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 08 MAGAZINE
• HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DAY RECAP • ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT • EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT • AND MORE!
Lady Aces basketball team visits WVC before historic Final Four State Finals
MARCH 2025
"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow ."
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor's Note
01
Health Professionals Day Recap
02
Introducing IECC's New Student Trustee
03
Employee Spotlight
04
Alumni Spotlight
05
Scholarships for Students
06
Upcoming Events
07
Winter always feels like it lasts forever, doesn’t it? The cold, the gray skies, the short days—it’s easy to wonder if spring will ever show up. But it always does. Warmer days are coming, and with them, new energy, fresh starts, and a little more light in our lives. Here at WVC, this time of year is all about pushing forward. Students are tackling midterms, planning for graduation, and figuring out what’s next. It’s a season of growth, change, and excitement—even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet. So if things feel a little stuck right now, hang in there. No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. Brighter days are ahead! Qu˜°n˛˝˙ˆˇ
01
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DAY AT WVC On February 21st, Wabash Valley College welcomed over 500 high school students to its Annual Health Professionals Day at the Brubeck Theatre. The event gave students the chance to explore careers in the medical field, engage with healthcare professionals, and gain hands-on experience. One of the day's highlights was a live surgical demonstration featuring a cadaver limb provided by Arthrex. Many students were amazed by the real procedure, with one remarking, “I thought it was going to be more of a fake surgery, not a real leg!” Students also had the opportunity to interact with cadavers in the lab, offering a unique way to learn anatomy. Breakout sessions covered a range of medical fields, including emergency services, respiratory therapy, nursing, and radiology. Students appreciated the chance to speak directly with professionals and learn about their career paths. Dr. Matthew Fowler, President of Wabash Valley College and IECC Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “It’s a blessing to partner with Wabash General Hospital to strengthen our community in this way.” Heather Greenwood, Director of the Southeast Illinois Area Health Education Center, noted the event’s unique reach, with students attending from as far as two hours away.
This year’s Health Professionals Day was a resounding success, inspiring students to pursue careers in healthcare.
02
WABASH VALLEY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES MIREYA ROSE AS STUDENT TRUSTEE FOR 2025-2026 TERM
Wabash Valley College (WVC) is proud to announce that Mireya Rose has been elected as the Student Trustee for the 2025-2026 term. This prestigious position rotates annually among the four Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) campuses—Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and WVC. As Student Trustee, Rose will serve as a vital representative for the student body, acting as a liaison between students and the Board of Trustees. She will also lead as the president of the IECC Student Advisory Board, working to enhance student engagement, advocate for student interests, and foster collaboration among all IECC campuses. A transfer student from Centralia, Illinois, Rose brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role. She has previously served as a team captain on various sports teams and was a student ambassador at her former college. Rose is currently catcher on the WVC Softball team. Passionate about public speaking, she sees this as her first formal leadership position and an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Rose believes that creating a fun and engaging environment is key to keeping students motivated—a philosophy she has applied throughout her leadership experiences. Whether in sports, student organizations, or campus initiatives, she strives to make involvement enjoyable and rewarding for her peers.
“I’m excited to take on this leadership role and be a strong voice for students, especially for athletes and those living on campus,” said Rose. “I want to encourage more student engagement and show that being involved in campus life is a privilege.” Her outgoing personality and dedication to student involvement make her well-suited for the role. She is eager to bring fresh ideas to campus, including tailgate-style events before games, themed athletic nights, and increased promotion of student activities to boost participation and school spirit. Rose’s one-year term will officially begin with the April Board of Trustees meeting and conclude in March 2026. The positive feedback from both new and returning students suggests that this format helped them connect with others and get comfortable with their new environment— something many hope to see continue in the future.
03
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
also played a key role in implementing umbilical cord drug testing at St. Vincent to ensure the safety of newborns. In 2018, she earned her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification. Now, as a proud WVC alumna, Danielle is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment. She values open-mindedness, critical thinking, and the power of positivity. “You never know what someone is going through—you might be the only positive person in their life,” she shares. Her advice to students? Build a trusted support system, stay engaged in the classroom, and never stop learning. “We can’t empower others if we are struggling ourselves,” she says. Danielle is excited about the future of the HBH program, especially its recent name change from Social Services. She believes this shift better reflects the broad career opportunities available in psychology, human services, and behavioral health. With alumni serving on the advisory board, mentoring students, and offering internships, she sees a bright future for WVC graduates. “I remember what it was like to be a student, and I want to make sure our students have the best experience possible,” Danielle says. “At WVC, you’re more than just a number—you’re known by name.”
Danielle Trapp has always been passionate about working with children and families. Before joining Wabash Valley College, she gained valuable experience at the Department of Child Services and St. Vincent of Evansville. Now, as an instructor in the Human & Behavioral Health (HBH) program, she brings real-world cases into the classroom, helping students connect theory with practice. Her journey into social work began unexpectedly. Initially set on becoming an elementary school teacher, she changed course after taking a psychology class at WVC. Inspired by a social worker and play therapist, she pursued a career in social work, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Southern Indiana. Danielle’s professional experience includes roles in child services, hospital emergency rooms, and women and children’s units. She
04
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A proud WVC alumna, Ronda values the college’s small setting, which fosters strong relationships among students and instructors. She believes the program’s 2+2 transfer degree and opportunities like networking events and internships prepare students for careers and further education. Many former students have secured jobs in local agencies, directly impacting the community. Ronda is excited about the program’s name change to Human & Behavioral Health, reflecting its expanded role within healthcare. She loves mentoring students, watching them grow in confidence and skills, and seeing their passion for the field develop. Through her dedication, Ronda continues to shape future human and behavioral health professionals at WVC.
Ronda Hockgeiger’s path to Human & Behavioral Health was shaped by her personal experiences advocating for children and adults with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Her background in early childhood education, social services, and mental health advocacy sparked her passion for empowering vulnerable populations. Ronda returned to Wabash Valley College in 2014 as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time faculty member in 2020. As the Lead Instructor for the Human & Behavioral Health (HBH) program, she teaches psychology, sociology, and human development courses, mentoring students pursuing careers in social work, psychology, and human services. She collaborates with professionals to keep the program relevant and connected to real-world experiences.
05
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS
Wabash Valley College (WVC) is now accepting scholarship applications for the upcoming academic year! Students planning to attend WVC, as well as current students, are encouraged to apply for a variety of scholarships offered through the WVC Foundation, Wabash General Hospital, and other organizations. Scholarship amounts vary, providing financial support to students pursuing higher education. These scholarships help students offset the cost of tuition, allowing them to focus on their studies
without the added financial burden. All eligible students are encouraged to explore the opportunities available and submit their applications as soon as possible. With deadlines as early as March 15, students are urged to take advantage of these opportunities before it’s too late. To view available scholarships and apply, visit iecc.edu/wvc/scholarships. For more information, please contact Wabash Valley College at 618-262-8641.
06
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 14-16 • Matilda the Musical
March 3-7, 2025 • Campus Closed: Spring Break April 30, 2025 • Spring Fest
April 1, 2025 • WVC Originators Game Night
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VIEW FROM THE VALLEY
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