Student Spotlight Thursday, March 14, 2019 • The Times Business & Industry Review
Section 1
Andrew Noble
For The Times | Steve Stout
When he is not attending classes or studying, Andrew Noble works part-time at Computer Spa in Ottawa. His boss and business owner, Kevin Bressendorf, called the young man “a great and responsible employee.”
Understanding concepts: A Noble quest IVCC student ‘interested about how and why’ the world around him works STEVE STOUT For The Times Andrew Noble learns in real time. That’s how his Illinois Valley Community College chemistry professor Dr. Matt Johll describes the 19-yearold’s ability to process information. “What impresses me about Andrew is processing the information I am presenting while he is taking notes,” Johll said. “He is always engaged and consistently takes an active part in any class discussion. “I believe he will go on to achieve great things.” Andrew chose electrical engineering as his field of study because he said electronics have always fascinated him. “I have worked in a computer repair store (Computer Spa in Ottawa) for several years now and the more I learn about technology, the more I want to know,” he said. “I want to understand and to be able to manipulate the fundamental building blocks of these machines we use so constantly, so I can better understand both the world around me and how it (technology) can be used.” Following IVCC graduation with an
associate degree this spring, Andrew is currently deciding what next college he should attend. He has started the application process for enrolling at University of Wisconsin-Platteville or Bradley University. “I am good at understanding concepts, like in math, physics and chemistry,” Andrew said. “If I understand why something works, I will never forget it. However, if I am only told how to work out a problem, I’d probably forget it. To me, concepts are interesting. I have always been interested about how and why the world around me works.” The son of Dave and Heather Noble, of Ottawa, Andrew was a continuous honor roll student all four years at Ottawa High School, graduating near the top of his class in 2017. Deciding on his educational future
‘To me, concepts are interesting. I have always been interested about how and why the world around me works.’
after high school was easy for the teenager. “One of the main reasons I chose IVCC was the reputation I heard about before I enrolled,” he said. “The deciding factor was when I came to visit and I talked with Dr. (Matt) Johll. His high praise of the school as a place of learning in the conversation we had led me to attend IVCC. Now that I have been here for several semesters, I can truthfully say that reputation is well deserved. “My professors have been marvelous and the atmosphere is perfect for learning. The class sizes aren’t too large and that makes it (easier) to know my professors a bit better.” IVCC mathematics instructor Dan Serafini praised Andrew as one of his favorite students in recent years. “Without a doubt, Andrew, who has been in a couple of my classes here, is an A student,” Serafini said. “He contributes to class discussions and always seeks a deeper understanding of whatever we’re working on. Andrew is constantly asking probing questions and is a joy to have in class. He has earned my respect.”
See NOBLE, page A3