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PAGE 2: Registration for fall and summer classes starts April 1.
PAGE 5: Super Bowl halftime show protest not about faith.
PAGE 6: Cast announced for spring musical.
PAGE 8: Basketball teams finish seasons.
SOUNDS OF HIP HOP
DJ Lee discusses how hip hop moved to the suburbs during a Feb. 18 presentation in the Student
Black History Month. Read more about the event on Page 6.
By Jabulile Mooketsi IV Leader Staff Writer
The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College approved on Feb. 17 a tuition and fee increase of $8 per credit hour, effective from the Summer 2026 term, along with various course fee changes for Fiscal Year 2027.
Tuition rates will rise from $132.60 to $138.60 per credit hour. The universal fee will go up by $2, which will be dedicated to technology, making it $12.40, while student activity fees will stay at $3.
The new combined tuition and universal fee rate will be $154 per credit hour, marking a 5.5% increase over the FY2026 rate of $146.
According to IVCC President Tracy Morris, the tuition decision followed a two- to three-month review process. Administrators analyzed peer institutions, institutional needs, and long-term financial planning before presenting the proposal to the Student Government Association (SGA), the Board Audit and Finance Committee, and ultimately the full board.
“We take tuition increases very seriously,” Morris
said. “Our goal is to stay in the middle — never the most expensive.”
IVCC’s peer colleges had an average tuition rate of $156.47 in FY26. Compared with similar sized Illinois community colleges, IVCC was below five of six colleges in its peer group.
Morris noted, “The tuition increase is necessary to keep up with the Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of inflation, as well as increased costs in operating the college, including insurance, supplies, tariffs, and technology. The technology fee, which is being increased by $2, is in its second year of a twoyear increase. This fee helps pay for upgrades to our wireless and wired technology, much of which is over 10 years old.”
Before the board voted, the President’s Council met with SGA to explain the proposal. Student trustee Danica Scoma said members supported the increase after discussion.
Scoma said, “As a group, we thought Tracy Morris and Kathy Ross explained this decision well, to keep tuition costs fair for students while continuing to try to match the tuition median. Even after this increase, we
are still among the lowest of our neighboring community colleges. For the small and fair increase per credit hour, the Student Government felt comfortable approving the President’s proposal.”
In addition, the board voted on changes to course fees. Course fees are reviewed each year by program coordinators and deans based on guidelines that have been established. Overall, 131 courses will have a fee increase, four a descrease, one a fee added and 33 with fees inactivated.
Courses that take place within a dedicated instructional computer lab will continue with a $5 percredit-hour technical support fee, which is the same since FY20.
For those students who receive financial aid, this increase will mean no cost or little increase to out-ofpocket cost. However, there will be a cost of up to $120 more per semester for those that do not qualify, such as international students or those who do not receive aid..
“If $120 is a barrier, preventing someone from attending, please reach out,” Morris said. “Our goal is to help students reach their goals.”
By Abigail Beckcom IV Staff Writer
Illinois Valley Community College works carefully with international students to ensure they feel supported from the moment they are accepted to the first day they arrive on campus.
Sarah Goetz, the Designated School Official (DOS) for International Students, plays an important role in helping to guide students through the lengthy process of studying in the United States. Prior to Arrival
Before international students even board a plane, they are in contact with IVCC, receiving instructions and documentation.
“Students receive their I-20 document from IVCC and directions to apply for their F-1 student visa,” Goetz stated.
In addition to obtaining all this information/documentation, students will receive a letter outlining their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requirements. This letter will contain information such as the earliest day they are able to arrive prior to the start of the semester, and so on. They also get sent a Support Service flyer that will have details about housing options, local community, transportation, and other useful resources.
As the DSO, Goetz is the primary point of contact for incoming international students.
“I am often their primary point of contact. I then connect them to the appropriate resource at the college (Assessment Center, Counseling, Student Success Center, Coach),” Goetz described.
Registration
International students are encouraged by IVCC to complete placement testing online before arriving in the United States. They also have a virtual meeting with a counselor to get an academic plan in place. International students cannot register for classes through Self Service by themselves. After meeting with a counselor, Admissions and Records completes the registration process to ensure accuracy and compliance with visa regulations.
There are not many delays in the registration process. Goetz is able to carefully monitor each student’s credit hours to ensure they are maintaining their full-time enrollment, which is required in order to remain compliant with the SEVIS and F-1 visa regulations.
At the beginning of the call semester international students participated in a specialized session during the college’s Eagles Launch. During this session, the college cover essential information about full-time enrollment requirements, maintaining visa status, and the protocols for traveling outside of the United States.
Students also get introduced to multiple campus resources, such as the Eagles Peak Food Pantry, Student Success Services, and mental health resources. Information about IVCC International Student Club is also shared to help students build connections and form a community.
Typically, housing arrangements are made before the student arrives in the United States. The majority of international students are a part of athletic teams, and the coaches often assist with finding housing options.
Although IVCC does not match students with host families or roommates, international student athletes are frequently paired together. If a student requests additional assistance, the Student Support Center can help guide them to finding affordable and suitable housing options.
Upon arrival in the U.S., students are provided with guidance on the paperwork they must show when entering the country. During their first week on campus, students are encouraged to explore and familiarize themselves with IVCC, meet with Goetz, and purchase their textbooks.
If issues arise after arrival, whether related to visa regulations or other concerns, Goetz still remains the primary point of contact. She will assist the students directly with SEVIS-related matters and is able to connect them to the appropriate campus resources for added support.
By Danica Scoma IV Leader Staff Writer
Registration for Summer and Fall courses opens April 1 for currently enrolled and incoming students. Students are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center now to begin planning their schedules before high-demand courses fill.
Because popular classes often reach capacity quickly, meeting with a counselor early can help ensure students stay on track for graduation.
Students who are new to IVCC must first complete an application at ivcc.edu/apply to create an IVCC account. After applying, they can schedule a first-year counseling and registration appointment.
Courses are already available to preview through Self-Service on the IVCC portal.
After logging in with an IVCC email, students can navigate to “Academics,” then “Student Planning,” and select “Planning Overview” to review their academic progress. The “Plan
and Schedule” feature allows students to search courses and review descriptions ahead of their counseling appointment.
Aseret Loveland, IVCC Project Success counselor, emphasized the importance of preparing early.
“The earlier, the better,” said Loveland, when asked her advice on when students should contact their counselor.
“Ultimately, they can be their own advocate for those courses,” Loveland said. “It’s important to have students reflect on how they learn best. If they don’t like online classes, they should share that with a counselor.”
Loveland also encouraged students to consider personal responsibilities when building their schedules.
“It’s also important to share what’s going on personally in regard to what will be manageable for them,” she said.
For registration questions, students can contact the Records and Registration Office at (815) 224-0447 or visit CTC101 on the Main Campus.
By Kathleen Hunter IV Leader Staff Writer
In recognition of Women’s History Month, IVCC’s Dr. Kimberly Radek Hall shared her perspective on why this month is special and what one can learn.
Hall, a teacher of women’s and gender studies, said, “National Women’s History Month is typically and officially recognized as a month dedicated to the idea of women’s experiences and contributions.”
Hall shared that while did not specifically learn about the month in school, she admired women, such as Rosa-
lind Franklin and Marie Currie for their work and dedication to science.
She explained that acknowledging women’s contributions is significant. One can learn that women’s contributions have influenced the world we live in today, building foundations that continue to impact everyday life, she said.
Hall said people should continue learning about women beyond one month, saying education ensures that women’s contributions are recognized and included in history. IVCC will plan events for the annual March celebration of Women’s History Month.
By Zach Escatel
IV Leader Staff Writer
After more than 40 years of teaching, Larry Ault, a professor at Illinois Valley Community College, is preparing to retire at the end of this school year. He’s taught for 41 years, with the last 25 at IVCC.
Over the years, he’s taught band, choir, physics, and chemistry, earning degrees and certificates along the way, including two master degrees.
He’s taught all over the country, from Kansas, to Missouri, Indiana, and finally here in Illinois at IVCC. He also spent time in the Air Force, playing in the Strategic Air Command band in Omaha, Nebraska, which he says was one of the great experiences of his life.
What Larry will miss most, he said surely, are the students. The bonds he built with them have been the heart of his career.
Ault said he feels he has succeeded as a teacher when students feel welcome in his class and are excited to come back.
His students have always been the most important thing to him, and he said he hopes they remember him as a teacher who truly cared.
That same student-first mindset is something his longtime coworker and friend, Mike Phillips, says defines him best. Phillips, who has worked alongside Ault since he began at IVCC, believes Larry’s greatest quality as a teacher is his focus on
Larry Ault, who is retiring this year after 25 years at IVCC, works in the physical science lab. Ault’s teaching career has spanned 41 years.
students. “He cares deeply about the students and works very hard to help them succeed,” Phillips said.
Phillips added that Larry has a way of making both students and coworkers feel welcome and supported. He encourages curiosity and creates an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions.
“I know that if I need something for lab, especially for my students, Larry will help me get it,” Phillips said.
“If students need something, they can go to Larry and he will help them.” People know they can count on him.
Another admiration of
By Camille Huckleba IV Leader Staff Writer
The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation is celebrating 50 years of giving with its Golden Celebration, an event designed to honor its history while raising funds to continue supporting students and college programs.
The celebration will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, March 27 at Senica’s Oak Ridge in La Salle. The evening begins with a 5 p.m. cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres, followed by a 6 p.m. presentation and live auction. A buffet dinner, music, and dancing follows. Organizers expect between 150 and 200 attendees.
Ault, expressed by Phillips, is his devotion and involvement in the environment. He has helped lead river testing and contributed to many environmental groups through his dedication of keeping his environment clean, safe, and healthy.
Reflecting on life, one quote comes to Larry’s mind: “Too soon we break the tape and too late realize the fun lies in the running.” It perfectly captures his ideals: don’t rush through life, savor every moment, and enjoy the journey as much as the finish. After retirement, he plans to devote even more time to his lifelong love of music.
A silent auction runs from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring items valued under $1,000 such as themed baskets, gift cards, and certificates donated by local businesses and community members. The live auction features items valued at over $1,000, including vacation packages and other premium experiences. The event is 21 and over, and dress attire is semi-formal with an optional gold theme to match the anniversary. This year’s attire is less formal than in previous years, with guests encouraged to add touches of gold or sparkle if they choose.
The Foundation hopes to raise $30,000 gross from the event. Planning has been underway for nearly a year, beginning shortly after last year’s event.
Although the college president initially did not want to call it a gala, the Foundation chose to focus its annual spring event on celebrating 50 years of service. The evening will highlight the legacy of Helen Taylor, a passionate educator and advocate for students’ success, whose transformative gift of more than $100,000 in 1975 led to the creation of the Foundation in 1976.
The event is organized by the IVCC Foundation office staff: Tracy Beatie, executive diretor;SusanMoroe, alumni and donor relations coordinator; and Donna Swiskoski, administrative assistant and foundation board secretary. The three women meet weekly to coordinate details and ensure the celebration honors both the Foundation’s history and the students it continues to serve. The Foundation manages nearly $800 million in invested funds and steps in to provide support whenever the college has a financial need.
Beattie says, “When the college has a need, we step up.” Beyond scholarships, the Foundation also supports major initiatives such as the Ag Forward campaign, which aims to raise $2.5 million over at least two years to strengthen agricultural programming and facilities at the college.
The Foundation’s overall mission is to advance education in the community by providing scholarships to deserving and well-qualified students while supporting innovative educational programs and services.
To attend the Golden Celebration, purchase tickets for $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight; tables must be fully paid to reserve. Tickets are still available. If you cannot attend, you may still support the Foundation by making a donation. Submit RSVPs by March 13, by mail or online at ivcc.edu/goldencelebration.
For questions, ticket purchases, or to donate, contact Beattie at 815-224-0550 or tracy_beattie@ivcc.edu
FEBRUARY 26, 2026
Hello, Eagles!
We are halfway through the semester, and there’s more happening behind the scenes than students may realize.
At the Board of Trustees’ meeting on Feb. 17, the board approved a tuition increase starting Summer 2026. An increase of what you need to pay may not sound the most cheery, but I am here to tell you why I think our President made a good call on this rather diffi-
cult issue.
Tuition increasing is inevitable. Inflation is real, and it has to happen whether we like it or not.
IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris and her team made the call to fairly increase the tuition rate by small increments.
This summer, the credit hour cost will raise by $8 per credit hour, totaling $154 per credit, meaning a full time student will pay an extra $120 dollars per semester, on average in comparison.
By Staff Writer Justin Donovan, information from Danica Scoma, current mentor, and Bhawna Fnu, former mentor
Department: Counseling
Location/room: CTC-202A
Peer Mentors: Danica Scoma and McKinzie Tarbox
Email:
ivccpeers@transformativegrowth.org
Insta/Facebook: ivccpeermentors
Hours of Operation: By appointment or walk-ins on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Is your resource free?
Yes, using peer mentors is completely free and unlimited sessions are available. This is slightly different than using Transformative Growth therapy, which offers four free sessions. After that, you may to go through the insurance process, and sessions could be covered or significantly discounted by insurance.
What is the best way for students to contact you?
Students can ask for a walk in, or schedule an appointment with Counseling center front desk, or set up an ap-
This was brought to the student government two weeks before the board confirmed their vote. My fellow government members and I all felt comfortable agreeing to the proposal as Dr. Morris explained IVCC has one of the lowest tuition costs compared to the median of surrounding community colleges, yet she still wants to keep the price of attending IVCC equitable and doable.
I encourage students to reach out to me with any
pointment by email to ivccpeers@transformativegrowth.org
Please explain your services
We’re here to offer a friendly, non-judgmental, and confidential space where students can go in times of stress or need of guidance. We can aid with the simplest things, like making friends or time management, to dealing with stress and anxiety.
If you’re having a bad day and you just need someone to vent to, that’s what we’re here for.
We are trained and qualified, and know the resources on campus. For larger mental health issues that require clinical help, we will refer students to a TGC therapist. We have options to see a TGC therapist or interns on campus everyday.
What population do you serve?
We serve the entire student body.
Why are your services important?
Some students might be trying to go through their problems and figure out things on their own, which can be stressful when school, involvements, family, work, and life in general get in the way of that.
Peer Mentoring is special, because as students ourselves, we can relate
questions, concerns, or ideas at student_trustee@ivcc.edu. Your input matters, and I am committed to representing your voices at the Board table.
Opinion Editor: Jacy Miller
Sports Co-Editors: Packston Miller
Isabella Petty
Arts Editor: Gwyneth Verona
Social Media: Gwyneth Verona
Photographer: Isabella Petty
Tyler Mason
Graphics: Clare Phillips
Cartoonist: Erik Beebee
Staff:
to those who use our service. You can have another person on your side holding you accountable, that truly understand the work-life balance of being a student.
Finally, since the service is free, it does not add another stress about finances.
What is a common issue students face?
A universal issue we hear about from students is that they’re having a hard time making friends or reaching out and getting involved. New students especially say nerves build up when it comes to socializing.
We believe this is a pressing issue, so as peer mentors, we make it a priority to reach out to other departments or identify clubs and organization that can match the interests of diverse groups of students. Sometimes students just need an extra push, and that’s what we are here for.
What is the difference between peer tutors and peer mentors?
As a peer mentor, we work in counseling and are trained in mental health first aid, whereas someone who is a peer tutor works in the tutoring and writing center, They tutor subjects such as math, English, Spanish, economics, among others.
Abigail Beckcom, Zach Escatel, Danica Scoma, Cameron Creed, Casey Chapulis, Kathleen Hunter, Camille Huckleba, Jabulile Mooketsi, Jacy Miller, Packston Miller, Isabella Petty, Gwyneth Verona, Gabriella Lowance Zeman, Justin Donovan.
IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, is published monthly by students of Illinois Valley Community College.
Editorials and columns express opinions of student and staff members and do not necessarily express the views of IVCC, the administration or the Board. Editorial opinions are those of a student editorial board.
Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the IV Leader Office E-321, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691.
www.ivleader.com
Read IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history. IV Leader newspaper also maintains a social media presence on most platforms.
To join the staff, contact lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu
The argument over the Super Bowl halftime performance isn’t really about the music: It is about who people consider American, and who they think isn’t.
When Turning Point USA started promoting their “All-American” halftime show, it caused criticism quickly to follow the Puerto Rican artist performing at the actual Super Bowl. This reaction felt less like patriotism and more like exclusion.
I’ll be honest: I do love some country music. I liked a few of the artists that Turning Point USA was showcasing. But, when it came down to watching the halftime show, I watched Bad Bunny. Did I understand every word that was being sung? Nope — but that didn’t matter at all.
I was up dancing, moving like I knew every lyric, because music doesn’t need subtitles. Music has the ability to speak its own language; that’s the beauty of it. You are able to feel it before you understand it; you are able to move to it before you translate it.
After Bad Bunny’s performance, critics were quick to call it inappropriate, talking about the suggestive lyrics and dancing. The thing is, their outrage feels selective at best.
This is not the first time, and definitely won’t be the last, that the Super Bowl halftime show had sexual themes. When Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performed, there was provocative dancing across the stage. Lopez was quite literally dancing on a stripper pole. Rhianna’s halftime performance included lyrics about strip clubs, sex, and money, along with some more suggestive movements that were visible to the nation’s audience. Many other performers before them did the exact same.
After those, there was criticism—but not to this severity of moral panic. So, the question I have is: why now?
If everyone’s concern is truly about protecting values, then those values should be consistent. However, they weren’t. The performance only became ‘unacceptable’ when the artist was a Spanish-speaking Latino man.
Scripture or a Weapon
What confused me the most when
it came to this outrage was that the majority of the people hating were Christians.
While God might not have approved of every lyric or dance move ever performed on a halftime stage, he also would not approve of the hatred, mockery, and demeaning of someone made in his image. You cannot condemn a person and quote scripture in the same breath. Those two things do not go together.
Christianity teaches that Jesus loved EVERYONE. Anyone can repent. Everyone belongs. The Bible talks about how God’s love transcends nationality, language, and social status:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NIV)
Yet the same voices that are preaching about salvation and acceptance recoil at a song sung in Spanish on a football field.
Some of these people are also speaking about how they were offended by the past actions Bad Bunny has made. But the Bible is full of people who made serious mistakes, yet were still forgiven and loved by God. Your grace is supposed to be bigger than your discomfort.
Yes, the Bible does speak about judgment, but it also speaks about how you should judge righteously:
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24, NIV)
Righteous judgment isn’t selective. It doesn’t brush off the same behavior from others just to single out one person because he speaks a different language or represents a different culture.
Bad Bunny is from Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, thus making him an American citizen.
Spanish is not foreign here. It is a language that is spoken by more than 40 million people in this country.
What I saw during this halftime performance wasn’t something to fear or be angry about. I saw family. I saw a culture being represented. I saw pride. I saw flags from across North, Central, and South America sharing the same space.
It was 15 minutes. Fifteen.
There was this much outrage about someone signing in Spanish for 15 minutes at a football game.
People were quick to judge and condemn this man, but are still praising politicians and public figures who, with facts and evidence, have been exposed for abusing their power, lying, and far worse. But this where the line is drawn? This is where the outrage is?
Let’s not pretend this is about not understanding the language. Plenty of these people spewing hate are also the same people who will go sit
in a Mexican restaurant for over an hour, eating their chips and salsa while listening to Spanish music being played the entire time, perfectly fine with not knowing a single word that is being sung.
But when that same language is on a big stage, cast on a big screen, being celebrated in front of millions of viewers, now it’s offensive. Now it doesn’t belong.
The Super Bowl has featured a handful of performers who were not American citizens, and surprisingly, no one needed their own halftime show then. Now that the music was in Spanish, we have a problem.
If my daughter had been watching, I would want her to be proud of where she comes from, not embarrassed.
Proud that her language belongs here. Proud that her culture is being represented on one of the biggest stages in the country. Proud that her success in this world is not limited to those who speak, look, or dance a certain way.
I would want her to know that speaking Spanish doesn’t make her any less American. That she shouldn’t have to hide parts of herself to belong in a country that prides itself on freedom.
You do not have to understand every word to feel joy. You don’t have to speak a certain language to dance. And you definitely do not have to look or sound the same to share the same country.
This performance could remind us of that, if we let it.
Bad Bunny said it best with a message etched on a football at the end of his performance: “Together We Are America.”
Another View
By Cameron Creed IV Leader Staff Writer
David Johnathan “DJ” Lee made a returning visit to IVCC on Feb 18 to share how hip-hop got to the suburbs.
DJ Lee is a talented bear-boxer based in Nashville, Tennessee, despite being born in Kansas City. He spoke about how this career has taken him all over the world.
DJ talks about the history of hip-hop, and brings up the five elements of hip-hop stating “...not to be a narcissist, but this is my favorite element of hip-hop” when talking about the beat-boxing element.
The other mentioned elements are the disc jockey, master ceremonies, break-dancers, and graffiti.
During his presentation, DJ Lee taught students that hip-hop began in New York, the Bronx specifically. It stemmed from a birthday party in the ‘70s. It was labeled as party music at first. 1975 was the first time
that a hip-hop song was played on the radio, “Rappers Delight” by Sugar-hill Gang.
DJ Lee also went into how hip-hop has kept its credibility and stability for all this time, and gave students four things that helped keep hip-hop alive.
The things that keep hip-hop alive are cultural aspects, social commentary, civil rights and political statements made by artists, and the women of hip-hop help to continue on its themes.
These things also give hip-hop its authenticity and truth. This also helps this style of music gain strength and credibility.
Overall, DJ Lee taught students that along with the history of hip-hop, that bringing hip-hop to the suburbs has taught people to be ready, be open, be bold, and to be you.
Hip-hop is becoming so widespread and has provided many opportunities that people like Lee would not have had otherwise, he said.
By Gwyneth Verona IV Leader Arts/Social Media Editor
IVCC’s Theatre Department is buzzing as rehearsals heat up for this year’s spring musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
The show, a witty and irreverent look at the trials and triumphs of sixth grade, will run for two weekends in April. Those dates will be April 9-12 and April 16-19. Evening performances will start at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances starting at 2pm.
Tickets go on sale online March 9 at IVCC.edu/theatre. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for those in highschool or below, and free for IVCC students.
The cast features a mix of IVCC students and community members, including:
• Noah Ruiz as Chip Tolentino
• Micah Harris as Logainne Schwartz and Grubenniere
• Phillip Goodale as Logan Coneybear
• Isaac Alverado as William Barfee
• Eugenia Craig as Marcy Park
• Megan Stasiak as Olive Ostrovsky
• Ellie Radtke as Rona Peretti
• Isaac Fletcher as Vice Principal Douglas Panch
• Tobias Burkey as Mitch Mahoney
• Ethan Posey as Dan Dad and Jesus
• Alex Stafford as Carl Dad and Olive’s Dad
Additional players, known as “The Possum Pack,” include Phoebe Kammer, Tyler Bienermann, Alex Stafford, Garret Luke, Cassidy Malcolm, Sarah Masters, Ethan Posey, and Azlyn Bachman.
Behind the scenes, the production team is led by director Dale J. Young, with choreography by Don Grant Zellmer, costume design by David Kuester, musical and vocal direction by Brandon Czubachowski, and technical direction and production by Chad Brokaw.
Stage managers Hope Loza and Alyce Scott are assisted by students from the play production class and enthusiastic volunteers.
Why see it? “It’s a fantastic show with an even more fantastic cast!” promises Young.
With catchy music, clever humor, and a PG-13 comedic look back at the awkward, ambitious world of sixth grade, audiences are sure to leave laughing — and maybe remembering their own childhood spelling bee battles.
For more about the show, visit the publisher’s page at https://www.mtishows.com/the-25th-annual-putnamcounty-spelling-bee.
By Casey Chapulis IV Leader Student Writer
The IVCC Art Club held a Valentine’s Day themed fundraiser in the main lobby on Feb 12.
This fundraiser sold a variety of items such as baked goods, Valentine’s cards, key chains, ceramic pottery, flowers, jewelry, and much more. Every item available was hand made by members or faculty of the Art Club.
All earnings from sales are going to help fund a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago, a local park to the institute, and an art store for the IVCC art club.
When asked what he likes about Art Club, club member Erik Beebee said, “Art is basically my whole life. Art Club
has been a great way to express that.”
A shopping customer said “the staff is very friendly, and welcoming. It made it very easily approachable.”
The tables where the fundraiser was set up had many Art Club members either interacting with nearby students to add engagement, keeping the items stocked, and making the sales with customers.
Art Club faculty adviser Shannon Slaight states that the future includes possibly planning an empty bowl project here at IVCC.
This is a fundraiser that involves artists making large, ceramic bowls. Then, the ceramic bowls are filled with food for those who are in need.
26, 2026
By Packston Miller IV Leader Sports Editor
IVCC men’s basketball team struggled to finish the season strong towards the end of the month.
After compiling an 8-22 record through the regular season, the team played hard for the names on their jersey and pride as they just fell short of the regional competition.
Ahmir Woods leads the team averaging 16.1 PPG on 48.3% from the field and 35.9% from deep, a solid shooting season from the freshman guard from Milwaukee.
Following Woods in points is freshman forward Ameer Anderson (11.3 PPG on 44.5%) and freshman guard Robert Bellinger (10.6 PPG on 40.2%).
The three lead the
team in cumulative minutes played and games started.
Another freshman who is also having a solid year, Joshua Mbick leads the team in rebounds alongside of Anderson (6.3) which may go unnoticed but is crucial for the team.
Mbick when referring to the season, said, “Very challenging season.
“We went on quite a few losing streaks. We were a pretty undersized team which caused some issues; however, I believe we fought hard against some top teams and were able to hang around at times but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”
The Eagles finished the season 8-22 and hope to improve into next year with the young roster.
The team is coached by Chris Herman.
By Packston Miller IV Leader Sports Editor
IVCC women’s Eagles, opposite of the men’s team, started the season rolling going 4-2 in their first six games.
After that, the Eagles struggled in the month of December, scratching just one win. The gritty will of the women’s team showed to end their season going 6-5 in their last 11 getting them a spot in their regional.
The Women’s team traveled to Kankakee on Feb. 25 to play the first round of the NJCAA Region 4 tournament against the No. 5 seed Kankakee college.
Ashlyn Ehm freshman forward from St. Bede Academy led the team in scoring with 13.6 PPG, but close behind her was freshman guard Ella Derossett (12.3 PPG) and sophomore guard Jasmine Garman
(12.0 PPG).
When asked about how the team was able to score the ball as well as the Eagles did, Ehm said, “Although I was one of the top scorers on this team, I couldn’t have done it without my teammates…. We were all good scorers in high school, so it’s no surprise we became better scorers in college.
“We all thrive of one another and want each other to play our best”
The Eagles showed determination throughout the season, even during cold droughts where they couldn’t catch a break.
“Although our record wasn’t the greatest, we all learned a lot this season. We’re a pretty young team, only three of our eight being sophomores. We all improved tremendously this season and we’re a team that doesn’t give up”, said Ehm referring on her overall thoughts on the season.