Advertise on podcast: Illinois Valley Community College

In this episode, we welcome IVCC President Tracy Morris back to the podcast for an update on what's happening across campus. We discuss facility improvements, a record year for scholarships, student support services, prior learning assessment and other academic initiatives, and the many ways IVCC is helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

As part of IVCC's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, alumni Edgar Lucero Castillo and Petra Estrada returned to campus to share their experiences with current students. Edgar discusses his journey from IVCC to a career in law, while Petra reflects on a lifetime of service in education. Together, they discuss the opportunities that shaped their paths, the importance of mentorship and representation, and the advice they have for today's students.

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 podcast explores the earthquake that occurred in the Illinois Valley on November 15, 2023, with IVCC Geology professor, Mike Phillips.

This podcast discusses the Wellness Series planned to help students destress, relax, and learn ways to improve their physical and mental health with Student Government Vice President, Drew Knipper.

This podcast explores the exciting things happening on campus as the Fall semester begins to welcome our new, current, and returning students back to campus.

This podcast discusses the upcoming Health Fair events on April 20th with Nicolette Kendall, IVCC student and Student Government President and Sarah Trager, IVCC Assessment Center Coordinator. The Health Fair has events on the Main Campus as well as the Ottawa Center including the Health Resources Tables event featuring community organizations and IVCC resources, relaxing activities, and free food!

On this student spotlight podcast, IVCC student, Virginia Garcia, is interviewed. It explores her journey and challenges as an adult student working towards her degree.

This podcast discusses the Fitness Center, open to IVCC employees and students, with current students, Ty Perin and Maryanna Amaral.

This podcast discusses One Book, One College and the events planned in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with guests Grace Norris, IVCC's Electronic Resources Librarian, and Heather Steele, Safe Journeys Community Educator.

This podcast discusses the YMCA Little Eagles Child Care with IVCC students, Corrina Hernandez & Jennifer Tomkins. Find out more about this free service for IVCC students and learn a little about their journey.