IV Leader_090221

IV Leader The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois Valley Community College Volume 56 Issue 1 September 2, 2021

News:

Ivcc’s new hires pages 3-4

opinion:

steps to a safe start trustee’s corner page 5

art:

‘what happened to monday’ review one book, one college Page 6

IV Leader photo

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September 2, 2021

NEWS

IV LEADER

A note to fall 2021 IVCC graduates By the IV Leader Staff Are you ready to complete a degree or certificate from IVCC at the end of the fall semester? If you think that you might be eligible for a degree or certificate, you must apply for graduation in order to have it posted to your academic record and to receive a diploma.

Participating in the spring Commencement ceremony is optional. e deadline to apply for fall graduation is Friday, Oct. 1. ere is no fee to apply for graduation and there is only a one-page form to complete. is form is available on the college website at ivcc.edu/graduation and in the Counseling office (Room CTC 202). e form takes a couple of minutes to complete and lets IVCC know that you will be ready to complete a degree or certificate in December.

If you are unsure as to whether you are eligible at this time for a degree or certificate, you are encouraged to speak with a counselor (815-224-0360).

A counselor can review your academic record and program of study to determine if you have the requirements for completion. Another option to determine eligibility is to review your degree audit on your WebAdvisor account.

At IVCC, there are several Associate in Applied Science degrees that have corresponding Certificates that you can earn along the way. If you think that you have the requirements fulfilled for one of the Certificates, you may want to apply for graduation for that Certificate so your academic record will show your progress toward your degree. e college has one commencement ceremony, which will be on Saturday, May 14, 2022. All students who have graduated in the summer and fall terms are invited to participate in the commencement ceremony. ere is no fee to participate in the ceremony. Detailed information is provided in the early part of the Spring semester.

Any questions about graduation can be directed to Karen Gregorich in the Counseling office at 815-224-0444.

COVID testing begins

By Drake Weber

IV Leader Staff Writer

IVCC has begun offering a saliva-based COVID test twice weekly, even as Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new requirements for vaccination and testing on college campuses.

IVCC will offer SHIELD testing, a saliva-based test, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and 2-5 p.m. ursdays in the reception area outside of CTC 124 and 125. e testing is open to anyone in the school and even community members. e college is in the process of trying to create a website that will help with pre-registration. However, community members and students can register at the time of the testing for now.

Athletic Director Cory Tomasson said the SHIELD testing is a highly accurate test that IVCC athletes will participate in at least once weekly. e test not only identifies both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, but it can also detect pre-symptomatic cases.

Tomasson said it will take up to 24 hours for participants to get results, but the results can come back quicker depending on the location of the laboratory and where the specific samples are taken.

Mark Grzybowski, Vice President of Student Services, says that when geing tested individuals should not eat, drink (this includes water), chew gum, smoke, or use tobacco products within 60 minutes of providing a saliva sample.

If any of the these things are done within 60 minutes of providing a sample, it could

SHIELD TESTING TIMES 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays 2-5 p.m. Thursdays Located near CTC 124-125 Visit https://www.ivcc.edu/covid19/ shield.php for information produce an inconclusive result and therefore require the individual to re-test.

People must register before geing tested and the results will be sent individually via the information provided.

Grzybowski also stated that at the moment student-athletes have to get tested at least once per week, but if the offering of testing times and availability expands it could change to twice a week.

While IVCC has the COVID testing in place, the college still is planning for how it will implement Pritzker’s Aug. 26 call for all employees and students in higher education institutions across the state to be vaccinated.

IVCC began the semester Aug. 18 with a mask mandate in effect; however, no one on campus was required to be vaccinated.

IVCC President Jerry Corcoran told employees in an email that the school is assessing vaccination and testing capabilities to decide next steps in line with Illinois Community College Board expectations.

COVID TESTING

IV Leader photo/Hope Beelman

Morgan Thompson, an IVCC student, fills her test tube as part of SHIELD testing on Aug. 26 at IVCC. Students and community members who use the saliva-based test get a rapid response. The test identifies symptomatic, asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases. The SHIELD testing is free.

NEWS

IVLEADER

September 2, 2021

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Hermosillo selected as financial aid advisor

By Hope Beelman

IV Leader Editor

Aer deciding to return to school in 2003 with the goal of completing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, advisor Miguel Hermosillo, a new member of the Financial Aid faculty, currently helps students receive financial aid in order to achieve their personal and educational goals.

“I took an accounting course in high school which I enjoyed since it involved working with numbers in a detail-oriented environment,” Hermosillo stated.

He first obtained an associate degree at IVCC before transferring to Franklin University to complete his bachelor’s degree. Eventually, he continued and achieved an MBA with a concentration in Finance from American Public University.

Hermosillo has lived in the Illinois Valley from the time he was 11 years old although he was born in Mexico and lived in the Los Angeles, Calif. area from the time he was 3 years old to ten years old. Presently, he lives with his wife and 3 children in Peru, Ill. “It has been home for about 30 years. I have family and friends in the community and my children are actively involved in various youth activities,” mentioned Hermosillo aer being asked about his favorite aspect of the Illinois Valley area.

He described his impressions of the students and his fellow faculty and staff at IVCC as understanding, polite, and helpful aer being in his role as a Financial Aid ad-

visor for about 2 months.

Rosevelia Rocha, a Financial Aid student worker, explained that she had similar experiences with the advisors as they have helped her learn more about how to pay for college through federal assistance and scholarship opportunities.

“What I would like for other students to know about the advisors is that they are so friendly,” emphasized Rocha. “ey have created such a welcoming environment, so everyone should feel free to ask the advisors about anything they’re unsure about.”

Another student worker in the Financial Aid office, Natalie Orozco, described the advisors as hardworking and kind. She added that they have been extremely helpful from the day she began working in the office. “ey push me to become a beer student every day and are truly willing to help all students when needed,” Orozco mentioned.

While explaining that IVCC provides a great work-environment, Hermosillo also added that everyone he has spoken to, so far, speaks well about their career at the college.

“I look forward to continuing to grow and develop my career here at IVCC,” elaborated Hermosillo.

Outside of his office and duties as a Financial Aid advisor, Hermosillo enjoys coaching and being involved with the multitude of youth sports his children are involved in.

“I also enjoy going for a bike ride with the whole family to get some fresh air and participate in some sort of exercise activity,” commented Hermosillo.

IV Leader photo/Hope Beelman

FINANCIAL AID ADVISING

Miguel Hermosillo joined the staff in the IVCC Financial Aid Office during the summer of 2021.

Q&A: Lenkaitis hired as nursing lab instructor Cathy Lenkaitis was hired as the nursing lab instructor for the 202122 academic year.

Q. Where are you from originally.

A. I grew up in La Salle and moved to Peru when I got married in 1993. I live there with my husband Sco and two children, Adam and Alex.

Q. Where did you aend college and what degree do you hold?

A. I graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1992 with a BSN degree.

Q. What classes or positions are you currently assigned?

A. I am the new laboratory in-

structor for the nursing program.

Q. Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? A. I have 29 years clinical experience working at IVCH/St. Margaret’s Health Peru. I was an assistant clinical instructor for the LP Area Vocational Center Certified Nursing Assistant program for four years.

Q. What are your initial impressions of IVCC? A. From the moment you walk through the doors of IVCC you are greeted by friendly staff. Everyone is very professional and helpful. e students have all been so kind and respectful.

Q. So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC? A. My favorite aspect so far of IVCC is the feeling that you are part of a family and that you belong.

Q. What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?

A. I am a lifelong resident of the Illinois Valley. I love the small town atmosphere and all this area has to offer.

Q. What should a student know about you?

A. I want my students to know that I am very approachable. I want to see every student aain their dreams and that I am willing to help as needed.

IV Leader photo/Madison Miranda

Cathy Lenkaitis

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NEWS

September 2, 2021

IV LEADER

Boughton moves to full-time nursing instructor position

IV Leader photo/Matthew Rich

Caitlinn Hubbell

Hubbell hired as ag instructor Caitlinn Hubbell was hired as a new agriculture instructor for the 2021-22 academic year.

Q. Where are you from originally?

A. Lafayee, Indiana Q. Where did you aend college and what degree do you hold?

A. Purdue University; Bachelor’s of Science in Food Science & Michigan State University; Master’s in Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics Q. What classes or positions are you currently assigned?

A. Ag Instructor and Co-Program Coordinator! Classes: Agricultural Sales, Intro/Advanced Agricultural Business Management, Intro to Field Crop Science, Agricultural Credit and Finance; Intro to Cannabis Production Q Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? A. New to teaching full time.

Q. What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and sta?

A. e IVCC faculty, staff and students have been overwhelming welcoming! I am excited by the energy at IVCC and the passion to learn by all students.

Q. So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC? A. e environment and the excitement about careers in agriculture in the Illinois Valley area.

Q. What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?

A. We love the Illinois Valley area. My favorite part is probably Starved Rock.

Q. What should a student know about you?

A. I love to cook and bake! Trying new recipes is one of my favorite things to do over the summer.

Q Where are you from originally?

A. I grew up in Ohio, Illinois, graduated with a class of 10 total from Ohio High School.

Q. Where did you aend college and what degree do you hold?

A. Associates in Arts from Rock Valley College, Associates of Applied Science in Nursing from IVCC, Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from NIU, Master’s of Science in Nursing from NIU. Q. What classes or positions are you currently assigned?

A. Currently teaching Nursing 1200 (first year nursing), and ALH 1002 Human Growth & Development at the IVCC Oawa site.

Q. Are you new to teaching? If not, where did you teach before IVCC? A. I have some teaching experience. I have taught ACLS & PALS offered by the American Heart Association through Perry Memorial Hospital for the last five years.

Last year, I taught part time for IVCC in the Nursing department. is is my first year as a full time faculty member.

Q. What are your initial impressions, not only of the students, but also the atmosphere at IVCC, and your fellow faculty and sta?

A. As an alumni, I know the value of the great educa-

Chrissy Boughton tion you can receive close to home at IVCC. I love the close knit community here at IVCC. ere are great activities that students can be a part of! e staff have been very welcoming, it’s exciting to come back as an instructor and make my journey full circle. It has all been great so far!

Q So far, what is your favorite aspect of IVCC? A. I love the sense of

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community that we have here on campus.

Q. What is your favorite thing about the Illinois Valley area?

A. I live in Princeton, and I love our downtown area. I also enjoy the street concerts the put on all summer.

Q. What should a student know about you?

A. I started in your shoes.

I am proud that I am a graduate of the IVCC nursing program.

Students receive share of relief funds Illinois Valley Community College announced 2,700 of their students will soon receive their $1.7 million share of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF).

HEERF, also known as the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriates Act, was authorized in late 2020 and allows for federal funds to be sent directly to students who were enrolled at a postsecondary institution during the Spring 2021

semester.

Vice President for Student Services Mark Grzybowski said, “I am proud of the work that’s being done by my staff to make a high-quality education affordable to everyone in IVCC’s district.

“It’s never too late to start your journey.

Call Crystal Credi at (815) 224-0361 today to begin the process of enrolling.”

IVLEADER

OPINION

September 2, 2021

E Taking precaution with mask mandate D I T O R I A L On July 28, President Jerry Corcoran announced face masks will be required for all students indoors on-campus regardless of vaccination status. e mandate allows students, faculty, and staff to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released a strong recommendation that those in K-12 schools should wear masks “due to the circulating and highly contagious Delta variant,” as stated by the CDC website under Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 schools.

With the increase of in-person classes this fall as well as the rise in students on-campus, it is essential that all students, faculty, and staff wear their masks correctly covering their mouths and noses to slow the spread in the community.

Along with social distancing, masks add an extra layer of safety and protection, and it is important that those on-campus take prevention of the virus seriously. SHIELD Illinois testing is available as of Monday, August 23 in CTC 124 and 125 to provide rapid testing and results to those who feel they may have contracted the virus.

Temperature monitors are located at all main entrances and are required for those who enter the building as the safety and health of those on-campus are a great concern.

Students are also encouraged to fill out the COVID-19 Self-Verification Form, a form that emphasizes the need for students to complete a daily health screening of themselves to check for COVID-19 symp-

toms before arriving on-campus. is form further reinforces the need to prevent the spread of the virus.

Wearing masks properly, checking temperatures regularly, staying home if sick, and washing one’s hands frequently are all ways to keep the community safe.

Stay up to date on IVCC’s response to COVID-19 by checking out ivcc.edu/covid19/index.php as well as lasallecounty.org/covid-19-vaccine-update/ for updates in LaSalle County. vaccines.gov/ allows the community to find vaccine locations if they have yet to receive it.

A welcome from newly-elected Student Trustee

Hello Eagles and a big welcome to IVCC! I hope everyone had a great start to the school year. Hopefully you all grabbed and enjoyed the drinks, donuts, planners, and bookbags handed out and maybe even saw Ruby the therapy dog.

My name is Madison Miranda and I am your current Student Trustee for the 20212022 school year.

To give a lile background about myself, I am a sophomore majoring in communications, I work for an insurance agency, I love both dogs and food, and am a huge Cubs fan.

As Trustee, I aend all monthly board meetings to

work with the President and my other fellow trustees so the students are heard. I am your voice!

Any questions, concerns, or ideas you have, you can come to me and I can work directly with the board.

With that, I am also a member of SGA. As a group, we meet and decide on new ideas and activities to make student experiences here fun and memorable.

Luckily, SGA is kicking off the school year with a spirit week coming up in late September. Although we have been coming up with activities, we are always open to discuss everyone’s ideas.

If you grabbed a planner, my picture and my fellow SGA members’ pictures are on there too. If you see us around, come say hi!

If you are looking to discuss an idea or concern, you can reach me at my Eagle email K0035101@office365.ivcc.edu.

Wishing you all an amazing school year! Go Eagles!

Trustee’s Corner

BY MADISON MIRANDA STUDENT TRUSTEE

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IV LEADER STAFF Editor: Hope Beelman Staff: Ryan Grieves, Hope Stunkel, Madison Miranda, Macy Anderson, Ari O’Kirby, Drew Farrell, Itzia Casas, Drake Weber 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

FOLLOW @IVLEADER

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

INTERESTED IN THE IV LEADER? Contact Hope Beelman at K0036453@office365. ivcc.edu or Lori Cinotte at lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu.

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September 2, 2021

ARTS

IV LEADER

Sci-fi film on seven sisters, one identity

By Itzia Casas

IV Leader Columnist

Aer being on my “to watch” movie list, I was finally able to sit down and view the dystopian sci-fi action-thriller What Happened to Monday by Director Tommy Wirkola, featuring Noomi Rapace, William Dafoe, Gleen Close, and Marwan Kenzari as some of the main cast. e film takes place in the early 2070s, and aer the continuous rise in population, the director of the Child Allocation, Nicole Cayman (Glenn Close), proposes a one-child policy in an aempt to “save” humanity by rationing their resources.

While the policy is in place, a woman gives birth to septuplets, ultimately dying in the process, leaving all seven girls in the custody of their grandfather, Terrance Seman (William Dafoe). Determined to keep all his granddaughters alive, Seman comes up with a plan to name each girl aer their own day of the week, the day on which they are allowed to leave the house.

Altogether, the seven girls make up the single identity of Karen Seman (Noomi Rapace), sharing the name with their late mother. e story follows all seven sisters in their tedious and detail-oriented daily routine that they must follow to keep up the facade of being an only child, even going as far as having to replicate any injury that any of the sisters have, to keep them identical.

People close to “Karen Seman” begin to become suspicious of her (their) identity, resulting in an unnerving, suspenseful, action-packed race to try to survive, and keep their secret from being revealed. en, Monday, the first Seman Sister, the original “Karen Seman”, disappears, leaving the rest of the sisters in a frenzy to not get exposed while

trying to figure out, What Happened To Monday?

Noomi Rapace is a Swedish-born actress born in 1979, known for playing in “ALIEN: Covenant” and the 2009 version of “e Girl With the Dragon Taoo.”

Rapace’s acting history has proven just how versatile she can be, as well as expressing her insane ability to transform herself into very, very challenging characters for her roles.

In What Happened to Monday, Rapace plays all seven Seman siblings simultaneously, giving each character their own personality and movement.

Playing twins as a single actor/actress is already a big task, but Rapace took it to a whole nother level in the 2017 film.

While each sister did have their own different style, personality, and overall “look” and “feel” to them, Rapace was able to display their differences even when multiple sisters were wearing the exact same outfit, hairstyle, and makeup.

As an audience member, at the beginning of the film, it seems that they really are molded together as one identity; however, aer seeing how each sister contributes, you are able to really feel like you know them separately, ultimately leading you to notice the minuscule details that Noomi Rapace was able to incorporate in each character separately to where you feel which sister she is playing, even if you are not entirely sure if it Monday, Friday, or even Saturday.

I would highly, highly recommend this 123-minute movie to anyone regardless of their movie genre preference, because I feel as though it is such a mind-boggling, complex, crazy unique story that is able to captivate with all the plot twist, as well as bring up a conversation on climate change, and what happens aer we, as humans, use of all of Earth resources, without figuring out a way to give them back or make more.

One Book, One College: Join the conversation

By Ari O’Kirby

IV Leader Columnist

ere exists a silent killer among us, dressed to the nines in pharmaceutical jargon and backed by a lobby of some of the wealthiest corporations in America; are you willing to shine a light behind the curtain and unmask the culprit?

IVCC’s Jacobs Library is partnering with local libraries and the Perfectly Flawed Foundation to cultivate critical conversations about the Opioid epidemic and the human cost of consumer culture within our college and our communities through their One Book, One College program. e 2021-2022 selection Death in Mudlick: A Coal Country Fight against the Drug Companies at Delivered the Opioid Epidemic explores the idea that not everything is always as it seems; what one hand giveth, the other taketh away. What hidden price do we pay when we let something numb our pain? is is where investigative journalist Eric Eyre comes in with his NY Times Award Winning book, Death in Mudlick: a product of the so-called “sustained outrage” of an awake and aware American no longer content to just stand idly by while his fellow patriots die from drugs they were told would ease their current pain, just to eventually create even more.

So, how do we protect the sanctity of human life and wellbeing in a culture that places profit above people?

How do we resist the sustained manipulations of a system that aims to numb symptoms and distract from pain rather than cure diseases (because a patient who is no longer sick is no longer profitable)?

How do we demand integrity and honesty from the political, economic, and medical structures that loom over us, yet are only powerful because of

us?

What do we truly need to be happy and fulfilled people?

Join the conversation, either informally with peers and loved ones or as part of our community discussion groups. e free and open to the public events will be held IV Leader photo in person and online via Zoom for all people, regardless of whether or not they read the book; the first meeting will be Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6PM. Participating locations include: Illinois Valley Community College, Jacobs Library; IVCC Oawa Center; Perfectly Flawed Foundation; Oglesby Public Library; and Zoom.

For more information, specific location addresses, updated events details, the zoom links to the live discussions or to get added to the One Book mailing list, visit ivcc.edu/onebook.

If you would like to read the book, you can secure a rental at your local library or Jacobs Library where our dedicated librarian and One Book coordinator, Jayna Leipart Guilla, has promised to put a copy in the hands of any student who would like to embark on this eye-opening journey (also available as an eBook or audiobook).

If you prefer to have a copy you can scribble on and keep forever, visit the fine folk at the IVCC bookstore (where students receive 15% o), the Perfectly Flawed Foundation in LaSalle, or Prairie Fox Books in Oawa.

7 Soccer team starts season undefeated SPORTS

IV LEADER

September 2, 2021

By the IV Leader Staff e men’s soccer team has started off the season with a 3-0 start, behind two consecutive hat tricks from sophomore midfielder Pumi Maphumulo. e Eagles play their home games at La Salle’s Rotary Park. Upcoming home contests are at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 against Milwaukee Technical College and at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6 against Ancilla College.

Aug. 29 vs. Black Hawk East e Eagles recorded a 7-1 victory at home vs. Black Hawk East, with four goals hiing the back of the net in the first half alone.

Maphumulo, the sophomore midfielder from South Africa, scored a hat trick for this second consecutive game with goals at the 19, 24 and 44-minute marks. He narrowly missed a four-goal game when he took a penalty shot from just outside the top of the box in the first half aer a yellow card had been handed to a Black Hawk player for a foul against Andre Mendes. e ball sailed just inches above the top of the net.

Sophomore Bayron Cruz scored two goals in the contest, with Bryan Fuentes and Mendes also scoring in the game.

Anthony Hernandez had four saves.

Aug. 26 vs. Scott CC Sophomores Maphumulo and Cruz led the Illinois Valley men’s soccer team to victory; a 7-1 win

IV Leader photo

GOAL!!!!

Midfielder Bayron Cruz draws the goalie out of the net and kicks one by him for his first score of the Aug. 29 game vs. Black Hawk East at La Salle’s Rotary Park. The Eagles won the contest 7-1, and Cruz scored two goals.

over Sco Community College at Rotary Park.

Maphumulo started early converting a pass from Marc Philavanh in the 15th minute for a 1-0 lead, on his way to a big day with three goals and two assists. Philavanh had three assists on the day.

Cruz also had two goals in the 42nd and 55th minutes to put the Eagles in solid control at 5-0. Fuentes and Francisco Periera both tallied their first goals of the season.

Keeper Hernandez had one save

in goal.

Aug. 24 vs. Elgin e season opener brought a 4-2 win over Elgin Community College at Rotary Park in La Salle.

Aer falling behind early on a defensive error, sophomore Cruz knotted the score at 1-1 with an unassisted rebound goal in the 19th minute.

Shortly before intermission the Eagles would take the lead. Mendes assisted Maphumulo on a give-andgo in the 42nd minute.

e lead would be short lived as Elgin would tie the score in the opening minutes of the second half.

But as the game wore on, the Eagles slowly started to gain a majority of possession time to create more offensive chances in the second half. e result was Cruz and Maphumulo each scoring once more and assisting on the other’s goal to notch a 4-2 victory.

Keeper Hernandez had three saves in goal.

Eagles baseball to be played at Veteran’s Park

By Drew Farrell

IV Leader Sports Writer

Beginning this year, the IVCC Baseball team will now be playing their home games at Peru’s Veteran’s Park. e team made the decision to move from Oglesby’s Dickinson Field aer the college ceased an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Oglesby. e IVCC Board approved the relocation on Aug. 12.

Veteran’s Park is also home to the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Prospect League baseball team which plays in the summer.

IVCC athletic director Cory Tomasson said the following regarding the decision

to play at Veteran’s Park: “When the Pistol Shrimp came in, it really added an element that was beneficial to our players, we had an opportunity where at the end of the season some of our players were able to stick around and start the season with the Pistol Shrimp because many of their players were not done with school, so they needed to fill out the roster.”

“It was a great opportunity for some of our players to get some experience playing with many Division I, D-II, NAIA, as well as some junior college players,” he added.

Men’s baseball hopes to play some fall contests with their regular season in the spring.

Veteran’s Park in Peru will serve as the new home for the IVCC Eagles Baseball team.

IV Leader sports Volume 56 Issue 1 September 2, 2021

men’s soccer compiles 3-0 record in early season baseball to play home games at veteran’s park Page 7

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