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
WABASH VALLEY COLLEGE
VOLUME 17 | ISSUE NO 10
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View from the Valley
The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
DR. SEUSS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor's Note 01
Upcoming Events 02 Student Spotlight 03
Spring Fest 04
05 Community 06 Campus Transformation
07 Faculty Spotlight 08 Gallery
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Editor’s Note
The past month has been a whirlwind of activity on campus, with grad fest, springfest, finals week, commencement, campaigns, fundraisers, and campus beautification projects keeping us all on our toes. Despite the hectic pace, we are grateful for the fun we've had on campus and the many exciting opportunities that have come our way. It's been heartening to see so many students and faculty come together to celebrate our achievements, work towards common goals, and make a positive impact on our community. We're excited for all the things coming up. Whether it's finishing strong this school year, finishing up internship hours, community service projects, or simply enjoying the beautiful weather, let's approach the coming weeks with enthusiasm and optimism. Whenever my friends from the Radio/TV Program and I want ice cream, McDonald’s is usually our first option. However, the darn restaurant always has a “broken” ice cream machine! So, instead, we go to Burger King–which always has consistently delectable treats. Lately, we’ve been grabbing ice cream more and more–and, oddly enough, I feel like we have bonded over these sweet Burger King excursions. My friends and I will take our vanilla ice cream cones and walk around the beautiful WVC campus–or, we will laugh to tears at each other’s jokes in the News Channel 15 studio with half-drank milkshakes in our hands. We like making each other laugh and, most importantly, we like being together. I love going to the studio whenever my friends are there–even if it’s just one or two of them. We always find something to talk about but, when we’re burnt out on conversation, we enjoy one another’s presence in comfortable silence. I will be saddened to leave this regular routine of seeing them in the studio every day when I graduate from WVC. We are all set to part in separate ways once the summer ends. Our days of spontaneous walks around the Quad or hour-long lunch runs will suddenly become minimal. Even though departing from my friends makes me sad, I cherish the memories we made and will make until we move toward different chapters of our lives. A part of me knows I will see them again, and we will never lose touch. Burger King trips and late-night-group-homework sessions will always have a special place in my heart. Reading View From the Valley reminds me of all the good times at WVC. So, read on, and experience the fun we WVC students have been having! Peace! Maggee Bleyer
Read on! Jonathan Leach
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UPCOMING EVENTS
May 02, 2023
May 10, 2023
Finals Week : Popsicles and Therapy Dog Visit
Grad Fest
May 03, 2023
May 11, 2023
Grad Fest Tennis and Pizza (WVC Students Only) Adventures of Tom Sawyer Auditions
Baseball vs. FCC (Region 24 Tournament)
May 12, 2023
Commencement
May 04, 2023
June 05, 2023
Adventures of Tom Sawyer Auditions
Summer Classes Begin
May 05, 2023
June 14-17, 2023
Tennis and Snocones (Community Event) Baseball vs. Columbia & Southwestern
Adventures of Tom Sawyer
May 08, 2023
Finals Week : Free Breakfast Burritos
Follow us on social media for Student Lounge events or any changes to the schedule!
May 09, 2023
Finals Week : Free Grab-N-Go Breakfast Adventures of Tom Sawyer Auditions
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Micah Henson is a sophomore at Wabash Valley College (WVC), who graduated from Edwards County High School in May 2021. Micah was familiar with the Radio/TV program at WVC and decided to attend in the fall after graduation because of its local convenience. "Joining the program gave me experience in the field I would not get anywhere else, all at an affordable price," Micah said. "The small class sizes [have] allow[ed] me to succeed, as the instructor knows your name and cares about you." In addition to his academic pursuits, he is also extremely active on campus, involving himself with events, student activities, as well as student organizations and clubs. Micah has been a dedicated member of Student Senate, Rotoract, Business Club, Phi Theta Kappa, National Technical Honor Society, and the first ever on-air weatherman for Channel 15. "Being involved in several clubs was not my cup of tea in high school, but with the community of Wabash Valley, it makes it so easy to collaborate with the students and instructors of this college," said Micah. Micah's dream job is to become an On-Air Meteorologist, although it wasn't always that way. "It began as a fear, which turned into a facination following a tornado on Good Friday of 2011 (April 22, 2011) which went through Waterloo, Illinois. I kept researching more and more into weather until it no longer became a fear, but instead turned into my dream job." Micah will be graduating in May of 2023 with two associate degrees, one in science and another in applied science in the Radio/TV program. Micah is heading to Western Kentucky University for a double major in Broadcasting and Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographical Sciences, and later earn his Master's in Applied Meteorology through online classes at Mississippi State. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Q: What has been your favorite class? A: "I have enjoyed all 4 of my Applied Broadcasting classes. This class is without meeting times, instead we go into the field and go on air to get much needed experience." Q: Who has been your favorite teacher? A: "All of my teachers have allowed me to stride for the finish line. However, Kyle Peach has gone above and beyond for myself and my classmates." Q: What is your favorite quote? A: “'Treat yourself as if you already are enough. Walk as if you are enough. Eat as if you are enough. See, look, listen as if you are enough. Because it’s true.' I also enjoy Wesley's Three Rules. '"Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.'" Q:What does success look like to you? A: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” ― Maya Angelou
Q: Greatest piece of advice you have received? A: "Learn as much as you can, it makes you more hireable."
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Water guns, bright sun, and spring fun–the annual WVC Student Senate’s annual Spring Fest was a success. The Spring Fest is held every year for the sole purpose of letting students have some outdoor fun. Students played games and participated in activities like Nine Square, corn hole, volleyball, tug-o-war, and spike ball. Some people–whether they liked it or not–were involved in several exhilarating water gun fights. If the rush of a water gun battle was too much, then tanning, face painting, and blowing bubbles were more “peaceful” options. Food was also available with Beer Bones BBQ Catering and Food Trailer being the leading food truck at the fest. New to Spring Fest this year was inviting area high schools and their senior students. The fest served as an eye-opener of the electric future lying ahead of the prospecting high school seniors. “I’m planning to go to Wabash, too, so I thought it would be a cool introduction [to] get a feel for the campus” Jason Miller, a Mt. Carmel High School senior, said when asked about his choice to attend the Spring Fest. With great weather and smiles on everyone’s faces (and a hilarious expo of sophomore student Anna Eicke chasing a sprinting Literature Instructor Chase Bramlet with a water gun), Spring Fest was a blast. SPRING FEST
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COMMUNITY
As a community college, we take pride in being an integral part of our community. At our institution, we strive to cultivate a culture that reflects our values and mission. Over the past month, we have witnessed our students, staff, and faculty go above and beyond in demonstrating this attitude. Whether it be supporting a staff member battling cancer, raising awareness for important causes, or assisting our sister school in times of need, our community has truly come together to demonstrate the best of what we stand for. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that empowers everyone to reach their full potential. Recently, the Wabash Valley College community received heartbreaking news when beloved volleyball and assistant softball coach, Mark Colvin, was diagnosed with cancer. However, program students, staff, and faculty quickly rallied together to support him in his time of need. The Social Services Program hosted a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle, donating the proceeds to Mark Colvin's medical expenses and travel for treatment. Another student, Abby Schreiner, took it upon herself to design, purchase and order bracelets to sell, with all proceeds going to Mark as well. Abby has already sold over 150! In addition to these fundraisers, students in sociology classes created and hung up flyers for Sexual Assault Awareness month at the beginning of April. The goal was to raise awareness for victims and enact change on campus and in the community. Students also participated in International Denim Day on April 26th to raise awareness for the same cause. Faculty, staff, students, and various community organizations wore their best (and some most dramatic) denim outfits and were doned with "Denim Day" stickers and pins. Participants were also able to donate on Denim Day; all proceeds were donated to Mount Carmel's local Guardian Center. At the end of the day, the students raised $200! Lastly, following the devastating tornado that impacted Robinson and the Lincoln Trail College community on March 31st, Wabash Valley College Student Senate unanimously voted to donate $300 to the fund that had been set up to assist three students who lost their homes as a result of the tornado. Senate members earmarked $100 for each of these three students at LTC. Overall, we are incredibly proud of our students for stepping up and becoming positive impacts on campus and in the community. Despite the challenges we face, it is uplifting to see the Wabash Valley College community come together to support one another in times of need. Let's continue to spread positivity and optimism as we move forward together.
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CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION
Wabash Valley College is a hidden gem in southern Illinois, and the campus has recently undergone a beautiful transformation. With new banners hung around campus, showcasing the various sports teams, academic programs, clubs, and theatre, students are reminded of the diverse and exciting activities happening on campus. The goal of these banners is to bring the campus to life and encourage students to get involved in new areas they may not have known existed. Whether it's a student participating in a campus event or having fun in a class, the banners capture the excitement of the Wabash Valley College community. For those students who may not be involved in extracurricular activities, the banners serve as a reminder that there is a vibrant campus culture that they can be a part of. The inclusion of graduation pictures serves as motivation for students to strive for academic excellence and reminds them of the ultimate goal of graduating from college. One of the other impressive updates on campus is the new graphics in the nursing classrooms. These graphics feature students and faculty, the IECC nursing missions and values, and vintage photos of nursing, showcasing how far the medical field has come. This update not only adds aesthetic appeal to the classroom, but also serves as a learning tool for students as they embark on their nursing careers. Similarly, the Advanced Manufacturing area also received several new graphics, adding some finishing touches on their updated facility and program. These new graphics add to the immersive experience of the program, allowing students to feel as though they are part of a cutting-edge industry. They also showcase careers in the Advanced Manufacturing program that are often forgotten. Overall, the changes made to the aesthetics of Wabash Valley College have truly transformed the campus, making it a beautiful and inviting space for students to learn, grow, and explore. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or visitor, these updates are worth taking a moment to appreciate. So, the next time you find yourself in Mount Carmel, take a moment to stop by Wabash Valley College and see the beautiful updates for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR: MAGGEE BLEYER
Alex Hamblin is the Lead Agriculture Production Faculty Instructor at WVC. Alex teaches Animal Science, Soil Science, Precision Ag, Animal Nutrition, Soil Fertility & Fertilizers, Crop Protection, Farm Futures, Employment Methods, and World Crop Production. In her position, she deals with dual credit, scheduling building, working with adjunct instructors, and serving as an advisor for the Collegiate Farm Bureau. Growing up on her family’s farm between Lawrenceville and Vincennes, Alex graduated from Lawrenceville High School. Alex began her post-secondary career at Wabash Valley College in 2011. During her time in the agriculture program, Alex was an officer of the Agriculture Technology Club and competed in national events with the WVC Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) organization. She graduated from WVC in May 2013 with two Associate’s in Applied Sciences degrees in Agriculture Business and Agriculture Production and two certificates in Professional Agriculture Chemical Application and Landscape and Turf Management. After WVC, Alex transferred to Murray State University as a Collegiate FFA member and as a staff writer for the Murray State News. She earned her American FFA Degree and graduated from Murray State with two Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Leadership and Agricultural Communications. Alex worked at the Lawrence-Wabash Farm Service Agency for some time before working as a grain merchandiser with a locally-owned grain elevator in Vincennes for six years. During her time at Vincennes, she was given the opportunity to work with the Ag Department at a neighboring junior college as an adjunct faculty member. By working with collegiate students, she was able to enter into a Master’s program at the University of Missouri and complete her thesis in May 2020, graduating with her Master’s in Science in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication. Later, Alex worked as a 4-H Youth Development and Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Pike County Purdue Extension. She enjoyed working with youth of all ages and helping agriculturists from different industries find solutions to improve their farming operations. She began her career as Lead Agriculture Production Faculty Instructor for WVC in August 2022. She has enjoyed conversing with her students, assisting them with taking advantage of available opportunities, and helping them find meaningful careers in the agriculture industry. Q: What inspired you to become an instructor - furthermore, what inspired you to teach the subjects you teach now? A: My involvement in FFA as a teenager helped me narrow the path of agriculture I had a passion for and that was to help others learn about the world’s largest industry. I took advantage of multiple job[s] and extra-curricular opportunities allotted to me and this helped me realize that working with college students and helping them also take advantage of those opportunities and prepare for their future careers in agriculture is truly where my passion lies. Q: What do you hope students gain from your classes and teaching? A: I hope students gain an understanding of the thousands of different types of agriculture that are out there and that there are plenty of opportunities to explore those different industries and meet new people. I hope our students leave my classes having received an education and not just a degree. Q: What do you like to do outside of teaching at WVC? A: My husband and I love to travel and be outdoors. I am very active in Illinois Farm Bureau and am currently the District 13 representative for the [Illinois Farm Bureau] State Young Leader Committee. I also enjoy hunting, horseback riding, crocheting, and spending time with the tiny humans in our family!
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VIEW FROM THE VALLEY
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