my college journey here at IVCC taking general education courses. I obtained an AAS in Dental Hygiene from Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL. I graduated in 2020 from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Management and Education. I completed a Master’s in Higher Education from American College of Education in February 2023.

What classes or positions are you currently assigned?

I am currently the Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator. My job duties include the development and evaluation of the upcoming Dental Hygiene Program. I also teach full time for our current Dental Assisting Program.

Are you new to teaching?

If not, where did you teach

What is your favorite thing about IVCC? I love the people that I work with. Administration has been wonderful!

What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley?

I have lived here my whole life and I love the small town feel that we have. My husband is a farmer and I love the sense of community we feel.

What should a student know about you?

I have been in the dental field since I graduated highschool. I have worked as a dental assistant, a dental hygienist, an office manager, and now a teacher.

I have worked in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry and worked for a mobile clinic that performed dental procedures on members of the national guard in Marseilles. I try to use my work experiences to relate to students as much as possible.

arts

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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‘Ahsoka’ is a cartoon brought to life The character Ahsoka was first created by George Lucas and his protege Dave Filoni for the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” She also played a significant role in the animated “Star Wars: Rebels,” and she made cameos in the live action shows “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett.”

Now, Ahsoka has her own live action series on Disney Plus, written entirely by Filoni. The series wrapped up in October.

One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard about “Ahsoka” is that it’s confusing for people only familiar with the character from her cameos in live action shows.

Some details from those cameos are important in “Ahsoka,” but it’s really a follow up to “Clone Wars” and “Rebels,” as many characters and storylines are carried over.

It’s a large undertaking, but I would recommend watching the animated shows to enjoy “Ahsoka” to its fullest. Otherwise, jumping right into “Ahsoka” is like starting with the twelfth season of an ongoing series.

Some Star Wars viewers are hesitant to watch “Clone

Wars” and “Rebels,” simply because they aren’t live action. However, animation is a fantastic medium for telling Star Wars stories because the people working behind the scenes are able to embrace the inherent cartoonishness of the franchise.

Another complaint I’ve seen about “Ahsoka” is that it doesn’t stack up to “Andor,” a show which aired last year to acclaim among Star Wars fans and non-Star Wars fans alike.

Many argue that “Ahsoka” (and the other live action Star Wars shows, too) are bad compared to “Andor,” especially in regard to the writing. I wouldn’t say most of the other shows are bad, but simpler.

“Andor” is serious and intense. It takes its time.

There are multiple, overlapping storylines, each with a new set of personal stakes for the characters involved.

The show’s complexity sets it apart. Does that make the simpler shows bad? Actually, it makes them necessary.

If “Andor” is a prestige drama, “Ahsoka” is a Saturday morning cartoon. I don’t mean that in a bad way at all.

Cartoons are great. They’re silly, fast-paced, and comforting. The best cartoons also have serious and emotional moments sprinkled throughout and they tackle deep subjects in ways that make them easier to digest.

All those traits are true of most Star Wars entries, too.

That’s the inherent cartoonishness I mentioned earlier.

Viewers have enjoyed that status quo for nearly fifty years, yet some fans seem to want it abolished. However, that status quo is the reason “Andor” feels so special.

If Lucasfilm abandoned their simple (but still highly entertaining) baseline, Star Wars fans wouldn’t be pleasantly surprised by subversive shows like “Andor” anymore.

“Ahsoka” and “Andor” both have their place in Star Wars canon. Despite what some are saying online, fans are allowed to enjoy both.

SCREEN TIME Lucasfilm “Ahsoka” poster available under fair use

BY ERIC LOCKWOOD ARTS EDITOR

AHSOKA Ahsoka has her own series on Disney Plus for fans of the character from Star Wars.

IV Leader photos

TERROR IN THE AISLES Cast (left) of “Terror in the Aisles,” which was performed Oct. 28 in the Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre, appears as zombie-like creatures. Austin Hack (above) and McKenzie Brue appear in “The Necklace,” a skit during the show.

opinion

IV LEADER

E D I T O R I A L

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Looking Inward: Addressing Prejudice in the Illinois Valley As we bid farewell to LGBTQIA+ History Month, we look ahead to the changes that still need to be made in hopes of a better future for the LGBTQIA+ community. The LGBTQIA+ community deals with significantly higher rates of discrimination, health disparities and violence.

All of these issues affect our own community.

The Illinois Valley is not immune to these issues. For example, the mayor of Peru, Ken Kolowski, recently issued a formal apology about statements he made regarding the Pistol Shrimp’s Pride Night held on June 8. Kolowski brought forth a complaint by a resident, stating that the resident refused to attend any more Pistol Shrimp baseball games if the team continued to host Pride Night.

Kolowski did not come to the defense of the LGBTQIA+ community. Instead, the mayor said in disdain, “What about BLM? You wouldn’t want them here would you?” The mayor received major backlash and issued an apology statement on Facebook claiming that he “. . .ran for this job to help

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people, not hurt them.” Although he apologized, statements like this from people in positions of power are unacceptable.

Prejudice towards the LGBTQIA+ community has been proven to originate from families, social circles and other environments.

This October, IVCC celebrated National Coming Out Day in the Student Life Center. One student, who shared their story with me, said, “I came out when I was 12 and my mom told me she did not want any part of it. It was rough for a while, but my mom has since decided that she would rather have me in her life than lose her only child.”

The coming out board contained other stories from students who have also experienced being shunned by their families. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are ostracized from their families, friend groups, and even in their own schools. It is so important that IVCC cultivates a supportive environment for those who are part of the community because it may be the only place where they

can seek it out.

President Tracy Morris answered a few questions regarding recourse for students and what she would like to do to improve the climate on campus.

Morris stated that the student handbook, student rights and responsibilities, and the code of conduct are in place to ensure a safe environment.

She said that “if a student is having an issue where they feel their student rights, as outlined, are not being afforded, there is a complaint process that students should follow.” When asked about what she would like to do about the climate at IVCC, President Morris discussed one of her current projects of reviewing IVCC’s mission, vision, and core values.

Morris said that “Once that is done, it helps us to have a shared expectation for how we treat each other.”

President Morris’ message for the students of IVCC: “I am so glad that you are here, and you are welcome here. It is our job to create a learning environment where students can grow and reach their educational and

career goals.”

It is evident that President Morris values the safety and overall well-being of IVCC students.

It is crucial that every student at IVCC feels safe and comfortable on campus. Not only is it important that all students feel welcome here at IVCC, but that they also feel welcome in the Illinois Valley.

Hopefully, Mayor Ken Kolowski will remember his formal apology the next time he fails to defend the LGBTQIA+ members of his community. So, farewell to LGBTQIA+ History Month and greetings to the continuing battle for LGBTQIA+ protections.

Written word

BY EMMA COSS IV LEADER EDITOR

Trustee reports on freshmen SGA election winners Hello again, Eagles! I’m here again to fill students in on what the SGA has been doing these last few weeks!

First off, we would like to thank everyone who voted for our Freshmen SGA Elections!

We would like to welcome our three freshmen election winners, Cooper Spears, Emma Garretson, and Avah Moriarty!

The SGA met with the President’s Council to discuss each of the SGA members goal(s) for the year on Oct. 25.

We were also asked to decorate a Scarecrow for the Oglesby Harvest Fest. With

the help of Cory Tomasson, we were able to do this!

On Oct. 18, two college educators Ryan Smulders and Judith de Kloe from the Netherlands, attended our meeting to learn how SGA is run here at IVCC! To learn more about the clubs and organizations offered for students at IVCC, visit the Club and Organization page on the college website at https://www.ivcc. edu/studentactivities/clubs_ and_organizations.php Have a question or concern regarding student life at IVCC? Need a ping pong

ball? Check the SGA office in the Student Life Space for our office hours!

Don’t forget to wear PURPLE on FRIDAYS! Show your Eagle Spirit!

Cooper Spears

Emma Garretson

Trustee’s Corner

BY LIBBY BOYLES STUDENT TRUSTEE

Avah Moriarty

SPORTS

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023

IVCC Sports Roundup MEN’S BASKETBALL Mens basketball home games will now be played starting at 6 p.m. since the women’s season has been canceled.

WOMEN’S TENNIS IVCC womens tennis team finished 4th place at their regional tournament to conclude their season.

Sophmore Alex Stremlau was awarded the sportsmanship award.

MEN’S SOCCER The men’s soccer team, coached by Tim Cottingim, finished their season with an overall record of 11-5-1 going 1-2 in conference games and finishing the regular season on an unfortunate three game losing streak.

The team had a total of 41 goals scored, averaging 2.41 goal-per game, lead by top goal scorer Tyrese Baijnath with 12 goals on the season.

After two overtimes, the Eagles lost 1-0 on Oct. 28 to Kishwaukee College, bringing their season to a close in the second round of the Division II Region IV Tournament.

WOMEN’S SOCCER The women’s soccer team finished with an overall record of 1-12 lead by top scorer Morgan Clements with 5 goals. Head Coach Gerald Stuart said on the IVCC athletic web page that the team’s record doesn’t reflect the effort and dedication the team put forth this season.

GOLF The golf team finished their season finishing second at the conference tournament this year finishing just 4 shots back from the champions Blackhawk.

The team had 7 individuals who finished in the top 15 spots which is an incredible achievement for the team and having a top 3 finisher in Jonathan Cooper finishing third.

IVCC photo

SOPHOMORE NIGHT IVCC Volleyball sophmores (left to righ)t, Brea Konwinski, Katie Bates, Libby Boyles, Ella Sibert, Grace Landers, Erica Antle, were recognized Oct. 11 at the team’s last home game vs.Sauk Valley.

Volleyball competes in regionals

By IV Leader Staff

The Eagles played McHenry County College on Wednesday Nov. 1 at Crystal Lake in the first round of their Re-

gional tournament.

Results for this game were not available at press time.

Ending the regular season, the volleyball team finished 13-8 while finish-

ing 6-4 in confrence play.

Sophomore Ella Sibert led the team in both total kills and kills per set.

Katie Bates led the team in both total digs and digs per set.

Bears season proves disappointing The Chicago Bears season is halfway done after playing against the Chargers on Sunday night in Los Angeles, and the season so far has been disappointing to say the least.

The Bears record is currently 2-6 and the team has definitely come short of expectations so far this year.

The team started off 0-4 and with both sides of the ball not looking good at all those four games. The next four games for the Bears were a lot better, winning 2 games dominantly against the Commanders and Raiders, but also losing 2 to the Vikings and the Chargers.

The offense thus far has been up and down like a rollercoaster this year playing terribly the first three games with bad play calling from offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, then playing two good games in back-toback weeks, and then going

down and back up and then back down yet again.

The offense is led by QB Justin Fields who has played six games this year (missing two due to a hand injury) and has thrown 1,201 yards and has 11 touchdowns with 6 interceptions. The rest of the offense is led by a group of RB’s rushing for a total of 670 yards, and star receiver DJ Moore playing great having 636 yards and 5 touchdowns so far.

The defense has not been the best so far, allowing the 5th most points per game this year in the NFL, but has looked better at times since week 4. The defense ranks 3rd worst in passing yards allowed per game, but surprisingly ranks 3rd best in rush yards allowed per game.

The two major problems with the defense so far this year has been the secondary struggling due to injuries

and the lack of pressure on the opposing QB, only having an abysmal 10 total sacks on the year which ranks dead last in the league this year.

The defense is led by newly added LB T.J. Edwards who currently leads the team in tackles (72) and is tied for the most sacks with Yannick Ngakoue with 2.

With the way this season has started there are definitely some questions lurking around the fanbase about the coaching staff and if Eberflus should be fired and even if Justin Fields is the future QB for this team.

With the team currently holding the number 2 overall pick from Carolina and also the number 3 pick being their own, there are some questions as to whether the Bears should take a QB in next year’s draft with the possibility of the

Bears landing the 1st pick for the 2nd straight year and having the opportunity to draft Heisman winner and projected number 1 pick Caleb Williams from USC, or possibly taking the second best option at QB in the draft Drake Maye from Noorth Carolina.

Looking forward, the Bears remaining schedule strength is the 7th easiest so hopefully the team can turn the season around and Fields can come back from injury and make a case as to why he’s still the guy in Chicago.

SPORTS TALK

BY JAKE GERDING CO-SPORTS EDITOR

IV Leader sports Volume 58 Issue 3 november 2, 2023

volleyball team enters regional play Sports roundup offered Page 7

IVcc photo/Makade rios