Olney Central College continues to empower students through innovative programs, diverse opportunities, and a commitment to academic excellence. Our 2023-24 Annual Report highlights achievements, community impact, and our ongoing dedication to shaping future leaders.
OLNEY CENTRAL COLLEGE 202324 ANNUAL REPORT
Chemistry Professor Dr. Aaron Lineberry conducts an experiment during the Blowing Things Up with Science Summer Camp at OCC.
The Open Studio Art Class experiments with Raku firing. Raku is a Japanese form of pottery, which uses both smoke and fire to create unique patterns and designs.
Visitors from across the country, including students from Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School, joined faculty and staff in viewing the April 8, 2024 total eclipse.
The Olney Central College Theater presents Fiddler on the Roof in March 2024.
OCC hosted 185 high school seniors for Blue Preview on September 29, 2023.
Students enjoyed food and games during the 2024 Spring Fling.
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16
14
10
CUTTING-EDGE EQUIPMENT
VANDYKE NEW STUDENT TRUSTEE
OCC TURNS 60
22
20
18
ASPEN PRIZE RECOGNITION
PROF STATE’S FIRST DCLS GRAD
PRAIRIE REVITALIZATION
28
26
24
ENHANCING FACILITIES
KNIGHTS ENJOY SUCCESS
WELDER PLACES 2ND
05 06 07 08 09 30
Welcome
ON THE FRONT COVER :Students gather on the OCC patio during the 60th Anniversary Celebration.
From the President
From the VCs
ON THE BACK COVER: Aiden Potts poses for a photo prior to OCC’s 60th Commencement on May 10, 2024.
From the Foundation By the Numbers From our Leaders
Forward Together 3
IECC Board of Trustees
Gary Carter, Chairman
Brenda Culver, Vice-Chair
Barbara Shimer, Secretary Pro Tempore
Dr. Susan Batchelor, Trustee
John Brooks, Trustee
Roger Browning, Trustee
Jan Ridgely, Trustee
Jorri VanDyke, Student Trustee
Our Mission Our Vision
To deliver exceptional education and services to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our communities.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is an institution that engages, challenges and supports faculty and students as they pursue excellence in teaching and learning. We place the needs of our students at the center of our decision-making, and will continue to be an organization committed to excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
Our Values
These values, which are the foundation of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, have defined the District since its inception, and are affirmed by the faculty, students, staff, and administration. At IECC, we believe in and seek to embody these values: Stewardship : Accepting our responsibility to be good stewards of the public trust, we will sensibly use our financial, human, and physical resources to achieve our mission. Responsibility : Encouraging personal growth and learning through leadership, citizenship, and accountability. Integrity : Providing an environment where people are encouraged and empowered to do the right thing in their work and interactions with others. Respect : Recognizing and appreciating our similarities and our differences, we demonstrate mutual regard for others through our words and actions. Accessibility : Providing access to a high-quality college education for everyone who seeks one while providing the support needed to facilitate attainment of academic and professional goals.
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W elcome to the inaugural edition of Forward Together , the district-wide publication of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC). Here, we take pride in spotlighting the achievements of our alumni and the work happening at our four campuses: Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College.
We invite you to explore the work happen- ing across our District and discover ways you can help us advance the teaching and learn- ing mission of our Colleges.
Forward Together,
Ryan Gower, Ph.D. Chancellor
At IECC, our purpose is clear: to empower students to reach their personal, academic, and professional aspirations. Through the hard work of our faculty and staff, we’ve garnered recognition for excellence at regional, state, and national levels. LTC and WVC were recognized among the top 25 colleges in the country, while OCC is once again an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College. FCC was recognized as the number two community college in Illinois. Our colleges are widely recognized as among the best in the state and nation, a testament to our unwavering dedication to student success. As we look to build on this tradition of excellence, we want to express our appreciation for the pivotal role played by our alumni and local businesses. Your support, whether through financial contributions, providing clinical or work experiences for our students, or helping us ensure our curricula meets industry demands, is crucial in our efforts to enhance the qual- ity of life in our communities.
To shape and secure the future of our organization, each of us must find the courage to embrace change today. It will be through our collective e�forts, not the work of one or two people, that we will move IECC forward together.
Forward Together 5
T
There are several exciting projects happening on the OCC campus that will provide opportunities for students to learn and grow. Among these projects is an approved design for an addition to Wattleworth Hall that will house the nursing and radiography programs and the renovation of the STEM labs on the 3rd floor of Wattleworth Hall. Both projects, in combination with smaller projects to improve the appearance of the campus, help to create a more modern learning environment for students and staff. In addition to the chance to serve the Olney Central College campus as president, I also have the role of Vice Chancellor of Business Operations for the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. This position allows me to work on each campus with their respective busi- ness officers and auxiliary units such as bookstores and food service. As the Business Operations Division works together to conduct a full-scale auxiliary unit review, we will identify strategies to improve efficiency of operations and enhance the support we provide to better serve the needs of students.
he 2023-2024 academic year at Olney Central College began with a celebration of our 60th Anniversary. Classes began in September of 1963 with 154 students in the old Pure Oil building on the south side of the current campus. In recognition of the visionary lead- ership that led to the founding of what was called Olney Community College at the time, and the legacy of education and opportunity that has characterized OCC for the past six decades, a 60th Anniversary Celebration was held in September of 2023. This celebration provided a terrific platform for the entire community of Olney and Richland County to recog- nize the significant contributions that OCC has made to the lives of our residents and to look towards the future and the next 60 years. I began my new role as Olney Central College President in August of 2023, just before the new academic year began. As I began this role, my approach was “first who, then what.” In other words, my focus would be on getting to know faculty, staff, students, Foundation members, and others connected to OCC, before launching into any new change initiatives. This process has led me to a deep appreciation for the dedi- cation and commitment of the people that make Olney Central College run. With this type of human capital, it is no surprise that OCC is consistently ranked among the top community colleges in Illinois and was a recip- ient of an Aspen Prize as a top 150 community colleges in the United States.
Chris Simpson President and Vice Chancellor of Business Operations
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Serving Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) as the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Outreach, while fulfill- ing the responsibilities as the Lincoln Trail College (LTC) President, has proven to be a meaningful and advan- tageous element within the new IECC organizational leadership structure. As the LTC President, I can focus on working together with our dedicated faculty and staff to fulfill the IECC mission on our campus, while also simultaneously investing in the success of our institutional outreach efforts Olney Central College
The Academic Affairs Division of IECC was established on July 1, 2024 and the Vice-Chancellor (VCAA) and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) positions were created and assigned at this time. This was a new endeavor, as it is the first time all the academic functions of the District, except for dual credit and non-credit instruction, are housed in one unit. While it is the largest division of the organization, comprising over half of all IECC employees, it is also where the mission of the organization predominantly happens; it’s where “the
rubber meets the road,” in my opinion. The first task of the unit was to build out the organizational struc- ture with respect to departments and hire personnel accordingly. Having the already established meta-majors provided guidance for Dean positions (Dr. Alani Frederick, Cyndi Boyce, and Robert Conn) as well as Directors of Instructional Services (Amy Tarr and Tim Zimmer). Simultaneously, Dr. Michael Conn was hired to lead the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). Dean Sharmila Kakac’s Business and Industry Training efforts complete the three main departments of Academic Affairs. The second main responsibility was to establish District processes for important functions, such as class scheduling, assigning faculty to classes, creating a major equipment inventory, and online course review and development. We are currently in the process of drafting language detailing these efforts. Dr. Jay Edgren
across the district. The Institutional Outreach Division includes Adult Education, Dual Credit, Enrollment Management, Marketing, TRIO Upward Bound, and Community Education. Furthermore, with the IECC District being one of only two community college districts in Illinois comprised of a multi-campus system, we are fortunate in that we have four colleges within our “family” to look to for collaboration and we are uniquely positioned to leverage our collective strengths, best practices, and resources in these institutional outreach areas. This intentional intercampus structure now ensures better efficiencies, natural connections, and a shared vision across the district. Aligning this organizational structure with the IECC Strategic Engagement Plan is challenging, yet rewarding, and we are poised to achieve even greater success in fulfilling our mission, advancing our strategic initiatives, and moving Forward Together .
Tona Ambrose
The Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT) was formed over the course of the 2023-24 academic year. Dr. Gower set forth a year for people to meet throughout the IECC District and begin the process of forming divisions. The process of determining which depart- ments and individuals were part of the Student Affairs Division underwent several iterations during the first six months of this fiscal year. There were many white board exercises at each college trying to figure out how our structure could best serve students.
I am very excited to serve as the Chief Academic Officer of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. Since starting my role on July 1, 2023, my team has worked on a number of exciting initia- tives projects:
Meta-Majors and Guided Pathway s: Five meta-majors and 18 departments were identified to arrange and cate- gorize our career and technical and transfer pathways. To help our students have clear direction when planning their academic plans, academic advi- sors have developed individual transfer pathways and are in the process of finalizing their recommendations for further vetting and approval. Scheduling : IECC has transitioned from campus-based scheduling to a District-based scheduling model. This involves a collaborative effort by the meta-major deans to look at course needs, scheduling efficiencies, delivery modalities, and class assignments which will all improve access to classes and the overall student experience. Major Equipment Rotation : Dr. Edgren and I met with CTE faculty and toured programs on all four campuses this spring. As a result of these visits, we are in the process of developing a major equipment needs list and a rotation plan for replacing existing equipment. New O�fering: In the summer of 2025, IECC will launch a new certif- icate program: Gas Utility Construction and Service. This program will prepare students to install, maintain, and operate natural gas distribution systems used to supply residential, commercial, and industrial companies – stay tuned! Dr. Paul Bruinsma
The Student Affairs Division understands the call to provide “wrap- around” services that help transform the lives of our students. We are excited about the opportunity we have each day to impact the lives of our students and to build a robust student experience. It takes a team to build this experience for our students and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Student Affairs Leadership Team. Matt Fowler currently serves as the President and Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs. Amber Malone currently serves as the Associate Dean of Admissions and Records. Libby McVicker currently serves as the Program Director of Grants and Compliance. Cassandra Goldman currently serves as the Dean of Students at IECC. Chad Groves serves as the Director of Learning Commons at Olney Central College. Wain Davis currently serves as the Director of the TRIO Student Support Services program. Dr. Matt Fowler
Forward Together 7
2023-24 OCC Foundation Committees Executives Bart Zuber, President Larry Miller, Vice President Jason Doris, Secretary & Treasurer Beth Miller, Executive Director Budget & Finance Jason Doris Mark Richardson Fundraising Chris Doll Larry Miller Mark Richardson
Rick Runyon Bernie Rusk Mini Grant
I am happy the OCC Foundation can help in any way to provide the tools for education to inspire leaders of tomorrow.
Sherry Brauer Brenda Glover Nominating & Terms
Tara Lemke Ann Muston Scholarship Sherry Brauer Jason Doris Brenda Glover
Sherry Brauer, Foundation Board Member
T he Olney Central College Foundation funded approx- imately $146,000 for projects at Olney Central College this year. At the direction of OCC Foundation President Bart Zuber and OCC President Chris Simpson, the OCC Foundation board provided schol- arships for the Art, Biology, Business, Music, and Athletic Departments, Allied Health, and the Anderson Library, among others.
more accessible, but it’s not something included in the standard budget. I’m grateful the Foundation saw a need for it. Having this cutting-edge technology puts OCC on the map.” Students in OCC’s Welding Program are gain- ing real-world experience through projects that are benefitting not only the college, but the community. Instructor Curtis Marshall said students spent numer- ous hours on the fabrication of two new batting cages for the OCC Baseball team. Baseball Coach Phil Britton received an OCC Foundation mini grant for $6,500 to help fund the updates and requested Marshall’s assis- tance with the project. “It has been a great opportunity for the students,” Marshall said. “They got to work on the pipe welding and making sure everything was within a sixteenth of an inch tolerance. It’s skills they will need as they enter the workforce.” The Foundation was happy to help sponsor the 60th anniversary celebration of the College on September 6, 2023. It was wonderful to see all those in attendance, especially so many members of the College’s very first class. President Chris Simpson, Olney Mayor Mark Lambird, and former IECC Chief Executive Officer Terry Bruce (and former member of the United States Congress) all spoke about the history of the College and its impact on the area. The Foundation continues to provide OCC students with broader educational opportunities and to offer expanded services to the alumni and citizens of Southeastern Illinois.
Every year, the OCC Foundation awards mini grants to faculty and staff for professional development, instructional equipment, or campus improvements. Based on available funds, prior department awards, and projects that favored an innovative student-cen- tered campus, nine mini grants were awarded at the amount of $31,500 this year. OCC students can now perform genomic sequenc- ing and DNA analysis with cutting-edge biotechnol- ogy purchased through a $5,000 OCC Foundation mini grant. Foundation members Sherry Brauer and Brenda Glover along with Executive Director Beth Miller witnessed these capabilities firsthand as students used the new portable PCR thermocycler and gel electrophoresis to solve a crime in Dr. Sarah Bergbower’s biology lab. “I don’t know any other community colleges that have a sequencer who are using them,” Dr. Bergbower said. “It’s really unheard of for a community college.” Dr. Bergbower is grateful for the Foundation’s support in making the technology available to OCC students. “As a prospective student, I wanted to know a college’s lab equipment was up to date,” she said. “Biotechnology equipment is getting
ABOVE LEFT: Dr. Sarah Bergbower assists OCC Foundation members Sherry Brauer and Brenda Glover as they use the Life Science Department’s new equipment. BELOW LEFT: OCC welding student fabricates new poles for the OCC Baseball team’s Foundation mini grant. ABOVE RIGHT: Completed OCC Baseball cages.
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By the numbers
63% FEMALE
29% 69% OVER 25 UNDER 25
37% MALE
1230
810.38 FTE
HEAD COUNT
13 4 STATES COUNTRIES
COST OF ATTENDANCE ESTIMATED EXPENSES FOR TUITION & FEES FOR A FULL-TIME, IECC IN-DISTRICT STUDENT BASED ON 2023-24 EXPENSES FROM COLLEGE NAVIGATOR
OLNEY CENTRAL COLLEGE $4,390
$8,104
LAKE LAND COLLEGE
$7,770
KASKASKIA COLLEGE
$7,800
REND LAKE COLLEGE
584 DEGREES & CERTIFICATES AWARDED IN 2023
JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE
$5,920
$6,300
SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE
$16,289
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY
$9,465
IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GRADUATION RATES
FULL-TIME RETENTION
OLNEY CENTRAL COLLEGE 59% LAKE LAND COLLEGE 47% KASKASKIA COLLEGE 37%
FUNDING SOURCES BY PERCENTAGE (IECC)
REND LAKE COLLEGE 56% JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE 31% SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE 42% VINCENNES UNIVERSITY 33% IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 31%
OLNEY CENTRAL COLLEGE 66% LAKE LAND COLLEGE 73% KASKASKIA COLLEGE 64%
REND LAKE COLLEGE 65% JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE 63% SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE 74% VINCENNES UNIVERSITY 67% IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE 59%
STATE GOVERTNMENTAL SOURCES 31.04%
TUITION & FEES 18.77%
FEDERAL GOVERNMENTAL SOURCES 16.64%
LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL SOURCES 15.49%
OTHER REVENUES 9.77%
SALES & SERVICE FEES 4.41%
GIFTS, GRANTS, AND BEQUESTS 2.44%
INVESTMENT REVENUE 1.37%
FACILITIES REVENUE 0.06%
Forward Together 9
O n September 6, Olney Central College marked its 60th anniversary with a lively celebration that drew a diverse mix of community members, current students, alumni, and both past and present faculty and staff. The event was a testament to the college’s enduring commitment to educational excellence and its significant role in the local community. OCC celebrates 60th anniversary
such as nurses, teachers, small business owners and other essential roles. “Many individuals that play a vital role in the daily life of our region began their post-secondary education at Olney Central College,” Simpson added. The concept of “vision” was a focal point in Simpson’s address. He spoke about the early 1960s visionaries who dreamed of establishing a community college in Olney. Notable figures included Les Purdy, Superintendent of the East Richland School District and OCC’s first president, and Dr. Kent Wattleworth, a founding board member and later president of the IECC Board of Trustees. Vision in Action “Vision without action is simply a dream,” Simpson emphasized. “These individuals had the tireless work ethic to put their vision into action.” Retired Illinois Eastern Community Colleges CEO Terry Bruce echoed this sentiment in his address, “The real history of OCC is not the dates in its history, but the people who worked tirelessly to establish a commu- nity college in Olney and ensure its continued success,” Bruce said.
Chris Simpson, OCC President and IECC Vice Chancellor of Business, took the opportunity to reflect on two central themes: legacy and vision. “Enrollment numbers, degrees, and certificates awarded are measurable indicators of our success,” Simpson said. “But they don’t fully capture OCC’s true legacy.” Simpson underscored that the real impact of Olney Central College lies in the lives it has touched and transformed. “There is no method to fully measure the impact that Olney Central College has had on the lives of students, or the community and region,” he noted. “There isn’t a sufficient set of data points to measure the lives changed by attending Olney Central College.” The college’s alumni include not only local, state and national leaders, but also vital community members
ABOVE: Olney Central College marked its 60th anniversary with a community-wide celebration on September 6, 2023.
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Vision without action is simply a dream. These individuals had the tireless work ethic to put their vision into action.
Chris Simpson, OCC President
ABOVE LEFT: Retired Illinois Eastern Community Colleges CEO Terry Bruce gives the keynote address during OCC’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. ABOVE RIGHT: The OCC community and area residents join together in celebrating the college’s founding in 1963.
Efforts to form a Class II Junior College in Olney began in the late 1950s when a citizens’ committee for education was formed under the direction of Frank Bower, president of the East Richland Community Unit 1 Board of Education. Later a second committee, chaired by F. Ross Anderson, was created to study the need for a junior college in Olney. At the time, the state was considering plans for a system of junior colleges. The group found residents receptive to the idea, but with little money or the facilities to house a college, the prospect of forming That changed on March 10, 1961, when the Pure Oil Company donated its former office building and adja - cent property to the East Richland school district to house the college. Pure Oil officials made the announcement during a luncheon with 75 prominent citizens. Among those attending were Purdy and Bower. The donation made OCC the first two-year college in Illinois founded with its own campus. one was several years away. Pure Oil Building Donation On June 13, 1962, the superintendent of public instruc- tion approved a public referendum to determine if the
voters of the East Richland school district supported a Class II Junior College. In a special election on September 15, 1962, they voted 2,578 to 585 to establish the college. An educational tax rate of 17 cents and a building maintenance tax rate of 7 cents were approved. Preparations for the college continued throughout the fall of 1962. The Pure Oil Building underwent renova - tions and college officials entered into an agreement to start up operations with Eastern Illinois University. OCC became the first junior college in America founded on a working arrangement with an established university. Olney Community College opened its doors on September 3, 1963 with 154 students. More than 1,000 people attended a dedication ceremony on October 6, 1963. The event included the installation of Purdy as the first president of OCC and G. Robert Darnes as college dean. OCC experienced rapid growth and by the fall of 1965 had 303 students. During this time, efforts began to make OCC a Class I Area College. Committees were formed to promote the effort and more than 200 meetings were conducted by the college board and administration. Judge Larry Arnold served as the attorney for the school system throughout the process.
Forward Together 11
In February 1966, Olney Community College officially filed a petition to be identified as one of the 33 Class I colleges in Illinois. A year later, OCC won approval as an area college from the Junior College Board, and in April 1967 received approval from the state Board of Higher Education. A referendum for Class I status was held on September 7, 1967 and was approved by a vote of 7,278 to 778. The first Class I Board of Trustees was selected on November 30, 1967 and included Dr. Wattleworth as its chairman. Purdy was named interim president and served in that capacity until May 1968. The real history of OCC is not the dates in its history, but the people who worked tirelessly to establish a community college in Olney and to ensure its continued success. Terry Bruce, Retired CEO Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
ABOVE: Olney Community College in the mid-1960s. The college was housed in the former Pure Oil Building. LEFT: During the 60th Anniversary Celebration, OCC students enjoyed refreshments and giveaways on the patio. The Olney Central College Foundation helped fund the event..
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ABOVE: Members of OCC’s first class attend the 60th Anniversary Celebration. Pictured, from left, are Sam Resor, Don Britton, Marge Fye and Jack Fye.
Olney Community College officially became a Class I College on July 1, 1968, and was renamed Olney Central College. The following year, OCC joined with Lincoln Trail and Wabash Valley to form what would become the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges District. With the new name also came plans to replace the former Pure Oil Building with a permanent admin - istrative and classroom facility. The groundbreaking ceremony for Dr. Kent Wattleworth Hall was held on December 8, 1971. Construction began early the next year and classes were held in the new building in 1974. Two years later the gymnasium and Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center were completed. New construction will soon begin on an addition to Wattleworth Hall, which will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and labs for the Allied Health programs.
ABOVE: Olney Community College’s first Board of Trustees included Benny Miller, Dr. Kent Wattleworth, Corwin Manning, Paul Buss, Harry Hillis, Paul Kermicle, Ed Cooper and Dr. John Stull.
Forward Together 13
Jorri VanDyke begins term as IECC Student Trustee
O lney Central College freshman Jorri VanDyke was seated as the new Student Trustee for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges during the Board of Trustees meeting on April 16, 2024. Elected by the OCC student body on March 19, VanDyke is eager to represent students across the district, giving them a voice in the decision-making process.
“It requires a considerable investment of time both in and out of the classroom,” VanDyke added. While attending RCHS, VanDyke played softball, volleyball and basketball and was active in Student Council, Pep Club and Travel Abroad Club. A member of the Builders of the Future 4-H Club, she held numerous offices including secretary, reporter and currently pres - ident. She also is serving as president of the Richland County 4-H Federation. “I think it is good to get involved,” VanDyke said. “In high school, I would encourage younger students to make connections with others and to try new things. I’m hoping to do the same as Student Trustee.” At OCC, VanDyke currently serves as a tutor and is the manager for the women’s basketball team. She is pursu - ing a transfer degree in science with plans to become a large-animal veterinarian focusing on livestock. “I grew up showing pigs and sheep and loved it,” VanDyke said. “I had an opportunity to job shadow at Three Rivers Veterinary Clinic. I talked with Makenzie Michels there, and she helped me out a lot with my deci- sion to pursue this field.” VanDyke says beginning her studies at OCC was an easy choice.
“I am excited and looking forward to this opportunity,” VanDyke said. “It’s a great way to be informed about what is going on in the district. As student trustee, I want to help bridge the gap between students, admin- istration and the board.” A graduate of Richland County High School, VanDyke has been active in the National FFA Organization serving as chapter vice president and holding the regional office of Section 23 Treasurer. As an office holder, VanDyke assisted with event planning and activities. In June VanDyke earned the prestigious American FFA Degree. The highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, only 1 percent of members earn this honor. It recognizes the effort members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience along with the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement exhibited through their FFA career.
ABOVE: Jorri VanDyke is sworn in as IECC Student Trustee.
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ABOVE: Jorri VanDyke is pictured with the IECC Board of Trustees.
“OCC is less than 3 minutes from my house, and I was impressed by the excellent science program here. Chemistry instructor Dr. (Aaron) Lineberry’s class has pushed me to be more focused and is challenging me.” OCC Advisor Jodi Schneider encouraged VanDyke to run for Student Trustee and believes she will do an outstanding job. “Jorri demonstrates leadership abilities inside and outside of the classroom,” Schneider said. “She has demonstrated her ambitions and strengths not only in academics, but also in many extracurriculars. As a repre - sentative of Olney Central College, I know Jorri will be a strong voice for our students, community and college district with her variety of experiences and insight.” VanDyke is the daughter of Jessica and Jamie VanDyke of Olney.
ABOVE RIGHT: Jorri VanDyke (far right) assists the OCC Student Senate during Spring Fling.
Forward Together 15
OCC students utilizing cutting-edge biotechnology
O lney Central College students can now perform genomic sequencing and DNA analysis with cutting-edge biotechnology purchased through a $5,000 OCC Foundation mini grant. Foundation members Sherry Brauer and Brenda Glover along with Executive Director Beth Miller witnessed these capabilities firsthand as students used the new portable PCR thermocycler and gel electropho - resis to solve a crime.
the relevance of these pieces of equipment and their real-world application. She spoke their language, used humor, and was totally available to the students.” A fan of forensics on TV, Brauer found the experi - ments fascinating and was amazed at how the instru- ments uncovered DNA matches. “The students were very engaged throughout the time I was there and excited by their findings,” she added. With the new PCR Thermocycler, OCC students have the ability to amplify small amounts of DNA to create a DNA fingerprint. The size of a brick, it can be moved to student lab benches or taken directly into the field. It replaces the Life Science Department’s older, bulkier equipment. “The new PCR Thermocycler operates much more quickly and will enable students to complete an entire lab exercise within a single two-hour laboratory period,” Bergbower said. “In four hours, you can have a trillion copies of the DNA.” Along with the PCR Thermocycler, students also have access to a DNA sequencer. The size of a candy bar, it
In the final step of the lab exercise, Dr. Sarah Bergbower’s students utilized DNA fingerprinting to analyze DNA fragments in a sample according to their size. The result gives a barcoding appearance that is unique among individuals, and when comparing the unknown sample to known samples, identification can be made. This technique can be used to answer questions of paternity, identify victims of natural disasters and solve crimes, along with other applications. “I was so impressed with Dr. Bergbower,” Brauer said. “Her enthusiasm for the new equipment was conta - gious and she did a great job of explaining to the class
ABOVE: OCC student Elisha Scoles uses the new equipment in the Life Science Lab.
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ABOVE: Dr. Sarah Bergbower assists OCC Foundation Members Sherry Brauer and Brenda Glover as they utilize the new equipment during a lab exercise.
is used to automate the DNA sequencing process to determine the order of bases. “Microbiology is quickly moving toward molec - ular methods, and many hospital labs are finding themselves sending samples out to reference labs for sequencing difficult organisms or specific questions of resistance when culturing takes too long or is incapable of answering a molecular question,” Bergbower said. “This will be especially helpful for our microbiology students as they can use it for real-world applications.”
“I don’t know any other community colleges that have a sequencer who are using them,” Bergbower added. “It’s really unheard of for a community college.” Bergbower is grateful for the Foundation’s support in making the technology available to OCC students. “As a prospective student, I wanted to know a college’s lab equipment was up to date,” she said. “Biotechnology equipment is getting more accessible, but it’s not something included in the standard budget. I’m grateful the Foundation saw a need for it. Having this cutting-edge technology puts OCC on the map.” Brauer says providing OCC with these updated resources serves a twofold purpose. First, it enables students to carry out the same types of experiments they will undertake at a transfer institution and second, it can pique the interest of students who are curious about forensics or related fields. She added, “I am happy that the OCC Foundation can help to provide the tools for education to inspire leaders of tomorrow.”
Enhancing Learning
Bergbower said the accompanying software is ideal for educational purposes as students can observe real- time analysis on a smartphone. Together, the new technology will expand lab oppor- tunities for Introduction to Biology, General Biology, Biology II and Microbiology students, allowing them to gain experience conducting complex laboratory exercises before transferring to a senior institution.
Forward Together 17
Hoffmann Prairie revitalization project underway
I n the 1820s, 22 million acres of prairie land stretched across the state of Illinois. Today, less than 2,300 acres of high-quality prairie remain. The County Line Quail Forever Club is teaming up with Olney Central College to revitalize the James F. Hoffmann Memorial Prairie and ensure OCC’s native grassland site will thrive in the future. Since its formation in 2020, the County Line Quail Forever Club has been working on prairie restoration within Clay and Wayne counties with the goal of re- establishing quail habitat and halting their declining numbers. Those efforts have included assisting land - owners in returning fescue pastures to native plants and facilitating controlled burns.
“The Hoffmann Prairie is a rare gem and we’re really excited to be involved in its restoration.” Established in 1987 through a generous bequest by Jim Higgins in honor of his uncle, the James F. Hoffmann Memorial Prairie has served as an outdoor learning laboratory for students not only at OCC, but throughout Richland and surrounding counties. During his career at OCC, Burnett hosted numerous school groups who visited the site and assisted with annual plantings. The first steps in the Hoffmann Prairie revitalization effort began in Spring 2023 as Burnett assisted Fisher in identifying and eradicating invasive species, which have been overcrowding the native plants. Those efforts continued in February 2024 as Fisher, and fellow members of the County Line Quail Forever Club, conducted a controlled burn of the site to manage invasive species and aid in native plant propagation.
As a Welding Professor at Olney Central College, County Line Quail Forever President, Maverick Fisher took a special interest in OCC’s prairie restoration site. He reached out to Life Science Professor Dr. Sarah Bergbower and retired Professor Jim Burnett to see if the group could assist in revitalizing and maintaining the 4.5-acre site that abuts the Student Services parking area and the Best Western property. “The County Line Quail Forever Club is comprised of people who care about the environment,” Fisher said.
ABOVE: Members of the County Line Quail Forever Club conduct a controlled burn on the James F. Hoffmann Memorial Prairie at OCC.
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Olney Central College
OCC students give back to the community
S tudents at Olney Central College are demonstrating their dedi- cation to community service through a variety of impactful initiatives. From engaging with young students to supporting local families in need, OCC students are making a significant difference. Throughout the school year, OCC athletes participate in High 5 Friday, where they welcome elementary students to school with enthusiastic high-fives. The event fosters a sense of connec - tion and encouragement to help youngsters start the school day on a positive note. OCC athletes also volunteer in the local schools and attend both junior high and high school games to support younger players. The OCC Student Senate plays a vital role in the college’s community service efforts by sponsoring blood drives through - out the year. These blood drives help maintain a steady supply of life-saving blood for local hospitals and emergency services making a critical difference in the lives of those in need.
ABOVE: OCC Men’s Basketball player JT Thomas was among the many volunteers who donated their time to help prepare the free community Thanksgiving dinner in Richland County provided by Outreach Missions Meals . BELOW: The OCC Student Nurses Association collected water and sports drinks for the Olney Fire Department. The OCC baseball players helped deliver the items.
Additionally, the Student Nurses Association (SNA) at OCC engages in a wide range of community service activities. From creating and distributing Easter baskets for children in the Head Start program to collecting essential items for the Olney Fire Department, the SNA’s efforts underscore a commitment to supporting the local community.
Forward Together 19
OCC Professor first DCLS graduate in Illinois
O lney Central College Life Science Professor Dr. Sarah Bergbower has earned her Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences (DCLS) from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. While there are approximately 50 DCLS graduates in the United States, Bergbower is the first person from Illinois to earn this distinction. During the ceremony, she was named recipient of the Outstanding DCLS Student Award.
developed an evidence-based algorithm to guide urinal- ysis interpretation, culturing, and antibiotic steward- ship in asymptomatic patients presenting for routine obstetric visits.” Bergbower then implemented the algorithm with the providers of various clinic locations of the local health system and evaluated its use in a retrospective and prospective quasi-experimental study of over a thou - sand patient cases. “I found that error and deviation from my algorithm were significantly associated, but the parameters of interest improved after implementation,” Bergower said. “Surprisingly, I discovered that the failure to order urine cultures given a positive urinalysis was much more prevalent than expected and that many cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria were therefore likely going undiagnosed.” A poster presentation on part of Bergbower’s research tied for second place at a national meeting last year. Bergbower’s doctorate committee, which included an MD in Obstetrics, a PhD in Pathology, and a DCLS specializing in Microbiology and Immunology, advised her to publish the research in an obstetric journal. Over the years, Bergbower has received several scholarships, both from UTMB and external sources,
Last year, with friends, family and colleagues in attendance at OCC, Bergbower successfully and publicly defended her doctoral research titled, Implementation of an Algorithm for Testing, Diagnosis, and Antibiotic Stewardship of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy. “My initial observation prompting the project was that providers tended to bypass urine culturing when an obstetric patient had leukocyte esterase (a white blood cell enzyme sometimes indicative of infection) present in the urinalysis, instead opting directly for antibiotic treatment,” Bergbower explained. She continued, “This is not proper antibiotic stew- ardship, as leukocyte esterase is a relatively common finding during pregnancy, arising from numerous possible sources, and this practice leads to overtreat- ment with possible harms of a vulnerable population. I
ABOVE: Olney Central College Life Science Professor Dr. Sarah Bergbower is pictured with her Committee Chair Dr. Rajkumar Rajendran during graduation ceremonies at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.
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Olney Central College
ABOVE: Dr. Sarah Bergbower works with students in the OCC Life Science lab.
including her national professional organization (ASCLS) and a local health system, which reduced the high out-of-state-tuition. “My most recent School of Health Professions Dean’s Scholarship covered my last year’s tuition,” she added. The Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (DCLS) is an advanced professional doctorate designed for prac- ticing clinical laboratory scientists who wish to further their level of clinical expertise and to develop leadership and management skills. The purpose of the program is the development of clinical laboratory sciences graduates who function as practitioners, community leaders, educators, and schol- ars in the profession of clinical laboratory science and the discipline of clinical laboratory science. Graduates
of the program generate, disseminate, and apply knowl- edge to enhance the understanding of laboratory assess- ment of health and disease. Only three universities offer the DCLS: Rutgers, Kansas University and UTMB. Bergbower first matriculated into the program in the fall of 2018, taking courses on a part-time basis. She noted, “I spent the summer months of the past five years in Galveston, Texas performing clinical rota - tions rounding with residents, fellows, and attending physicians on a variety of services, including internal medicine, cardiology, and infectious disease, as well as participating in diagnostic management teams (DMT’s) specializing in the laboratory interpretation of coag- ulation, anemia, antinuclear antibodies, and clinical chemistry/toxicology testing.”
Forward Together 21
OCC named Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College
O Olney Central College has earned a prestigious recog- nition, being named one of the Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges. This designation makes the college eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Prize is the nation’s foremost recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.
The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to drive attention to colleges achieving post-graduate success for all students, and is a central way Aspen researches highly effective student success strategies that are shared with the field. The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit student success data and narratives about strategies to achieve better and more equitable student outcomes as the next step in an intensive review process that culminates in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in Spring 2025. The eligible colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. Located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 30 states, these colleges serve as few as 169 students and as many as 49,619.
The 150 institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds. OCC has been continually selected as an Aspen Top 150 U.S. Community College since 2011. Olney Central College President and IECC Vice Chancellor of Business Operations Chris Simpson said the honor recognizes the hard work and dedication of OCC faculty and staff along with the college’s commitment to providing exceptional services to students. “The national ranking by the Aspen Institute is in line with the long legacy of educational excellence at Olney Central College,” Simpson said. “For 60 years, OCC has been helping to set students on their path to a successful future.”
Educational Impact
“The Aspen Prize is rooted first and foremost in an assessment of whether colleges are walking the walk,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “As community colleges face enrollment variations, enroll students with pandemic-related learning loss, and graduate students into a rapidly changing labor market, it is easy to lose track of what matters most. The best community colleges
ABOVE: Olney Central College has been named an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College.
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Olney Central College
ABOVE LEFT: Administration of Justice Professor DeWayne Morris demonstrates finger printing techniques. ABOVE RIGHT: Nursing Professor Shirley Smithenry works with students participating in clinicals at Carle RMH.
are continuing to focus on advancing the core mission: making sure as many students as possible graduate with credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and reflect the development of diverse talent that communities, states, and our nation need.” While community colleges are an essential contrib- utor to our nation’s success, student outcomes vary substantially among institutions. Aspen measures those variances using multiple data sources and honors colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, work - force success, equitable access to the college, and equi - table outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. “These 150 colleges have achieved high and improv - ing levels of student success for all students, including those who are often failed by our institutions,” Wyner said. “We’re excited to learn over the coming months how they achieved that success so we can share the most impressive practices with others in the field.” Simpson said Olney Central College’s selection as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College affirms OCC’s exceptional instruction and provides students with yet another reason to make OCC their first choice.
“Not only will students have outstanding educational opportunities at OCC, but they will also have smaller class sizes and a variety of student support services, all at an affordable cost that will not leave them with a large amount of student debt,” he added. In this first round, eligibility for the Aspen Prize is based on publicly available data. Colleges must show strong, improving, and equitable student outcomes in first-to-second year retention, credentials awarded, and completion and transfer rates.
Forward Together 23
Welding student places second in competition
L
andyn Piercefield was among the top finishers in the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center Welding Competition in Evansville. The OCC sophomore captured second place in the Apprentice Category, which is open to those ages 18-22. “I really enjoyed the competition,” Piercefield said. “It shows you where you stand in comparison to other weld- ers your age. I like seeing where I stand and trying to improve my skills.” During the event, competitors were tasked with perform - ing 1G Mig and 3G stick welds within a 45-minute time limit. Entries were then judged by Certified Welding Inspectors. OCC Welding Specialist Maverick Fisher is proud of Piercefield’s accomplishment. “It’s important to remember that Landyn was in an open competition, so he was not just facing off against other welding students, but experienced welders and fabrica- tors as well,” Fisher said. “While any welding placement in competition is something to be proud of, he should be especially proud of himself for placing amongst welders with much more experience than himself, and that weld every day for a living, not just a few days a week in class.” Fisher said competitions are a vital part of the learning process.
This is the second year Piercefield has participated in the Nix Industrial-sponsored event. Last year he and fellow OCC welding student Noah Atwood, captured second and first place, respectively. “Landyn has a top-notch work ethic and attitude,” Fisher said. “He is very conscientious and detail oriented. I’m not surprised he showed up and placed at an established and high-level competition like he did at Nix.” Piercefield became interested in welding while taking classes at Richland County High School and chose to continue his studies at OCC. He graduated in May 2024 with his Associate Welding Degree and is now employed by Nucor Skyline, a national manufacturer and fabricator of steel products. Piercefield encourages others to consider a career in welding and begin their training at OCC. “One of the things that has impressed me is the knowledge Instructors Curtis Marshall and Maverick Fisher possess,” Piercefield said. “They have both been welding since high school and have worked as union welders themselves. The amount of experience they both have is invaluable. I would like to thank all the welding teachers I’ve had — Jamie VanDyke at the high school, Curtis and Maverick. They’ve been great. I’ve really enjoyed OCC. I truly believe we have the best welding program and it shows when we are in the competitions.”
ABOVE: OCC Welding student Landyn Piercefield participates in the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center Welding Competition.
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