IVCC Pulse

In this, our last episode of the season, we couldn’t think of a more fitting subject than Commencement. We sit down with Mark Grzybowski and Jen Etscheid, two members of the Commencement Committee, to talk about the planning of the event, the people involved, and the day itself. We also discuss what Commencement means for the students, as well as IVCC employees.

The end of the semester is quickly approaching at IVCC, almost time for finals. If you need extra help in one or more of your classes, this is the episode for you. Angela and Kathy from the Academic Support Center’s Tutoring group share with us the different subjects the professional and peer tutors cover and effective study skills to help relieve your test anxiety. Tutoring services are free with drop-in hours Monday through Friday and online sessions available by appointment only. For more information about tutoring at IVCC, please visit https://www.ivcc.edu/twcenter/ and for the 2026 Spring Finals schedule, visit https://www.ivcc.edu/finalexams/index.php

This episode of IVCC Pulse is a double feature, highlighting two different events at IVCC. For the first event, we speak with Shannon Slaight, IVCC art instructor and coordinator of the IVCC Spring Art Show. Different works of art created by area high school and college students will be on display at the IVCC main campus April 13-24, with an awards ceremony on April 17.For the second event, we speak with Dr. Matt Johll, chemistry instructor and coordinator of the annual SciFest. This free event takes place on Friday, April 17 starting at 7 p.m. in the IVCC Gymnasium with several demonstrations in biology, chemistry, geology, and forensics, a perfect family-friendly night for everyone that is interested in science.

This edition of IVCC Pulse is a little different from previous episodes. We interview the cast and IVCC students of the IVCC Theatre Department’s production of THE TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE on location in the Weeg Cultural Centre. They are asked what role they are performing – on-stage or off – and lessons learned about themselves during the show’s production.If you are looking for some laughs and a few touching moments, make sure to see this charming production of THE TWENTY FIFTH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE playing at IVCC April ninth through nineteenth, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for high school students and under. IVCC students receive free admission. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.ivcc.edu/theatre and use the link to the online box office.

This episode of IVCC Pulse celebrates Women’s History Month, with our guest IVCC President, Dr. Tracy Morris. We talk about the women trailblazers of IVCC’s early days and the women working at IVCC today who are continuing that legacy while making their own way.

This episode features Dr. Jennifer Timmers and Willard Mott, instructors and co-coordinators of the Agricultural program at IVCC. Jennifer and Willard share how they have expanded the program, the many partnerships they have created, and the opportunities students have in the agricultural program at IVCC.

In this episode with sit down with Cory Tomasson, IVCC communications professor and Student Activities Coordinator. Cory tells us about some of the forty plus clubs and organizations students can join and different activities that promote student involvement. He also tells us that not only students thrive from being in these clubs, but they create a vibrant community.

In the last episode for 2025, we are joined by Tracy Beattie and Donna Swiskoski from the IVCC Foundation. Tracy and Donna talk to us about the scholarships offered by the Foundation and the impact they have on students. If you are an incoming or second-year IVCC student, apply. Anyone that might be thinking about taking classes in Fall 2026 should also apply. The window for scholarship applications is open now until February 5th, 2026.The application can be found at https://ivcc.awardspring.comIf there are questions, call the IVCC Foundation: (815) 224-0551.

This episode of IVCC Pulse features a discussion with Crystal Credi, Dean of Student Success, and Ashlee Fitzpatrick, Associate Director of Retention and how IVCC is taking a holistic approach to student success. The highlight of this discussion is the on-campus food pantry, Eagles Peak. Food insecurity is concern across most college campuses and IVCC is no different. In order to raise not only awareness, but also to receive donations, IVCC is participating in the Illinois Community College Board's "Feed the Need Campus Food Drive." This is a friendly competition between community colleges in Illinois to see which campus can receive the most donations.This discussion was recorded on Nov. 13, almost one month since the start of the campaign on Oct. 15, 2025. As of posting date (Nov. 25), IVCC has received 2271 total donations. The campaign runs until Dec. 1, 2025.In the spirit of the Holidays, please consider making a donation of non-perishable food items to Eagles Peak. If you would like to make another kind of donation, please contact the IVCC Foundation at (815) 224-0550 and specify that your donation is to go to Eagles Peak.

In this episode, we talk with IVCC Theatre instructor and director Dr. Dale J. Young about the upcoming performance of the IVCC Theatre Department’s production of David Auburn’s Proof. We are also joined by the three IVCC students in the cast: Phoebe Kammer, Ellie Radtke, and Alex Stafford. They share with us their experiences learning how to play their characters and even what they have learned about themselves in the process. Proof plays on the IVCC stage Nov. 20-23, 2025.

In this episode, we talk with Sara Escatel, Director of Adult Education at IVCC and IVCC Student Cheyenne Smith. Sara is the advisor to the Hispanic Leadership Team and Cheyenne is a student member. They tell us about The Day of the Dead and what Hispanic Heritage means to them and why it’s important to celebrate.