Illinois Central College

Driven by a desire to continue helping others, Eliza turned to ICC to explore the connection between art and healing. Through supportive faculty and flexible programs, she discovered her calling in art therapy-blending creativity with compassion to make a difference. Inspired by her coursework and encouraged by her professors, Eliza gained the confidence to teach, present, and lead with purpose. Now on a mission to bring the healing power of art to schools and organizations, she credits ICC with helping her turn passion into impact.

Noah turned a career pivot into a cybersecurity breakthrough-thanks to an ICC apprenticeship. With a Finance degree and Cybersecurity minor, he was working in accounting at Caterpillar when a Secure Software apprenticeship, made possible through a partnership between ICC and Caterpillar, opened the door to his dream career. He tackled new coding languages, applied his skills in real-world settings, and found unexpected mentorship from ICC faculty. Now, he's on track to become a leader in the field-and hopes to help others into life-changing opportunities. Read his success story.

First-year students from Illinois Central College's General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (GM ASEP) recently took a deep dive into the past, present, and future of the automotive industry. Accompanied by Professors Trevor Imm and Matt Wier, they explored the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago, followed by a visit to the 117th Annual Chicago Auto Show. This immersive experience provided valuable insight into automotive history, innovation, and industry trends, bridging the gap between past and future technologies.

Illinois Central College students in the Diesel Powered Equipment Technology (DPET) program recently gained hands-on experience with the latest advancements in diesel and agricultural equipment at the 59th Annual National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Led by Professors Colin Campbell and Tyler Smith, the trip continued a long-standing tradition of connecting students with real-world industry innovations.

Four Illinois Central College agriculture students recently had the opportunity to engage with top industry leaders at the USDA's 101st Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, held February 27-28, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Themed "Meeting Tomorrow's Challenges, Today," the forum brought together over 1,600 global agricultural stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and future trends in the industry.

Isaiah's journey to ICC started with Dual Credit classes, but life and COVID-19 put his plans on hold. When he returned in 2021, he found the flexibility and support he needed to explore his options, reignite his passion for English, and discover his calling as a middle school teacher. With newfound confidence and a clear direction, he's now his way to making a difference. Read his story.

With support from ICC, Sara overcame challenges to achieve her nursing dreams. After earning her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, she put her education on hold to focus on her family, but her dream never wavered. Through scholarships, mentoring, and academic support, she built the confidence to return to ICC for her Licensed Practical Nurse degree. Now on the path to becoming a neonatal RN, she looks ahead to earning a bachelor's-maybe even a master's-and she credits ICC for her success. Read her story.

Cil's journey began with Dual Credit IT courses through ICC, which transformed her career path. With the support of skilled instructors and a grant covering her training costs, she excelled in cybersecurity and won a national gold at SkillsUSA. By age 18, Cil had secured a full-time IT position, and she encourages others to explore the many opportunities that ICC offers for career growth. Read her story.

Ronan developed a passion for IT during high school, but training costs made it challenging to pursue-until he discovered Dual Credit IT classes at ICC. Through expert instruction and support, he excelled in Cisco Computer Networking, gained real-world experience through national cybersecurity competitions, and earned gold at both the state and national levels with SkillsUSA. With mentorship from ICC faculty and free tutoring from the Academic Support Center, Ronan gained the confidence and skills to turn his passion into a successful future in IT. Read his story.

At ICC, Andrea combined her love for sustainable agriculture and environmental science, gaining both independence and clarity about her career path. With the guidance of ICC and mentorship from the Illinois Soybean Association, she discovered her passion for soil conservation. Now, Andrea's preparing to transfer to Illinois State University to study soil science and inspire others along the way. Read her story.

Illinois Central College is proud to celebrate the success of recent Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology graduates Gunner Dunnett and Josh Powell. Gunner earned first place, and Josh placed third in the prestigious ThinkBIG Top Tech Challenge held in November. Participants qualified to compete based on their Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) exam scores. The ThinkBIG Top Tech Challenge is a highly competitive national competition for students in the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician training program. It evaluates students' skills in eight categories, including failure analysis, emissions and electronics troubleshooting, hydraulics, and customer service. Thanks to their outstanding performance, Gunner and Josh qualified to compete in the international Dealer Top Apprentice Program in Melbourne, Australia, in February 2025, where they will represent ICC on a global stage. Congratulations to Gunner and Josh for this incredible achievement.

Kimah transitioned from teaching English abroad to pursuing her passion for technology at ICC. With supportive instructors and an apprenticeship at Caterpillar, she's gaining real-world experience and bold aspirations in quantum computing, launching an exciting new career. Read Kimah's story.

Jesus applied for the Machine Tool Technology Apprenticeship at ICC to advance his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. With hands-on experience, supportive instructors, and aligned coursework, he's building the skills and confidence for a future at Liberty Steel. Read Jesus' story.

After earning her GED and working in the trades for several years, Cara was accepted to the competitive Machine Tool Technology Apprenticeship at ICC as Eaton Corporation's first female apprentice. With support from ICC, she's getting the training she needs to achieve her goal of becoming a journeyman toolmaker, proving it's never too late to follow your passion. Read Cara's story.

Andre paused his college education to support his family, building a career at Liberty Steel. Through the Industrial Electrical Technology apprenticeship at ICC, he's gained skills, advanced his career, and inspired his daughters. Now, he's preparing for higher-wage opportunities and new possibilities, including mentoring others and starting a business. Read Andre's story.

Jack's story of discovery began with the ICC Dual Credit Welding program in high school, which allowed him to gain hands-on skills and jump-start his career. Now, he has earned a Welding Operator certificate, won a gold medal at a statewide competition, and secured multiple job offers-all before graduating high school!

At just 20, Al is a successful entrepreneur and ICC graduate with two self-founded companies. After feeling uncertain about his future, he chose ICC over a four-year university. Thanks to full scholarships and a newfound focus on political science, he's now aiming to become an international diplomat. Al attributes his growth and resilience to ICC and encourages others to consider community colleges as a valuable path to success.

Ana, who recently graduated high school, is already a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, thanks to the Dual-Degree program at ICC. She earned her high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, and shared her story of overcoming challenges with support from the ICC community. Ana recommends the program for its networking opportunities and strong foundation for future success.

After dropping out of ICC, MJ discovered his passion for nursing while caring for his mother. He returned to ICC to pursue his LPN, balancing school, work, and fatherhood. MJ credits ICC with boosting his confidence and supporting his dreams of becoming a school nurse. He encourages others to explore opportunities at ICC and focus on their future goals.

NASA has selected ICC student Mark Cramer to participate in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) onsite experience at the Johnson Space Center this semester.

The Diesel Powered Equipment Technology (DPET) Program at Illinois Central College annually presents its Outstanding Graduate Award based on technical scholastic achievement, community and college activities, work ethic, internship performance, communications ability, leadership, diagnostic skills, professionalism, and ability to work with others.

ICC Shawn Gore has been selected as one of 348 community college students from across the U.S. to travel to NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, this spring to participate in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars project (NCAS).

Rodney Stewart and Wendy Streitmatter were voted as "best presenters" in the online section of COMM 212 Public Speaking. In the online section, students meet live via webcam in a virtual classroom to deliver presentations. According to Assistant Prof. Joe Chianakas, Rodney's presentation was full of energy, enthusiasm, and humor, and Wendy delivered passionate, inspiring, and unique messages. The two were voted best class presenters for the first speaking assignment. Congratulations!

Each semester, COMM 113 students participate in mock job interviews for their desired career. The class watches the interview and votes for the student they think did the best. Congratulations to Irina Riggenbach, of Peoria, Ill., who won the most votes to become the best interviewer in all COMM 113 sections! Thank you to her interview volunteer, Crystal Holley of Petersen Hotels.

Each semester, COMM 113 students participate in mock job interviews for their desired career. The class watches the interview and votes for the student they think did the best. Congratulations to Jack Fiddes and Shane Taylor, who won the "best interviewer" award and were finalists for the "best in the class" designation. Thank you to their interview volunteer, Kirk Wessler of the Peoria Journal Star.

Each semester, COMM 113 students participate in mock job interviews for their desired career. The class watches the interview and votes for the student they think did the best. Students selected Riley Bloom, of Marquette Heights, Ill., for a "best interviewer" award on his selected day and was a finalist for the best in the class.

COMM 212 students voted Samuel Lawrence, of Avilla, Ind., as "best presenter" for his "provocative idea exchange" presentation! For each speech assignment in COMM 212, students write about the classmate they most admired. Samuel received several compliments from his classmates who called him professional, enthusiastic, inspiring, and intelligent. Professor Joe Chianakas agrees that Samuel is a great public speaker and most-deserving of "best class presentation" for the assignment.

In COMM 212 Public Speaking, students vote on their most admired presenter for each assignment. For the first assignment-- a memorized performance of a famous speech-- there was a tie. Congratulations to Josiah "JZ" Ulrich and Jade Baillie. Students said Josiah had "incredible enthusiasm" and "delivered an amazing presentation." They also said "Jade's memorization and performance were unbelievable.So good!" Congrats to all Comm 212 students in your public speaking achievements, and congrats to Josiah and Jade for being the most admired speakers for the first presentation. Great work!

Several ICC students won First Place in "Best Film" for their team submission of the film "Future Mr. Shop 'n' Save" at the 48-Hour Filmmakers Fest 2016 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Oct. 15. ICC students, including Graphic Design, Multimedia and undeclared majors, as well as an alum, teamed up and competed on their own time and outside of any ICC curriculum or class. The 48-Hour Filmmakers Fest is a competition open to professionals and non-professionals alike and gives aspiring filmmakers of all ages the chance to create a 3-5-minute movie in just 48 hours. Each film, from writing and shooting to editing and sound design, had to be created during Fri., Oct. 7, and Sun., Oct. 9. On Sat., Oct. 15, all submissions were screened at the Giant Screen Theater at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, and the winner and runner-up were announced. Here is a link to the student movie on YouTube. Congratulations!

ICC Mechanical Engineering Technology student Matthew Goodyear was recently selected to participate in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program in Huntsville, Ala., October 25-28. There he will have the opportunity to experience NASA first-hand and complete a project. NCAS encourages STEM students to finish a two-year degree or transfer to a four-year university to pursue a NASA-related field or career. Congratulations, Matthew!