The Wabash Valley College "View From The Valley" newsletter contains information about faculty, staff, and student accomplishments. All material is copyrighted and the property of Wabash Valley College.
VIEW FROM THE VALLEY VOLUME 19 - ISSUE 07 MAGAZINE
• STUDENT SPOTLIGHT • WVC FOUNDATION'S NEW ED • AG ACQUAITANCE DAY 2025 • AND MORE!
FEBRUARY 2025
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
STEVE JOBS
TABLE OF CONTENTS Editor's Note
01
Student Spotlight
02
WVC Foundation's New Executive Director
03
AG Aquaintance Day 2025
04
High School Visitors at WVC
05
CTE Month at IECC (in pictures)
06
Explore the New WVC Virtual Tour
07
Upcoming Events
08
As we welcome the month of February, a time dedicated to celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) and raising awareness about financial aid, we are excited to introduce a new voice to our community. Meet Grayson Tinsley, a dedicated student ambassador at Wabash Valley College. Grayson will be contributing a series of articles that provide a unique and insightful look into student life on our campus. Through his writings, we hope to offer you a glimpse into the daily experiences, challenges, and triumphs of our students. Grayson's perspective as a student ambassador will bring a fresh and engaging narrative to our newsletter, highlighting the vibrant and dynamic environment at Wabash Valley College. We are confident that his contributions will enrich our understanding of student life and foster a deeper connection within our community. Stay tuned for Grayson's upcoming articles, and join us in celebrating the opportunities and support available to our students during CTE Month and Financial Aid Awareness Month. Together, let's continue to make Wabash Valley College a place of growth, learning, and community.
Stay engaged, stay informed, and let's make this month a time of discovery and inspiration.
Qu˜°n˛˝˙ˆˇ
01
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT By WVC Ambassador, Grayson Tinsley Edited by Quianna McGee
Brayden Grimes, a second-year student at Wabash Valley College, hails from Sullivan, Indiana, and is currently pursuing a degree in Radio TV and Broadcasting. Grimes has ambitious plans for his future, considering career paths as a Journeyman Electrician or a position at Hershey Co. in Robinson. His time in Mt. Carmel has been enriched by the connections he has made, with a standout memory being his trip to Foley, Alabama, for an archery tournament, where he enjoyed time on the beach with his teammates. In his leisure time, Grimes engages in playing video games, practicing archery, and exploring the town. His favorite TV series is "Solo Leveling," and he has a particular liking for crab meat. On campus, Grimes is an active member of the Archery team, competing with an Olympic Recurve bow. He also contributes to Applied Broadcasting, attending and recording various sporting events for the college. Grimes' dedication to his studies and extracurricular activities highlights his commitment and enthusiasm, making him a notable student at Wabash Valley College. His future aspirations and memorable experiences reflect his dynamic presence within the community. For more information about Wabash Valley College and its programs, visit Wabash Valley College's website: iecc.edu/wvc or wvcwarriorathletics.com.
02
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WABASH VALLEY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
she says. Sam is committed to seeing these contributions used effectively to support the college's mission. While still getting acclimated to her new role, Sam has already identified key areas of focus. "One thing I've seen is the importance of getting people re-engaged with the college and rebuilding relationships," she notes. She emphasizes that the foundation's goal is not just about fundraising but also about serving the community and making a tangible impact. A Diverse Background and a Heart for Service Sam brings a diverse background to her new position. She is a part-time teacher at Ambassador Christian Academy and has experience in various roles, including cleaning houses, working for an auctioneer, and assisting with tax-related tasks. Her multifaceted experience and strong organizational skills make her well-suited for the role of Executive Director. Her journey to this position was unexpected but welcomed. "When I received the job description, it felt like an answer to prayer," she shares. Encouraged by her family and friends, Sam decided to step into this new territory with confidence. Building a Stronger Foundation Looking ahead, Sam is eager to see more active participation from board members and the community. "I want people to see that things are getting done and that their involvement matters," she says. She is dedicated to learning about the foundation's history and working towards its goals to support students, staff, and the greater community. Sam's vision includes not only fundraising but also service-oriented initiatives that strengthen the college's ties with the community. "It's about getting the foundation out there and making a difference," she concludes. For more information about the Wabash Valley College Foundation and how you can get involved, please contact the foundation office at 618-262-8641.
Wabash Valley College is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha (Sam) Newkirk as the new Executive Director of the Wabash Valley College Foundation. Born and raised in Mount Carmel, Sam is no stranger to the community or the college, having attended Wabash Valley College for a year and worked in various roles, including the fitness center and business office. A Familiar Face with a Passion for Community Sam's journey with Wabash Valley College began as a student and work-study participant. "I really enjoyed the people and the different aspects of working in the business office," she recalls. Her connection to the community and the college has always been strong, and she is excited to bring that passion to her new role. Vision and Goals for the Foundation As the Executive Director, Sam's responsibilities include managing the foundation's operations, ensuring effective fundraising, and fostering community relationships. "It's amazing how much people give and want to give back to the community,"
03
AG AQUAINTANCE DAY AT WVC A STAPLE DAY AT WVC
Despite snowy conditions, high school students from across the region made their way to Wabash Valley College on February 11th to take part in Ag Day, an event designed to introduce them to the world of agriculture and the opportunities available through WVC’s Agriculture program. Students engaged with faculty, current agriculture students, and industry professionals, gaining insight into careers in ag business and more. The cold weather didn’t dampen the excitement, as visitors explored labs, equipment, and the real-world applications of agricultural education. One of the highlights of the day came from Collegiate Farm Bureau President Jacob Fiscus, a WVC sophomore, who shared his experience in the program. Fiscus spoke with the WVC Communications and Marketing team about how the program has helped him grow as a leader and expand his knowledge in agriculture. He also proudly mentioned that he recently traveled north for a conference where WVC was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Collegiate Farm Bureau Award—a testament to the program’s excellence and impact. Stay tuned for the YouTube interview at youtube.com/@wabashvalleycollege. Ag Day not only showcased WVC’s strong agriculture program but also reinforced the college’s commitment to preparing students for careers in one of the most vital industries. Events like this give future students a chance to see firsthand why WVC continues to be a leader in agricultural education.
04
SHOWING THE WAY WVC STUDENTS HOST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Wabash Valley College students are actively engaging local high school students by hosting demonstrations of their programs. These sessions include slideshows, hands-on activities, and Q&A panels, providing a comprehensive look at various fields of study, from the Physical Therapist Assistant program to Agricultural Studies. WVC students present techniques and exercises from the PTA program, and advancements in agricultural technology. High schoolers participate in activities, try out equipment, and engage in discussions, gaining practical insights into each program. These events foster a sense of community and encourage high school students to consider WVC for their higher education. By sharing their experiences, WVC students help guide future students towards successful careers.
05
CTE AT IECC CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CELEBRATED AT WVC
IECC is celebrating Career and Technical Education Month, and WVC is excited to showcase our programs. Check out these photos of Wabash Valley College students actively engaging and learning in various fields.
students listening to presentation in health professionals club
PTA students instructing high school students
Biology students getting a lesson from Dr. Gill
TV/Media student working on audio files
Petri dish in Science class
06
VIRTUAL TOURS EXPLORE WVC LIKE NEVER BEFORE
IECC is proud to introduce a new way for the communities of Wabash Valley, Olney Central, Lincoln Trail, and Frontier Community Colleges to explore their campuses—virtually! This new approach provides prospective students, parents, and community members with an interactive and immersive way to experience everything WVC has to offer, anytime and anywhere. With the new WVC Virtual Tour, visitors can navigate through campus facilities, classrooms, labs, student spaces, and more—all from the comfort of their own homes. The tour highlights key areas of the college, giving an inside look at the programs, resources, and campus life that make WVC a great place to learn and grow. - Informational Hotspots – Learn about specific locations, programs, and services with just a click. - Mobile & Desktop Access – Tour WVC from any device, whenever it’s convenient for you. - Guided Navigation – Easily explore different areas of campus with an intuitive, user-friendly layout. Whether you're a prospective student looking to get familiar with campus before visiting in person or a community member interested in seeing what’s new at WVC, the Virtual Tour is an exciting and accessible way to experience the college. Key Features of the Virtual Tour : - 360° Interactive Views – Get a realistic feel for the campus and its facilities.
Start your virtual journey today by visiting iecc.edu/wvc/tour and see what makes WVC the right place for your education!
07
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 17, 2025 • Campus Closed
March 3-7, 2025 • Campus Closed: Spring Break March 14, 2025 • Matilda, the Musical
February 21, 2025 • WVC Originators Murder Mystery & Meal February 16, 2025 • WVAC Chris Vallillo: "Forgottonia" February 22, 2025 • WVC Originators Murder Mystery & Meal
February 28, 2025 • Spring Midterms
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VIEW FROM THE VALLEY
iecc.edu/wvc
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