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Volume 62 | Issue 1| September 10, 2026
Project Success sees changes, has openings By Isabella Petty IV Leader Editor
Project Success, IVCC’s federally funded TRiO program to boost college students, has seen some changes this academic year, but continues to provide services for students. Counselor Aseret Loveland resigned her position at the start of the academic year in order to spend time with family, leaving Project Success with two full-time couneslors. “The job has been posted and we hope to have someone in place within 4-6 weeks,” said counselor Diane Scoma. “In the meantime, Chris [Herman, Project Success director] and I will assist her students with their needs.”
In this issue: PAGES 3-4: New faculty are introduced. PAGE 7: Cast announced for fall play. PAGE 10-12: Fall sports teams begin competition.
According to ivcc.edu, roject Success is for first generation students, students with disabilities, and low income students with FAFSA records on file. It offers academic and career planning support, transfer and scholarship aid, financial literacy and personalized assistance. Some more highlights of Project Success include early registration, access to professional tutors, designated computer lab and study area with free printing, and additional possible scholarships if qualifying and PELL eligible. Project Success has room for 30 more students, and you See ‘Project Success” Page 2
IV Leader photo/Isabella Petty
I V C C P roj ect S u ccess stu den ts en j oy an ice cream b ar du rin g th e ‘ S coop in to u ess event to elebrate the i o o the ne semester hile bonding entering givea ays and at hing up ith one another
Spirit Day activities planned for Sept. 16 By Jacy Miller Opinion Editor
IVCC Spirit Day will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the courtyard. This annual event, which is hosted by the Student Government Association, brings together student organizations and campus departments to showcase everything they have to offer.
The event offers the opportunity for students to discover new clubs, learn about upcoming activities, meet new people, and become more involved in campus life, according to organizers. There will be games, food, activities, and opportunities to make new friends and connections. In addition, the new Eagle logo will be unveiled at 11 a.m. in the courtyard.
IV Leader photo/Tyler Mason
tudents pi up s ag rom a table at the 0 pirit ay rom bigail e om ar eting and ommuni ations intern
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Deadline for graduation application approaching Prospective graduates who think that they might be eligible to graduate with a degree or certificate at the end of the Fall semester must apply for graduation in order to have it posted to their academic records and to receive a diploma. Students can apply at ivcc.edu/graduation by Oct. 9. There is not a fee to apply for graduation. Those who are unsure about their eligibility at this time for a degree or certificate are encouraged to speak with a counselor (815224-0360). A counselor can review a student’s academic record and program of study to determine if all of the require-
ments to graduate are met. Another option to determine eligibility is to view progress in Self Service. At IVCC, there are a number of Associate in Applied Science degrees that have corresponding Certificates students can earn along the way. Those who believe they have fulfilled the re uirements for a certificate may apply for graduation so their academic record will show their progress toward a degree. Any questions about applying for graduation can be directed to Sarah Goetz in the Admissions and Records office at sarah goet ivcc. edu or 815-224-0212.
Faculty begin academic year without contract By Ashlyn Maubauch IV Leader Staff Writer
IVCC’s full-time faculty started the fall semester without a new contract and continue to teach under the terms of their previous contract as of press time. The faculty, who are members of American Federation of Teachers Local 1810, have been bargaining with members of the administration since the spring. According to a statement from the parties, a tentative agreement has been reached, but is not yet ratified. A joint statement between the local and IVCC president Tracy Morris states, “Both teams have put in a tremendous amount of work over the summer and into the fall to come to a tentative agreement. “The tentative agreement still needs to be reviewed by both teams and then brought to the Union for a vote before being presented to the Board of Trustees for their approval of the contract.” The previous contract ran from Fall 2022 to the beginning of the Fall 2026 academic year. No information has been released on the length or terms of the tentative agreement. IVCC English instructor Tracy Lee serves as the president of Local 1810, which represents full-time instructors and counselors.
IV Leader Graphic/Cooper Lamps
ENR O L L M ENT TR END S IV CC’s 2 0 2 6 F all Enrollment statistics show 2 ,8 6 3 unduplicated students and 2 4 ,7 4 2 .5 total credit ours ot gures increased rom t roug e ore declining slig tl in according to ar r o s i vice president or student services
Enrollment sees slight dip for Fall 2026 Enrollment for the Fall 2026 semester has seen a slight dip, IVCC President Tracy Morris told the Board of Trustees at their August meeting. As the fall semester gets underway, enrollment in online dual credit, dual credit and online web increased, while headcount and
enrollment in traditional credit hours both decreased slightly compared to fall 2025, she said. While the number of students in Fall 2025 was just over 3,000. IVCC started the fall semester this year with 2,863 students, according to college officials.
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Tuschhoff joins faculty By Ka t hl e e n Hu nt e r Arts Editor
E. Tuschhoff has been named as the biology lab instructor for the 2026-27 academic year to replace LeeAnn Johnson, who retired after a long career. What brings you to IVCC? I am excited to start a full time faculty position after finishing grad school. Where are you from originally? I am originally from Washington state.
Ro m Tuschhoff
Where did you attend college and what degree(s) do you hold?
your fellow faculty and staff?
I have a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona.
So far, everyone I have met has been really warm and inviting, which is great since I am new to Illinois and do not know many people here yet.
What classes or positions are you currently assigned?
So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC?
I am the Natural Sciences Laboratory Instructor. I also teach several sections of the lab for General Biology (BIO 1001). Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? I have taught many biology courses at the University of Arizona and at Pima Community College. What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and
I enjoy all the neat models and specimens in the biology lab, especially the bone collection. What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area? Compared to Tucson, I am loving all the green and thunderstorms. I love rainy weather! What should a student know about you? I am always happy to answer questions about biology, whether you are studying for a class, interested in career paths, or
just curious. Stop by A101-B during my open lab hours from 9-3 Monday-Friday and say hi! What do others say about Tuschhoff? Amber Fox, Dean of Natural Science and Business, shared, “Dr. Tuschhoff has been a wonderful addition to our Natural Science Laboratory. They bring valuable experience in laboratory inventory and biology instruction, along with a genuine enthusiasm for teaching. “It has been a delight to watch them embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of a laboratory setting. “Dr. Tuschhoff has approached their new role with dedication and determination, tackling challenges head-on and consistently excelling at whatever is asked of them. We are very fortunate to have them as part of the IVCC community.”
ano
Romano hired as laboratory instructor Natalie Romano was named as IVCC’s new physical sciences laboratory instructor for the 2026-27 academic year. Where are you from originally? Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania Where did you attend college and what degree do you hold? I have a BS in Chemistry from Penn State University (Erie, PA) and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Akron (Akron, OH). What classes or positions are you currently assigned? I am a physical sciences laboratory instructor. I currently do not teach any classes, but I set up all the chemistry labs, help out when needed, and do a lot behind the scenes for chem labs. Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? I am not new to teaching. Over the past 12 years, I have taught at Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate, TN), the University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, CT), and Armstrong State University [now
Georgia State University, Armstrong campus] (Savannah, GA). What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and staff? My initial impressions include the people I work with are awesome, the building is a little confusing, and the students seem nice. So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC? My favorite aspect of IVCC is everyone is friendly and helpful. What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area? It has a quaint small-town feel, but it has some luxuries that more rural areas lack. What should a student know about you? Even though I will have sharp words for you if you are eating/drinking, wearing shorts, or inappropriate shoes in the chem lab, I really am not that scary. Outside of the lab, I really am a fun person who is a giant nerd.
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Straughn joins faculty Jenna Straughn joins the Illinois Valley Community College faculty as a new dental assistant instructor for students in the dental program, which is located in Building G, the gymnasium.
Where are you from originally? I grew up in Granville, IL and graduated from Putnam County High School in 2006.
Where did you attend college and what degree do you hold? I attended IVCC for one year to complete some of my general education requirements, and then I transferred to Parkland College in Champaign and graduated from the dental hygiene program. I received an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene in 2009. More recently, I went back to school to finish my degree, and I graduated from the University of New Mexico in December of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
What classes or positions are you currently assigned?
S t r au g hn
For the fall semester, I am currently teaching Dental Materials Lab to the dental assisting students and Clinic III to the dental hygiene students.
My favorite aspect of IVCC is the sense of community. I really enjoy being in an environment where the faculty know their students and are invested in their success. I’m thankful that I am able to give back to the community that I once utilized when I was taking college courses.
Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? Yes, I am new to teaching. I started out in a part-time role about a year ago and have now transitioned to a full-time role for the current school year, which I’m really excited about. Prior to that, I worked in private dental offices as a registered dental hygienist, so this has been a big change!
What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and staff? My initial impressions of IVCC have all been very positive. Students, faculty, and staff have all been very helpful and welcoming.
So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC?
What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area? I loved growing up in the Illinois Valley, and I’m happy that I get to raise my kids in the same environment. I’ve always gravitated toward the small-town feel, and that’s exactly what we get here in the Illinois Valley. Of course, I also love all the great local restaurants we have to offer around here, too! After working as a dental hygienist for the last 17 years, I’m excited to pass the knowledge I’ve learned along the way to future dental hygienists and dental assistants. If any student has an interest in the dental programs that we offer here at IVCC, I would be more than happy to discuss the programs with them.
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Low cost dental care offered Illinois Valley Community College’s dental health program, which provides free and low-cost dental care to the public, is accepting patients for deep-cleaning appointments. Unlike routine cleaning of the tooth surfaces, deep-cleaning treatments extend below the gumline and take more time. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. The comprehensive procedure typically lasts two to three hours and may take more than one appointment. IVCC dental assisting and dental hygiene students provide dental care under the supervision of volunteering dentists and licensed dental hygienists. The clinic is a valuable training setting for students and an important resource for the community because it makes dental care accessible and affordable. The public pays $30 for cleanings (cash or check only). IVCC students and employees receive all services at no cost. The clinic does not accept any form of insurance for payment, but the fee will be waived for patients who show proof that they qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. For information on dental care, call (815) 224-0227 or email dentalhealthcenter@ivcc.edu.
Project Success Continued from Page One Students can find the application for project success at https admissions.ivcc.edu register Sapplciation. IVCC sophomore Grace Taylor is going into her second year as a member of Project Success. “I really enjoyed Project Success because once I opened up, it became such a comfortable and inclusive space. “At a community college especially, I believe it is difficult to make friends since mostly everyone is commuting, so in Project Success, I was able to make friends and experience lots of fun events.” While federal-funded TRiO programs have faced some funding challenges in Congress in the past, IVCC’s program is awaiting word on whether funding for the program will continue in the federal budget, but they do anticipate full funding. “Project Success is a well established program that has been at IVCC since 1997,” Scoma said. “We always meet our grant goals of helping students stay in school, transfer and graduate. Our program is like a second family for students here on campus. We love to see success stories from our students.” Students can contact either of Scoma or Herman by email for any questions or more information at diane_scoma@ivcc. edu or Chris_Herman@ivcc.edu.
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It’s not too late to get books for classes By Hu nt e r P o z z i IVLeader Staff Writer
There is still time to get the textbooks you need to stay on track during the fall semester. Students who wish to see what material they need for their classes can find that information on ivcc.ecampus.com. Gabby Sorenson, IVCC bookstore coordinator, shares that students can shop their material by class schedule to get shown what they need. Logging into E-campus using student information allows visitors to view lists of required textbooks. They can also have the opportunity to use a price-match guarantee system, which will match a new, used or rental textbook within seven days of purchase from the online bookstore. Students can learn
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more about the price-match system by visiting ivcc.ecampus.com/price-match. Also, students who would like to find out more information about their book vouchers for their textbooks should visit the Financial Aid office in-person or call their number at 815-224-0438. Purchasing textbooks on E-campus gives options between shipping your required textbooks directly to your home or picking them up on campus. Free shipping is also included if you order material over $59. Students who need additional supplies, such as notebooks, pens, ruled paper, binders, etc., can visit the physical bookstore on campus during their hours: Monday - Friday at 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions and concerns, students can call the bookstore at 815-224-0311. More contact information from the bookstore is available on their page on IVCC’s website.
Campus Question By T ho m
as C ar l s o n
With your current college routine, what parts of your schedule feel difficult, and what aspects still make it worthwhile? An s w e r : What I struggle with most in my schedule is the huge gap between my classes and how late my last class is. It makes the day feel long. But on the positive side, the routine keeps me active and learning, and the class times work pretty well around my job. Trevor Carlson
An s w e r : With my current routine, the biggest frustration is the long gap between my classes. It makes the day feel stretched out and hard to manage. But even with that, I really enjoy learning. Being here feels like a fresh start and the beginning of a new journey for me. Jonathan Avila
An s w e r : With my schedule right now, the hardest part is how everything is done digitally. There is nowhere to put my belongings, the breaks between classes are long, and it’s even more difficult because the college no longer offers a program for my son when I need to bring him. Even with all that, I’m still glad to be back in a college environment again after being away for a while. Jessica Noak
IV Leader Photographer Isabella Petty
S tu den ts stop for a col d drin k at th e col l eg e’ s W el come W eek L emon - ’ ade’ S tan d. S tu den ts w ere ab l e to comb in e syrup avors ith their hoi e o lemonade
Lemon-‘ade’ stand welcomes students To celebrate the first full week of classes, IVCC welcomed its students with a Welcome Week Lemon “ade” Station. Each day, the lemon “ade” station was placed in a different area each day to supply students with refreshments and snacks, also encouraging students to explore their way around campus. The station was strategically placed in spots of the school that students often find themselves needing such as the center for accessibility and neurodiversity, counseling, the academic support center, and enrollment services. This way, students were able to be rewarded while becoming familiar with IVCC and all that it has to offer.
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Connecting beyond the classroom Adjusting to a new schedule is not always an easy thing to do. Waking up at a different time, organizing priorities, and getting used to a different routine can be hard. This is especially true for school whether you are brand new or if you are a returning student. It does not matter how many classes you have or how many days a week you go to school. On top of new classes, assignments, work, and a personal life, sometimes it’s hard to worry about the social aspects of every day. However, being social gives us life. One conversation can turn your day around. Meeting one new person can change your whole life. Sometimes the question is not who you will meet, but how you will meet them. It is not always as straightforward as just turning around in class and connecting with new people. The lectures, note taking, and class
etiquette are what hold courses together, and interrupting the flow is not the best path to take. IVCC has so many opportunities for students to meet and interact with new people. If you are looking for a study buddy, a lifelong friend, or even someone to get lunch with after class, IVCC has so many clubs, organizations, and events that can lead you in the right direction. One good opportunity for connections that is coming up is IVCC’s spirit day! This is a day full of bonding, activities, and fun. There will be food, giveaways, and more surprises! This year’s spirit day will fall on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 9 30 in the morning until 1 30 in the afternoon. There are many more ways to get involved along with volunteer opportunities on the IVCC website, www.ivcc.edu, if you search for “clubs and organizations.” This will take you to a page with a variety
of options depending on what you are interested in. Some categories for the clubs and organizations include multicultural, sports, arts, honors, leadership, and more. The easiest ways to learn more about and find access to these are on the IVCC website and on the IVCC social media platforms where there are lots of announcements like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The social media pages are always updated with any new information. It is so important to find people to talk to and socialize with even if you don’t have lots of time to devote. Your mental well-being is just as important as your work and school lives, don’t feel intimidated! IVCC scatters events throughout each semester ranging from all times of the day so that each student has the best chance to get in touch with others and interact with other members of the IVCC community.
Student Trustee welcomes students Hello, fellow Eagles, and welcome (or welcome back) to IVCC! For those of you who are new to campus or have not had the chance to meet me yet, let me introduce myself. My name is Jacy Miller, and I am honored to serve as your Student Trustee for the 2026-2027 academic year. Before stepping into this role, I served as the Freshman Representative in Student Government, and I currently continue to serve as a Student Ambassador. Being involved on campus has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. ou’ll often find me studying, attending meetings, participating in campus events, or simply spending time with friends between classes. If you see me around campus, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello. I would love to meet you! You may be wondering, what exactly does a Student Trustee do? Simply put, I am your voice. My job
is to represent the student body and bring student concerns, ideas, and interests to the people who help shape decisions at IVCC. Whether you have questions, concerns, suggestions, or ideas for improving campus life, I am here to listen and advocate for you. My goal is to help make your experience at IVCC as enjoyable, successful, and rewarding as possible. If leadership and campus involvement sound interesting to you, keep an eye out because Student Government Association (SGA) petitions will be available soon. Once petitions are submitted, the freshman election process will begin. This is your chance to get involved, make a difference, and have a voice in shaping campus life. And remember, everyone’s voice matters and your vote counts. Most importantly, I hope to see all of you at Spirit ay Wednesday Sept. 16
from 9 30 a.m. till 1 30 p.m. in the Courtyard! There will be games, food, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow students. It’s a great chance to learn more about the clubs, organizations, and amazing people that make IVCC such a special community. I am incredibly excited for the year ahead and cannot wait to make memories, build connections, and grow alongside all of you. Here’s to a fantastic year at IVCC. Go Eagles!
Trustee’s Corner By Jacy Miller Student Trustee
IV LEADER STAFF Editors-in-Chief
Isabella Petty Camille Huckleba
Opinion Editor: Jacy L. Miller
Arts Editor:
Kathleen Hunter
Social Media:
Sarah McGrath
Photographers: Isabella Petty Alan Castro
Graphics:
Austin Gordon, Cooper Lamps, Sarah McGrath, Isabella Petty, Camille Huckleba
Cartoonist:
Erik Beebee
Staff:
Zach Escatel, Justin Donovan, Kaitlyn Anderson, Thomas Carlson, Chandler Creedon, James Ewing, Austin Gordon, Camille Huckleba, Kathleen Hunter, Cooper Lamps, Ashlyn Maubach, Sarah McGrath, Hunter Pozzi, Hannah Rich
Letters:
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.
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. IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and Illinois Community College Journalism Association, 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.
To join the staff, contact lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu
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Cast announced for fall production By Hannah E. Rich IV Leader Staff Writer
Submitted by IVCC Fine Ats
The IVCC Fine Arts Department has a Fall play chosen and production dates are set. Dale Young, IVCC theater instructor, has announced the Fall production as “Tiny Beautiful Things” and will be shown Nov. 12, 13, 14, and 15, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday the 15. This play might sound familiar because the play was inspired by the book by the same name written by Cheryl Strayed and the podcast “Dear Sugar.” The book was adapted into a stage production by Nia Vardalos, who also wrote and starred in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and its sequels. “Tiny Beautiful Things” gives life to the questions and answers published online by Strayed. The book was written as a memoir of the collection of letters asking questions and the answers Strayed gave in return. The play is centered around a struggling writer who is asked to take over the unpaid, anonymous advice columnist position. Strayed utilized her empathy and personal
experiences to help people with obstacles in their lives. This show is about helping to lift each other up and working through problems. The audience should be aware that there may be some adult language and topics. Overall, though, the show is PG-13 and parental discretion is advised. When asked what else he wanted people to know about the show, Young emphasized the audience’s importance at IVCC, saying, “Our audiences are great here at IVCC -- coming to see a show here is definitely an event, and an enjoyable one at that! Please make plans to come and bring an army of friends!” The cast for the show was recently announced. Jennifer Walk, an IVCC Alum and current Hennepin resident, will be playing the lead role of Sugar, and Hope Loza, Luke Gualandri, Ava Talbot, and Samuel Wade will be joining her as the ensemble. Addison Kanellis is the student stage manager and the understudy. If you would still like to participate backstage or help with props, set, or front of house reach out to Young.
‘Lanterns’ shines bright in HBO Max series It seems that Lanterns may prove to be the brightest day for the property. Originally announced back in 2019, the Green Lanterns series spent nearly a decade before seeing light. While that version was scrapped in favor of the new DCU iteration, the time left many fans wondering if it would ever be released. Now, two episodes in, Lanterns is proving its place among the rebooted cinematic universe. The series acts as a traditional buddy cop series, following Hal Jordan as he trains Jon Stewart to eventually take his title as Earth’s reen Lantern. The first episode begins showing Stewart’s admiration of Jordan as a young kid, watching ordan’s first ever tv interview against his father’s wishes, but quickly shows why you never meet your heroes. Jordan has become grizzled after years on the job, appearing to Stewart as though he isn’t taking it or their training very seriously. This quickly changes when there is a shooting at a high school football match in Rushville, Nebraska. Jordan believes
the victims were aliens, causing clashes with local law enforcement and interest from a rural militia that doesn’t want to see Earth “colonized.” As Jordan’s hunch proves to be true, it becomes clear that no one in the town can be trusted. As Stewart learns more about Jordan, he questions how much his partner can be trusted. Kyle Chandler, who admits he knew nothing about the character, shockingly embodies Hal Jordan through the longtime hero’s different decades. Perfectly portraying the bubbly, sarcastic ace of his early years, while able to carry that over and combine it with the skeptical, harsh nature of the character in his later years. Aaron Pierre too brings Jon Stewart directly from the page to screen, displaying his militaristic demeanor that can show cracks of humor in the right settings. The chemistry between the two actors in character is what makes this work, but, of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the writing. Recently going viral, the scene in which Hal Jordan is able to decipher
that the suspect he is interrogating is an alien is some of the best dialogue writing I’ve seen between two characters. First, slowly easing into questioning, Jordan asks him basic questions about Nebraska and football as a game to decipher why a man that seemed to have no connection to the game that night would be at the stadium. As the “man” continuously fails to give any more detailed responses than surface level answers you could Google, Jordan digs deeper. This time he decides to ask his opinion on Barack Obama, to which the suspect can only answer that he was the 44th president. To which the Green Lantern responds, “As a rural Nebraskan, that is the breadth of your opinion of Barack Hussein Obama?” When he doesn’t take the obvious bait, the police finally agree with Hal Jordan. So far the series hasn’t been an action packed powerhouse, rather a more down to Earth investigative series that reflects the space cop aspects of the different Green Lan-
terns’ comics. This has been in stark contrast to the Ryan Reynolds starring movie from 2011 and Guy Gardner’s appearance in Superman (2025). This could change as more action is being teased for upcoming episodes, as well as Guy Gardner, but this slow burn start has already begun to spark a flame. So far, I’d rate this series an 8/10, with a healthy opinion that it could reach a 9 or 10 by the end of its run. If you’d like to follow this unfolding mystery, Lanterns premieres every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.
On the Screen By James Ewing IV Leader Columnist
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Students research African Art Collection Illinois Valley Community College students spent the Spring 2026 semester investigating the origins of five West African artworks that were donated to the IVCC Art Department in the 1970s. Art professor Shannon Slaight had previously established the beginnings of scholarly research on the art pieces in the semester prior. Her goal in this endeavor was to establish the ethical display of these objects and others in a future Global World Arts display at IVCC which could be utilized for the Art Department and other programs. Through her inquiry, she met IVCC Anthropology professor Brittany Blomquist, which eventually led to the collaboration between the two departments. Working closely with IVCC art and anthropology faculty, students searched for clues about the artworks’ cultural backgrounds and historical significance, using tools such as the guidelines in art analyzation and core ethical standards based in methodological uses of anthropology research. The students began the project with investigating similar objects, cultural patterns and materials associated with various African groups. They also utilized Jacobs Library a n d c o n sulted librarians for further r e a d ings. In fact, they were delighted to find physical books on the subject matter.
Submitted photo
AF R I C AN AR T I n stru ctors S h an n on S l aig h t ( secon d from l eft) an d B rittan y B l omq u ist ( far rig h t) w ork ed w ith stu den ts to research th e orig in of W est A frican art th at w as don ated to th e I V C C A rt D epartmen t in th e 1 9 7 0 s. A t th e en d of th e semester, stu den ts S ag e G al ik , D estan y K reb sb ach , L au ra P ool , H an n ah R ich an d D on S l oan trav el ed to th e N I U P ick M u seu m of A n th ropol og y w ith facu l ty memb ers. Next, museum specialists were consulted to help identify the pieces. One inquiry led to an invitation from the Pick Museum of Anthropology at Northern Illinois University, where students had the opportunity to compare IVCC’s West African artworks with similar objects in the museum’s collection. At the end of the semester, students Sage Galik, Destany Krebsbach, Laura Pool, Hannah Rich and Don Sloan traveled to the museum with faculty members, bringing two West African masks from the IVCC art collection for hands-on examination. During the visit, museum staff provided a tour of the collections and shared information about artifact
preservation, including cleaning and storage techniques for different materials. Students also learned about the cultural and ethical considerations involved in collecting, interpreting and displaying artifacts. The museum’s staff offered interpretations of the masks and helped students compare them with similar African cultural pieces. The experience provided valuable insight into museum practices while helping students develop a deeper understanding of the artworks and the cultures from which they may have originated. This special visit also established a possible future working relationship
with the NIU Pick Museum staff. The project combined anthropology and art history, giving students a unique opportunity to apply classroom research methods to a real-world investigation and contribute to a better understanding of a long-standing part of IVCC’s African art collection. Professor Shannon Slaight and Professor Brittany Blomquist expressed pride in the students and thankfulness to IVCC for the opportunity. They also expressed appreciation to Lirim Neziroski, dean of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences, for the support of student research and programs.
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Events set for Hispanic Heritage Month
Submitted graphic
A number of events have been planned to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at IVCC. Events begin Tuesday, Sept. 15 with Mexican Hot Cocoa and sweet treats offered from 9-11 a.m. from the Student Life Center kitchen in E Building. The refreshments are free. Monday, Sept. 21 brings a Day of the Dead Craft Day. Students will paint and decorate frames and ornaments from 11-1 p.m. in CTC 124. The crafts are suitable for an altar. On Monday, Sept. 28, immigration updates will be presented by attorney Sara Dady from noon to 1 p.m. in CTC 124. A Hispanic Alumni Panel provides information on their IVCC experience and next steps after IVCC from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 in CTC 124. A free lunch will be offered at this event. The final event to celebrate the month is Monday, Oct. 12. A food festival will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in CTC 124 and 125. Students can learn to make corn tortillas and sample traditional dishes during the event. Hispanic Heritage Month events are sponsored by the college’s DEI committee, Project Success, Arts Committee, International Club, IVCC Hispanic Leadership Team and the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council.
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SPORTS
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Tennis wins opening matches The IVCC women’s tennis home opener on Aug. 30 featred two rain delays, shortened matches and incomplete games. The Eagles played nine matches and won all six completed matches vs. College of Lake County, but ultimately had to abandon the final three singles matches on the court due to more rain. Full match victories were secured by all of the doubles teams (8-6, 8-0, 8-3) and three singles matches (Izzy Pecchio 6-0 and 6-4, Raleigh Leininger 6-0 and 6-0, Phoebe Shetterly 6-0 and 6-2). For the team, No. 1 doubles features Yaquelin Solis and Ellie Taylor, with No. 2 doubles Izzy Pecchio and Leininger. No. 3 doubles boast Shetterly and Grace Pec-
chio. During complete matches, Taylor will play No. 1 singles, Grace Pecchio No. 2 singles, Izzy Pecchio No. 3 singles, Leininger at No. 4, Shetterly at No. 5, Solis at No. 6, and Audrey Thompson at No. 7. The Eagles return to action at home at 10:30 a.m. Sunday Sept. 13, vs Sauk Valley Community College at the L-P sports complex in La Salle.
AT THE NET
T h e E ag l es N o. 1 dou b l es team of E l l ie T ay l or ( l eft) an d Y aq u el in S ol is attack s th e n et du rin g a match v s. C ol l eg e of L ak e C ou n ty on A u g . 3 0 . IV Leader photo
IV Leader Graphic/Austin Gordon
IV LEADER
SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
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Eagles golf starts slow By Chandler Creedon
IV Leader Sports Writer
The 2026-2027 IVCC Eagles have begun their season and their team looks promising. The first event of the season started at Park Hills in Freeport. Teams in the Highland 36 compete during a long, intense battle for the lead. This year, the event had many rain delays and ended early, which led to only counting the first 18-hole scores. Sophmore, Chandler Creedon, led the Eagles by shooting a 4 76 finishing top 15. amie oyle, a freshmen from Ireland, finished with a 9 81 . Kilian Louis Martens, sophomore, fired another 81. The team was rounded off by ake ia with an 85 finishing the team score with a 323. The second event of the year was the Heartland invite at Weibring olf Club in Bloomington. Martens led the team shooting 11 79,74 . oyle came in at 14 80,76 . ach Husser finished 29 85,86 . ia rounded off the eagles with 30 89,83 . The Eagles finished the tournament in eighth place. The team shot a 652 for a total team score. For the third event the Eagles competed in the Oakton Owls Invite at Heritage oaks olf Club in Northbrook. Martens took charge once again shooting a overall 6 72,74 . oyle finished 10 75,75 . Husser struggled to a 19 83,76 . Caden Carls, a freshman for the Eagles, shot a 30 89,81 . The Eagles finished with a total of 625 and tied for 10th place. oyle states, “I believe the team can do well this year and compete to get to the nationals. I am finally starting to get settled.” The golf team has eight tournaments this season including the Conference tournament at rairie View olf Club in Byron. The IVCC olf Team is coached by esse Cavanaugh, a former IVCC student and golf aumni. Cavanaugh said, “I am excited to see what we as a team can do this year. With four solid scores, I believe we have a chance for nationals.” The IVCC Eagles Men’s olf Team lays next September 8th for the cougar classic.
IV Leader graphic/Camille Huckleba
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
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Athlete Spotlight: Ava Currie By Kaitlyn Anderson IV Leader Sportswriter
Submitted photo
The Eagles volleyball team opened their first tournament going 4-0 and have a 6-0 record as of press time.
Eagles volleyball finds early success in tourney By Camille Huckleba IV Leader Editor
The Illinois Valley Community College volleyball team made an early statement this weekend, finishing undefeated at the OWT Rockford Tournament with a 4-0 record. With several freshmen joining the program this year, the tournament gave IVCC an early opportunity to develop chemistry between its newcomers and returning players. The freshmen have already stepped into significant roles, adding another dimension to the Eagles’ lineup. IVCC opened the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Century, winning 25-13, 25-20, 23-25 and 25-17. The Eagles recorded 37 kills, led by sophomore Kaitlyn Anderson with 13. Freshman Kelsey Frederick added eight kills, while Ava Currie finished with seven. The Eagles followed with another 3-1 win over Ellsworth. Anderson again led the offense with 10 kills and added 13 digs, while Currie contributed eight kills and Frederick finished with six. IVCC continued its strong weekend by sweeping North Central Michigan 3-0 with set scores of 25-7, 25-13 and 25-18. Currie led the
attack with seven kills, while Anderson and Frederick each added six. The Eagles completed their undefeated weekend with another sweep, defeating Central Lakes 25-14, 25-9 and 25-16. Anderson led IVCC with 11 kills, followed by Currie with eight and Frederick with six. For sophomore setter Lauren Harbison, the weekend was a strong indication of the team’s potential moving forward. “This weekend was a great building point for us,” Harbison said. “It showed us what we can do as a team and gave us something to build off of as we keep working and improving throughout the season.” Anderson finished the weekend with a team-high 40 kills while also contributing more than 20 digs. Frederick totaled 26 kills across the four matches, establishing herself as an early offensive contributor for the Eagles. The combination of returning experience and new talent was on display throughout the weekend as IVCC left Rockford unbeaten. The Eagles will look to carry that momentum to their first home game September 8 facing Black Hawk.
Ava Currie is back for her second year of IVCC volleyball and has already shown out in the team’s opening weekend in Rockford. Ava recorded 30 kills over their their games; an outstanding performance for only the season opener. After the 4-0 start to her sophomore campaign, Currie said, “I feel great, I am extremely excited to where this season goes. I think this weekend showed our potential.” Currie is also a captain this year and after asking Currie what it means to her to hold this leadership role she said, “I feel honored to be voted captain alongside my teammate Kaitlyn. “It means a lot that my teammates view me as a leader. As captain I plan to always be positive and create a upbeat environment for my team.” Currie also shared her goals for the season. “Overall my goal is to make this season memorable and fun, as it is my last. I also want to do my personal best
Currie
and go out with a bang!” Reflecting on her freshman season, where she received all-conference recognition, Currie discussed her favorite memory from IVCC so far. Currie said, “My favorite memories are the bus rides because they are so uplifting and gives me extra time to bond with my teammates.” Currie is a driving force for this skilled team When prompting her teammates to describe her, they used words such as bubbly, funny, encouraging, talented, and caring. Currie plans to use those bonds to drive the Eagles’ season.
Women’s Volleyball Roster No. Name Year Hometown 1 Camille Huckleba SO. Waterloo 2 Karmen Piano FR. Oglesby 4 Emma Jereb FR. LaSalle 5 Karsyn Brucker SO. Princeton 6 Callie Mertes SO. LaSalle 7 Lauren Harbison SO. Henry 8 Ava Currie SO. LaSalle 9 Malayna Pitte SO. Streator 10 Ruby Davis SO. LaSalle 11 Kelsey Frederick FR. LaeSalle 12 Kaitlyn Anderson SO. Henry 13 Mya Zavada SO. Streator 14 Anna Riva FR. LaSalle 17 Brileigh Holland FR. Utica Head Coach: Kate Vigars and Assistant Coach: Kaitlyn Edgcomb