A family's generous donation to the Illinois Valley Community College Ag Forward Campaign for the new Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center will be recognized with a new mosaic bench bearing their name.  The bench is being created by local artist Susan Burton.

Retired IVCC employee Diane Kreiser recently contributed $5,000 to the campaign in memory of her parents, Laverne “Bud” and Marjorie Wiesbrock of rural Leonore. The Wiesbrocks farmed all their lives in the Leonore-Lostant area, and founded Wiesbrock Trucking, which has operated for more than 90 years.

Kreiser, who lives in Leonore, retired from IVCC in 2020 after 30 years in the Business Office and is currently president of the IVCC Foundation Board. This is the second Ag donation received from Kreiser. She previously gifted $10,000 in 2023, bringing her total Ag Campaign donation to $15,000.

“Making this gift to the IVCC Ag Forward Campaign in my parents' honor is my way of preserving their legacy while helping students gain the education and opportunities they need to strengthen the future of agriculture in our community,” Kreiser said.

IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris commended Kreiser's advocacy and dedication to the College as an employee and in the community.  “We are so thankful that Diane has been such a tremendous supporter of our College and our Foundation. This bench will be a beautiful tribute to a lifelong family commitment to agriculture and to the Wiesbrock family.”

The IVCC Foundation recently launched the second phase of the Ag Forward campaign, inviting the community to help reach a $2.5 million fundraising goal. Early supporters, donors, businesses, and community partners have already raised a total of $2.179 million. The project has also received public grants to support the cost of construction.

The new facility is expected to be completed by Spring 2027. The 10,250-square-foot building puts students at the heart of the College’s 153-acre farm where they can easily apply theory to practice.

To learn more about the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center and the IVCC Foundation fundraising effort, Ag Forward, visit www.ivcc.edu/agforward or contact Executive Director of the Foundation Tracy Beattie at 815-224-0550.