IVCC_IV Leader_020124

IV Leader The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College Volume 58 Issue 5 february 1, 2024

News:

Scholarship deadline pages 3

opinion:

mental health resources page 5

arts:

sga freshmen election winners

Project success photo

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FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Carboni hired as instructor Where are you from?

Originally from Granville

What preparation did you do for this job?

I do not hold a traditional college degree. I completed two separate apprenticeships. First being a four-year Millwright/Welder Apprenticeship, second was a threeyear Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship. Both were local opportunities in the Illinois Valley Area.

What do you teach?

Currently instructing in the Welding Department as well as Industrial Rigging.

Are you new to teaching?

I started with IVCC three years ago teaching night classes, part time.

What are you initial impressions of IVCC? Initial impressions on campus are great. Everyone is willing to lend a hand whether it’s students helping

students, faculty helping faculty or any combination thereof.

I really appreciate the Carboni teamwork mentality.

What is your favorite part of IVCC? My favorite aspect of IVCC is the wide array of avenues that students can pursue academically. I think it’s great to branch out as much as possible, see what’s out there.

What do you like about the area?

My favorite thing about the Illinois Valley Area is the opportunity. There are a lot of great companies and businesses right here in our backyard.

What should students know about you?

Students should know that I really enjoy live music.

Can’t count how many concerts I’ve been to in my life.

news

IV LEADER

Ag center plans move forward Architectural plans for the $7.8 million Agricultural Education Center were outlined to the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees by Vice President for Business Services and Finance Kathy Ross in January.

The 10,200-square-foot facility includes an Innovation Lab, a conference room with movable partitions, a large classroom, a lobby, a student lounge and a courtyard.

The college expects to go out for bids and award a construction contract on the project this spring, with completion expected by August 2025.

“This will be a state-of-the-art addition to our agriculture program and to our campus,” said President. Tracy Morris.

In her monthly report to the Board, President Morris shared enrollment figures, Eagles Peak Food Pantry activities and the results of two campus service and recognition efforts.

Enrollment numbers showed an increase in dual-credit credit hours, IBEW credit hours, online blended and virtual class meeting hours, and across-the-board increases of 8.06% in headcount and 2.69% in credit hours compared to Spring 2023.

Amid activities that included an employee breakfast just before winter break, a holiday raffle of 35 baskets donated by departments and employees raised $1,800 for the IVCC

Foundation’s Student Emergency Fund.

Student athletes last fall earned an overall 3.10 GPA. Eagles Peak Food Pantry supplied food and other items for 24 households while the College was open in December, which included 19 children.

Donors supplied a chest freezer and a refrigerator for Eagles Peak, which will allow the pantry to expand its selection of foods.

An invitation to “Thank a Teacher/Staff Member” as part of the IVCC centennial activities received 50 responses recognizing 66 individuals and several departments.

A drive to supply items to the LaSalle Veterans Home collected 517 items before winter break.

In other action, the Board: -- Learned of the resignations of. Patrice Hess, director of Learning Resources, Gary Roberts, vice president for Academic Affairs, and Shane Lange, dean of Workforce Development.

-- Learned of the appointments of Isamar Taylor as director of Financial Aid, Beth Hammock as Assessment Center specialist, Louis Lukacsy as Financial Aid advisor, and Christopher Teason as Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits advisor.

-- Authorized updates to a number of board policies.

The board meets again in Feburary.

Neurodiversity club forms IVCC’s newest diversity student organization is finding its voice.

The aptly named Minds of All Kinds is a group for whom neurodiversity is no mystery, and members who formed it last fall have been introducing the group and the concept behind it to classmates. Now they’re deciding what’s next.

Through leadership in campus and community diversity and equity issues, Tina Hardy hopes the group will give members a place to be heard – but she also wants it to be a place to belong. “It’s a place to be you and to tell others about you,” said the coordinator of IVCC’s Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity.

“Students will have a chance to participate in events and activities they never felt they could before.

They will see that they can make contributions and be an important part of a community that has respect for them and a place for them. And that’s a big deal,” said Hardy.

The term neurodiversity acknowledges that brains develop differently, in some cases due to medical disorders, learning disabilities or other conditions. It challenges labels that Hardy says leave people feeling “less than,” or broken, who “get overlooked, sometimes, in conversations” about what will affect them.

Organizations similar to Minds of All Kinds have sprouted on college campuses to support an often underserved and under-represented population, Hardy said. She says the IVCC group’s formation now is right in a lot of ways: “the right students, the right time at the college, the

right time in society.”

What can neurodiversity look like? Hardy cites a few examples: “Some people struggle to communicate verbally or in writing but do advanced math beyond the scope of most of us. Sometimes neurodiversity looks like that. Some people can’t pay attention to boring things but their brains are suited to making decisions, acting quickly and looking at details. Some people might be creative or artistic but struggle with math or reading or organizing their thoughts.

Sometimes neurodiversity looks like that.”

Unlike some physical differences, neurodiversity isn’t always apparent. But differences created by dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety and other conditions still create or intensify challenges in anything from making

Minds of All Kinds members Aaron Noble, Alexia Gross and Sonja Penney welcomed questions from classmates during Spirit Day 2023. Members of the new neurodiversity group are gearing up for a new semester of activities, support and advocacy.

friends or adapting to change to focusing or coping. Strategies, accommodations, or adjustments of environment can help.

Ultimately, Hardy said: “All brains are good brains and have a broad range of skills and abilities that can

be valued and used. Expectations and environments might be the problem, not the brain or the person.”

For information, contact Hardy at tina_hardy@ivcc. edu.

See more on IVLeader.com

News

IV LEADER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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IVCC kicks off SOUPER Bowl collection

By Lucy Zavada

IV Leader Staff Writer

To kick off the Super Bowl and celebrate Illinois Valley Community College’s 100th anniversary, the college is hosting a “SOUPer Bowl.”

Special Population Transition Specialist Crystal Credi explained the details for this event.

“On Feb. 9, there will be a table set up for donations near the cafeteria on the Lower Level of the C building from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.” she said.

“We are collecting canned soups, stews, and soup mixes as well as individual microwaveable soups and stews.”

The goal is to collect 100

canned soups for the 100th anniversary since L-P-O Junior College was founded in 1924.

All students are welcome to wear their favorite jerseys and the cafeteria will have soup specials as well, Credi said.

After 2 p.m., donations can be placed in the bin by CTC-202, which is located near the Counseling Center.

Donations for the Souper Bowl will continue through Feb. 16.

In addition, Eagles Peak Food Pantry will collect items including canned green beans and corn through February.

“We appreciate all of the support that Eagles Peak has had,” said Credi.

IVCC graphic

Foundation scholarship applications due

By Grace Mertel

IV Leader Staff Writer

IVCC graphic

College seeks stories Over the last 100 years, LPO-IVCC has inspired a lot of stories.

Now, as the college prepares to celebrate its centennial , it is collecting stories from the community about their memories of LPO-IVCC. Were you introduced to new ideas, or a career – or your spouse? Are your ties generations-strong? Who or what had a profound effect on you? There is no end to the reasons why LPO-IVCC means so much to you.

There are no small tales – they all count in making LPOIVCC what we are and will be. Share your story by visiting https://forms.office.com/r/kSY7iKaUFL.

Students have until 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 to apply for an Illinois Valley Community College Foundation Scholarship, which could be worth from $500 to $4,500.

Foundation scholarships are made possible by alumni and donors who see potential in IVCC students, and awards are presented each academic year.

Students who are chosen for scholarships will be notified during the summer, according to information on the Foundation website.

Donna Swiskoski, administrative assistant in the Foundation office, said it is important to note that multiple scholarships may be awarded to one student and, for the first time this year, students do not have to fill out the FAFSA to receive a scholarship.

The scholarship application consists of three short answer questions. Students are asked about their goals, community involvement, financial needs, and any special living circumstances. The rest of the application consists of general information which takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Swiskoski alongside Susan Monroe, who works with donors, provided some tips for students who want an opportunity at scholarships.

“The scholarship process can be intimidating and it can be competitive,” Swiskoski says.

When looking for a place to start, the IVCC Writing and Tutoring Center is recommended.

Students should note all parts of their life.

For example, specific scholarships are offered for applicants who are veterans, single parents, who have disabilities or even who are softball players.

Swiskoski says, “The reason you’re answering all those questions is so those donors know who you are.”

The Foundation Scholarship gives the whole student body a chance to get help paying for college.

Swiskoski adds, “We want to help students succeed here.”

While not all students are awarded a scholarship, more than $400,000 is awarded each year to around 250 students.

For any questions or information regarding the Foundation Scholarships, Swiskoski can be found in the IVCC Foundation Office (C102 by the Cyber Cafe), by email at donna_skiskoski@ivcc.edu or by calling (815) 224-0551.

Students who want to fill out the Foundation Scholarship application can visit https:// www.ivcc.edu/foundation/scholarship-listing.php.

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FEBRUARY 1, 2024

news

Essay contest available for students

The submission period for Illinois Valley Community College’s 2024 Paul Simon Student Essay Contest is open.

The student who best describes “How IVCC has changed my life” will win $300 and read their essay at the May 18 Commencement ceremony.

All currently enrolled fullor part-time IVCC students are eligible. Essays must be 500 words or less and be submitted as an attachment to Community_Relations@ivcc.edu. Deadline is noon Friday, Feb. 23.

The winning essay will be entered in the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) statewide contest.

One submission will be chosen for a $500 award.

For information, contact Vice President of Student Services Mark Grzybowski at 815 224 0393 or email mark_grzybowski@ivcc.edu.

IV LEADER

Graduation application due Feb. 15

Submitted photo

MAKING A DIFFERENCE The IVCC American Red Cross club visited the LaSalle County nursing home in Ottawa on Dec. 21. The members played bingo with the residents and brought along prizes to share with the winners.

Students who think that they might be eligible to graduate with a degree or certificate at the end of the Spring semester must apply for graduation in order to have it posted to their academic record and to receive a diploma.

The deadline to apply for Spring graduation is Thursday, Feb. 15.

There is not a fee to apply for graduation.

Students need to complete a onepage form., which is available on the college website at www.ivcc.edu/ graduation and in the Counseling office (CTC 202).

Admissions office representatives said applying for graduation is not the same as agreeing to participate in the commencement ceremony. They are two separate things.

Participating in the commencement ceremony is optional.

If you are unsure as to whether or not you are eligible for a degree or certificate, you are encouraged to speak with a counselor (815-2240360).

A counselor can review your ac-

ademic record and your program of study to determine if you have all of the requirements to graduate. Another option to determine eligibility is to review your degree audit on your WebAdvisor account.

If you are within two classes of graduation and you plan to complete those classes in the summer session, you can participate in the commencement ceremony in May and should submit your graduation application by Feb. 15. If you are completing the online graduation application, indicate it’s for summer graduation.

If you have fulfilled the requirements for a Certificate in an Associated in Applied Science degree program, you may want to apply for graduation so your academic record will show your progress.

Commencement will be Saturday, May 18t. All students who have graduated in the past year may participate.

For information, contact Sarah Goetz in the Admissions and Records office at 815-224-0212.

opinion

IV LEADER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Surviving the seasons:

How to manage seasonal depression

E D I T O R I A L

Mental health can be a tough subject to discuss, yet it touches every aspect of our lives. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act, affecting our daily lives and relationships. According to Mental Health America, 19.86% of adults in America have a mental illness which is nearly 50 million Americans.

Whether you suffer personally from a mental illness, more likely than not you know someone who does. With the winter season fully in effect, seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression, is beginning to take its toll on those who are affected by it.

Mental Health America states that about 5 percent of Americans experience seasonal depression each year.

It can be hard to navigate school, work, and mental health all at once.

However impossible it may seem, it is possible to navigate it all.

For starters, realizing

that you are suffering from seasonal affective disorder is only the beginning. Once you can identify the problem, you can work on how to deal with it.

Seasonal affective disorder symptoms include depression, anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, lethargy, overeating, social problems, and sexual problems. If you have any of these symptoms you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder.

There are several coping mechanisms and treatments that can help alleviate the turmoil of having seasonal affective disorder. According to Mental Health America, Light therapy has been effective in up to 85 percent of cases.

Besides light therapy, antidepressants or talk therapy can also help treat seasonal affective disorder. In terms of coping mechanisms, the list is endless. Examples of a few coping mechanisms

include: spending time with loved ones, listening to music, coloring, writing, journaling, going for a walk, self-care, exercising and the list goes on.

Finding the right coping mechanisms for you is simple trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another. It is also completely normal to outgrow coping mechanisms. When that happens, you just need to look for new ones.

With the shortened days, comes a lack of sunlight which does not help seasonal depression.

I recommend taking advantage of the daylight hours we have during the day. Nature in general can be a great way to cope with seasonal depression.

Also, make sure to prioritize self-care during this time. Being in college, it can be easy to forget the importance of self-care. The reality is, that you can’t perform your best academically

if you are not attending to your personal needs physically and mentally.

College is important but do not sacrifice your mental well-being for a deadline.

The most important thing to remember is to give yourself grace.

Be kind to yourself no matter what. No one is perfect and it is okay to struggle.

Trying your best does not have to look the same every day. Most days it will look completely different than the days before. Some days may feel impossible and some may feel easy.

What matters most is that you show up every day and try.

So, if you are suffering from seasonal depression know that you are not alone. You have survived so many seasons to make it to where you are now. Know that whatever season you are in right now will pass and that better seasons have yet to come.

Student Trustee gives spring update Hello Eagles! Welcome back from break!

Student Government had their first meeting after break on Jan. 25. We discussed dates for an SGA meeting with the President’s Council within the next couple of weeks, dates released for events for Black History Month– like the SGA’s annual Soul Food Buffet (date TBD), ideas for other events later in the semester, and established new office hours for our SGA officers.

The IVCC Board of Trustee had a meeting on Jan. 18. Kathy Ross, vice President of business services and finance, gave an in depth presentation on the timeline and plans for

the Agricultural building, announcing that if all plans go smoothly and stay on the strict timeline, classes should begin in the new Agricultural Center in August 2025! This will be a great expansion for our IVCC Ag program!

In the Fall semester, SGA Vice Presiden, Andrew Knipper was our student advocate on the Student Success Committee. However, with Drew being away for a foreign exchange semester in Spain, I am excited to announce that I will be the advocate for students at these committee meetings, and being the link between SGA and the Student Success Committee!

The Student Success Committee had a meeting on Jan. 24! We had a great discussion, planning ahead for a Wellness Week/Health Fair (dates TBD), as well as plans for a Journaling Workshop that students should be looking out for at the end of the month and some plans for Valentine’s Day. Did you know as an IVCC Student, you are eligible for four free therapy/ mental health counseling sessions from our Transformative Growth program?

Transformative Growth Counseling is a 501c3 non-profit organization that serves many students in Illinois, offered here at IVCC. At IVCC, Transfor-

mative Growth offers IVCC: Individual Therapy (Online or In-Person), Diagnostic Testing, & Support and Resources. This is an amazing opportunity that many students often get confused with our academic counseling. Learn more on the IVCC website under “Mental Health Counseling and Resources.”

Thanks for reading! Go Eagles!

Trustee’s Corner

BY LIBBY BOYLES STUDENT TRUSTEE

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IV LEADER STAFF Editor: Emma Coss Arts Editor: Eric Lockwood Sports Editors: Logan Bland Jake Gerding Photo Editor: MaKade Rios Staff: Lucy Zavada, Grace Mertel, Wes Ruppert, Nicholas Graham, Jason Ball.

IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, is published monthly by students of Illinois Valley Community College. Editorials and columns express opinions of student and staff members and do not necessarily express the views of IVCC, the administration or the Board. Editorial opinions are those a student editorial board.

Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the IV Leader Office B-316, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691.

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

To join the staff, contact lori_cinotte@ivcc. edu

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arTS Community choir seeks new members FEBRUARY 1, 2024

The Illinois Valley Community College choir invites singers from the community to join its group on Monday evenings.

Choir director Jenilyn Roether said the group meets 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays (except holidays) in Room D223 beginning January 29.

“Anyone 16 and older may join,” said Roether. “No experience is necessary, but a desire to hone your talents is!

“Singing in a group is a proven way to improve your health and mood,” she added. “Our choir is very welcoming of new singers, as we are all here with the same goals in mind.”

The spring semester will culminate with a Spring Vocal Concert at 7 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2024. For information, email jenilyn_roether@ivcc.edu.

IV LEADER

Community members and students give voice to the IVCC Choir, which headlines two public concerts each year. Adults interested in honing their vocal talents are invited to join the weekly rehearsals and performance, which this spring will be April 29.

‘Aquaman’ provides welcome conclusion The DC Extended Universe, or DCEU, began in 2013 as DC’s response to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

After 16 interconnected movies and a show on Max, DC is starting over from scratch.

The new cinematic universe, kicking off with “Superman: Legacy” in 2025, will be helmed by James Gunn, the man behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy.

Back in December, the DCEU’s final film was released: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”

But did the “Aquaman” sequel close out the DCEU with a bang? Was it a satisfying conclusion to ten years of storytelling?

On one hand, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” had some impressive elements.

Unlike the action sequences in many superhero adaptations, the ones in this movie held my attention.

The opening fight stood out the most. It cuts back and forth between Aquaman taking down pirates and recreating the encounter with action figures for his son.

I also enjoyed the humor, something earlier DCEU films like “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman” lacked. The banter be-

tween Aquaman and his half-brother, Orm, when they’re forced to work together was especially funny.

On the other hand, the movie was lacking in some key areas.

For example, the villain, Black Manta, is carried over from the first “Aquaman.”

Also, his goal is the same—to avenge his father by destroying Aquaman. As a result, the character felt stale.

Certain plot points also felt unoriginal. One storyline involves Aquaman wanting to reveal the existence of Atlantis to the surface world.

By doing so, he hopes the two worlds can combine knowledge and resources to solve climate change.

This storyline was boring because a similar one was executed more successfully in the first “Black Panther” movie.

And, although the action scenes were fun, they lacked stakes because multiple characters took seemingly fatal blows, then recovered soon after.

So, did “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” end the DCEU with a bang? No. However, the movie is a fitting end, because like the DCEU as a whole, it’s

average.

The movie had both highs and lows, just as the DCEU had highs, like the first “Wonder Woman” movie, and lows, like the theatrical cut of “Justice League.” The universe didn’t end on a high note for audiences, but the characters who inhabit it were given a hopeful ending.

Aquaman does end up revealing Atlantis to the surface world, and he promises to use the kingdom’s advanced technology to help end climate change.

For a universe so bleak even Batman and Superman killed their foes when it started, an optimistic ending was surprising, but welcome.

Even though I’ll never see them on the big screen again, it’s satisfying to imagine the heroes I’ve watched for 10 years having further adventures in a world they bettered.

SCREEN TIME AQUAMAN

BY ERIC LOCKWOOD ARTS EDITOR

Movie poster available under Fair Use

The latest DC Extended Universe film, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” made its debut in December. This is the final film for the sequel, which featured 16 interconnected movies.

sports

IV LEADER

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

SPORTS TALK

IVCC Mens Basketball approching .500

BY JAKE GERDING CO-SPORTS EDITOR

Chicago Bears season re-cap The 2023-24 NFL regular season is now officially over, and the Chicago Bears fell short of expectations this year but did finish the year off strong.

The Bears finished with a final record of 7-10 after starting the year off 2-7 and last in the NFC North.

Many people thought this team had the possibility to make the playoffs or even win the division in the NFC North that was thought to be one of the weaker divisions at the beginning of the year.

The offense played worse than expected with now former Bears OC Luke Getsy calling the offensive plays and later being fired after the season and being replaced by former Seahawks OC Shane Waldron.

The only bright spots on the offense this year was DJ Moore and Cole Kmet with Moore going for 1,364 yards and catching 8 TDs and Kmet getting 719 yards and 6 TDs on the year. The rush game wasn’t the best with a group of 3 backs splitting the carries, but Fields ended up being the leading rusher of the year with 657 yards and 4 TDs. Some disappointments of this offense being Darnell Mooney taking a big step down with DJ coming in only getting 414 yards on 31 catches and only getting 1 TD the whole year. Another player who came up short of expectations was Justin Fields finishing with 2,562 passing yards with a td/int ratio of 16/9 and

missing 4 games due to a hand injury mid-season.

The defense on the other hand started off bad but ended up finishing the year great with Eberflus taking over play calling and the huge addition of Montez Sweat. The best part of this defense was huge contributions from new additions TJ Edwards leading the team in tackles, Montez Sweat leading the team in sacks, and Tremaine Edmunds being tied for most INTs with 4 and being tied with All Pro CB Jaylon Johnson and rookie CB Tyrique Stevenson. After this season my hopes are high for this defense playing so well as a young group with ability to make it even better in free agency or the draft.

Going into the offseason, the Bears now have the 1st overall pick (from Carolina) and the 9th pick in this year’s draft and have the 9th most cap space in the league before cuts. This leaves GM Ryan Poles having to make the most important decision whether to take consensus number one pick Caleb Williams from USC and have a QB on a rookie contract with a high ceiling or give Fields one more shot and draft Marvin Harrison Jr. but having to pay Fields soon.

In conclusion the front office has some big decisions to make, but regardless of who the QB is, the hopes should be high for Bears fans next season.

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By Jake Gerding

IV Leader Sports Editor

TAKE A SHOT

Roderick “Scooby” Watson-Pearcey puts up a shot during a November game against Lincoln Land CC at IVCC.

The men’s basketball team is currently 9-11 and 3-0 in conference games at of press time with one game left in January.

The Eagles face Kishwaukee College on Jan. 30 and and nine games in the finsl month of February with five of them being at home.

The Eagles have five homes games on Feb. 1, 3, 10, 15 and their final home game on the 22.

After a rough 3-6 start in the month of November, the Eagles fought back and are slowly climbing their way to a .500 record.

With 10 games left on the season the Eagles look to shoot for a record over .500 and potentially make playoffs this year.

The Eagles are coached

by Chris Herman.

Freshman Wade Sims leads the Eagles, scoring 17 points per game.

Roderick “Scooby” Watson-Pearcey contributes an additional 12 points per game for the Ealges.

The games are being streamed via Zoom this year at https://ivcc-edu.zoom.us/ j/8125341484?omn=8 3340396270

Softball clinic offered Illinois Valley Community College’s softball team will host the 25th annual IVCC Eagles Softball Clinic Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18, in the IVCC gym.

Coaches and current players will offer softball instruction in hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, base running and communication.

There are two sessions each day. On Saturday, participants in grades 2-4 meet 8 to 10:30 a.m. Grades 5-8 meet 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Sunday, grades 2-4 meet 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with grades 5-8 meeting 1:30 to 4

p.m. Cost is $40 per player and includes five hours of instruction and a T-shirt. If a player can only come one day, the cost is $25.

All players should bring a glove and tennis shoes (no spikes or cleats allowed). If a player has her own bat, she is allowed to bring it. Please make sure all items have the player’s name on them for identification purposes.

To register, contact softball coach Cory Tomasson at (815) 224-0471 or the athletic department at (815) 224-0472, or visit www. ivcceagles.com to print a registration form.

IV Leader sports Volume 58 Issue 5 february 1, 2024

softball clinic planned Bears fiend season Page 7

IV Leader photo/emma coss