Ms. Laura Hodgson Block

WHEREAS, in special recognition of distinguished service to Illinois Valley Community College and the IVCC community, the Board of Trustees wishes to recognize Laura Hodgson Block, by honoring her with the title of Faculty Emerita; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Block was hired in 1999 as a Nursing Lab Instructor, a role that she held for 22 years before retirement, followed by four years part-time supporting the program; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Block has been a pillar to the nursing program in our community, working with the hospital nurses, administrators or educators in many ways; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Block has been a leader in the program, recruiting students and facilitating the students interested in nursing, from entering the program until they graduate; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Block went above and beyond to volunteer in the community to recruit nursing students, at many community events, at high schools, and across campus including nursing informational sessions, blood drives, and the Student Nurse Association; and 

WHEREAS, Ms. Block was highly regarded by her peers and students as an excellent nursing instructor with advanced knowledge of what the student needed to learn and great teaching techniques to get the material effectively across to students in a way that students looked to her as a mentor and source of support in the nursing program; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Block has demonstrated professional competence, provided meritorious service to the College, community and profession, and has upheld the mission, vision, strategic objectives and core values of the College during her employment, and has championed the role of the College in the community; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College that it approves the designation of Faculty Emerita for Laura Hodgson Block. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board herein extends its deepest appreciation to Laura Hodgson Block for her dedication and service to Illinois Valley Community College and to the students, staff, and faculty members who have been positively impacted by her over 26 years of service to the College. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution was presented for approval at the Board of Trustees meeting on September 16, 2025 and will be noted in the permanent minutes of this Board meeting.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Faculty Emerita status for Laura Hodgson Block hereunto will be listed on the website and identified in publications related to the history of the College and that the use of the title “Faculty Emerita” in community and professional activities may be allowed now and hereafter.

Effective this 16th Day of September, 2025