Representatives from IVCC, the Wisgoski family, Chamlin and Associates Inc., Demonica Kemper Architects, the Economic Development Administration, North Central Illinois Council of Governments, and Vissering Construction break ground for the new Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center on Friday, Aug. 22.
Illinois Valley Community College broke ground on the $7.6 million Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center on Aug. 22, planting the seeds of growth for the expanding agriculture program while honoring the legacy of one of the college’s foremost leaders and supporters.
Local dignitaries, college Board of Trustees members and employees, representatives of the agri-business community and members of the public joined IVCC President Tracy Morris and members of the Wisgoski family at a groundbreaking
ceremony on the site just south of the main campus.
Made possible in part by a $3.5 million U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration grant and a $240,000 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant, the facility will help IVCC to train and upskill agriculture workers, aid in development of new technology and develop sustainable practices.
Equipped with leadingedge innovation labs and technology, the 10,250 square-foot building puts students at the heart of the college’s 153-acre test plots,
where they can easily apply theory to practice, according to college officials
The dedicated agriculturals pacemakes hosting more community-based programs for youth and agri-industry possible.
The building also features conference rooms, lounge areas, flexible classroom space and room for a future greenhouse.
The building is expected to be complete and ready for occupation in 2027.
“Ag has long been a cornerstone of our community, and here at IVCC,
we are proud to see that tradition thrive.” Morris told the audience. “Since 2020, our agriculture program has grown by 48 percent. By investing in the next generation of agriculture students, we are ensuring that this vital program continues to flourish for years to come.”
A $1 million gift from the Wisgoski family ensures continuation of the legacy of the longest-serving president in IVCC history.
Wisgoski presided over two decades of growth, fiscal stability and academic excellence, all while
spearheading community economic development and workforce training efforts.
Wisgoski retired in 1996 after serving 22 years as president, ending a 47-year bond with the college that began when he enrolled at LPO Junior College. Wisgoski died on May 15, 2025.
To learn more about the Agricultural Complex expansion and AgForward, the IVCC Foundation fundraising effort to reach the required matching funds, visit www.ivcc.edu/agforward or contact executive director of the Foundation, Tracy Beattie, at 815-224-0550.
Illinois Valley Community College welcomes Keturah Haferkamp to its English department as its newest English instructor.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles County in California. We had a HUGE avocado tree in my backyard when I was a kid. On a clear day my siblings and I could see the Hollywood sign from the top branches.
Where did you attend college and what degree(s) do you hold?
All of my degrees are in English, Language and Literature or Literary Studies: The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California, Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan and Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
What classes are you currently assigned? ENG1001 and ENG1002
Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC?
I’ve been teaching for 19 years! I started teaching at the college level in 2006. Before IVCC I spent 12 years as a full-time professor in the English department at Triton College. Before that my family and I lived in South Korea for several years where I taught at a university in Seoul and then later in Busan. I sometimes get the chance to teach in other countries which is always an enriching learning experience.
What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and staff?
I cannot get over how unbelievably kind and patient the IVCC campus community seems to be. I’ve never been on a campus in the states where everyone is so sincere and so hospitable. It’s truly beautiful.
So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC?
I really appreciate the use of keycards instead of keys. Also, the merch is on point. I love going to the bookstore and seeing the new merch!
What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?
Wild Ginger is a delicious bistro in Princeton. If you haven’t ever visited there, I encourage you to try it out.
During the Great Migration in the late 1940s and 50’s my dad’s family transited from Arkansas to Peoria, IL, and then onward to Los Angeles, CA. As a result of this migration, my dad was actually born in eoria an s ent the first se eral years of his life in the Illinois Valley area before the family moved further West. I have
actually never been to Peoria, but I do hope that being in Illinois Valley will give me a chance to visit.
The rivers and landscapes and big blue skies of Illinois Valley make feel like I am on the inside of a poem by Gerard Manly Hopkins. So much of Carl Sandburg and Jack Finney’s writing seems to be coming to life for me out in the open spaces of Illinois. Much of the scenery here is certainly a feast for the eyes.
My dad is among the best vegetable gardeners I know. He taught me how to grow all kinds of healthy fruits and veggies when I was a child. When my husband and I were living in South Korea a few years ago, we served as administrators of a very large community garden on a university campus in a seaside town called Pohang. That is here learne to ro an ten flo ers for the first time
Sadly, these days I do not have much time for gardening (though I just planted some new irises in my front yard in early August!) so instead I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO VISIT the Hornbaker Gardens. If you have never been there, I encourage you to visit. It is such an enchanting place in the Illinois Valley.
Lastly, one of my favorite things about Illinois Valley is Hungry World Farm, located in Tiskilwa. My family visits the farm for blueberry picking in blueberry season (I LOVE BLUEBERRIES); we enjoy their brick oven pizzas, and we really appreciate the regenerative work they are doing.
What should a student know about you?
I absolutely love it when people read aloud. We used to read to our kids when they were small, and now that they are teens, we still have family reading every evening. I think there is something very special about listening to a voice carry a literary text from the past and into your present. For this reason, one of my favorite things in the whole world is to simply be read to. Maybe that’s why I like audio books so much.
Interestingly, did you know that Microsoft Word has a feature that allows you to listen to your own essays? In fact, I always tell students that that feature is a great way to check for typos before turning essays in for a grade. And now you know.
Have a great semester everyone!
Illinois Valley Community College welcomes Kirsten Kasperski to the accounting department as its newest accounting instructor.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the Illinois Valley and am proud to serve the community where I was raised.
Where did you attend college and what degree(s) do you hold?
I started my academic journey at IVCC. I then transferred to Illinois State University, where I completed the BS/MPA program and earned my Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Master of Professional Accountancy degrees.
What classes or positions are you currently assigned?
I am currently teaching accounting courses and serving as the accounting program coordinator.
Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC?
I began teaching as an adjunct instructor at IVCC before transitioning into my current full-time role.
What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and staff?
There is such a positive energy at IVCC. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive. My students are committed to learning, and my colleagues truly care
Kasperski
about student success.
So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC?
I really appreciate the strong sense of community and the commitment to student success.
What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?
I love the access to outdoor activities, especially the parks and trails where my family and I enjoy spending time together.
What should a student know about you?
Students should know that I am invested in their success. My courses may challenge them, but I am committed to supporting them along the way.
By Jabulile Mooketsi IV Leader Staff Writer
Spirit Day is a tradition that happens annually here at Illinois Valley Community College.
This year Spirit day will take place in the courtyard, Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
This day is a way in which students and staff members can celebrate school pride, as well as build a sense of community among each other, according to school officials
Spirit Day will also highlight 40 different student and college organizations some of which students may not know exist.
Each club will host free activities. For example, Student Government Association (SGA) provides several giveaways and supplies free food and drinks for students.
IV Leader has a photo booth. In addition, students can try their hand at disc golf or learn about other organizations on campus, such as River
Currents, Chem Club and SPAMO (a performing arts organization).
Spirit Day serves as a means for clubs to recruit new members. Several IVCC resource groups also have tables with information about their offered services to students.
Spirit Day is a great way for students to get involved, socialize and to also have a better understanding of IVCC, according to Student Government leaders who plan the day’s activities.
Students who think that they might be eligible to graduate with a e ree or certificate at the en of the Fall semester must apply for graduation in order to have it posted to their academic record and to receive their diploma. Students can apply for graduation (for free) online by visiting ivcc.edu/graduation before
the dealine of Oct. 7.
If one is unsure if they are eligible to graduate fall semester, it is recommended for students to speak with their counselor.
According to IVCC faculty, a counselor can review student academic records as well as program of study to determine if the student meets the requirements to
graduate.
Students can also check their academic progress in Self-Service.
In addition, at IVCC there are a number of Associate in Applied Science degrees that have corres on in certificates stu ents can earn along the way. Students who think that they have fulfille the re uirements for a
certificate may ant to a ly for graduation so that their aca emic recor ill reflect their progress towards their degree.
Any questions about applying for graduation can be directed to Sarah Goetz in the Admissions and ecor s office at sarah_goetz@ivcc. edu or 815-224-0212.
By Abigail Beckom IV Leader Staff Writer
Illinois Valley Community College students are able to travel the globe while staying on track to graduate, thanks to IVCC’s variety of study abroad programs.
Amanda Cook Fesperman, study abroad coordinator, encourages students who are interested in the ro ram to contact me first to discuss studying abroad and make sure it is the right program for them.”
She also stated “Any student can study abroad;” however,“the important thing is to meet with me and your academic counselor early to plan your trip.”
Eight Countries to Explore IVCC is currently offering eight programs in eight countries. There are four semester programs in England, Ireland, Austria and Spain, which typically last 14 to 15 weeks.
There are also seven summer programs countries such as Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Ghana, Ireland and Spain, which
last aroun t o to fi e ee s ustria is also able to accommodate students who wish to do an internship for up to eight weeks.
In addition to the main programs and countries offered, there may be other opportunities offered through community colleges outside of IVCC.
“We had a student study abroad in South Korea last summer through a partnership with Parkland Community College,” Cook Fesperman said.
Study Abroad for All
While most study abroad courses focus on humanities, languages and social sciences, math as well as select science classes are also available in some programs.
To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years of age, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, completed 12 credit hours of college-level courses and a 2.75 GPA in freshman composition 001 or 002.
Cook Fesperman said that the application is “extensive, and requires two letters of recommendation, an unofficial transcri t an my
approval. Students should also have a valid passport or apply for one.”
All courses taken abroad appear on a student’s IVCC transcript and will transfer to their next college or university if needed.
“Students who study abroad are IVCC students,” Cook Fesperman said.
Students are able to use financial ai an scholarshi s to fund their study abroad experience, though tuition waivers do not apply. Pell Grant recipients and veterans may also qualify for competitive government scholarships.
Additional scholarship opportunities are available through The Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), which sponsors IVCC’s study abroad programs and awards some competitive scholarships.
There is also an IVCC scholarship, and students may qualify for loans.
Students receive IVCC’s full support before, during and after their programs.
The college helps with applications, fee collection, course registration and ensuring grades are recorded from the overseas institutions.
“Studies show that students who participate in study abroad are more likely to complete college, more likely to be accepted by their chosen transfer institutions and more likely to be hired.
“Studying abroad changes people’s lives as it opens up the world for them to explore. . . I have never had a student regret their decision to study abroad,” Cook-Fesperman said.
To learn more about the study abroad program or to start your application, contact Amanda Cook Fesperman at 815-224-0203 or email amanda_ cookfesperman@ivcc.edu
Illinois Valley Community College welcomes Wayne Duerkes to the counseling department as its newest transfer coordinator.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Somonauk, IL, but I am presently in Peru.
Where did you attend college and what degree(s) do you hold?
I started later in life at Waubonsee Community
College and then Transfer to NIU for my BS and MA, then I went to Iowa State for my PhD. All as a history major.
What classes or positions are you currently assigned?
I am the new Transfer Coordinator, and I assist students with transferring to four-year institutions and make sure that many of our courses qualify for transfer credit.
Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC?
I taught at Iowa State and Simpson College, both in Iowa.
What are your initial impressions?
I am immensely impressed with all aspects of IVCC. The intense student centric focus is amazing.
What is your favorite aspect of IVCC?
The support of the other
members of the team.
What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?
As an Illinois historian, the deep and important history of the region.
What should a student know about you?
The most important thing that students should know about me is that I have a passion in helping them achieve their longterm goals.
Illinois Valley Community College welcomes Valerie Kreiser (soon to be Valerie Kromm) to the Early Childhood Education department.
Where are you from? Mendota
Where did you attend college and what degree(s) do you hold?
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale: Bachelor’s in Recreation
Northern Illinois University: Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
What classes are you currently assigned?
ECE 2207 Observation and Assessment; ECE 2005 The Exceptional Learner; ECE 1000 Introduction to Early Childhood Education; ECE 1205 Mathematics for Young Children and ECE 1206 Foundations in ECE.
Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC?
I taught for Head Start for 5 years as a pr school teacher and site supervisor. I worked at Paw Paw Elementary School in several teaching roles including 1st and 2nd grade as well as math/reading intervention.
So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC?
I love the positive atmosphere and the shared commitment to best meet the needs of our students.
What is your favorite thing about the area?
I am a lifelong resident of the Illinois Valley so my favorite thing about the area is being able to spend time with my family and friends.
What should a student know about you?
I love teaching and learning. I’m looking forward to sharing my assion for the fiel of e ucation with my students.
Resources is a term that one may hear around IVCC, but what does it really mean? How does one know here to fin resources or if they are eligible for them?
As students begin their academic journey at IVCC or return after a hiatus, the term resources may appear in a stu ent s syllabus, on colle e flyers or heard vocally.
IVCC offers different resources, also known as services, to its students and supports their needs while attending college. Some of these services include Transformative Growth, Tutoring, Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity, Student Success and Project Success/TRiO. These examples included licensed therapy located on campus, one-on-one or group tutoring, disability and accommodation assistance, support for non-academic relate concerns an su ort for first
generation, disability, and low-income students in a counseling setting. olle e can be a ery ifficult time to traverse for students: unexpected life changes, emotional or mental overload, language barriers, social awkwardness or feeling alone.
All of these experiences can be very real and create barriers for students that can take precedence over academic focus. Fear can play a ma or role in stu ents not fin in or connecting with IVCC’s resources even though they are considered accessible and free. Fear can take the form of judgment, social awkwardness, worry or not having a voice yet to advocate for oneself.
Luckily, multiple departments within IVCC have worked together to raise awareness of what they have to offer stu ents urin the first ee of classes for example, IVCC professors
Hello, my fellow Eagles! This is Danica Scoma, your student trustee for the 2025-2026 academic year. For new students, and those of you who may not know me, I would like to introduce myself.
I am very active on campus as an IVCC Peer Mentor, captain of the women’s soccer team and a member of several organizations (including the art and international clubs). You are very likely to see me around—so don’t be shy and say hi to me!
What is my role as your student trustee? I’ll break it down for you. Aside from serving my duties on the student government organization, I also attend the monthly Board of Trustees meetings. I am your representative —your voice— who can directly reach the people who are in charge of making decisions in your favor.
My goal for this year is to help foster an even greater sense of community on campus. I want to improve the communication about student services and activities that are available to you all.
Also, as a peer mentor working in IVCC’s counseling department, I strongly advocate for student’s mental health and want to continue bringing awareness to the resources that
our campus provides for free.
For any freshman interested in joining SGA, petitions will be available beginning Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. outside of Cory Tomasson s office
Petitions must be returned by Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. Freshman elections will be held Thursday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Student Life Space.
Lastly, I hope to see you all at Spirit Day on Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the courtyard. Spirit Day is a great way to meet new people, join clubs and organizations and learn about IVCC departments and events on campus. There will be food and many interactive games to play for students and staff.
For any recommendations or advice you would like to share with me, you can email me at student_trustee@ivcc.edu or stop me in the hall to chat!
Corner
By Danica Scoma Student Trustee
may bring their students on campus tours through the Academic Support Center to explain the existence of Tutoring, Jacobs Library, Student Learning Technologies, and the Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity. There also are e ents here each fiel of study department sets up tables to showcase what academic pathways are available at IVCC. Alongside these fiel s ecific e artments, there are tables for IVCC resources as well.
Most teaching syllabi include locations and a brief overview of some of the available resources, but not all. Future issues of the IV Leader will include a myriad of IVCC’s resources.
IV Leader strives to assist in raising awareness of free and accessible resources that IVCC has to offer, by connecting its students and employees with the right contact. Information about resources is coming soon!
By Sonja Penney Editor in Chief
Hi! My name is Sonja Penney, and I am the new editor for IVCC’s student newspaper: IV Leader. I am a junior at IVCC and am considered a nontraditional (adult) student. Previously, I lived my entire life in the South until three years ago when I moved to Illinois Valley.
I am grateful for my time thus far at IVCC; I have been aided and supported by wonderful people within the school. Both faculty and employees have been supportive of my academic journey and have truly made an impact on my life as well as my future.
I see myself as an advocate; As a nontraditional student who has been attending college for the
first time, s ent the ma ority of my first year familiarizing myself with IVCC’s resources which I have immensely benefite from
As a result, I have been able to directly connect students with our school’s resources.
I also believe my role as a tutor over the last two years has further raised my awareness of student needs and my focus to personally make sure my support to students is accessible and inclusive.
As the editor for IV Leader, my goal is accessibility and inclusion. Changes in this month s issue reflect those goals. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or want to share ideas for future IV Leader articles. You can contact me via email K003A028@ivcc. edu
Interested in joining IVCC’s student paper? Multiple roles are open!
Editor: Sonja Penney
Photographer: Tyler Mason
Graphics: Sonja Penney
Clare Phillips
Maya Zeman
Cartoonist: Erik Beebee
Staff:
Abigail Beckcom, Kylin Buckingham, Charlotte Ceja, Aliah Celis, Erik Garcia, Jacy Miller, Packston Miller, Jabulile Mooketsi, Isabella Petty, Gwyneth Verona, Maya Zeman, Clare Phillips, Gabriella Lowrance.
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:
Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the ea er ffice E-321, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691.
IV Leader ONLINE 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 via email lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu
By Sonja Penney Editor in Chief
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IV Leader photo On the Pitch Freshman Angel Lemus looking to set up a pass along the sidelines during the Eagles’ soccer match vs. Joliet on Aug. 27. The Eagles dropped the contest 4-1.
By: IV Leader Staff
IVCC men’s soccer is currently sitting at 1-2 on the year.
Despite having a few close losses, the team looks to improve on their already impressive 11-6-1 record from the previous season.
Four different players have scored thus far for the
Eagles while sophomore goalie Jabulile Mooketsi has recorded 19 saves.
The men’s next home game is at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 vs. Black Hawk.
On the women’s side, the Eagles have compiled a 0-1-1 record as of press time.
The women play at home at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 vs. Kaskaskia.
gy for her
Kate Vigars has returned to her alma mater for a second year to coach the Eagles volleyball team.
Vigars, who played for the Eagles from 2018-2020, faced a new challenge this year with only two returning sophomores. Early in the 2025-26 campaign, the team has acquired a 2-3 record.
The team returns to action at home noon Saturday, Sept. 13 vs. Harper College.
The Illinois Valley Community College cross country program kicked off the fall 2025 season on Aug. 30 at the Joan Jepngetich Memorial Invite hosted by Carl Sandburg College.
The women’s team is off to a strong start, taking second in the women’s 3KM race just behind the Sandburg women.
Three of the Eagles women earned Top finisher reco nition ith e hann stler (14:08) taking fourth overall. She was closely followed by freshman Addyson Miller (14:18) in fifth ith atiana erna ta in eighth place. Kailey Goetsch (16:41), Sophia Woods (17:33), and Claire Durdan (20:09) rounded out the women’s results.
“This is a really exciting start of the season for us,” IVCC head coach Matt Baker said. “We knew our women had been working
hard to get ready for this point, but we just didn’t know what the competition would look like. If we can keep building on what we’ve been doing so far, our hopes are high for the end of the season.”
In the men’s 6KM race, the relatively youn s ua finishe four runners ith first year runner Nolan Sutherland out on injury. li er u alcaba as the first a le across the line with a time of 29:11. He was followed by Ayden Barajas (31:43) Kevin Rynke (31:46), and Vance Redlich (36:38).
The remainder of the Eagles schedule is:
Sat-9/13 Ken Weidt Classic - Mequon, WI
Sat-9/20 Hoffman Invite - Whitewater, WI
Thur-9/25 Heartland Invite - Normal, IL
Sat-10/4 SVCC Skyhawk Invite - Dixon, IL
Sat-10/11 Conference Meet - IVCC
Sat-10/25 Region IV Meet – Geneva, IL
