Illinois Valley Community College

06/02/2026

"My IVCC story began as a reluctantly returning IVCC student through the Dislocated Workers Center at age 39, who quickly regained his love for the classroom and learning. I also brought a little more back to college as an adult learner. My best advice to others is your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one."
--Tim Dooley, IVCC alum

05/28/2026

"When I was younger, I was anxious about new situations. IVCC helped me grow in confidence while I remained close to home and gave me the opportunity to meet new people and experience many new things, including the chance to manage the freedom of a college schedule."
--Jason Kotecki, IVCC alum and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee

05/28/2026

A teacher's impact isn't measured by time, nor does it stay within the bounds of a classroom. Last week, we celebrated the life and legacy of chemistry professor Robert Byrne by dedicating a mosaic obelisk in his memorial garden near the gym. Byrne planted and maintained the garden before his passing in 2024, and the art piece pays tribute to his dedication to science, his homemade fudge, his beloved Red Sox, and to the river testing project he led and that continues today. Faculty colleagues Larry Ault and Lauri Carey added personal tributes and artist Susan Burton shared a glimpse into the mosaic's creation with family, friends and colleagues who gathered on campus.

05/27/2026

The La Salle County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) has created a $21,000 endowment to award scholarships to IVCC veterans and their children.

“This scholarship is our way of honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of our veterans,” said Lissa Olson, assistant superintendent, La Salle County Veteran Service Office. “We believe that their service should open doors of opportunity not only for them, but for their children as well. By investing in their education, we hope to support their dreams, strengthen their futures, and express our deepest gratitude in a meaningful and lasting way.”

Read more on our website: https://buff.ly/pEhBiUa

The La Salle County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) has created a $21,000 endowment to award scholarships to IVCC veterans and their children.

05/27/2026

The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation has selected five individuals for induction in the IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Inductees include Susan D. (Stachowicz) Ruppert, class of 1974 and 1975; Joseph “Joe” Devera, who attended 1972 to 1974; Gary Peterlin, class of 1969; Francis “Fran” Brolley, who attended 1978 to 1980, and Therese (Brongel) Cotton-Uphaus, LPO Class of 1959.

The induction ceremony will be Saturday, June 6 at 2 p.m. in IVCC’s Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. The ceremony is open to the public and will be livestreamed.

Learn more on our website at https://buff.ly/fdqaDf6

The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation has selected five individuals for induction in the IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

05/26/2026

"Tutoring at IVCC taught me that teaching is the best way to learn. When I couldn't explain something clearly to a student, I realized I didn't fully understand it myself. Something that also stuck with me was the look on someone’s face when a difficult concept finally clicks. That joy of understanding is why I want teaching to be part of my career."
--Nicholas Bollis, IVCC alum

05/26/2026

Returning this summer or fall but not enrolled yet? Get in to see an academic counselor before June 15 to avoid longer wait times!

Summer classes start June 10 and fall semester begins August 14.

Academic counselors are available at both the Oglesby campus and the Ottawa Center. Call the Counseling Department at 815-224-0360 for current availability.

05/26/2026

The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees approved two vehicle purchases that will expand skills for truck driver trainees and automotive students.

In her monthly report to the Board, IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris reported that summer enrollment is slightly higher than Summer 2025 and that fall enrollment is showing strong gains over last year, with nearly two months to go before classes begin.

Read the full Board Report at https://buff.ly/ATnFGb7

The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees approved two vehicle purchases that will expand skills for truck driver trainees and automotive students.

05/22/2026

They did it! Illinois Valley Community College’s 45th Annual Adult Education Recognition Event celebrated the accomplishments of 33 students who completed the ICAPS (Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System) and Bridge to Careers programs or achieved their Illinois high school diplomas. As graduates prepared for a triumphant walk across the stage, President Dr. Tracy Morris helped pin festive floral corsages to accent traditional caps and gowns, and later, at the reception, graduates posed for photos with their families and their certificates.

05/22/2026

"The theater department gave me a place to grow, take risks, and find my voice. I learned so much more here than what was taught in the classroom—how to work hard, manage my time, push through challenges, and believe in myself even when things felt uncertain."
--Rebecca Carter Eltrevoog, IVCC alum