Wabash Valley College’s Ag program, in conjunction with Wabash Valley Service Company, IB Executive Turf and Landscape, Wabash Valley Stewardship Alliance and southeastern Illinois Farm Bureaus, saw the planting of a new pollinator plot on WVC’s campus. Mike Wilson, CCA, from Wabash Valley Service Company, planted a pollinator plot on campus on May 12. Look for it next time you drive past the college on Oak Street!

Each year, three instructors from Wabash Valley College are selected as instructors of the year: a transfer instructor, a career and technical education instructor and an adjunct instructor. WVC is proud to announce this year’s instructors of the year. The members of the WVC student body have selected Ms. Jill Winter as the Outstanding Transfer Instructor of the Year, Ms. Ronda Hockgeiger as the Outstanding Career and Technical Education Instructor of the Year and Mr. D-Ray Etzkorn as the Outstanding Adjunct Instructor of the Year.

The Lincoln Trail College Foundation will conduct a giving week the week of May 11 to help raise money for a special scholarship fund. The new fund is designed to help people affected by the Coronavirus pandemic get an education at Lincoln Trail College. 

Lincoln Trail College will begin its Summer Semester classes as scheduled on June 2. “The majority of our summer courses will be held in a fully online format,” says LTC President Dr. Ryan Gower. “As summer progresses and the shelter-in-place order expires, it is our expectation that some of our courses will have the ability to meet face-to-face as the summer progresses.”  

Olney Central College Welding Specialist Maverick Fisher has earned his Certified Welding Inspector credentials through the American Welding Society. The CWI designation is recognized both nationally and internationally and is one of the highest certifications available through the AWS. The certification qualifies Fisher to conduct visual inspections and make sure students perform acceptable welds according to the set codes. “Students will be able to have proof of welding certifications when they apply for positions,” Fisher added.

Lincoln Trail College’s Alpha Iota Epsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has been named as one of the Top 100 chapters in the international Phi Theta Kappa organization. The announcement was made during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, which was held virtually. 

As of today, across the district, students have access to a new tutoring and e-learning platform developed by Brainfuse called TutorMatch. TutorMatch allows students to schedule their own tutoring appointments through Canvas. Tutors and students can communicate via a chat function or with audio. The program enables tutors and students to exchange files and share their screen while they work.

Olney Central College is accepting students for its new Unmanned Aerial Technology Certificate, which begins this fall. Students will learn how to fly a variety of drones, plan missions for data collection and learn different photography and videography techniques. The coursework also will prepare students to successfully complete the Remote Pilot Part 107 Certification. “Drone technology is one of the fastest growing industries,” said OCC Drone Technology Specialist Morgan Henton, “It is constantly expanding with new applications.”

Lincoln Trail College’s first President, Dr. Joseph Piland, visited campus in March. Piland visited with current President Dr. Ryan Gower and also enjoyed lunch with the “LTC Originals” group made up of faculty and staff from the early days of the College. While he was on campus, Piland reminisced about his time at LTC and the impact the College has had on Crawford County and the surrounding area.  

Corey Hall says his experience serving as the Student Trustee on the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees is one that he’ll never forget. “The experience was great and I would recommend anyone to do it. It was a one of a kind experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything because I got to learn so much from so many intelligent people.”