March 2009 Board Meeting Report

Illinois Valley Community College’s board recognized a pair of academic All-Americans and the college’s Region IV champion women’s basketball team Wednesday night.

The basketball team, 27-7, beat Carl Sandburg for the region title March 7 before losing at home two days later to Louisburg College, N.C., in the first round of the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament. The team’s 27 wins are a school record.

"To say we’re proud of this team and its coaching staff is an understatement," said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran, a witness to the team’s tournament run.

The team was represented Wednesday by Beth Prostko of Tonica, Amy Gumm of Seneca, Melissa Clements of Sheridan and assistant coach Rex Shanyfelt.

The board also honored student trustee Cassie Fuller of Ottawa and Veronica Blue of Utica for being recognized earlier this month among the top community college students in the nation.

Fuller and Blue will represent IVCC on the 2009 All-USA Community College Academic Team, a program administered by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the honorary society for two-year colleges.

As a 2009 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar, Fuller is among the top 50 community college scholars in the nation and will receive $1,500. As a Bronze Scholar, Blue was recognized as one of the country’s top 150 scholars and will receive $1,000. Photos of the women, both 4.0 students, will appear in the April 6 edition of USA Today.

The board also:

  • Approved the seeking of bids for the purchase of three 2009 Exmark Lazer Z Mowers for an estimated $16,920 after trade-in of three 2006 Exmark mowers.
  • Approved seeking bids for modifications to the east and west Cultural Centre doors to accommodate heavier traffic once the new 280-space parking lot opens this summer. Estimated cost is $42,817.
  • Approved the $166,000 bid of Schindler Elevator of Elmhurst for cylinder and power unit replacements on four of the original elevators in buildings A, C, D and E constructed in the 1970s.
  • Purchased a 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid for $22,879 for Safety Services.
  • Learned of the appointment of Toni Lynn Battaglia as database administrator/programmer and the resignation of Safety Services officer John Cruz of Spring Valley.
  • Learned Gail Farlee of Ottawa completed her online bachelor’s degree in business from Franklin University, the 41st IVCC graduate to do so since 1999.
  • Learned the college will again mail the class schedule district-wide beginning this week with the summer/fall schedule. Summer registration begins online April 7, in-person April 8, and by phone, fax and mail April 9; fall registration starts online April 20, in-person April 21 and by phone, fax and mail April 22.
  • Set the next meeting for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23.